About this album
Where they were
Released in January 1977, 'Passage' was The Carpenters' sixth studio album, coming after their commercial peak in the early 1970s. At this point in their career, Karen and Richard Carpenter were navigating a changing musical landscape, experimenting with new sounds and covers while facing increasing pressure from the industry and personal struggles.
Why it matters
'Passage' is significant for its ambitious attempt to incorporate a wider range of musical styles, including a medley from the musical 'Evita'. While it did not achieve the same commercial success as previous albums, it showcased The Carpenters' willingness to innovate and explore deeper themes, reflecting their maturity as artists.
Essential tracks
- "B’Wana She No Home" — This track stands out for its upbeat rhythm and playful lyrics, marking a departure from the duo's typical ballad style.
- "All You Get From Love Is a Love Song" — The song encapsulates the album's theme of love's complexities with Karen's emotive vocal delivery paired with rich instrumentation.
- "Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft: The Recognized Anthem of World Contact Day" — This track highlights the band's whimsical side and showcases their unique ability to blend pop music with thematic storytelling.
Release Date
January 1, 1977
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 B’Wana She No Home 5:40
- 2 All You Get From Love Is a Love Song 3:46
- 3 I Just Fall in Love Again 4:04
- 4 On the Balcony of the Casa Rosada / Don’t Cry for Me Argentina (From the Opera “Evita”) 7:45
- 5 Sweet, Sweet Smile 3:02
- 6 Two Sides 3:25
- 7 Man Smart, Woman Smarter 4:32
- 8 Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft: The Recognized Anthem of World Contact Day 7:07
