KAREN CARPENTER - KAREN CARPENTER

Released: October 8, 1996

Recorded: May 1979 – January 1980

Karen Carpenter’s only solo album, “Karen Carpenter”, was released posthumously in 1996 by A&M Records. It was originally recorded between 1979 and 1980 with producer Phil Ramone, while her brother Richard Carpenter was undergoing treatment for Quaalude addiction. The album featured various prominent studio musicians from New York and Los Angeles, including John "JR" Robinson, Steve Gadd, Greg Phillinganes, Louis Johnson, and members of Billy Joel's band. Despite Karen's hopes for a fresh sound and independence from the Carpenters' usual style, A&M Records initially shelved the album, and it wasn't released during her lifetime. 

Karen Carpenter's solo album faced mixed reactions from A&M Records. While executives in New York approved the material, those in Los Angeles, including label founders Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss, responded negatively. “E! True Hollywood Story” reported that A&M Records' Herb Alpert deemed Karen Carpenter's solo album "unreleaseable." Producer Phil Ramone recalled that Karen was heartbroken by their reaction, even breaking down in tears. Though officially, Karen agreed to the decision not to release the album, Richard Carpenter later said she respected the opinions of A&M executives and himself. However, several musicians involved in the project stated that Karen deeply wanted the album to be released, and shelving it was not her decision.

Despite Quincy Jones' efforts to support its release, A&M executives, including Alpert and Moss, insisted on canceling it. The album's production cost $400,000 of Carpenter's own money and $100,000 from A&M, which was deducted from future Carpenters' royalties. Just before her death, Carpenter expressed her love for the album in a call to producer Phil Ramone. The album remained shelved until 1996, thirteen years after her death. Of the twenty-one recorded songs, eleven were selected for the album. Some tracks from the solo sessions appeared on the Carpenters' 1989 compilation “Lovelines”. Unfinished tracks were leaked on the internet in 2000, after being distributed by an A&M individual via a fan club.

Richard Carpenter reflects on the inner lines of the solo album “Karen Carpenter” that although the album was completed in early 1980, it received a lukewarm reaction from A&M executives and was shelved. Richard acknowledges that his perspective on the album has changed over time and believes it should be heard as a representation of Karen's artistry and career period. He supports its release, including a bonus track (“Last one singin’ the blues”), to honor her legacy.

To fully appreciate Karen Carpenter's solo project, it's important to understand that the album was a deliberate departure from the Carpenters' usual style. The aim was to showcase Karen's extraordinary voice in a new musical context, appealing to both her fans and a broader audience. Despite rumors, there was no intention to end the Carpenters; Karen and Richard’s bond was strong. The collaboration with Billy Joel’s band and other musicians added a unique sparkle to the album. Although the release was delayed, both Richard and producer Phil Ramone remained eager for its release. The album’s mixes are presented as Karen approved them, with the bonus track remaining unmixed as an unfinished piece.