I don't think anyone can adequately explain what Karen's voice meant to those of us who listened to her at that time. I cried when she died, and I often cry when I listen to her today. Truly a tragic and senseless loss. And without doubt, one of the greatest voices of the 20th century. Many of us still miss her.
I also cried when she passed. When I was at work I always took the date off her passing off, so I could immerse myself in the Carpenters music. If you asked thirty people to describe her voice, you'd thirty different answers. She was simply amazingly good.
Keith, you put into words those things about Karen I could not express; it is as elusive as trying to perfectly describe the rare/unique essence of her hauntingly warm and smooth voice.
Oh, believe me, Karen was taking very deep breaths. She just had incredible breath control and command of phrasing, as well as pitch, intonation, and dynamics. She was a model singer. The histrionics of today's singers can't compare to her elegant simplicity.
Absolutely! She was incredible at circular breathing. People think her songs are easy to sing.... til they run out of breath while she's still singing. Her songs take more skill than is realised.... & yes, I sung her songs often in my early days as a singer. She made it look effortless & understated.
She was not only a fabulous singer, but a top notch drummer. That's why her rhythm was so good. She thought of herself as a drummer first and a singer second. An amazing talent, along with the musical genius Richard, who was her brother.
Months after my pop's passed, the Carpenters came on the radio as my husband and I were driving. I started weeping. Everything I was holding back came tearing out. The Carpenters were all over 70s radio. My dad would take me with him to run errands on Saturday mornings. The Carpenters were a big part of those Saturday mornings. Music can heal.
Karen was one of a kind. There will never be another like her. She had such a pure calming voice. And she was a terrific drummer. That was her passion even more than singing. Sadly we lost her so young. Thankfully we have her legacy left in her music. The Carpenters had so many great songs such as "We've Only Just Begun", "For All We Know", "Rainy Days & Mondays", "Goodbye To Love", "Top Of The World", "Sing", "Yesterday Once More", "I Won't Last A Day Without You", "Please Mr. Postman", "Only Yesterday", "There's A Kind Of Hush (All Over the World)", "I Need To Be In Love" & so many more.
Karen didn't actually 'master' various aspects of singing because all the intricate unique technical details of her voice came naturally, effortlessly-- that is called 'genius'. One could say the ESSENCE of her singing was so effortlessly brilliant that it is MAGICAL. We've never heard her unique brand of smoothness, warmth, timbre, range, emotion.....before or since her. It is a wonderful notion from those who described her voice as being just above a whisper when not using a microphone. Smooth, effortless magic.
Karen is a contralto - a beautiful and pure vocal range which she mastered. Her singing voice was almost haunting at times - so clean and pure. We miss her very much!
I grew up with the Carpenters and besides her incredible voice what I liked most is you could understand every single word she sang. Her enunciation was staggering. You never had to read the lyrics to figure out what that one or two words actually were.
I feel so sorry for you guys. You missed this era in American Music and are just discovering it now. Oh God was it so GOOD! No one did it better that she did. Take your hat off and stay a while, and let us boomers show you children how the masters did it.
I so agree. The sign of a true musician is the purity of tone and none reliance on auto tune which has falsified sound. Karen easy hit the C below middle C.
Sometimes teased fondly about having a "third lung" Karen had extraordinary breath control - it can be heard at several places in the verses of this song, and especially in the verses of their song "Goodbye To Love" (not to mention a lot of other songs). Her diction was letter-perfect, her phrasing impeccable, her emotional expression masterful - and her famous low notes were mind-blowing and iconic. So, given all of that - and the most stunningly beautiful vocal tone or timbre that God ever created - we have the very best pop/rock singer to ever record or perform. Not too bad for a top notch jazz drummer who would just as soon play as sing...
Phew !! Well said John B ! On another note, it is no wonder the Carpenters were the best selling pop music band of the 70's. Apparently their albums are still selling well !!
It's not the technical perfection of her voice that resonates with us. It's what we were going through at the time that makes it so important to our lives. She touched us on a visceral level that can't be understood today.
Karen had the rare distinction of having TWO world-class talents: the best female vocalist of all time, and the best female drummer of all time. Absolutely unsurpassed, and I've subbed to you just for more Carpenters reactions.
