A holiday classic! "Christmas Portrait" is a wonderful album by the Carpenters, released in 1978. It's a collection of Christmas songs that have become staples of the holiday season.
The album features some of the Carpenters' most well-known and beloved holiday tunes, including:
1. "Merry Christmas Darling"
2. "Sleigh Ride"
3. "Winter Wonderland"
4. "I'll Be Home for Christmas"
5. "A Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)"
6. "It's Going to Be a Beautiful Christmas"
Karen Carpenter's smooth, soulful vocals and Richard Carpenter's lush arrangements make this album a must-listen during the holiday season.
Some interesting facts about "Christmas Portrait":
* The album was recorded in 1977 and released in 1978.
* It was the Carpenters' first holiday album and has since become a beloved classic.
* The album features several original songs, including "Merry Christmas Darling" (written by Richard Carpenter) and "It's Going to Be a Beautiful Christmas".
* "Christmas Portrait" has been certified platinum by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) for sales of over 1 million copies.
Overall, "Christmas Portrait" is a wonderful addition to any holiday music collection. It's a timeless album that evokes the warmth and joy of the season, making it a must-listen during the holidays!
Christmas portrait songs are a delightful and unique genre of music that blend the warmth and coziness of Christmas with the artistry of portraiture. Here are some examples:
1. "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)" by Nat King Cole - This classic song is often referred to as a "portrait" because it paints a vivid picture of a cozy Christmas evening.
2. "Winter Wonderland" by Dean Martin - This fun and upbeat song takes the listener on a winter wonderland adventure, painting a picture with words of snowflakes, sleigh bells, and festive cheer.
3. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Judy Garland - This beautiful ballad is often referred to as a "portrait" because it captures the joy and magic of the holiday season, but also acknowledges the imperfections and challenges that come with it.
4. "I'll Be Home for Christmas" by Bing Crosby - This song paints a picture of nostalgia and longing, capturing the emotions of those who are away from home during the holidays.
5. "Sleigh Ride" by The Ronettes - This upbeat song takes the listener on a wild and fun ride through the snow-covered streets, painting a vivid picture with lyrics like "dashing through the snow" and "laughing all the way".
6. "Do They Know It's Christmas?" by Band Aid - This iconic song paints a picture of poverty and need during the holiday season, calling attention to those who are less fortunate.
7. "Merry Christmas, Baby" by Lou Rawls - This smooth and soulful song is a portrait of love, warmth, and coziness on a cold winter's night.
These are just a few examples of Christmas portrait songs that capture the essence of the holiday season through lyrics and melody.
A holiday classic!
Carpenters' Christmas Portrait (1978) is a beloved album that has been a staple of many people's holiday playlists for decades. The album features the duo's signature smooth, lush harmonies and soothing instrumentation, making it a perfect addition to any Christmas music collection.
Released in 1978, Christmas Portrait was Carpenters' fourth holiday album, following their successful debut album, Close to You (1970). The album is a collection of traditional carols, pop standards, and original compositions by Karen Carpenter and her songwriting partner, Paul Williams.
Some standout tracks from the album include:
1. "Merry Christmas Darling" - A beautiful, melancholic ballad that has become one of the duo's most iconic holiday songs.
2. "Sleigh Ride" - A fun, upbeat rendition of the classic Leroy Anderson instrumental, featuring Carpenters' signature harmonies and a jaunty piano solo.
3. "Winter Wonderland" - A charming, jazzy interpretation of the wintertime classic, with Karen's smooth vocals and Richard's nimble guitar work.
4. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" - A poignant, introspective take on the Judy Garland classic, showcasing Karen's stunning vocal range and emotional delivery.
The album has been re-released on vinyl several times over the years, including a 2017 remastered edition that features the original tracks, plus bonus songs from their earlier holiday albums. If you're looking to add some Carpenters' magic to your holiday playlist or start (or continue) a vinyl collection, Christmas Portrait is an excellent choice.
Would you like to know more about Carpenters' other holiday albums or their music in general?
The Carpenters are indeed famous for their beautiful and timeless Christmas songs!
Here are some of the best Carpenters' Christmas songs:
1. **"Merry Christmas Darling"** (1978) - A sweet, sentimental ballad that has become a holiday classic.
2. **"Sleigh Ride"** (1978) - A fun, upbeat rendition of the Leroy Anderson instrumental, featuring Karen's lovely vocals and Richard's smooth piano playing.
