In 1970, the dynamic brother-sister duo, Richard and Karen Carpenter, experienced a breakthrough year that would forever change their musical trajectory. Although their initial single, a rendition of The Beatles’ “Ticket To Ride,” only managed to reach No. 54 in the U.S. charts, their fortunes soared dramatically by the summer. The duo dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for an entire month with their unforgettable interpretation of the Bacharach & David classic, “(They Long To Be) Close To You.” This monumental hit cemented their position at the forefront of the easy listening pop scene and drew high praise from industry insiders, including a congratulatory letter from A&M Records’ co-founder Herb Alpert, which remains a cherished part of their legacy.
“This song was a turning point for us. It wasn’t just about the charts; it was about touching people’s hearts,” shared Karen Carpenter’s close friend and music historian, Eleanor Mitchell.
Their success in the United States paved the way for a British breakthrough with the same song. However, the path was not straightforward. Originally recorded by actor-singer Richard Chamberlain in 1963, and later by Dionne Warwick with Bacharach’s arrangement in her 1964 album ‘Make Way for Dionne Warwick’, “Close To You” had yet to fully reveal its magic. Even Dusty Springfield recorded a version in 1965, though it remained unreleased for two years. The song’s true potential was still waiting to be unleashed.
“When the Carpenters’ version hit the UK, it was like a long-hidden gem finally being uncovered,” said music critic David Harrow.
Upon its UK release, the Carpenters’ rendition gradually climbed the charts. Debuting modestly, it appeared to lose momentum when it slipped just one place to No. 14 in late September. Yet, the song then surged dramatically, soaring eight spots to an impressive No. 6 by October 10. In an unusual dance of fluctuations, it dropped briefly but reclaimed the No. 6 position before slowly descending, enjoying a solid three-week run inside the Top 20.
During this period, the UK music scene was vibrant and eclectic. Freda Payne was reigning with her hit “Band Of Gold,” reggae artist Desmond Dekker captured attention, and hard rock titans Deep Purple and Black Sabbath shared adjacent Top 5 slots with “Black Night” and “Paranoid” respectively. Soul sounds thrived as well, featuring the likes of Diana Ross and Chairmen of the Board. Despite the fervent competition, the Carpenters’ soft and melodic easy listening style carved a distinct, captivating niche.
Surprisingly, this immense transatlantic success did not immediately translate into UK album chart domination. The “Close To You” album peaked at a modest No. 23, and the siblings would wait a further two years for another UK Top 10 hit, achieving it with “Goodbye To Love,” accompanied by “I Won’t Last A Day Without You.”
The song itself offers a poetic and romantic charm that resonates deeply, epitomized by its heartfelt lyrics:
“Why do birds suddenly appear every time you are near? Just like me, they long to be close to you.”
The lyrics depict a fascination and tender longing, wrapped in celestial imagery of angels, moon dust, and starlight — a dreamlike narrative that captivated audiences across the globe.
The Carpenters’ stellar 1970 hit remains not only a musical triumph but a timeless testament to the power of melody and emotion, touching generations beyond its original release. Their refined sound and heartfelt delivery created an enduring connection that continues to echo decades later.
