Introduction:
“Yesterday Once More,” a quintessential song by the American vocal and instrumental duo The Carpenters, was released as a single on May 16, 1973. It is a prominent track on their fifth studio album, Now & Then, which was also released in 1973. The song firmly belongs to the pop and easy listening genres, characterized by its melodic harmonies, Karen Carpenter’s distinctive contralto vocals, and Richard Carpenter’s masterful arrangements. Its lyrical theme of reminiscing about old songs and happier times resonated deeply with audiences worldwide, making it one of The Carpenters’ most enduring and beloved hits.
The song achieved significant commercial success, solidifying The Carpenters’ standing as one of the most popular acts of the 1970s. “Yesterday Once More” peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, held from the top spot only by Jim Croce’s “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown.” It also reached number 1 on the Billboard Easy Listening chart, becoming their eighth chart-topper in that category. Internationally, the song was a massive success, notably reaching number 2 on the UK Singles Chart and number 1 in Canada on both the Top Singles and Adult Contemporary charts. It also topped the Oricon International Singles Chart in Japan and reached the top 10 in several other countries, including Australia, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Norway. “Yesterday Once More” is widely considered The Carpenters’ biggest-selling record worldwide and their best-selling single in the UK. Its lasting appeal is further demonstrated by its consistent presence on various “greatest hits” and “best of” compilations, and it continues to be celebrated for its nostalgic charm and its perfect embodiment of The Carpenters’ signature sound. The song’s sentimentality, combined with its flawless execution, cemented its place as a timeless classic in the pop music canon.