Top of the World (1973) 5/15/20

In 1972, Richard Carpenter and his writing partner John Bettis wrote a song that was intended to be a filler on the Carpenters album, “A Song For You,” and nothing more.

Things changed, however, when country artist Lynn Anderson heard the song and not only decided to record it, but to make it the title of her next album AND release it as a single.

In late 1973, “Top of the World” promptly went to the Top of the Country Charts: #1 in Canada, and #2 in the US.

That certainly made Richard sit up and take notice. He immediately decided to release the Carpenters version to POP radio stations...and it ended up being even MORE successful.

In early 1974, it hit #1 on the Hot 100 in the US, as well as #1 on the Pop charts in Canada and Australia! It also reached the Top 10 in the UK and Ireland.

Lynn did a great job with it, but it's nearly impossible to beat a Karen Carpenter vocal.

In any event, I think we can call this a “two-fer:” A “Great Song of '73” for Lynn Anderson, and a “Great Song of '74” for the Carpenters.

Carpenters:

Lynn Anderson: