With their light, airy melodies and meticulously crafted, clean arrangements, the Carpenters stood in direct contrast with the excessive, gaudy pop/rock of the '70s; yet they became one of the most popular artists of the decade, scoring 12 Top Ten hits, including three number one singles. Karen Carpenter's calm, often somber voice was the most distinctive element of their music, settling in perfectly amidst the precise, lush arrangements provided by her brother Richard. The duo's sound drew more from pre-rock pop than rock & roll, but that didn't prevent the Carpenters from appealing to a variety of audiences, particularly Top 40, easy listening, and adult contemporary. While their popularity declined during the latter half of the '70s, they remained one of the most distinctive and recognizable acts of the decade produced. The Carpenters formed in the late '60s in Downey, CA, after their family moved from their native New Haven, CT.
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(from live at bbc, 1971)
And when he smiles he makes the sun shine
He wouldnt think to make it rain
Happiness runs in the family
And hes a boy from the good old earth and the high tree forest
And hes just about the happiest boy that I ever knew
And when he smiles he makes me sigh
He doesnt have a point of view
Happiness runs in the family
And hes a boy from the good old earth and the high tree forest
And hes just about the happiest boy that I ever knew
And when he smiles he makes the sun shine
And warms the day with morning dew
Happiness runs in the family
And hes a boy from the good old earth and the high tree forest
And hes just about the happiest boy that I ever knew
And hes just about the happiest boy that I ever knew