One of the most staggering raw talents, the world has ever known. Maybe some others achieved more, in their longer careers, but this girl was born with every drop of talent. She didn't learn how to play drums, she decided she could do it, and could. Her clarity is unmatched. And her lungs go on for days. And despite all that, somehow her fragile heart didn't love her own self. What a shame.
Yes,Karen had the most perfect,tone and her inflection of timing tempo and pitch were just heavenly.We who grew up in the 60s were truly blessed to have her songs even though she left us far to soon
Karen is perfection. Her pitch,tone,delivery.she has it all.when she sings she brings you in to the story shes telling.just a natural talent. No fluff, no hype,just a pure natural voice with a great range...she does an amazing version of "ave maria" which she sings in latin which will blow you away..type in "carpenters ave maria video"to here her incredible version
After that song came out, it became the goto song for weddings and newlyweds for around 40 years. Bouncing around youtube somewhere is a song analysis of Karen's voice. Comparing studio work to her live performances and the sound engineer doing the comparisons was shocked to find she had better pitch control live than in the studio and performed better live. I was lucky to get to see her perform once in a small setting in the 70's. Her voice was magic. Her ability to share her emotions amazing. Great reaction and thanks for sharing. Chris
I saw them Twice in concert in Fresno, CA. Stunned, really. Can't recall my dates those evenings! Also, hilariously to your note that it was sung at many a wedding over the next couple decades, I once attended an otherwise standard church wedding where a pianist accompanied a willing bass singer covering this song. Only, his pitch was about a half tone flat. I was squirming on the pew for a full 3 minutes as he mangled one of the great starting-out-in-love songs!!
Agree. Paul Williams was such an incredible song writer and this being one of his most early works, actually his first I think. Karen was so talented and unique in her tonal quality, that coupled with Richard's creativity and incredible ability for arrangement will , in my opinion, never be duplicated in a duo again. We were privileged to live it. The only voice that I have heard that can possibly equal hers is Lucy Thomas and she has yet to cover an actual song of Karen's. What is your opinion on Lucy?
The song was actually written for a bank commercial, which featured a young couple starting their married life together, so it comes by the wedding connection honestly, lol. Fun fact: The groom in the commercial was a very young unknown actor named John Travolta. But the combination of Paul Williams writing, Richard arranging, and Karen singing was absolute dynamite.
... I saw that voice analysis video ... The engineer (who studied vocal sounds) said he just about fell out his chair when he isolated Karen's vocals and saw them on a screen..
Her voice was like a warm blanket and a cup of hot chocolate on a winter day. Her Brother Richard too, amazing Arranger and Composer. I love that this song was pulled from a State Farm Insurance commercial written by Paul Williams.
This song was played at many weddings but it was originally written for an advertisement for Crocker Banks. Richard saw it as a late night tv add when he was up all night, as usual.
Bass was played by the legendary Joe Osborn, one of the greatest session bass players ever. He belonged to The Wrecking Crew and played on countless songs with countless performers. Drums were played by the equally legendary Hal Blaine who also belonged to The Wrecking Crew. Hal was said to have played in 35,000 sessions and over 6,000 released singles (Virgin Encyclopedia of Popular Music). Please play more Carpenters. They are terrific.
Great reaction, Maddy! Karen had a truly amazing voice. This song had such a hopeful message. You never know what demons a person is fighting internally. RIP.
There must be something in her voice that makes it so pleasant to everyone's ears. I have never heard of anyone who disliked her voice or her singing style. There's melancholy quality in her songs.
Carpenters - We've Only Just Begun... I 1st heard it on a TV commercial for Crocker Bank and so did Richard Carpenter. He loved it so much that he called writer Paul Williams and asked if there were more verses. History was made. It also started Paul on his way to stardom. Paul also wrote the environmental song ...'Out In The Country" ...That "Three dog Night" made into a hit. Karen has one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard. BUT She was a great drummer 1st. There is a video on TH-cam from a college band competition that the Richard Carpenter Trio won. Dancing in the Street 1968. Features a Karen Carpenter drum solo. This timr by herself and not with the band drummer that she was doing them with.
The Carpenters were brother and sister, and perhaps that's why the overtones in their voices matched so well. Richard said his arrangements featured over dubbed 4 part harmonies. Their process was to create the first 2 parts with Karen on the top note of the chord and Richard on the bottom note. Then they used over dubbing to each sing one of two middle notes. To finish they would again over dub, with both singing each middle note together, and make their harmonies sound 'fuller'. Add real talent, Karen's wonderful pitch and warm alto tones, Richard's song selection/arrangements, along with some magic, and you have a Carpenters song.
