18. If I Had You (recorded 1980, released 1989)
The day before she died, in February 1983, Karen Carpenter rang producer Phil Ramone to discuss âour fucking recordâ â the 1980 solo album her label refused to release. When its contents were unveiled on posthumous Carpentersâ albums, their decision appeared baffling, as evidenced by I Had You: her patent brand of melancholy given a smooth, shiny funk makeover.
17. Touch Me When Weâre Dancing (1981)
Made in America (1981) was a cautious return after a hiatus provoked by Richard Carpenterâs drug addiction and the anorexia that would eventually kill his sister, but the single Touch Me When Weâre Dancing was great, very gently beckoning a hint of disco into the Carpenterâs luxurious sound world.