CARPENTERS - TOP OF THE WORLD

Released: September 17, 1973

Charts:  UK: #5    US: #1 (2 weeks)

"Top of the World" is a 1972 song written by Richard Carpenter and John Bettis, and first featured on their album “A Song for You”. Initially, the duo planned for the song to remain an album track, but after country singer Lynn Anderson covered it and scored a number two hit on the country charts, the Carpenters reconsidered and decided to release their own version as a single.

In "Top of the World," Karen Carpenter expresses feelings of pure joy and elation, singing about being "on the top of the world, lookin' down on creation." The reason for her happiness is simple—she's deeply in love, and that love makes her feel as though she's soaring high above everything. The song captures the bliss and excitement of being "crazy in love."

"Top of the World" stands out as a solid midtempo track with an upbeat and lush arrangement, including Hal Blaine's drums, strings, organs, and smooth backup vocals. Despite its seemingly confident and cheerful tone, Karen Carpenter’s performance introduces a subtle layer of melancholy. Her voice is warm, controlled, and intelligent, lending emotional depth to the song. When she sings of overwhelming happiness, her voice seems to hint that that joy might be fleeting. Karen’s nuanced delivery, especially on the chorus, gives the song an immediate emotional hook.

In September 1973 the Carpenters released "Top of the World" as a single in the US and UK. Karen Carpenter, not entirely satisfied with the original vocal, re-recorded her lead for the single release. The song became a major hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and staying there for two consecutive weeks in 1973.