I agree with the other comment, melancholy is the word. Karen’s voice could emote at so many levels. Happy sad and everything in between. The saddest part was she left us way too soon. She died in 1983 (40 years ago this past February) from complications of Anorexia. I’m and OG fan, I bought the Close To You album in 1970 with this song on it, I was 14. I’ve been hooked ever since. I’ve heard many try to emulate or cover Karen. It’s a difficult thing to do. Karen had a Contralto voice with a 3.5 octave range. In songs like A Song For You she goes dooooown to “The Basement” and tickles my subwoofer. In all the years of people trying to do a Carpenters song I’ve only heard one person come exceptionally close and she’s a new discovery to me. Most have been, to me, nice try, but no. Tori Holub gave me chills and goosebumps the first time I heard her, last October and it’s been a joy ever since. She’s the first singer of this type I can listen to over and over. She evokes Karen but Tori is still in there. That’s what’s different. Her channel is her name so give a listen see for yourself. Mostly no spoilers as she does classic songs of my youth. She does have a few originals, she’s been noticed by some special people; including the composer of the song you just played. Which FYI started life as a bank commercial in California. Richard (Karen’s brother) heard the commercial. The rest is history. Great reaction, yes, more Carpenters please. Superstar is a proper next choice, the official video. Enjoy the rabbit hole. Joe
Paul Williams originally wrote "We've Only Just Begun" for a TV commercial for Crocker Bank that depicted a newlywed couple. Richard Carpenter liked it, and convinced Williams to flesh it out into a complete song. You can find the original commercial on TH-cam. Other Carpenters songs you'd probably like: - Superstar (their best, IMO) - For All We Know - Top of the World - Only Yesterday - Goodbye to Love
The "Close To You" album by The Carpenters that included this song (We've Only Just Begun, the first track on the album) was the very first musical recording I ever purchased back in 1970 (yes, I'm that old), and I was blessed to hear The Carpenters perform in concert while a cadet at the United States Air Force Academy in either 1976 or 1977. The late Ms. Karen Carpenter was a very rare and special talent. May she rest in peace.
So this song was released late 1970. We were rocking out to the Led Zeppelin 2 album which was released in late 1969. Grand Funk released their 1st live album at the end of 1970, we went crazy over that, and then we discovered Black Sabbath in early 71. I was rocking out and got to see these bands in concert but I always had a soft spot for The Carpenters. That melancholy sound always hit me as honest and sad even when it was supposed to be happy and the fact that Karen played the drums was very cool.
If she had lived, I think she would still be hitting the charts, a voice that is timeless! Watching them sing you also see Richard's talent too as a pianist and background vocalist.!
"The song was originally recorded by Smokey Roberds, a friend of Nichols, singing under the name of "Freddie Allen". It debuted within a wedding-themed television commercial for Crocker National Bank in California in the winter of 1970, with Paul Williams on vocals."
Her voice has an haunting quality, I love her voice her brother was also a talented musician, if you Heard her voice on the other side of the world you could instantly recognise it, thanks for your reaction
I heard this when it first came out in 1970. I was 21 and about to get reassigned from Reese AFB (air force base) in Lubbock, TX to Da Nang, Vietnam. I celebrated my 22nd birthday during one of the best years of my life!
Both "Rainy days and Mondays" and "We've only just begun" were written by Paul Williams. For a Much Brighter and upbeat Carpenter's song, Try "Top of the World", They have a Catalog full of Wonderful Songs about Love and Romance!
The haircuts! Sadly, we all had them then. The carpenters intros are so calmin and peaceful. Beautiful songs and voice. Kare left us far too soon. Sad. Nice job on this one Maddy. As of Wed, I have my own Maddie (my oldest of 5 grandkids ages 2-8), her sister, brother and parents here indefinitely. They are moving from Memphis back to Michigan. Though they will get their own place we are very happy to be sharing our place with them for 3-4 months.
You have great articulation and clarity in your reactions and I have to say you were spot on with the term longing in her voice... It's like there's heartache and teardrops in her voice full of longing, and unrequited love but hopeful 💜
Yep. This was THE wedding song in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. I think the popularity waned a bit after Karen's tragic death. It just became a bit sad after that. It makes me cry to hear this even now.
Many of the top singers have said, "When Karen sings, her voice makes you feel what she is singing from her heart. She has something in her voice, that I wish I had, but don't have, and will never have."
Crocker Bank featured this song in their 1970 TV commercial. It was written (lyrics only, music by Roger Nichols) and sung by Paul Williams, but the Carpenters made it their own when they recorded it. The first Carpenters song I ever heard, and still my favorite.
I don't know if that's right because they contacted Paul Williams to bring them the song with more verses. He stated this in an interview for the Carpenter's documentary.
