A commercial breakthrough that catapulted the siblings into superstardom, 'Close to You' delivered two iconic hits: '(They Long to Be) Close to You' and 'We've Only Just Begun'. The album opened 1970s pop to more intimate vocal performances, led by Karen's rich, warm vocals and Richard's lush arrangements. Its release coincided with a shift in popular music toward softer sounds, and the Carpenters quickly became pioneers of the soft rock/adult contemporary genre. Recorded at A&M Studios, the album’s production emphasized clarity and emotional nuance, with meticulous orchestration. 'We've Only Just Begun', originally a bank commercial jingle, became a wedding staple and symbol of youthful optimism. The record swept awards and set a new benchmark for chart longevity. Its emotional candor, combined with studio precision, sealed its place in music history.

Release Date: 19/08/1970

Tracks: 12