About The Song
The Carpenters, while celebrated for their pristine pop hits, possessed a remarkable ability to interpret more complex and nuanced material, as beautifully demonstrated on their rendition of “This Masquerade”. Featured prominently on their diverse 1973 album Now & Then, this sophisticated track, originally penned and recorded by the eclectic musician Leon Russell, allowed the duo to explore subtle jazz influences and showcase Karen Carpenter‘s interpretive depth on a poignant theme of hidden emotions and relationship pretense.
The song itself originates from Leon Russell‘s prolific songwriting catalogue, appearing on his 1972 album Carney. Russell’s original carries his distinctive piano-based style and a certain melancholic introspection. Richard Carpenter, known for his wide musical appreciation, recognized the song’s quality and potential suitability for Karen’s voice and his own arranging sensibilities. Including it on Now & Then – an album that famously featured nostalgic oldies medleys alongside original hits – demonstrated The Carpenters‘ desire to incorporate sophisticated contemporary songwriting into their repertoire. It’s worth noting that The Carpenters‘ version predated the massive, Grammy-winning jazz/R&B rendition by George Benson in 1976, helping to introduce Russell’s composition to a broader pop audience.
Richard Carpenter‘s arrangement for “This Masquerade” likely leaned into the song’s inherent moodiness while applying their signature smooth polish. One can envision a sophisticated soundscape, perhaps led by Richard’s own expressive piano or keyboard work, creating an intimate, slightly melancholic atmosphere. The rhythm section would likely be subtle and tasteful, possibly incorporating light percussion with jazz undertones. Orchestral elements like strings, or perhaps solo instruments like flute or muted horns, might be used sparingly to add color and depth, all carefully crafted to support the nuanced vocal performance and the song’s central metaphor. The overall feel would be one of refined, jazz-tinged pop.
Karen Carpenter‘s vocal performance on “This Masquerade” is often highlighted by critics and fans as one of her finest interpretive moments. She navigates the melody with effortless grace, perfectly capturing the song’s underlying sadness and weariness. Her delivery is filled with subtle nuances, conveying the feeling of putting on a brave face while hiding deeper emotions. There’s a soulful quality to her singing here, demonstrating her ability to convey complex feelings far beyond simple sentimentality. She embodies the quiet desperation of someone trapped within the song’s titular masquerade.
The central theme revolves around the powerful metaphor of relationships or social interactions as “This Masquerade”. The lyrics explore the feeling of pretense, where individuals hide their true selves and emotions behind façades (“Are we really happy here / With this lonely game we play / Looking for words to say”). It delves into the emotional isolation that can exist even within apparent closeness, the fear of vulnerability (“Both afraid to say we’re just too far away”), and the inherent sadness of participating in a connection that lacks true authenticity. It’s a poignant commentary on the ways people sometimes hide from each other, and perhaps from themselves.
While “This Masquerade” wasn’t released as a major A-side single in the US market (often appearing as a B-side), it received significant airplay on Adult Contemporary radio stations and became a firm fan favorite and a highly respected track among music connoisseurs. Its inclusion on the hit Now & Then album ensured wide exposure. The song showcased The Carpenters‘ musical sophistication and their ability to gracefully incorporate jazz influences and handle mature, introspective themes.
“This Masquerade” remains a standout gem in The Carpenters‘ discography. Penned by the great Leon Russell, its exploration of pretense and emotional isolation through the potent metaphor of a masquerade provided a perfect vehicle for Richard Carpenter‘s sophisticated arranging and Karen Carpenter‘s deeply nuanced and soulful vocal interpretation. It represents a high point of their artistry, demonstrating their ability to create enduring music with both complexity and grace.