@@TimKlepac-xm7vk I recall in an interview, Richard Carpenter said he saw the Crocker Bank TV commercial, thought the song would be a good one for the Carpenters to record, but it needed some more verses, as Paul Williams only wrote a short verse for the commercial. So he asked Paul to lengthen the song, which he did. Lucky for us, as it turned out to be one of the Carpenters best songs and also a big hit.
The first time I would have heard it, I think, was when it was used for a commercial for Crocker Bank in California back in 1969. If I remember right, it was used for the commercial-which featured a young couple on their wedding day-before it came out as a single.
Funny thing is this song started life as Bank commercial. Richard Carpenter heard the commercial on the TV and recognized the arangement style of the composer and contacted him, & rewrote it for The Carpenters.
My 1st 45 record was a Carpenters song, their very 1st song or hit in 1969. I was 9 years old. I never stopped loving Karen. The best voice ever....gone to soo at 32 years old. Sad it was. Ive been to at least over 100 concerts. But never got chance to see them live.
Hearing Karen's voice is like listening to an old friend. So smooth, so effortless, she had the voice of an angel. This song was first part of a commercial.
I was in class, choir, 1982, and someone from the back of the room said that Karen Carpenter had died. I immediately walked out of school and they did not see me until the following Monday. I thought Karen was getting better, but the damage to her kidney and other organs had already been done. Ultimately rainy days and Mondays broke her heart, and broke mine too. Karen had starved herself to death. How on earth she thought she was not good enough? But once you learn about her mother it starts 'make sense' if you will. I had a 'strange crush' on Karen Carpenter. I wished she was, wanted her to be my older sister. Yep!?! Thank you Maddie. The Carpenters Christmas Album is superb. Nothing else comes close. Maddie likes to wear brown and 'earth colors' huh?
Everyone loved her voice. I remember being at Disneyland in the 70s and the Carpenters were doing a show there. Disneyland piped their music out through the park. It left a mark on my soul in a good way. I'll never forget it.
Karen Carpenter = Beauty, Kindness and Perfect Pitch. There will never be another like Karen Anne. She is also the best female drummer ever. If you want to hear a beautiful Christmas song by Carpenters "Merry Christmas Darling" is brilliant. Merry Christmas !!!!
Richard Carpenter was watching TV and saw an Insurance commercial and this was the melody...it was not a full song. Asked the composer to make a complete song....hence this masterpiece. Richard Carpenter makes the musical arrangement in all of their songs...a master at it. The composer is Paul Williams (Rainy Days...)
Close, but it was from a commercial for a California bank, Crocker Bank, that was trying to get newlyweds to take our loans to start their new life together. The rest of what you said was right as I recollect it.
Karen. Best female voice of all time. No one could’ve known whether it was live or recorded. She sounded exactly same live as in studio. Her nickname was one take Karen. She nailed every note every time.
Pure pleasure and effect on your emotions. My mother was born in the 1920s - soon after WW1, and she absolutely loved the Carpenters. People born then didn't really like pop music, but this passed the test for them.
Richard later revealed that the person who played the tambourine on virtually every Carpenters song (that featured a tambourine, like this song) was... Karen. Uncredited. So even when she's not playing her Ludwig drums on a studio track (the incredible Hal Blaine playing the drums here), Karen's tambourine adds another nuanced layer of upbeat percussion to the rhythm track...
Karen Carpenter was a special magic. She sang from another place. Her voice cuts deep to my soul. Her singing often makes me smile and cry at the very same time. Richard Carpenter is a huge part of their sound and very talented also. PLEASE check out "Solitaire" and "Ordinary Fool" and "Littler Alter Boy". I would love to see your take on these.
Maddy this video was so difficult to watch because I knew the effect this song would have on me. Last Saturday, my wife of 36 years (it would be 37 next Wednesday) left me and filed for divorce. 😪I'm living in a lonely hell right now as I reflect on the horrible, controlling man that I have become. She was an angel sent from above and I mentally abused her for so many years but now she's gone, with very little hope of reconciliation. I'm so thankful for my pastor, my church family and lifelong friends who have surrounded me with their love, but there is no substitute for the love of my wife. I'm doing everything I can to show her that I will be a new man in the future, I'm starting multiple counseling groups in the next two weeks and letting her know that she can come home and I will leave so that she can be in her familiar safe home. She may not accept it but I'm praying that she will. Anyway, this song just reminded me of when we were first married in 1986. It was such an optimistic and joyous time, but now that optimism and joy has been replaced by despair and sadness. I'm praying that my wife will find it in her heart to forgive me for being the terrible dictator that I've been all these years. Thanks for the reaction, it was still good to hear this song. And Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Great decades for music. Carpenters, Manilow, Bread, Abba and my fav. Beegees. All of the music in this decades are clean, easily listening although I was a kid in this decade, I really loved the music that I've heard on the radio...
