I Need to Be in Love

"I Need to Be in Love" is a song written by Richard Carpenter, Albert Hammond and John Bettis. It was released as a single on May 21, 1976. It was featured on the A Kind of Hush album, which was released on June 11 of the same year. Background The single featured a version without the piano lead-in and starts immediately with a flute introduction by David Shostac. Richard recalled that it was Karen's favorite Carpenters song. Reception Cash Box said that it starts with a "beautiful string introduction" and that "Karen Carpenter’s voice slips in with a sweet ballad melody." Personnel Karen Carpenter - lead vocals Richard Carpenter - piano, Fender Rhodes electric piano, harpsichord, Hammond organ, orchestration Joe Osborn - bass Tony Peluso - electric guitar Jim Gordon - drums Earle Dumler - English horn Gayle Levant - harp David Shostac - flute The O.K. Chorale - backing vocals