"Passage" is the eighth studio album by the Carpenters, released in 1977. Marking a significant shift in their musical style, the album includes experimental tracks like the Klaatu cover "Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft," which, while only reaching number 32 in the US, became a top ten hit internationally. The album produced notable singles such as "All You Get from Love Is a Love Song" and "Sweet, Sweet Smile," the latter of which gained traction on Country radio.
This album is unique for being the only one (aside from their Christmas releases) that does not feature any songs written by Richard Carpenter or John Bettis, and it is the second album where Karen Carpenter does not play drums. Additionally, Passage is the first studio album since Close to You that does not display the iconic Carpenters logo on the front cover, although a smaller version appears on the back. Despite its experimental nature, the album did not achieve gold certification in the US, a notable decline compared to their previous successes.
Prior to the recording of Passage, the Carpenters sought a new producer due to their declining popularity and Richard Carpenter's struggles with production, exacerbated by his addiction to sleeping pills. However, no major producer was willing to take on the project, leading Richard to remain in charge while trying to approach the album from a different perspective. He aimed for a selection of songs that marked a departure from their earlier sound.
One notable inclusion was "Don't Cry for Me Argentina," which Richard felt was a perfect fit for Karen's voice. To orchestrate this and two other tracks, they enlisted Peter Knight, who conducted the Los Angeles Philharmonic for the recording. Due to contractual restrictions, the orchestra was credited as the "Overbudget Philharmonic." The session featured over 100 musicians and the Gregg Smith Singers, necessitating the use of A&M Sound Stage, wired into Studio D for the recording process. This ambitious effort highlighted their intent to explore new musical territory, even as they navigated challenges in the industry.
