Even after all these decades, Karen Carpenter and her incredible voice are celebrated and for very good reason. As Carpenters, she and brother Richard, a musical genius in a league all this own, created timeless music beloved by fans of all ages, all races, all backgrounds. Nowadays, you only hear them on American radio at Christmas, but that wasn't always the case.
Along with millions of others, I discovered their records in 1970, but it was not their breakout hit "(They Long to Be) Close to You" that grabbed my ear. This mega-smash put them on the charts and on the public's radar, but not mine. That prize was awarded to their follow up hit "We've Only Just Begun". I was hooked ever since. And so was the U.S. A, the U.K., most of Europe and Japan.
Richard Carpenter continued on after his sister's death to preserve their legacy. Fans continue to clamor for more, especially as he ages, but Christmas music aside, the most recent release as a duo is their album with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 2018.
Back then, Karen and Richard were often thought of- if at all- as singles artists by the rock elite. The more carefully examined truth was that under Richard's impeccable leadership, he and his sister created beautifully crafted albums, each distinct and unlike the ones before or after.
With that in mind, here's my Ultimate Guide ranking all of the Carpenters albums. I will cover their many singles in a list similar to this early next year. I'm aiming for February 4, 2026.
On this blog, there are so many posts about the duo from Downey that I've lost count. But my Revisited / Fresh Look series at each of their albums continues to be some of the most highly visited posts on the blog, and in particular my look at their landmark album Horizon, and Karen's aborted solo album.
I'm continuing on with that popular series that explores the creation, promotion, and sales success of each of their albums and their lives during that time. I'm working on the Made in America review at this time. But for now, I wanted to give an overview and ranking of all their albums. This includes duo and solo releases as well as some of their major hit compilations and their two live albums.
A few caveats before we begin. First, this list represents my personal choices. You'll agree with my ranking and comments on some as much as you'll disagree with others. That's quite alright- my friends at the A&M Corner discussion boards engage in lively debate while we all agree on what makes the duo special. I'd encourage you to join us.
Next, my ranking reflects a listen to the albums as originally mixed and not the multitude of remixes done by Richard over the decades. All are single disc releases unless otherwise noted. Not all of the compilations are included here.
Then, I have considered how the entire album feels when listening to it. Do I listen to the entire disc or cherry pick? Do I get bored by it? How often will I listen to it if I've just given it a spin days earlier?
Let's get started.
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27- RICHARD CARPENTER’S PIANO SONGBOOK, 2021:
Simple piano album. On his third release as a solo artist, Richard plays beautifully, and the set as expected includes many Carpenters hits. It's good music for the background to a cocktail party. Personally, I'm not ready to listen to elevator music even at this age. One unique aspect: It's the only release by the duo or by Richard and Karen as solo artists that does not have the A&M Records imprint. This one is on Decca. Finally, I'm glad I own it- I'm kind of a completist- and I won't ever dismiss the man's talent, but Piano Songbook rightfully fits at the bottom of the list.
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26- PIANIST, ARRANGER, COMPOSER, CONDUCTOR, 1997:
Solo album number two is one step up from the album below it on this list. There's full orchestration and background vocals, including some background vocals from Karen herself- an unforeseen surprise. This set contains two songs you wouldn't expect: the instrumental "Karen's Theme" from "The Karen Carpenter Story" television show; and "All Those Years Ago" a song first recorded on Canadian Véronique Béliveau's 1989 album produced by Richard. Overall, a very pretty but ultimately forgettable listen.
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25- LIVE IN JAPAN, 1974:
Live concert albums are not my favorite. Apparently, Richard himself hates them. The album cover is terrific, but for the most part, the music contained is so stiffly close to the original hits in execution that I'd rather just listen to their superior studio work. Exceptional pieces include "Sing", rendered wonderfully by Karen in Japanese and the "Oldies Medley", where the band and its superstar duo prove they can rock out too. The best part about Live in Japan? It reveals that even without any technical wizardry, Karen was a one of a kind vocalist. She was just as good in person as she was behind a studio microphone.
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24- OFFERING/TICKET TO RIDE, 1969:
Karen and Richard's debut album is a product of its time. Offering is the originally titled very limited release, and Ticket is the repackaged album. As far as the music, there's a 60's swagger and exaggeration that is only matched by its innocence. Ticket shows how Richard can brilliantly reimagine records by others, and Karen hits vocal pay dirt by giving us a delicate "All of My Life". Their jazz roots come into play here as does their background and love for choral music. The debut is good but not great- yet the stage was set.