Being in high school at the time this song was released, I can attest that many high schools used "We've Only Just Begun" as the theme of class proms. 🙂
The songs are poignant, and "longing" is the right word for the music/sound. It's actually what beauty often evokes when we encounter it. "Hurting Each Other" and "For All We Know" are similar to this. Such a great band, and doing a cover would be a great challenge to set yourself!
I first heard this when it came out, a million years ago. Have never grown tired of it. The beautiful singing and the incredible arrangement make it an absolute masterpiece. I've always loved when Richard takes the lead for a moment at the beginning of the chorus. Would have loved to have heard him do more singing, as I enjoy his voice also. Not as much as Karen's of course, but she's probably the greatest female pop singer to ever walk this earth. (With Linda Ronstadt and Cass Elliot not far behind).
As you noted in your reaction to "Rainy days"... She was also a drummer. Not just some basic drummer either. She could tear it up! There's a killer "drum solo" of her on YT.
She's considered to have one of the most beautiful voices and one of the best drummers. She's sad because of an eating disorder that eventually killed her.
I would describe the tone as melancholy! Unfortunately her life was troubled and she fought anorexia for years. Never found true love so I always feel sadness and joy in hearing her sing!
Richard Carpenter was a musical prodigy. When he was little he could hear a song then play it on the piano. He did the arrangements. He also found some kind of a voice multiplier and they are their own back up singers so what you saw was not live.
Fall 1970..their 2nd #1 in a row. Karen was only 20, playing drums and singing actually. Richard heard it on a bank commercial involving newlyweds. He called the composers and they did a full song recording. I was 14 in 8th grade and in love with Karen lol. I CANNOT tell you how many weddings used this for the wedding song, or the bride and groom dance at the receptions, esp in the 1970's. The song sends me straight back to 1970 like a time machine. the choir harmonies are all done by both Richard and Karen on every record. Karen died from anorexia induced heart failure 40 years ago.
I would suggest the word you are looking for is melancholy. A warmth with a touch of sadness. SUPERSTAR, HURTING EACH OTHER, and SING are three more great songs by Karen and Richard you can enjoy. Congratulations on 5ok subscribers, Maddie. And Merry Christmas.
As a metalhead for 50+ years, I want to say that I don't think I've ever turned a Carpenter song off. Or even down.
@@swampghost8256 Me too !!😊
Same! I love the Carpenters.
I'm pushing 60 and still to this day the most beautiful voice I've ever heard.
Ditto
One of the most staggering raw talents, the world has ever known. Maybe some others achieved more, in their longer careers, but this girl was born with every drop of talent. She didn't learn how to play drums, she decided she could do it, and could. Her clarity is unmatched. And her lungs go on for days. And despite all that, somehow her fragile heart didn't love her own self. What a shame.
agree, absolutely, the most pure, warm rich intimate loving beautiful voice/tone, and of course a great storyteller...
- Your initial comment is a testament to Richard Carpenter's superb composing/arranging.
I think the word you were looking for was "melancholy." She has this tear in her voice.
You are about to hear one of the most beautiful voices ever 🥰
Yes,Karen had the most perfect,tone and her inflection of timing tempo and pitch were just heavenly.We who grew up in the 60s were truly blessed to have her songs even though she left us far to soon
Karen is perfection. Her pitch,tone,delivery.she has it all.when she sings she brings you in to the story shes telling.just a natural talent. No fluff, no hype,just a pure natural voice with a great range...she does an amazing version of "ave maria" which she sings in latin which will blow you away..type in "carpenters ave maria video"to here her incredible version
A voice as smooth as silk
After that song came out, it became the goto song for weddings and newlyweds for around 40 years. Bouncing around youtube somewhere is a song analysis of Karen's voice. Comparing studio work to her live performances and the sound engineer doing the comparisons was shocked to find she had better pitch control live than in the studio and performed better live. I was lucky to get to see her perform once in a small setting in the 70's. Her voice was magic. Her ability to share her emotions amazing. Great reaction and thanks for sharing. Chris
I saw them Twice in concert in Fresno, CA. Stunned, really. Can't recall my dates those evenings! Also, hilariously to your note that it was sung at many a wedding over the next couple decades, I once attended an otherwise standard church wedding where a pianist accompanied a willing bass singer covering this song. Only, his pitch was about a half tone flat. I was squirming on the pew for a full 3 minutes as he mangled one of the great starting-out-in-love songs!!
