"Passage", released in 1977, would be the last Carpenter album to be relased until "Made In America" in 1981. After this album, both Karen and Richard were spent emotionally and physically and needed a break from the constant touring and studio recording. Richard would go into detox at The Menninger Institute in Topeka, Kansas, to kick prescription sleeping pills, while Karen would cut a solo album with Phil Ramone in New York and begin therapy for her ever deeper descent into anorexia nervosa.

The rock critics of 70's viewed the Carpenters' music as nothing more than sugar sweet filler material, best suited for elevators. While their fans bought their albums at a frantic pace, I believe Richard Carpenter produced "Passage" as an attempt to silence the critics and show that he and Karen could produce more than just "sugar songs for the masses". And so, thus we have "Passage", an album that was made to showcase the diversity of the Carpenter sound. There are some very different non-typical Carpenter songs on this eclectic album. First, there is the 7-plus minute extraterrestrial "Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft", then an exploration into Broadway with Karen's lush rendition of "Don't Cry For Me Argentina". Three singles were released from the album, "Occupants", the jazzy "All You Get From Love Is A Love Song", and the jaunty county tune "Sweet Sweet Smile". A Carpenter album would not be complete without a sweet ballad or two, and this album has two: "I Just Fall In Love Again", and "Two Sides".

Again, it is not your typical Carpenter fare, but it certainly holds its own musically, and of course, Karen's vocals are unequalled.

If you are looking for the love ballads that made the Carpenters famous, this album may disappoint you. However, you also may be surprised at the diversity of the Carpenters sound, and appreciate this album for what it is - a change of course for the brother and sister act.

I like the album for its diversity and recommend it to you as well.

Jim "Konedog" Koenig

I was blown away by "Passage" when I bought it the year the Carpenters released it. The songs range from familiar Carpenters' fare to unbelievably different and innovative. Like this album or not, one word that can't be used to describe it is boring.

Even my friends who considered themselves rockers asked me to bring this album along to parties, something quite unusual for teen-agers in the late 1970s. "Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft" was definitely the most-liked of the songs.

"Passage" is a prime example of Richard's talent as a producer and arranger, and it highlights the versatility of Karen's voice as well as her impeccable ability to make any song or song style her own.

"Passage" also provided me with another one of those times when I found myself scratching my head and wondering what Richard was thinking by not releasing some of the songs as singles, specifically "I Just Fall In Love Again" and, one of my all-time favorite Carpenters ballads, "Two Sides". Each and every time I listen to "Two Sides" I am convinced it would have been a major hit at a time when the duo's commercial success was unfortuantely waning. Karen's voice was arguably never better, and the haunting ending of the tune as well as the length of time Karen holds the last note on the word "goodbye" leaves me wishing the song were not ending.

"Passage" always has been and will remain one of my favorite Carpenters albums.

"Passage" initially was not a commercial success, but has gone on to become a CLASSIC of sorts being known as The Carpenters' most diverse and experimental album.
The album opens with a triumph of robust jazz inflections on Michael Franks' "B'wana She No Home". The song was recorded live in the studio, so you get the full effect of the musical jam between Pete Jolly's keyboard and Tom Scott's flute. Tony Peluso adds some ripping guitar riffs throughout the song. Karen's vocal is bold and seductive. This is a style which should have been further investigated by The Carpenters.
The album is full of one highlight after another. There is not one loser on this set. "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" is no exception. Peter Knight (who orchestrated The Moody Blues' "Days Of The Future Passed" album) orchestrated and arranged "Don't Cry For Me Argentina". Karen's reading of the song is flawless, it's as if it was written especially for her to sing. She soars on every note reaching each to perfection. She tells the story as if she lived it herself with a convincing emotional urgency. The Carpenters have recorded the definitive version of this song, they were even televised during the recording which was shown on news stations across the U.S. in 1977.
The album's most exciting moment is "Sweet, Sweet Smile", which was written by Juice Newton (Queen Of Hearts). The song moves along with an infectious upbeat bounce and once again Tony Peluso shines with his guitar chords. It reached #6 on the Country Music Charts in 1978.
"I Just Fall In Love Again" and "Two sides" are the album's ballads. Both are outstanding and should have been released as singles. "Two Sides" is the favorite track on the album according to a voting poll. ...
The album closes with a very unlikely song for The Carpenters to record. It's a space song written by Canadian prog-rock group Klaatu. Klaatu recorded the song using synthesizers, while The Carpenters used all real instruments to create the other worldly effect. Again Peter Knight did the outstanding orchestration and arrangement. "Calling Occupants" was so well recorded that The Carpenters recieved a Grammy nomination for it in the U.S. and it reached the top ten in the U.K. The song opens with guitarist Tony Peluso portraying a confused DJ who is taking a song request from an alien. The song is an amazing work of art all the way through. Leon Russell (author of the songs "Superstar", "A Song For You" and "This Masquerade") provides futuristic keyboard parts and Tony Peluso's fuzz guitar solo just sends you out of this world. But above all is Karen's pristine crystal clear stellar vocal, she's right at home with this offbeat song. Others like Olivia Newton-John or Barbra Striesand would have never been able to pull it off effectively - but Karen Carpenter has a youthful versatility in her voice which is very evident on the album "Passage".
"Passage" may not have reached the top of the charts, but it is a musical triumph and has grown to be recognized a The Carpenters' most daring effort.

With record sales slipping from their last two albums, the Carpenters tried to go into a new musical direction. This is apparent with the first song, "Bwana she no home" and with the classic "Man Smart, Woman Smater." Fortunately, these songs are not the highlights on this interesting album. The standouts are "Calling Occuptants of Interplanetary Craft," taken right from the Star Wars craze, and from Evita, "Don't Cry for me Argentia." This version of Argentina is the best I have heard. Madonna's version isn't even in the same leauge. While Madonna sounds like she is straining for the notes, Karen hits them effortlessly and with power and feeling that Miss M can only dream about. To add more musical styles, look at the Juice Newton penned "Sweet, Sweet, Smile." In 1978, this song took the Carpenters into the top 10 on the country charts. "I Just Fall in Love Again" adds more power to this wonderful album.

This CD is a lot of fun! Don't miss it.

Every group tries one of these Albums.This was the Carpenters experiment.I think they did a fantastic job,even though it wasn't a big hit. "Calling Occupants" did win a grammy,and "All you get from love in a love song," made the top 40.If you ever see the video for this song,Karen looked great. She was in great shape,and the sexiest I've ever seen her.That's one of my favorites from the CD,along with,"B'Wana She No Home." Karen sounded so different on this record.Madonna couldn't come close to Karen's,"Don't cry for me Argentina." If only Karen was a Actress,she would have been fantastic in the play and film. This album came out on CD last year,and its a must buy for anyone who loves the Carpenters.