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Although the Carpenters were once derided by critics for their tuneful-but- funkless songs, this hit-happy collection of '70s chart-toppers provides ample proof that the duo's work was more pop than corn. Their secret? Richard Carpenter recognized the value of top songwriters and industrial-strength melodies. He also took care to highlight the squeaky-clean vocals of his sister, Karen, using dramatic arrangements to sharpen the hooks on low-key lounge classics, (Bacharach-David's "Close To You, ") and to beef up the choruses on more upbeat numbers. Viewed with 20/20 hindsight, some of the late Ms. Carpenter's songs now seem more poignant than when she recorded them -- especially "Superstar, " with its tale of spurned love, and "Hurting Each Other.