"Made in America" is the tenth and final studio album by the American music duo The Carpenters, released in June 1981. Tragically, Karen Carpenter passed away less than two years later, making this album their last release during her lifetime.
The album reached number 52 on the US Billboard 200 chart and number 12 on the UK Albums Chart. It featured Karen Carpenter playing drums for the first time since their album "Horizon," collaborating with Nashville session drummer Larrie Londin on the song "When It's Gone (It's Just Gone)." Additionally, she played percussion alongside Paulinho da Costa on "Those Good Old Dreams."
"Made in America" included the duo's final Billboard Hot 100 Top 40 hit, "Touch Me When We're Dancing," which peaked at number 16. The album's other singles — "I Believe You," "(Want You) Back In My Life Again," "Those Good Old Dreams," and "Beechwood 4-5789" — achieved lesser chart success, reaching positions between 63 and 74 on the Billboard Hot 100.
In a retrospective interview in 1985, Richard Carpenter, Karen's brother and musical partner, mentioned that "Made in America" was Karen's favorite album and also his own favorite among all their projects.
"Made in America" stands as a poignant reminder of The Carpenters' enduring musical legacy and Karen Carpenter's remarkable talent, marking the conclusion of their discography with a collection of songs that showcase their signature sound and Karen's versatile musical abilities.
