Yesterday Once More - Carpenters (1973) 5/9/22

In looking over the 900+ "Great Songs" we've highlighted since October of 2019, I've noticed (and maybe you have, too) that many of the biggest hits were covers/remakes of songs that had already been "Great Songs of the '50s an '60s."

Richard and Karen Carpenter noticed this as well, and according to Richard, it was a major reason why they decided to record their 1973 album, "Now & Then."

Side two was jam-packed with covers of songs by The Beach Boys, Jan & Dean, Bobby Vee, The Crystals, The Chiffons and several others--even Shelly Fabares!

Richard felt, however, that it needed a song to tie it all together; something that would be a nostalgic nod to--well--nostalgia! So he and his songwriting partner, John Bettis, came up with Today's "Great Song of '73:" "Yesterday Once More."

It was designed as an introduction that would segue into a long medley of eight covers incorporated into a faux oldies radio program.

When it was detached and released as a single, it was a HUGE hit, reaching the Top 10 in 11 countries...including #1 in Canada, Japan, and, in the US, on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Chart. On the Hot 100, it peaked at #2!

In effect, "Yesterday Once More" played right into the nostalgia fad of the day--once again proving that Richard Carpenter had a "Great Ear" for "Great Songs."

Trivia: On most Carpenters albums, the great Hal Blaine played the drums. In concert, Cubby O'Brien (The Former Mouseketeer) was primary drummer. However, on "Now & Then," Karen took the honors--proving once and for all that she was a fantastic drummer as well as an incredible vocalist.

"Yesterday Once More" by The Carpenters: a "GREAT Song of 1973!" (Note: If You get a chance, listen to side two of the "Now & Then" album. It's pretty interesting in its own way!)