Agree. Paul Williams was such an incredible song writer and this being one of his most early works, actually his first I think. Karen was so talented and unique in her tonal quality, that coupled with Richard's creativity and incredible ability for arrangement will , in my opinion, never be duplicated in a duo again. We were privileged to live it. The only voice that I have heard that can possibly equal hers is Lucy Thomas and she has yet to cover an actual song of Karen's. What is your opinion on Lucy?
The song was actually written for a bank commercial, which featured a young couple starting their married life together, so it comes by the wedding connection honestly, lol. Fun fact: The groom in the commercial was a very young unknown actor named John Travolta. But the combination of Paul Williams writing, Richard arranging, and Karen singing was absolute dynamite.
... I saw that voice analysis video ... The engineer (who studied vocal sounds) said he just about fell out his chair when he isolated Karen's vocals and saw them on a screen..
Her voice was like a warm blanket and a cup of hot chocolate on a winter day. Her Brother Richard too, amazing Arranger and Composer. I love that this song was pulled from a State Farm Insurance commercial written by Paul Williams.
This song was played at many weddings but it was originally written for an advertisement for Crocker Banks. Richard saw it as a late night tv add when he was up all night, as usual.
Bass was played by the legendary Joe Osborn, one of the greatest session bass players ever. He belonged to The Wrecking Crew and played on countless songs with countless performers. Drums were played by the equally legendary Hal Blaine who also belonged to The Wrecking Crew. Hal was said to have played in 35,000 sessions and over 6,000 released singles (Virgin Encyclopedia of Popular Music). Please play more Carpenters. They are terrific.
Great reaction, Maddy! Karen had a truly amazing voice. This song had such a hopeful message. You never know what demons a person is fighting internally. RIP.
You hit the Nail on the Head, the essence of the Carpenters, she's got a beautiful voice, great reaction!
There must be something in her voice that makes it so pleasant to everyone's ears. I have never heard of anyone who disliked her voice or her singing style. There's melancholy quality in her songs.
Carpenters - We've Only Just Begun... I 1st heard it on a TV commercial for Crocker Bank and so did Richard Carpenter. He loved it so much that he called writer Paul Williams and asked if there were more verses. History was made. It also started Paul on his way to stardom. Paul also wrote the environmental song ...'Out In The Country" ...That "Three dog Night" made into a hit. Karen has one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard. BUT She was a great drummer 1st. There is a video on TH-cam from a college band competition that the Richard Carpenter Trio won. Dancing in the Street 1968. Features a Karen Carpenter drum solo. This timr by herself and not with the band drummer that she was doing them with.
This was in many many weddings in the 70's and 80's.
Their harmony and her own voice is like auditory silk. Her voice is amazing.
Heard it at every wedding at that time (and beyond).
The Carpenters were brother and sister, and perhaps that's why the overtones in their voices matched so well. Richard said his arrangements featured over dubbed 4 part harmonies. Their process was to create the first 2 parts with Karen on the top note of the chord and Richard on the bottom note. Then they used over dubbing to each sing one of two middle notes. To finish they would again over dub, with both singing each middle note together, and make their harmonies sound 'fuller'. Add real talent, Karen's wonderful pitch and warm alto tones, Richard's song selection/arrangements, along with some magic, and you have a Carpenters song.
Great wedding song.
She was a fantastic drummer as well.
So warm and human. Just beautiful. Great reaction thanks.
I love the way you smile when you're listening to this song. They always make me smile. They were special and one of a kind
She blows me away every time I listen to her! Perfect! Hopefully we will hear more from her……..
I agree with the other comment, melancholy is the word. Karen’s voice could emote at so many levels. Happy sad and everything in between. The saddest part was she left us way too soon. She died in 1983 (40 years ago this past February) from complications of Anorexia.
I’m and OG fan, I bought the Close To You album in 1970 with this song on it, I was 14. I’ve been hooked ever since. I’ve heard many try to emulate or cover Karen. It’s a difficult thing to do. Karen had a Contralto voice with a 3.5 octave range. In songs like A Song For You she goes dooooown to “The Basement” and tickles my subwoofer. In all the years of people trying to do a Carpenters song I’ve only heard one person come exceptionally close and she’s a new discovery to me. Most have been, to me, nice try, but no. Tori Holub gave me chills and goosebumps the first time I heard her, last October and it’s been a joy ever since. She’s the first singer of this type I can listen to over and over. She evokes Karen but Tori is still in there. That’s what’s different. Her channel is her name so give a listen see for yourself. Mostly no spoilers as she does classic songs of my youth. She does have a few originals, she’s been noticed by some special people; including the composer of the song you just played. Which FYI started life as a bank commercial in California. Richard (Karen’s brother) heard the commercial. The rest is history.