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23 - FROM THE TOP, 1991:
In the late 1980's and early 1990's, boxed sets were all the rage. These were prestige markers for the artist, putting vinyl out to cement their importance to a label or perhaps as a vanity project. Music collectors couldn't get enough of rare and unreleased recordings along with demos, a live number or two and a few bits of studio dialogue set alongside unheard takes of old favorites. The Carpenters were no exception to the allure of the boxed set, and A&M Record's superstar duo was certainly worthy of its release. From The Top was their first of two boxed sets in the States. Notable standouts include the very first Karen Carpenter solo singles from Magic Lamp records, versions of now well known cuts when the duo was part of a group known as Spectrum, commercial jingles for Suntory Pop and The Bell System aka AT&T, the U.S. telephone company who I worked for as a young man. Of biggest interest at the time were two previously unreleased songs from Karen's 1980 solo album. However, when mixed in with early jazz numbers, the hits remixed instead of their initial recordings, ditties recorded for commercials, clips of in studio discussions, and finally the inclusion of Christmas music, Disc One and Three (of four total) make the boxed set a difficult listening experience from start to finish. Still, it is invaluable for the collector and a fascinating look at their career from a musical standpoint.
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22- TIME - RICHARD CARPENTER, 1987:
Richard's first album as a solo act following Karen's passing is his best. No, it's not the duo, and there was no way it could be. So, how could he pull off presenting his best side? The answer was first by following what Quincy Jones did with his smash album The Dude. Instead of using relatively fresh talent though, Richard went old school and employed Dusty Springfield and Dionne Warwick. To his credit, he did get the unknown 16 year old Scott Grimes for one song, but it felt really out of place. Secondly, he took a page out of the duo's Passage book, and began with a number that was totally unexpected, "Say Yeah!" The title track is a solid instrumental, and Dusty's recording on "Something in Your Eyes" is nice. Richard also wrote one number with Richard Marx. The production is as well done as any Carpenters disc, and I'm Still Not Over You has the classic Carpenters sound, but success was not to be.
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21- CHRISTMAS ONCE MORE, 2024:
Probably the last Carpenters album we will see in Richard's lifetime. This single disc of selections from both their Christmas albums feels complete, but in reality it is missing some of my favorite recordings by the duo. No Silent Night, no What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?, and no Selections from The Nutcracker. You do get The Christmas Song (Chestnuts), Santa Claus is Coming to Town, and of course, Merry Christmas, Darling all in one sparkling remastered and remixed package.
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20- CHRISTMAS COLLECTION, 1996:
In contrast, if you can find it- but it's CD only- this is the one you want. You get both full length Carpenters Christmas albums on two discs. Richard's playing sparkles, and Karen was born to sing these classics. As a listening experience, it gets a bit too much at almost 2 hours total, hence the lower rating.
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19- AS TIME GOES BY, 2001/2004:
The two release dates reference the initial one for the Japanese market and the later one for the U.S. There's a beautiful cover photo by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz. The "single disc boxed set"- a quote attributed to Richard- covers a variety of outtakes, medleys, and previous unreleased material. Take note: This is the only album that includes Karen's incredible version of Perry Como's classic song "It's Impossible". That alone makes it worth the purchase price.
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18 - THE ESSENTIAL COLLECTION: 1965 - 1997, 2002:
Boxed set number two is largely the same as the earlier From The Box but includes a stronger line up of selections from the later years- including Karen's medley with Ella Fitzgerald.
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17- AN OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS, 1984:
Seven more selections that feature Karen's illustrious voice. She absolutely shines on "Do You Hear What I Hear?" and "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" among others. The answer to these questions is 1- Yes, I'm marveling at her glorious instrument, and 2- Wishing she was around to record for so many more years!
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16- MADE IN AMERICA, 1981:
A rather weak comeback album that still has some strong points. Touch Me When We're Dancing may be the only true hit on the disc, but the Richard / John Bettis written Those Good Old Dreams is a solid tune, a softer Top of the World. The one surprising standout is When It's Gone (It's Just Gone), a rather mournful country tune with a beautiful, lush instrumentation. Karen's voice floats above it all- and that's the main problem. Her deeper contralto that made her famous seems missing gone from the proceedings. Unfortunately, this is mostly a for "the fans only" collection.
