Quote:

allmusic.com...

With their light, airy melodies and meticulously crafted, clean arrangements that appealed to a variety of audiences, the Carpenters stood in direct contrast to the excessive, gaudy pop/rock of the '70s. Yet, they became one of the most popular artists of the decade, winning four Grammy Awards, and scoring 12 Top Ten hits, and three number one singles, including the classic "(They Long to Be) Close to You" off 1970's Close to You. Karen Carpenter's calm, pretty voice was the most distinctive element of their music, settling in perfectly amidst the precise, lush arrangements provided by her brother Richard. Though their popularity began to fade as the '70s progressed, the duo continued to make music together until Karen's tragic death in 1983.