Great reaction, yes, more Carpenters please. Superstar is a proper next choice, the official video. Enjoy the rabbit hole.
Joe
Paul Williams originally wrote "We've Only Just Begun" for a TV commercial for Crocker Bank that depicted a newlywed couple. Richard Carpenter liked it, and convinced Williams to flesh it out into a complete song. You can find the original commercial on TH-cam.
Other Carpenters songs you'd probably like:
- Superstar (their best, IMO)
- For All We Know
- Top of the World
- Only Yesterday
- Goodbye to Love
Paul Williams-Lyrics and Roger Nichols- Music
The "Close To You" album by The Carpenters that included this song (We've Only Just Begun, the first track on the album) was the very first musical recording I ever purchased back in 1970 (yes, I'm that old), and I was blessed to hear The Carpenters perform in concert while a cadet at the United States Air Force Academy in either 1976 or 1977. The late Ms. Karen Carpenter was a very rare and special talent. May she rest in peace.
The lyrics were written by Paul Williams who was a giant in the 70's ( even though he is short).
Paul was also a solid comedic character actor .
So this song was released late 1970. We were rocking out to the Led Zeppelin 2 album which was released in late 1969. Grand Funk released their 1st live album at the end of 1970, we went crazy over that, and then we discovered Black Sabbath in early 71. I was rocking out and got to see these bands in concert but I always had a soft spot for The Carpenters. That melancholy sound always hit me as honest and sad even when it was supposed to be happy and the fact that Karen played the drums was very cool.
If she had lived, I think she would still be hitting the charts, a voice that is timeless! Watching them sing you also see Richard's talent too as a pianist and background vocalist.!
This was our high school graduation song for 1971. Yes her name is Karen and she is my favorite female singer.
"The song was originally recorded by Smokey Roberds, a friend of Nichols, singing under the name of "Freddie Allen". It debuted within a wedding-themed television commercial for Crocker National Bank in California in the winter of 1970, with Paul Williams on vocals."
Her voice has an haunting quality, I love her voice her brother was also a talented musician, if you Heard her voice on the other side of the world you could instantly recognise it, thanks for your reaction
The feeling you are feeling - "mellow melancholic".
I heard this when it first came out in 1970. I was 21 and about to get reassigned from Reese AFB (air force base) in Lubbock, TX to Da Nang, Vietnam. I celebrated my 22nd birthday during one of the best years of my life!
this was played & sung at a LOT of 1970's weddings
Both "Rainy days and Mondays" and "We've only just begun" were written by Paul Williams.
For a Much Brighter and upbeat Carpenter's song, Try "Top of the World", They have a Catalog full of Wonderful Songs about Love and Romance!
l never get tired of listening to the Carpenters, her voice is one of a kind.
The haircuts! Sadly, we all had them then. The carpenters intros are so calmin and peaceful. Beautiful songs and voice. Kare left us far too soon. Sad. Nice job on this one Maddy.
As of Wed, I have my own Maddie (my oldest of 5 grandkids ages 2-8), her sister, brother and parents here indefinitely. They are moving from Memphis back to Michigan. Though they will get their own place we are very happy to be sharing our place with them for 3-4 months.
You have great articulation and clarity in your reactions and I have to say you were spot on with the term longing in her voice...
It's like there's heartache and teardrops in her voice full of longing, and unrequited love but hopeful 💜
This was an enormously popular first dance song at weddings when this was released.
I've heard this song thousands of time but never seen that video. Thanks.
Yep. This was THE wedding song in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. I think the popularity waned a bit after Karen's tragic death. It just became a bit sad after that. It makes me cry to hear this even now.
Many of the top singers have said, "When Karen sings, her voice makes you feel what she is singing from her heart. She has something in her voice, that I wish I had, but don't have, and will never have."
This was "the" wedding song for a long time.
I remember hearing this when it first came out. I was 6. Her voice was velvet and silk. The 1970's was the greatest decade for talent
Hi Maddy. It's good to see you again. "We've Only Just Begun" is one of my favorite Carpenters song. Karen has such a sweet voice.
Crocker Bank featured this song in their 1970 TV commercial. It was written (lyrics only, music by Roger Nichols) and sung by Paul Williams, but the Carpenters made it their own when they recorded it. The first Carpenters song I ever heard, and still my favorite.
I don't know if that's right because they contacted Paul Williams to bring them the song with more verses. He stated this in an interview for the Carpenter's documentary.
@@TimKlepac-xm7vk You're right about them asking Paul Williams for more verses. That doesn't change anything I stated.
@@rodjohnson2632 I'm just curious why they contacted Williams?
