According to Richard Carpenter, A Song for You was intended to be a concept album (of sorts) with the title tune opening and closing the set and the bookended selections comprising the 'song'.

[6] Six songs were released as A-side singles internationally: "Hurting Each Other", "It's Going to Take Some Time", "Goodbye to Love", "Top of the World", "I Won't Last a Day Without You", and "Bless the Beasts and Children".

The Carpenters' treatment of the much-covered Paul Williams/Roger Nichols composition "I Won't Last a Day Without You" also got a belated single release in 1974, and peaked at number eleven on the Hot 100.

Superb Jack Daugherty production and musicianship showcase the fine talent on such tunes as "I Won't Last a Day Without You" (by Paul Williams), "Crystal Lullaby" (both by Richard Carpenter and John Bettis).

Opening with Leon Russell's masterwork, "A Song For You," Karen and Richard offer warm and irrefutable proof that in their particular field they have no equals.

[11] Bruce Eder of AllMusic called it "the duo's best album," and "the high point of their recording career", The review noted that the album was "brimming with lovely musical ideas even more lovingly executed, laced with good humor, and enough hits of its own to have established any artist's career on its own.