The Carpenters – “There’s a Kind of Hush”
The Carpenters’ rendition of “There’s a Kind of Hush” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today. Released in 1976 as the lead single from their album of the same name, the song quickly climbed the charts, reaching No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing the group’s thirteenth No. 1 on the easy listening chart.
While the original version of “There’s a Kind of Hush” was a mild hit in 1976, the Carpenters’ remake injected new life into the song with its distinctive country pop feel. However, despite its popularity, the single’s lack of comparative success marked a decline in the group’s popularity. It was the first lead single from a mainstream Carpenters’ album to fall short of the Top 5 since “Ticket to Ride” from their 1969 debut album Offering.
In the liner notes to the Carpenters’ 2004 best-of compilation, Gold, Richard Carpenter expressed his disappointment with the group’s remake of “There’s a Kind of Hush.” He explained that while he and Karen loved the song, he was not particularly pleased with how their version turned out. He cited three reasons for his dissatisfaction: the original version was perfectly fine, their foray into the oldies should have ended with the medley featured on side 2 of Now & Then, 1973, and the use of a synthesizer in some of their recordings has not worn well with him.
Despite Richard Carpenter’s reservations, “There’s a Kind of Hush” remains a beloved song that showcases the Carpenters’ unique blend of harmonies and musical talent. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and the group’s lasting legacy.