Released in 1989, 6 years after Karen Carpenter's heartbreakingly tragic death from anorexia nervosa complications, "Lovelines" is a collection of "most" of the previously unreleased songs of Karen Carpenter. Four of the songs were previously included on Karen Carpenter's solo album, but are remixed by Richard for this set.

The Tracks:

1. "Lovelines" the title track of this album was from Karen's solo album, produced in 1980, but never released because of pressure from A&M and Richard. The Carpenter mind-trust did not believe Karen's solo work with Producer Phil Ramone was on par with typical Carpenter standards.

2. "Where Do I Go From Here", was recorded in 1978 but never published. It is a lovely ballad performed with a perfect vocal interpretation by Karen.

3. "The Uninvited Guest" is a pop/country song that was recorded for original release in 1980 with the "Made In America" album, but missed the final cut.

4. "If We Try", another touching love song from Karen's solo album

5. "When I Fall in Love", recorded in 1978 for the Carpenter's "Space Encounters" TV special.

6. "Kiss Me the Way You Did Last Night" was a love ballad for the 1980 "Made In America" album, that was never released.

7. "Remember When Lovin' Took All Night" is another selection from the solo album.

8. "You're The One" was recorded in 1977 for the "Passage" album. This song was featured in the made for tv movie, The Karen Carpenter Story.

9. "Honolulu City Lights" was recorded in 1978, and was an adaptation of a song Rich and Karen heard while vacationing in Hawaii.

10. "Slow Dance" was also recorded in the late 70's, but never made an album. It is a lovely ballad.

11. "If I Had You" is Richard's favorite selection from the solo album. Karen's vocals are absolutely astounding and she was quite proud of her effort (and rightfully so).

12. "Little Girl Blue" is the last song of the set and was featured in the TV special "Space Encounters".

From my perspective as a lifelong Carpenter fan, I think two gems are awaiting to please your ears on this album: "Kiss Me The Way You Did Last Night", and the very touching "You're The One". The latter is perhaps the best song of the set.

I gave this album 4-stars. It is not the Carpenter's best album for sure, as it contains "reject" (interpretation: not quite good enough) songs that were never included on other albums. However, this is still a good solid pleasing Carpenter effort. Fans of Karen Carpenter will not be disappointed in the least by this album. I recommend it.

Jim "Konedog" Koenig

What a great CD.We get a little bit of everything the Carpenters have given us over the years. Four of Karen's songs from her own album are in this record. "If I Had You," is so much better in this CD then Karen's. Richard remixes the sound so much clearer,and he keeps the fantastic ending,with Karen's vocals going in all kinds of directions. I never heard a song end like this one in my life. I'm sure "If I had You " was released in 1980,the way Richard has it,not the way Phil Ramone produced it,this song would have been number 1. "Where Do I go from here," is my favorite.I first heard this song in "The Karen Carpenter Story." Anyone's that's lost a true love will love this song.It will break your heart.I played "Honolulu City Lights," when I went to Hawaii,and was laying on the beach in Maui. Anyone that's been to the Islands will cherish this song. You will not be dissapointed with the last record from the Carpenters.

I resisted buying this CD for a while - since I assumed it would just be filler/outtakes. But now, I listen to it all the time! Sure, there are a few repeats from Karen's solo project (her versions are probably better too). However, there are also some amazing songs that should really have been released as singles. "You're the One" is beautiful - and could have been a smash. It was featured in the Karen Carpenter TV movie and was apparently shelved from an old studio session. "Remember when Loving took all Night" and "Slow Dance" are also stellar. Just listening to "When I fall in Love" and "Little Girl Blue" (although these can be found in "Interpretations") also makes me wish she has done an entire album of standards. Anyway, if you don't have this gem, go get a copy. The Singles collections contain all the real hits - but this album is definitely worth owning.

"Lovelines" was released years after Karen's death, but it still contains wonderful memories, as well as some songs that had not been released on a Carpenters album up to that point. Without question, the supreme song on this disc is "You're The One." This song was actually recorded during the same sessions as were the songs from the "Passage" album. Evidently, the producers of the album wanted an even number of songs on that album, (8) and it came down to a literal flip of the coin to decide that "I just fall In Love Again" would be on that album instead of "You're The One." Amazingly, it took a long, long time for this song to be released. But there are many songs to Carpenters fans which may be unfamiliar to them, so, if you decide to get this, enjoy.

AHHH this an fantastic album of unreleased material...My favorite track would have to be You're The One...how could this song have not made an album...This one of Karen's greatest recordings.......Other highlights from this album include Slow Dance,Honululu City Lights,Where Do I Go From Here?,When I Fall In Love,Lovelines,and If I Had You......There were also two singles that were released from this album but failed to crack the charts....Honululu City Lights and If I Had You....those are two great tracks....Make sure you pick a copy of this album...You won't regret it!