Album Info
| Artist: | Carpenters |
| Album: | Made In America |
| Released: | Malaysia, 1981 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Those Good Old Dreams | 4:12 |
| Lyrics By - John Bettis | ||
| Music By - Richard Carpenter | ||
| Percussion - Karen Carpenter | ||
| Steel Guitar [Pedal Steel] - Jay Dee Maness | ||
| A2 | Strength Of A Woman | 3:59 |
| Backing Vocals - Carolyn Dennis, Maxine Waters Willard, Stephanie Spruill | ||
| Written-By - Juanita Curiel, Phyllis Brown | ||
| A3 | (Want You) Back In My Life Again | 3:39 |
| Programmed By [Synthesizer] - Daryl Dragon, Ian Underwood | ||
| Written-By - Chris Christian, Kerrie Chater | ||
| A4 | When You've Got What It Takes | 3:39 |
| Drums - John Robinson | ||
| Written-By - Bill Lane , Roger Nichols | ||
| A5 | Somebody's Been Lyin' | 4:22 |
| Orchestrated By - Peter Knight | ||
| Percussion - Peter Limonick | ||
| Soloist, Violin, Concertmaster - Jerry Vinci | ||
| Written-By - Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager | ||
| B1 | I Believe You | 3:55 |
| Arranged By - Paul Riser | ||
| Arranged By [Vocals] - Richard Carpenter | ||
| Congas - Jerry Steinholtz | ||
| Engineer - Ray Gerhardt | ||
| Written-By - Dick & Don Addrisi | ||
| B2 | Touch Me When We're Dancing | 3:19 |
| Acoustic Guitar - Tony Peluso | ||
| Backing Vocals - Carolyn Dennis | ||
| Written-By - J.L. Wallace, Ken Bell , Terry Skinner | ||
| B3 | When It's Gone (It's Just Gone) | 4:59 |
| Acoustic Guitar - Dennis Budimir, Fred Tackett | ||
| Drums, Percussion - Karen Carpenter | ||
| Percussion - Bob Conti | ||
| Steel Guitar [Pedal Steel] - Jay Dee Maness | ||
| Written-By - Randy Handley | ||
| B4 | Beechwood 4-5789 | 3:05 |
| Written-By - George Gordy, Marvin Gaye, William Stevenson | ||
| B5 | Because We Are In Love (The Wedding Song) | 5:00 |
| Choir - The O.K. Chorale | ||
| Concertmaster - Jerry Vinci | ||
| Conductor [O.k. Chorale] - Frank Pooler | ||
| Directed By [O.k. Chorale Under Direction Of] - Ron Hicklin | ||
| Lyrics By - John Bettis | ||
| Music By - Richard Carpenter | ||
| Orchestrated By - Peter Knight | ||
| Percussion - Peter Limonick |
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Description
"Made In America" is the tenth studio album by the Carpenters, released in June 1981. The sibling duo of Karen and Richard Carpenter is renowned for their distinct brand of soft rock and pop, characterized by Karen's contralto vocals and Richard's knack for arrangements. In this album, the Carpenters attempt to strike a balance between their classic sound and the evolving musical landscape of the early 1980s.
"Made In America" holds a special place within the Carpenters' discography, given that it would be their final studio album prior to Karen's untimely death in 1983. It is a diverse collection of songs that embodies the duo's signature harmonies, sentimental lyrics, and timeless melodies.
The album opens with "Those Good Old Dreams", a cheerful and upbeat track that brings a sense of nostalgia with its mention of simpler times and cherished memories. Karen's voice is as soothing and comforting as ever, and Richard's background harmonies add depth and warmth to the song.
One of the standout tracks on the album is the cover of the Motown classic, "Beechwood 4-5789". The Carpenters’ rendition brings a fresh pop energy to the song, transforming it into a playful and infectious tune. Karen’s vocals are effervescent, effortlessly gliding through the melody while maintaining a sense of joyous optimism.
A highlight of the album is undoubtedly "Touch Me When We're Dancing". This song would go on to become one of the Carpenters' last major hits. It is imbued with an uplifting, carefree melody that makes it perfect for the dancefloor, while the lyrics speak of a tender, impassioned plea for intimacy.
On the other hand, the poignant ballad "(Want You) Back in My Life Again" delves into themes of longing and reconciliation. Karen's emotive vocals bring a certain vulnerability to the track, while the arrangement is replete with lush harmonies and orchestration that are characteristic of the Carpenters’ sound.
"Made In America" also features the touching tribute "Because We Are in Love (The Wedding Song)", penned by Richard to commemorate his wedding. The song is a heartfelt testament to love and commitment, and Karen's delivery is tender and sincere.
However, while the album contains several standout tracks, it also includes some songs that may not have achieved the same level of commercial success or cultural impact as their earlier hits. Nonetheless, each song on the album is crafted with the precision and attention to detail that fans of the Carpenters have come to expect.
In retrospect, "Made In America" serves as a testament to the Carpenters' enduring musical legacy. While it navigates the challenging terrain of adapting to a changing musical era, it remains rooted in the core attributes that made the Carpenters iconic: impeccable harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and timeless melodies.
In essence, "Made In America" is a celebration of the Carpenters' journey and a bittersweet reminder of the potential that was left unfulfilled. It is an album that showcases the siblings' undeniable chemistry and their ability to craft music that resonates across generations.