It's such a shame that the 20th Century Masters Millennium Collection label puts out CDs like 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: Carpenters. This cannot ever possibly be considered a true compilation album with only twelve tracks on it. I notice, though, that the label doesn't actually call this installment a "best of" collection; and maybe that redeems them somewhat in this case. The sound quality is great and the artwork is very nicely done.

The album starts with the stunning "Yesterday Once More;" this touching ballad always tugs at my heartstrings every time I hear it. The Carpenters, especially when Karen sang, had a singularly fine ability to impart every subtle nuance of the words they sang and draw in their adoring listeners. Karen sings as clear as a bell on "Yesterday Once More;" and the nostalgic elements of this ballad are beautiful and haunting at once. "Please Mr. Postman is a fantastic cover of this tune; and The Carpenters play and sing this wonderfully! The backup chorus effect works wonders for this ballad and that `70s sound still works well today! I really like "Please Mr. Postman."

"This Masquerade" is yet another major highlight of this album; this tune gets the royal treatment from The Carpenters as they take this to new heights! "This Masquerade" gets a fine treatment and the music that accompanies Karen's singing fits in perfectly. "I Just Fall In Love Again" shines brighter than the sun when Karen Carpenter sings this so sweetly. Karen's voice is beautiful to hear and just listening to it brings back so many memories for me--it's very moving indeed.

"Top Of The World" is a peppy little number that charms me even all these years later; the beat is excellent. The percussion sounds wonderful and the keyboard work also enhances the natural beauty of this ballad. Karen sings this with panache and I love every minute of it.

"Maybe It's You" features Karen Carpenter's vocals front and center as she sings this flawlessly; and listen also for The Carpenters to perform "Only Yesterday." "Only Yesterday" is an upbeat ballad that celebrates the joys of love; and the CD even ends well with The Carpenters performing "Goodbye To Love." "Goodbye To Love" is another touching ballad and when Karen Carpenter sings it my heart is all warm.

The Carpenters were a marvelous brother-sister act; and this CD amply proves it. However, at twelve tracks it is skimpy and lacking several of their biggest hits. The manufacturers of this album could have added at least one more song. I will take off one and ½ stars for this. Diehard fans of The Carpenters would do well to get more substantial albums by The Carpenters.

Another one of the 20th Century Masters I can't figure out for the life of me. True, true it does include some of their best 'n' biggest songs such as: Yesterday Once More, Please Mr. Postman, Top of the World and Goodbye to Love. But for the love of god where is: I Won't Last a Day Without You, You and Rainy Days and Mondays? Well, The Carpenters were one of the most succesful bands of the 70's producing over a dosin hit records by the help of Karen Carpenter's outstanding vocal and her brother's talented abilities. So compiling a 12-track "Best of" of The Carpenters seems a little overwhelming and that's partially why it falters so badly. But if you're looking for a Carpenter sampler (or just wanna listen to that golden voice) this is the right place to look, dig in and enjoy the magic of Karen Carpenter's voice.

Standout tracks:
Goodbye to Love, Yesterday Once More and Top of the World.

The idea of Universal's Millennium Collection to highlight various artists catalogs has been going on for a few years now, I thought Richard was going to skip an entry to this series. Um, I was wrong. Instead of looking at this project as a blank canvas, featuring an exclusive remix available only on this collection, or maybe an outtake of some kind, we are treated to another collection of previously remixed singles already available on domestically released collections. It's a good highlight or introduction to the Carpenters body of work but if you're a completist, take comfort in knowing you're not missing a thing.

Any material of the Carpenters, put together and packaged on any CD is well worth the listen. While these songs are found on several previous CD's, if you are missing even ONE then this CD is well worth it. Also worth mentioning is the Carpenter's CD "As Time Goes By". A very original Carpenter's CD. Richard, I know you're out there.....Open the Vault and let us hear Karen sing your stuff!!

Several of these tracks are newly remastered with new arrangements. Most of the drum patterns are stronger and Richard Carpenter has updated quite a few of his keyboard parts. "Love Is Surrender" is most notably updated. Thank you again Richard for your spectacular work as an arranger, producer, musician and songwriter!
"This Masquerade" is my favorite track on this set. The song is dark and mysterious and the musical arrangement is intense. This song should really be promoted for radio airplay. It's a definite hit!