In this section I have tried to choose "My Carpenters Top Ten", I have also included a few lines about each song in which I try to explain why these 10 tracks mean so much to me. This has been a very difficult excursive, especially as my list of favourites keep changing!!!!

Anyway here goes, please let me know what you think to my list & if we have any favourites in common.


1/ (A Place To) Hideaway

This track from the "Carpenters/Tan Album", has been my most favourite for many many years. Karen's yearning vocal is so haunting & awakes so many emotions, only the hardest of hearts could fail to be moved by it. It certainly moves me to tears when I hear it.

2/ This Masquerade

Such a beautiful song, from "Now & Then". I especially like the instrumental break featuring the overdubbed vocals, practically perfect.

3/ Love Is Surrender

This track from the "Close To You" album. Hardly sounds like a Carpenters' track, the production & Karen's vocal really stand out making it one of the strongest entries on this L.P.

4/ Crystal Lullaby

Richard must have been really inspired when he wrote the song for the "A Song For You" album. The melody is beautiful. The lyrics by John Bettis are rather unusual but charming just the same.

5/ For All We Know

Another song from The "Carpenters" album, & another I particularly enjoy for the multi-layered backing vocals. Again Karen's voice could melt any heart.

6/ Two Sides

Quite a simple song from the much maligned "Passage" release. Although the song is lovely, it's the final closing ooh's & ahh's from Karen that really make it for me.

7/ Solitaire

Karen's vocal is outstanding on this "Horizon" number. The sheer range she encompasses during this track is absolutely astounding.

8/ Boat To Sail

From "A Kind Of Hush", this track stands out for me because of Richard's fantastic arrangement. It sounds almost jazz like in places & again has a lovely instrumental break with overdubbed vocals.

9/ And When He Smiles

Not the best production perhaps but I consider myself to be very lucky to have this song on CD. Us Carpenters fans waited years for this album to be released & I prayed that this track would be included as all I had previously was a poor quality tape recording of it. A pretty almost niece lyric which Karen sings beautifully.

10/ I Can't Make Music

Last but not least I have chosen this song from "Now & Then". I love the way song builds towards the end then fades to the beautiful piano/violin section.