"Let's Pretend" is a song by Raspberries, released in March 1973 as the second single from their second LP, Fresh. It was written by band leader Eric Carmen, who also provided the lead vocals.
"Let's Pretend" | ||||
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Single by Raspberries | ||||
from the album Fresh | ||||
B-side | "Every Way I Can" | |||
Released | March 1973 | |||
Recorded | 1972 | |||
Genre | Power pop | |||
Length | 2:51 (single version) 3:42 (album version) | |||
Label | Capitol | |||
Songwriter(s) | Eric Carmen | |||
Producer(s) | Jimmy Ienner | |||
Raspberries singles chronology | ||||
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side label | ||||
![]() 45 RPM | ||||
The song reached the top 40 on three principal US charts, including at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100, and number 14 on Record World. It was also a number 13 hit in Canada,[1] becoming their second greatest hit in that country. The song spent 16 weeks on the Billboard chart, longer than any of their other singles except for their greatest hit, "Go All the Way", which lasted 18 weeks.
Cash Box said that the "Raspberries change the pace a bit and deliver a strong semi-ballad with all the grace and capabilities of the Beatles early sound."[2]
Eric Carmen stated that "Let's Pretend" is one of the best melodies he has ever written, and that he reused part of it for his first solo hit, "All By Myself". He said the song lyrics about young people in love dreaming about eloping and making a life together are a recreation of the concept in Beach Boys' song "Wouldn't It Be Nice".[3]
"Let's Pretend" was performed on The Midnight Special television program (season 1, episode 15) on May 4, 1973.[4] The show was hosted by Johnny Nash.[5]
"Let's Pretend" was included on the Raspberries Pop Art Live CD set from their reunion concert recording, November 26, 2004, at the House of Blues in Cleveland, Ohio, released August 18, 2017.[6]
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