— — If the Carpenters' version of "Close To You" is a sunny day at the beach, their rendition of "Superstar" is a cold, dark night. Rechard's haunting arrangement creates a chilling sense of forboding. Joe Osborn's limpid bass fills heighten the drama. It's easy listening with an edge. The song was first popularized by Rita Coolidge on Joe Cocker's 1970 album, Mad Dogs and Englishman. It has since been covered by artists as diverse as Luther Vandross and Sonic Youth, but the Carpenter's 1971 recording has never been topped. "Superstar" was the first of three Leon Russell songs recorded by the Carpenters. They also cut definitive versions of "A Song For You" and "This Masquerade".
Long ago and oh so far away
I fell in love with you before the second show
Your guitar, it sounds so sweet and clear
But you're not really here
It's just the radio
Don't you remember you told me you loved me baby
You said you'd be coming back this way again baby
Baby, baby, baby, baby, oh, baby
I love you I really do
Loneliness is such a sad affair
And I can hardly wait to be with you again
What to say to make you come again
Come back to me again
And play your sad guitar
