I used to write off the Carpenters as bubblegum back in the 70's. I'd only heard the same few hit songs on AM pocket radios for a long time. I finally got to listen to a whole album on a good stereo and what a difference! Performance, songs, production were all top shelf. I didn't run ou and get all their albums--I was more into prog at the time--but they did earn my respect. Now, I will listen to them on the radio.