@@TimKlepac-xm7vk I recall in an interview, Richard Carpenter said he saw the Crocker Bank TV commercial, thought the song would be a good one for the Carpenters to record, but it needed some more verses, as Paul Williams only wrote a short verse for the commercial. So he asked Paul to lengthen the song, which he did. Lucky for us, as it turned out to be one of the Carpenters best songs and also a big hit.
The first time I would have heard it, I think, was when it was used for a commercial for Crocker Bank in California back in 1969. If I remember right, it was used for the commercial-which featured a young couple on their wedding day-before it came out as a single.
Over half a century and still great. 😊 Thanks.
Funny thing is this song started life as Bank commercial. Richard Carpenter heard the commercial on the TV and recognized the arangement style of the composer and contacted him, & rewrote it for The Carpenters.
My 1st 45 record was a Carpenters song, their very 1st song or hit in 1969. I was 9 years old. I never stopped loving Karen. The best voice ever....gone to soo at 32 years old. Sad it was. Ive been to at least over 100 concerts. But never got chance to see them live.
Melancholy is perhaps the word you're looking to describe her sound
Hearing Karen's voice is like listening to an old friend. So smooth, so effortless, she had the voice of an angel.
This song was first part of a commercial.
I was in class, choir, 1982, and someone from the back of the room said that Karen Carpenter had died. I immediately walked out of school and they did not see me until the following Monday. I thought Karen was getting better, but the damage to her kidney and other organs had already been done. Ultimately rainy days and Mondays broke her heart, and broke mine too. Karen had starved herself to death. How on earth she thought she was not good enough? But once you learn about her mother it starts 'make sense' if you will. I had a 'strange crush' on Karen Carpenter. I wished she was, wanted her to be my older sister. Yep!?!
Thank you Maddie.
The Carpenters Christmas Album is superb. Nothing else comes close.
Maddie likes to wear brown and 'earth colors' huh?
Everyone loved her voice. I remember being at Disneyland in the 70s and the Carpenters were doing a show there. Disneyland piped their music out through the park. It left a mark on my soul in a good way. I'll never forget it.
Melancholy -a feeling of pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause
Karen Carpenter had an amazing voice, I don’t think there’s a Carpenters song that I don’t like. She passed far too young, just 32.
She's been gone longer than she was here.
She was also a great drummer.
23rd November 1974. Our first dance song at our wedding was 'Close to you' by the Carpenters.
The Carpenters was the first concert I went to with my family.
Una de las mejores voces femeninas de la historia.
When I 8 years old her voice derailed me. How can you sound melancholy, strong and soft at the same time!
Karen Carpenter = Beauty, Kindness and Perfect Pitch. There will never be another like Karen Anne. She is also the best female drummer ever. If you want to hear a beautiful Christmas song by Carpenters "Merry Christmas Darling" is brilliant. Merry Christmas !!!!
My favorite Carpenters song. Perfection!
Richard Carpenter was watching TV and saw an Insurance commercial and this was the melody...it was not a full song. Asked the composer to make a complete song....hence this masterpiece. Richard Carpenter makes the musical arrangement in all of their songs...a master at it.
The composer is Paul Williams (Rainy Days...)
Close, but it was from a commercial for a California bank, Crocker Bank, that was trying to get newlyweds to take our loans to start their new life together. The rest of what you said was right as I recollect it.
@@plaidmoon5642 Thanks! I'm gettin old... memory becomes a blur..heehee
Paul Williams wrote it. You should watch the Carpenters documentary where Paul talks about that, it's funny.
You’re so right! On how some of her music makes one melancholy. Not sure if it’s because how she died or what? But that’s how I feel.
I remember hearing the bank comercial first as a kid
Karen. Best female voice of all time. No one could’ve known whether it was live or recorded. She sounded exactly same live as in studio. Her nickname was one take Karen. She nailed every note every time.
Pure pleasure and effect on your emotions. My mother was born in the 1920s - soon after WW1, and she absolutely loved the Carpenters. People born then didn't really like pop music, but this passed the test for them.
Heavenly voice...
Agreed
Richard later revealed that the person who played the tambourine on virtually every Carpenters song (that featured a tambourine, like this song) was... Karen. Uncredited. So even when she's not playing her Ludwig drums on a studio track (the incredible Hal Blaine playing the drums here), Karen's tambourine adds another nuanced layer of upbeat percussion to the rhythm track...
Karen Carpenter was a special magic. She sang from another place. Her voice cuts deep to my soul. Her singing often makes me smile and cry at the very same time. Richard Carpenter is a huge part of their sound and very talented also.
PLEASE check out "Solitaire" and "Ordinary Fool" and "Littler Alter Boy". I would love to see your take on these.
