For Richard and Karen Carpenter, 1970 was a spectacular year. It began slowly, with their interpretation of The Beatles’ “Ticket To Ride” stalling at No.54 in the US. However, by the summer, they were ruling the Hot 100, spending a month at No.1 with the Bacharach & David composition “(They Long To Be) Close To You.”
The track also marked the Carpenters’ British breakthrough. It was an interesting choice for a single, as its potential had previously remained untapped. First recorded by actor-singer Richard Chamberlain in 1963, it was then covered by Dionne Warwick—with an arrangement by Bacharach himself—for her 1964 album Make Way for Dionne Warwick. Warwick’s version was later released as a B-side. Dusty Springfield also cut a version in 1965, but it remained unreleased for two years.
The Carpenters’ definitive version entered the UK chart in September 1970, peaking at No.6 on October 10. The debut UK hit had a cautious start, and in the last week of September, it seemed to be running out of steam when it improved just one place to No.14. However, it then surged into the Top 10, racing eight places to its peak of No.6. After a slight dip, it climbed back to No.6 again before beginning a slow descent that saw it spend three more weeks in the Top 20.
During its peak week, the UK charts showcased a diverse musical landscape. While the Carpenters were creating the hottest new sound in easy-listening pop, Freda Payne was in the middle of a six-week reign at the top with “Band Of Gold.” British record buyers were also showing their love for reggae with Desmond Dekker, hard rock with Deep Purple’s “Black Night” and Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid” side-by-side in the Top 5, and more soul from Diana Ross and Chairmen of the Board.
Perhaps surprisingly, this transatlantic success did not immediately lead to UK chart domination for the Carpenters. The accompanying Close To You album only reached No. 23 there, and the duo would have to wait another two years for their second Top 10 single, “Goodbye To Love.”