Rainy Days and Mondays - you might find the video featuring her singing this while playing the drums. Great stuff. She had a one-of-a-kind voice for sure - a low contralto that still managed to sound feminine. She and her brother were well aware that her audiences LOVED to hear her drop for a low note. Though it's not a big hit, Solitaire really showcases her rich lower notes and her enormous lung capacity - she could sing longer lines than any other pop artist I can think of.
The most beautiful part of this song - which imo is their best song, is when she sings the word "loneliness". You talked a little bit over it so not sure if you heard it, but the way she sings it is hard to describe, all I can think of is elegance. Sweetness, the way she draws out the Ls. It's just gorgeous. I've never heard anyone else who can sing like she could.
Music wise, Karen is considered to be a “Contralto.“ She has the most beautiful voice that I think I’ve ever heard and no one will be able to duplicate it. RIP Karen
When you said she can go low that is why and is noticed in the music world as the Voice. It has been said their are famous singers and legends and then there is Karen Carpenter. Nobody can or will ever sound like her. Whoever coined the phrase Nobody's Perfect, never heard Karen Carpenter sing! I am from the 70's rock n roll era and I never followed them until I hit the rabbit hole 4 years ago. Now tears flow when I hear her. WOW. Other songs that will grab your heart is "Your The One" and "Goodbye to Love".
Her voice is so thick and rich. I loved The Carpenters since the early seventies when they were considered "square" and I was also listening to Boston, The Eagles, etc. Time tells, doesn't it? Her voice (one-take Karen) and Richard's compositional ear made them great.
Karen will forever be a one of a kind. I grew up during their hay day and didn't appreciate them as much as I do now...what a loss to the music world by her early death. Everyone offers many of her songs to listen to and they are all great, you can't go wrong. One song that doesn't get mentioned much is Solitaire, maybe the best one she has ever done. Be for warned, it is a very slow song, but packed full of emotions...enough to take you to that place she's singing about in your heart and mind.
Karen began playing drums in her brother’s band. But when the studio execs heard her amazing alto voice they put her up front. Such a beautiful voice. She was one of the few who could sing perfectly on key live. ❤
"THIS MASQUERADE" is their finest in my book. Karen and Richard were magic together. She's my all-time favorite female vocalist with the most beautiful tone in the galaxy. So soothing...
6:47 “OH, she can go low”. Yeah, those were her money makin’ notes! Three octave range and always pitch perfect in or out of the studio; a true legend. She was also a fantastic drummer.
Karen was, in fact, a master of breathing impeccably in her songs. Just amazing. Especially as she originally was not trying to be a vocalist at all, but rather a drummer. And, of course, she was a phenomenal drummer, as well. She performed a wonderful medley with Ella Fitzgerald -- talk about making it look easy! Thanks for a great reaction!
Recorded in 1 take, reading the lyrics off a napkin and only 21 years old at the time! OTHERWORLDLY! "Superstar" reached #2 on the charts in 1971 and while it has been recorded by a number of singers/vocalist, (the 2nd most well known version being luther vandross, who himself was a huge fan of karen carpenter, did his version as a homage to her and her brother and said himself the carpenters version was the best), the carpenters, karen and richard, version remains the best known and most successful. In closing, the actual writers of the song, said that the carpenters version was the best ever recorded...
The duo utilized the "Wrecking Crew" which was a group of seasoned musicians out of L.A. that played sessions with various artists that needed their services.
I was a metal-head in high school and in a band, but me and a few others snuck around and listened to The Carpenters, until we all found out we were all listening to them. Although their image was too goody-goody (image was over-emphasized in youth), none of us could deny the musical greatness of The Carpenters. P.S. Karen was a bad-ass drummer also. P.P.S. Would love to see you (and other reactors) hear their song "Hurting Each Other"!
I love your memory of covert fandom, and I've heard similar things from friends about John Denver as well. I think the really mellow, lyrical singers were not considered "cool", but their voices were so beautiful that they had an impact on all kinds of music fans, which is as it should be!
So much more to her singing than vocal range. Ok, contralto. It's the purity of her voice; the precision of her pitch / intonation; incredible sense of time and timing; phrasing that is so beautifully done - coupled with that her breath control. The ease at which she performed. Sublime professionalism. Such an amazing performer and musician.