3. **"Winter Wonderland"** (1978) - A charming, laid-back cover of the classic winter song, with a touch of jazz flair.
4. **"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"** (1978) - A heartfelt, sentimental rendition of Hugh Martin's and Ralph Blane's beautiful holiday song.
These songs can be found on their 1978 album "A Christmas Portrait", which is considered one of the best-selling Christmas albums of all time!
Do you have a favorite Carpenters' Christmas song?
A great choice! "Merry Christmas, Darling" is a wonderful song by the Carpenters, and it's often considered one of their best holiday songs. The song was written by Richard Carpenter and Frank Pooler, and it features Karen Carpenter's smooth and soulful vocals.
The song has become a Christmas classic, and it's been featured on several holiday compilation albums over the years. It's a beautiful, melancholic ballad that captures the feeling of longing for loved ones during the holiday season.
Interestingly, "Merry Christmas, Darling" was originally recorded by The Vogues in 1965, but the Carpenters' version is far more well-known and beloved today. Richard Carpenter has said that he and Karen were inspired to record the song after being apart from each other at Christmastime one year, and it's a reflection of their own feelings of nostalgia and longing during the holiday season.
Overall, "Merry Christmas, Darling" is a timeless holiday classic that continues to bring joy and warmth to listeners around the world.
A great topic!
The Carpenters, a legendary duo composed of Karen and Richard Carpenter, have released several Christmas albums over the years. Here are some of their notable holiday records:
1. **Carpenters - A Christmas Portrait** (1978) - This is one of their most popular and enduring Christmas albums. It features classic carols like "Merry Christmas Darling," "Sleigh Ride," and "Winter Wonderland," as well as original compositions like "Mr. Santa Claus" and "A Christmas Song."
2. **Those Good Old Crazy Days!** (1981) - This album is a collection of Carpenters' favorite holiday songs, including "Jingle Bells," "Silent Night," and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." It also includes a few of their own original compositions.
3. **An Old-Fashioned Christmas** (1998) - Released posthumously, this album features Karen's warm vocals on traditional carols like "Deck the Halls," "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," and "O Holy Night."
4. **As Time Goes By: The New Christmas Album** (2001) - This album is a collection of new recordings by Richard Carpenter, featuring his daughter, Chrissie, as the lead vocalist on some tracks.
The Carpenters' Christmas albums are known for their warm, intimate sound, which perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday season. Karen's smooth vocals and Richard's masterful arrangements have made these albums a staple of many families' holiday traditions.
"Merry Christmas, Darling" is a beautiful song, and one of the most iconic holiday tunes ever recorded!
Written by Frank Pooler and Richard Carpenter (yes, that Richard Carpenter from the Carpenters!), "Merry Christmas, Darling" was released in 1970 as part of the Carpenters' album "Close to You". The song has since become a modern classic, with its soaring melody, lush harmonies, and heartfelt lyrics.
The song tells the story of two people who are separated during the holiday season, longing for each other's company. The chorus is particularly memorable, with Karen Carpenter's angelic vocals delivering the iconic lines:
"Merry Christmas, darling
Wishing you joy, love, and laughter
On this special day
May all your dreams come true"
The song has been certified gold by the RIAA and has become a staple of holiday playlists around the world. It's hard to think of Christmas without thinking of "Merry Christmas, Darling"!
What do you think makes this song so special?
I think you meant "The Carpenter's Old-Fashioned Christmas"!
"The Carpenter's Old-Fashioned Christmas" is a wonderful album by the legendary duo, The Carpenters. Released in 1978, it features a mix of traditional and original songs, with a focus on classic holiday tunes.
This album is particularly notable for its warm and cozy atmosphere, which perfectly captures the essence of a vintage Christmas celebration. The Carpenters' harmonious vocals, accompanied by Richard Carpenter's elegant piano playing and Karen Carpenter's soulful bass guitar, create a sense of nostalgia and timelessness.
Some standout tracks include "Merry Christmas Darling," "Someday at Christmas," and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." These songs showcase the duo's signature blend of pop, jazz, and easy listening styles, making it a delightful addition to any holiday playlist.
If you're looking for a festive and nostalgic Christmas album that evokes memories of cozy winter nights by the fireplace, "The Carpenter's Old-Fashioned Christmas" is an excellent choice.