Carpenters: A Song for You

Say what you will about their music, but Richard Carpenter is one hell of a good arranger and producer, and this album is arguably their artistic high-point. The band has gelled, the production techniques are honed to perfection, and the songwriting is top notch. We not only have Richard teaming with lyricist John Bettis, but the duo of Paul Williams and Roger Nichols delivers their own one-two punch. There isn’t a weak song on this album. “Goodbye To Love” is also a landmark production that ushered in the era of the power ballad, with its “fuzz” guitar solo in the middle. “Road Ode” sums up their road-weary thoughts as they frantically toured the world and recorded. A great snapshot from the mid 70s, not to be missed.