I had to pull my car off to the side of the road when they announced on radio that she had passed, I couldn't stop crying. She had the voice of an Earth Angel, her brother just as talented. I know Heaven has had beautiful Angelic music since her arrival 💜🕊️💜🌿
Part of what you were listening to is the application of a studio technique called doubling when the song transitioned into the chorus. Doubling is done in a multi-track session when the lead singer, in this case, will re-sing over the top of themselves on an additional track. Thereby, making it sound like two people are singing. Also, keep in mind, Karen was 20 to 21 years old when she recorded this and she did it in one take. There's not a singer of that age in our time that can remotely approach the skill level that Karen Carpenter exhibits in this song. The music, The Carpenters produced, while not presently recognized as such, is amongst the most sophisticated music ever created in the American Pop Music industry. I would encourage you to explore more of their music. Superstar is one of the best songs they ever recorded, but they did even better productions. Enjoy.
This old bag 63 year old lady harmonized with all her songs on the radio in highschool and college. She was my mentor. I'm a mezzo soprano and will never forget her. I celebrate her birthday every March 2. BTW Rod Stewart is a British rocker. Look him up!! Rainy Days and Mondays. Leon Russell wrote aLOT of songs for the Carpenters.
Love your reaction when you realize “she can go low!” You must listen to her sing “End of The World” (particularly the end) where she drops the last note not once, not twice, but three times.
There are so many incredible Carpenters’ songs: Rainy Days and Mondays Hurting Each Other I Won’t Last a Day Without You This Masquerade Yesterday Once More ❤❤❤❤❤
Carpenters were my favorite group when I was a young girl, they had so many great songs in the late 60's and early 70's, you identify with their music and associate it with your childhood. She's one of my favorites.
You're a good listener; you hit upon two points for which Karen is noted: Breath control and her rich contralto low-register. A lot of people miss this, but, where other singers will divide a phrase with a breath, she does the whole phrase. And, when you listen to other selections, you'll hear her go even lower. Early on they found out her low register was incredible, so Richard would do the songs in a key that would allow her to hit those low notes. Wow, you really pay attention!
This is simply one of the greatest female vocalists of all time no questions no arguments no discussion. If you can’t either see or hear the perfection of her voice then give it up because you simply no nothing about music. That Bert Bacharach trumpet influence in the background simply beautiful
She was a one in a million and we little girls adored her, sadly lost her way too early. 🥺 Yet here we are, with you SalvoG, remembering, cherishing, adoring...again. ❤ A gift to be shared, I would love to hear "Rainy Days and Mondays" next please.
The Carpenters were so amazing, She really did have a magical voice and she is very missed. All for their songs were memorable. The one you thought about was Rainy Days and Mondays. AMAZING!
This is like two songs combined into one. The melancholy of the verses juxtaposition against the upbeat chorus is just so refreshing. So many of the best songs have that variety within them. The ideas of two or three songs that the artist figures out how to blend into one cohesive piece of music.
Analyze Solitaire, PLEASE! It is the best showcase of her voice ever, especially her lower register. Her voice was just pure, always pitch perfect and she didn’t do (or need to do) the vocal riffs that are so common. She just sang it, spot on and with great emotion.
Remarkably fluid and heartfelt in her delivery. Utterly a gift from the gods of music. Thank you Karen Carpenter and Richard Carpenter for recording this song. Luther Vandross is smiling still...
The wrecking crew. The Carpenters were discovered by WC bass player Joel Osborne. They became stars when they started recording with the WC, Hal blaine on drums with the monster set, that we all heard on hundreds of records and TV and movie themes. It was Hal who coaxed her out from behind the drum set to take the lead vocal. Check out her drumming. th-cam.com/video/ECEBexCwGwM/w-d-xo.html
Wild to hear you comment "she can go low.." yep, she had that dynamic, that low pitch that got right under any thought process, and just grabbed your soul.... sorry to "gush", but....
no one and i mean no one, could touch her talent, now or ever, she ws one of a kind, every song she did hit no 1 , or 2 there was no one ever could even come close to her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sal you are the best reactionary guy on TH-cam. My sister's in love with you and so am I. Thanks so much for the videos from heavy metal to Karen Carpenter we love ya ❤
not sure if I said this on the previous video, but her voice was magical and unforced. It's like she was talking musically. No effort to hit notes or harmonize-just beautiful. Had to edit this as you just picked up on this-so impressed. Most reactors don't seem to realize how she just doesn't seem to have to put forth physical effort to sing so beautifully.