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15- THE SINGLES 1974-1978:
Initially released only in the U.K., this collection has its fans, but it is really just a reminder of how far the mighty have fallen since the duo's first greatest hits collection. It's a mixed bag of the second half of their career. There's the alternate, remixed version of Can't Smile Without You, the same on I Won't Last A Day Without You, and some beautiful numbers showcasing the first three years the album references. Only Yesterday still gives the feels with Karen's opening line, Solitaire is stunning, I Need to Be in Love breaks your heart, and the strange Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft remains in the "What were they thinking?" category.
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14- PASSAGE, 1977:
For the first time ever, the upbeat numbers are better than the ballads! B'wana She No Home is an instant "wake up and smell the coffee" moment. The duo has never recorded anything else like it, and it is the star of this unexpected gathering of songs. Just incredible. The more traditional All You Get From Love is a Love Song was a fantastic but overlooked first single. The last single, Sweet Sweet Smile, surprised everyone by becoming a hit on Country radio. It's hard not to love it!
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13- THE SINGLES 1969-1973:
Now this is the real greatest hits collection! Richard gives listeners a glimpse of what is to come when he goes into full orchestra mode after Karen's passing. The lush opening lines of Close to You merged with a full on We've Only Just Begun is as unexpected as the blend of Rainy Days and Mondays with Superstar and Goodbye to Love. That's all Side One on vinyl. Side Two has no surprises but just the hits as recorded. And what monstrous hits they were. It is Yesterday Once More. If you buy only one single disc Carpenters album, this is without a doubt the one.
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12- VOICE OF THE HEART, 1983:
A mixed bag but a sentimental favorite due to it being the first album released after Karen's death in 1983. Now, Karen's last recording, kicks off the first half, but the rest of it is rather unfocused. On the plus side, there's a great bit of stylistic variety. Karen ever sings a Bonnie Raitt tune. Side Two shines with Paul Williams' saloon song Ordinary Fool, a breathtaking Your Baby Doesn't Love You Anymore, and the swan song Look to Your Dreams. If you don't get misty eyed on that last number, you just don't have a heart.
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11- NOW AND THEN, 1973:
There's Yesterday Once More and the best version of This Masquerade you'll ever hear. Side One is uneven- no one needs to hear the instrumental of a Geritol commercial- and on Side Two, the Oldies don't always wear well listen after listen even though they are individually quite excellent. Yet Our Day Will Come is extraordinary. Richard sounds terrific on The Night Has a Thousand Eyes. And Karen cooing Johnny Angel? Heavenly!
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Now, for the Top Ten Best Carpenters Albums...
10- CARPENTERS, 1971:
When it's good, it's great. Three major hits here: For All We Know, Rainy Days and Mondays, and Superstar. Shoulda been a hit Let Me Be The One. There's two hidden gems, Hideaway and Sometimes. The upbeat Bacharach Medley is fun, but it is balanced out by the rather mediocre One Love, the bright but short Saturday, and the bottom of the barrel groupie ode Druscilla Penny.
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9- LOVELINES, 1989:
This is the best Carpenters album you may not heard of. Released at the end of 1989, almost a full year after the television smash hit The Karen Carpenter Story, Lovelines showcases two great tunes from the biopic (Where Do I Go From Here? and You're the One). There's also four numbers from Karen's solo album in remixed form, plus a couple of cuts that were unused from the Made in America sessions. One of these, Kiss Me The Way You Did Last Night, is just eons better than everything found on the duo's 1981 comeback album. Toss in the old standard When I Fall in Love, and you have Karen and Richard at their very best. Do not overlook this one.
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8- LIVE AT THE PALLADIUM, 1976:
The exception to the live album rule. By this point in their career, Karen and Richard were not nearly as beloved in the States as they had been. Instead, they were wildly popular in the U.K. and in Japan. This single disc captures them at a time when Karen displayed versatility and personality in her performances, both visually and vocally, no longer straddled with having to duplicate the sound of the records that made them famous. Yes, you get a good number of the hits but in medley form- and that's alright because you've heard them millions of times. She sounds incredible as ever. And without Auto-Tune. Karen's energetic drum solo and Richard's Warsaw Concerto add variety to the proceedings. With nothing left to prove, the duo shows once again the unique gift they were to the music world. A must hear.
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7- A KIND OF HUSH, 1976:
The downward slide had only just begun, but this set contains three gems in a row that open Side Two, and they should not be missed: The Richard Carpenter / John Bettis composed I Need to Be in Love, the elegant and understated One More Time- perhaps the best cut on this disc- and the intoxicatingly sensual Boat to Sail. The album was a certain downgrade from the previous collection, Horizon. The disc has its merits- I love the title song- and the album is a personal favorite choice for a lazy afternoon by the fire.
