A Humble Gem: Unveiling the Story of “Let Me Be the One”
Have you ever encountered a song that lingers in your memory, yet seems to exist just beneath the radar of major hits? Such is the case with the charming tune “Let Me Be the One,” a song with a fascinating backstory that stretches back to 1970.
Composed by the songwriting duo of Roger Nichols and Paul Williams, “Let Me Be the One” first entered the world through the voice of a singer named Nanette Workman. Her rendition, released as a single on Columbia Records, marked the earliest known recording of the song. However, it was The Carpenters’ version, appearing on their 1971 self-titled debut album, that truly captured the hearts of listeners.
Clocking in at a breezy 2:25 minutes, “Let Me Be the One” possesses a certain sweetness reminiscent of another Carpenters classic, “We’ve Only Just Begun.” Interestingly, Karen Carpenter, the band’s lead vocalist, championed “Let Me Be the One” as a potential follow-up single to their chart-topping hit “For All We Know.” However, Richard Carpenter, Karen’s brother and the band’s musical architect, harbored doubts about the song’s hit potential. Ultimately, “Rainy Days and Mondays” was chosen as the next single, relegating “Let Me Be the One” to album track status.
Despite missing its shot at single stardom, “Let Me Be the One” still managed to find its audience. Radio stations specializing in both Top 40 and adult contemporary formats embraced the song, giving it airplay and introducing it to a wider fanbase.
Paul Williams, one of the song’s creators, offered a unique perspective on “Let Me Be the One.” He called it “one of those songs that everybody’s recorded but it’s never been a major hit single.” This observation highlights the song’s quiet charm – a melody that resonates with listeners even without the fanfare of a chart-topping success.
The story doesn’t end there, though. In 1991, a remixed version of “Let Me Be the One” surfaced on The Carpenters’ box set titled “From the Top.” This version offered a fresh take on the song, featuring a playful intro with Karen counting off the beat and a noticeably different piano line by Richard Carpenter. Unlike the original album version that faded out, the remix concluded with a more defined ending, showcasing the talents of Karen and the other musicians.
Whether you’re a longtime Carpenters fan or simply appreciate a well-crafted song with a touch of history, “Let Me Be the One” deserves a place on your playlist. It’s a testament to the power of melody and the enduring appeal of music that, while not a chart-topping smash, can still resonate with listeners for decades.