Leon Russell song. Richard Carpenter, keyboards, arrangements, the guts of the act, invented their sound, and arranged everything with some help on certain old style songs. Listen for his discordant chords here and there, such as in the brass bridges and backup vocals. She's 21 here. Air for miles... She was also a very good drummer, had "metronome timing", and could do both simultaneously . Listen to "Goodbye to Love". Richard wrote it up to her air capacity- she still does it effortlessly. They were the biggest American hitmakers of the 70s.
My favourite Carpenters song. Karen had a great vocal range but producers felt her lower register was what made the Carpenters unique. The only other female artist I've heard was Toni Braxton who briefly uses her lower register like this in Un-Break My Heart. Karen was also an accomplished musician and played percussion. She had a great jazz sense in spite of their pop sound. Bonnie and Delaney Bramlett along with Leon Russell wrote Superstar but Karen's performance is iconic.
Always loved singing along to her songs. Gone too soon & missed very much. Blessed we have her legacy of music left here for everyone to cherish. RIP Karen Carpenter. Thnx for ur great reactions Salvog.
Karen Carpenter was an Angel 😇 sent from Heaven and left us way too soon! One of the most beautiful voices ever heard! The compositions are the direct result of her brother Richard Carpenter who really played to Karen’s strengths as a singer! I LOVE ❤️ the music of The Carpenters! RIP Karen!
Hearing her voice for the first time as a child, was like listening to an angel. I wore the needle our and record too. I'd sing with her records feel the intonation into my soul. God blessed us with such a warm and excellent voice!
She was just fabulous, her voice is like a breath of fresh air I could listen to her everyday of the week, I miss her and her amazing voice, REST EASY karen and God bless your beautiful soul.
Carpenters (not THE Carpenters) were extraordinary. Karen was a one in a millennium voice and those of us lucky enough to have enjoyed her singing (and drumming) when she was alive will never get over the loss but so grateful to see their music is still being listened to today. Remember that Karen's voice was ALL HER - no autotune, no technical machinations - just pure God-given talent. There is no one today that can even TOUCH her voice.
No auto tune for this girl. She was the real deal. I loved the 70's. My dad used to joke about them being the invisible band. They sold millions, but nobody would admit they liked them. The movie Tommy Boy makes a joke about it. I'm sure someone has told you already but an oboe looks like a clarinet. But it has a double reed like a bassoon.
I don't think anyone can adequately explain what Karen's voice meant to those of us who listened to her at that time. I cried when she died, and I often cry when I listen to her today. Truly a tragic and senseless loss. And without doubt, one of the greatest voices of the 20th century. Many of us still miss her.
I also cried when she passed. When I was at work I always took the date off her passing off, so I could immerse myself in the Carpenters music. If you asked thirty people to describe her voice, you'd thirty different answers. She was simply amazingly good.
I agree. Me too 😢
Amy Winehouse, also lost too early, is the closest thing to her that I can think of, but close is not the same. There will never be another Karen.
Keith, you put into words those things about Karen I could not express; it is as elusive as trying to perfectly describe the rare/unique essence of her hauntingly warm and smooth voice.
I cried too. I listened to the brown album on headphones and cried.
Her voice sends me to a different world. It’s magical, mystifying, enchanting…
Oh, believe me, Karen was taking very deep breaths. She just had incredible breath control and command of phrasing, as well as pitch, intonation, and dynamics. She was a model singer. The histrionics of today's singers can't compare to her elegant simplicity.
so well said
As a singer I totally agree. Everyone takes breaths but good/great singers know when and how.
I totally agree with you! Karen's style of singing is the best IMO! I can listen to her all day! Very well said, guy! 👍👍🎸🍻
Absolutely! She was incredible at circular breathing. People think her songs are easy to sing.... til they run out of breath while she's still singing. Her songs take more skill than is realised.... & yes, I sung her songs often in my early days as a singer. She made it look effortless & understated.
She was not only a fabulous singer, but a top notch drummer. That's why her rhythm was so good. She thought of herself as a drummer first and a singer second. An amazing talent, along with the musical genius Richard, who was her brother.
Our beloved Karen left us 40 years ago on February 4, 1983. 💔😢Greatest female vocalist ever! 👏🤗
Months after my pop's passed, the Carpenters came on the radio as my husband and I were driving. I started weeping. Everything I was holding back came tearing out. The Carpenters were all over 70s radio. My dad would take me with him to run errands on Saturday mornings. The Carpenters were a big part of those Saturday mornings. Music can heal.