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6- A SONG FOR YOU, 1972:
A landmark album that showcases not only Karen's voice but Richard's creativity and willingness to break the mold. Goodbye to Love startled long time listeners. Karen just kills it with the raw vocals of the title track while stacks of vocals bring a different kind of chill- especially now that she has passed- with those closing lyrics. The initial side of the album is the most perfect sequencing of songs you'll find in their catalogue. The country tinged Top of the World in its original, softer form is here, setting the stage for the drama of Hurting Each Other. It's one of the best albums the duo ever recorded and holds up to this day.
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5- KAREN CARPENTER, 1996:
Karen without Richard. Yes, he knew how to frame her voice best, but no, Richard should not have been the only one to produce her. Her voice was for all time and deserved a wide range of settings. Imagine a great disc with a general vibe like Michael Jackson's Off the Wall or George Benson's classic Give Me the Night. Songwriter Rod Temperton gave Karen some very unCarpenterlike material, and producer Phil Ramone swung for the fences. Listen with an objective ear, and you'll discover a whole new Karen. In a smooth jazz setting, on a piano only tune, or even on the set's one pure disco number, you may just fall in love with her voice again. Just the inclusion of her eye opening version of Still Crazy After All These Years makes it worth your money. If this doesn't convince you to give it a listen, read my detailed review here.
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4- CHRISTMAS PORTRAIT, 1978:
The first and original Carpenters Christmas album is the best. The sequencing is fantastic. There's no lengthy wait for Karen to come in as Christmas Waltz enters at just the right time. This is the very first appearance of the re-recorded Merry Christmas Darling. Gone is the dark, husky voiced singer and in its place is the refined, velvety toned crooner. Silent Night brings a reverent dignity to it all as does the closer, Ave Maria. It's a classic for a reason!
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3- CARPENTERS WITH THE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, 2018:
Hearing this album for the first time brought me to tears. The new interludes between songs brings a sense of grandeur, sophistication, and historical significance to their already iconic richly arranged and orchestrated selections. To hear the beautiful For All We Know with the guitar opening that was initially recorded for it for Jose Feliciano (and then deleted at the instance of his manager) reminds listeners that Richard thought out of the box early in their career. Trumpets on Goodbye to Love bring the Beatles touch to an already groundbreaking record. The downsides are few. Be prepared: The overall emotion brought out by these newly reimagined selections carries more impact than you'd think.
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2- HORIZON, 1975:
Aside from the Magic Lamp singles, Karen's first solo performance is actually found on this album. Where? On the sublime I Can Dream Can't I? Richard is nowhere to be found, not as arranger or performer. It's just Karen. Arrangement by Big Band legend Billy May. It's only one of many highlights. This is the Carpenters for a new era. Please Mr. Postman aside, this album is widely reviewed as the best recording of Karen's incredible vocals. There's the extended cut of Only Yesterday, the definitive take on Neil Sedaka's Solitaire, and a version of Eagles hit Desperado that you never thought could get any better, but it does. 1975's Horizon is just a stunning album.
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1- CLOSE TO YOU, 1970:
According to Richard, this album had to be thrown together quickly, but you'd never know it. The first hit album belongs in every music lover's library. Vibrant, diverse, and much more interesting than just their first two iconic hits, Close to You and We've Only Just Begun. There's a youthful energy and hopefulness that's evident here. An anticipation of what's to come. Most importantly, you can hear the pure joy in the end result. Beyond the hits, to hear Karen do even more Bacharach tunes is a delight. Their road ahead should have lasted for decades longer, but what a beginning of a great slew of top notch albums.
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There you have it! The Ultimate Guide to all the Carpenters albums. On February 4th of 2026, I post an article reviewing all the single releases from the duo. Until then, enjoy exploring some incredible music!
Disclaimer: Yes, love it or hate it, the image at the top was created by me via AI by using an original photograph. Pretty astonishing results.
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This is part of a continuing series on the music, life, and albums of Karen and Richard Carpenter. There are so many stand alone posts highlighting different aspects of their career, recordings, rare photographs, and life that I've lost count.
Below is the list of my "Revisited /Fresh Look" reviews and then my initial ones a decade earlier. Each have different photos and clippings.
My Revisited / Fresh Look at the albums:
Made in America (Coming soon!)
My Initial Reviews of the Albums:
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