B-side "Every Way I Can" Recorded 1972 | Released March 1973 | |
Length 2:51 (single version)3:42 (album version) | ||
"Let's Pretend" is a hit single by Raspberries, released in March 1973. It was written by band leader Eric Carmen, who also provided the lead vocals. It was the second single release from their second LP, Fresh.
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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, becoming their second greatest hit in that nation. 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.
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".
Television performance
"Let's Pretend" was performed on The Midnight Special television program (season 1, episode 15) on May 4, 1973. The show was hosted by Johnny Nash.
Cover versions
"Let's Pretend" was covered by the Bay City Rollers in 1976 on their album, Dedication. It was also done by Joey Travolta on his 1978 eponymous debut LP.