She was carrying around so much pain, and I guess it came through in her voice.
Maddy this video was so difficult to watch because I knew the effect this song would have on me. Last Saturday, my wife of 36 years (it would be 37 next Wednesday) left me and filed for divorce. 😪I'm living in a lonely hell right now as I reflect on the horrible, controlling man that I have become. She was an angel sent from above and I mentally abused her for so many years but now she's gone, with very little hope of reconciliation. I'm so thankful for my pastor, my church family and lifelong friends who have surrounded me with their love, but there is no substitute for the love of my wife. I'm doing everything I can to show her that I will be a new man in the future, I'm starting multiple counseling groups in the next two weeks and letting her know that she can come home and I will leave so that she can be in her familiar safe home. She may not accept it but I'm praying that she will. Anyway, this song just reminded me of when we were first married in 1986. It was such an optimistic and joyous time, but now that optimism and joy has been replaced by despair and sadness. I'm praying that my wife will find it in her heart to forgive me for being the terrible dictator that I've been all these years. Thanks for the reaction, it was still good to hear this song. And Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Hi Maddy! She has great control of her vibrato.
In my opinion, the best
I sang backup to her in a concert when I was a kid and she was such a nice genuine person.
Lots of memories when i first heard this song in 1973 i was a young man then.
You are correct her name was Karen her brothers name is Richard
Great decades for music. Carpenters, Manilow, Bread, Abba and my fav. Beegees. All of the music in this decades are clean, easily listening although I was a kid in this decade, I really loved the music that I've heard on the radio...
A very popular wedding song back in the early 1970s.
I agree, perfection!
❤️
In the 70's I think this was played at just about every wedding.
Being in high school at the time this song was released, I can attest that many high schools used "We've Only Just Begun" as the theme of class proms. 🙂
The songs are poignant, and "longing" is the right word for the music/sound. It's actually what beauty often evokes when we encounter it. "Hurting Each Other" and "For All We Know" are similar to this. Such a great band, and doing a cover would be a great challenge to set yourself!
Karen had a gift of a golden voice & was also a fine 🙂 drummer 🥁. Merry Christmas 🎄 Maddy !
I first heard this when it came out, a million years ago. Have never grown tired of it. The beautiful singing and the incredible arrangement make it an absolute masterpiece. I've always loved when Richard takes the lead for a moment at the beginning of the chorus. Would have loved to have heard him do more singing, as I enjoy his voice also. Not as much as Karen's of course, but she's probably the greatest female pop singer to ever walk this earth. (With Linda Ronstadt and Cass Elliot not far behind).
THANK YOU FOR THE WONDERFUL REVIEW THEY WERE AWESOME❤❤
As you noted in your reaction to "Rainy days"... She was also a drummer. Not just some basic drummer either. She could tear it up! There's a killer "drum solo" of her on YT.
Masquerade and Solitäre are incredible. They both show how dynamic Karen‘s voice was.
Are you looking for the word melancholy? A lot of her love songs had melancholy undertones but were mesmerizing at the same time.
She's considered to have one of the most beautiful voices and one of the best drummers. She's sad because of an eating disorder that eventually killed her.
Carpenters were really good and she was one hell of a drummer.
I would describe the tone as melancholy! Unfortunately her life was troubled and she fought anorexia for years. Never found true love so I always feel sadness and joy in hearing her sing!
the "You" on stage was for the song and album "Close To You" also performed on this show.
Richard Carpenter was a musical prodigy. When he was little he could hear a song then play it on the piano. He did the arrangements. He also found some kind of a voice multiplier and they are their own back up singers so what you saw was not live.
Fall 1970..their 2nd #1 in a row. Karen was only 20, playing drums and singing actually. Richard heard it on a bank commercial involving newlyweds. He called the composers and they did a full song recording. I was 14 in 8th grade and in love with Karen lol. I CANNOT tell you how many weddings used this for the wedding song, or the bride and groom dance at the receptions, esp in the 1970's. The song sends me straight back to 1970 like a time machine. the choir harmonies are all done by both Richard and Karen on every record. Karen died from anorexia induced heart failure 40 years ago.
Thanks for the memories, Maddy. 😍
I first heard it when it came out in 1970.
Absolute classic from a legend. Hope you react to the one that goes, "Baby baby baby YOU BABAAAAY!"
She is missed so much by so many.
I would suggest the word you are looking for is melancholy. A warmth with a touch of sadness. SUPERSTAR,
HURTING EACH OTHER,
and SING are three more great songs by Karen and Richard you can enjoy.
Congratulations on 5ok subscribers, Maddie.
And Merry Christmas.