From 2000 to 2006 there were no less than fifteen greatest hits compilations issued for
the Carpenters
in various permutations. This "ultimate" collection, however, does a reasonable job living up to the idea that this is the ultimate greatest hits compilation available for the duo. Staple songs such as
"Superstar,"
"We've Only Just Begun,"
"Rainy Days And Mondays,"
and
"(They Long To Be) Close To You"
are all here, as well as several other of their top 40 hits. There's also a bonus disc featuring wonderful moments during
Karen Carpenter
's solo career like the
disco
hits
"Lovelines"
and a wonderful cover of
"Still Crazy After All These Years."
There's also moments of
Richard
's career, most notably the tribute
"Karen's Theme."
Dedicated fans might not want to purchase another greatest hits compilation, but it might be worth it to have remastered editions of the solo years. And for casual listeners looking for a solid collection, you'd be hard pressed to find one better than this. ~ Rob Theakston