Karen was one of a kind. There will never be another like her. She had such a pure calming voice. And she was a terrific drummer. That was her passion even more than singing. Sadly we lost her so young. Thankfully we have her legacy left in her music. The Carpenters had so many great songs such as "We've Only Just Begun", "For All We Know", "Rainy Days & Mondays", "Goodbye To Love", "Top Of The World", "Sing", "Yesterday Once More", "I Won't Last A Day Without You", "Please Mr. Postman", "Only Yesterday", "There's A Kind Of Hush (All Over the World)", "I Need To Be In Love" & so many more.
...Goodbye to Love.. please!
Hurting Each Other is also amazing
I need to be in love pls Love Karen
I love her cover of “This Masquerade”
Notice all the songs were with her brother, Richard. Her solo album tanked.
Back then there was no auto tune or vocal assistance. What you saw was what you got. And with Karen Carpenter you always saw perfection!
People in her circle said Karen sang just above a whisper but the microphone loved her. Yes what a voice.
Karen didn't actually 'master' various aspects of singing because all the intricate unique technical details of her voice came naturally, effortlessly-- that is called 'genius'. One could say the ESSENCE of her singing was so effortlessly brilliant that it is MAGICAL. We've never heard her unique brand of smoothness, warmth, timbre, range, emotion.....before or since her. It is a wonderful notion from those who described her voice as being just above a whisper when not using a microphone. Smooth, effortless magic.
Amen to that!
Many parts of her songs, she sang out with power & at times, near a whisper. You can hear the difference.
Karen is a contralto - a beautiful and pure vocal range which she mastered. Her singing voice was almost haunting at times - so clean and pure. We miss her very much!
Well-said
Absolutely haunting without a doubt.
Karen is known for her lower register contralto, which is not extremely common among female singers, and that’s part of what made her so special.
I believe she had a 3 octave range, but her lower register was where the money was, so to speak
@@samueltabo3390 Karen said the $$ was in the basement
Her lower register was sublime; unmatched in my opinion.
Bea Arthur had a low register singing voice but it is on the other side of the spectrum of course.
I think that Cher is also a contralto.
I grew up with the Carpenters and besides her incredible voice what I liked most is you could understand every single word she sang. Her enunciation was staggering. You never had to read the lyrics to figure out what that one or two words actually were.
Her voice was pure gold. From the pop songs, to the Christmas albums. It’s NOT Christmas in my house till Karen sings!! Gone away too soon 😢
I feel so sorry for you guys. You missed this era in American Music and are just discovering it now. Oh God was it so GOOD! No one did it better that she did.
Take your hat off and stay a while, and let us boomers show you children how the masters did it.
Karen was one of the best female singers ever! She recorded songs with one take if you can believe it!
Yes, she was called "One Take Karen" by producers and colleagues.
The best!
And perfect pitch.
one of the goats
@@execatty well she's the best female goat!!!!
Yesterday Once More is the song that always jerks a tear out of me. The nostalgia just builds and turns to grief in the end.
The Carpenters were secretly goth
The absence of AutoTune enhances the spectacular range of Karen's vocal reach.
I so agree. The sign of a true musician is the purity of tone and none reliance on auto tune which has falsified sound.
Karen easy hit the C below middle C.
Sometimes teased fondly about having a "third lung" Karen had extraordinary breath control - it can be heard at several places in the verses of this song, and especially in the verses of their song "Goodbye To Love" (not to mention a lot of other songs). Her diction was letter-perfect, her phrasing impeccable, her emotional expression masterful - and her famous low notes were mind-blowing and iconic. So, given all of that - and the most stunningly beautiful vocal tone or timbre that God ever created - we have the very best pop/rock singer to ever record or perform. Not too bad for a top notch jazz drummer who would just as soon play as sing...
Very well said. 👏👏👏 Bravo!!!
Phew !! Well said John B ! On another note, it is no wonder the Carpenters were the best selling pop music band of the 70's. Apparently their albums are still selling well !!
It's not the technical perfection of her voice that resonates with us. It's what we were going through at the time that makes it so important to our lives. She touched us on a visceral level that can't be understood today.
Her beautiful voice never needed auto tuned. Her natural ability was mind blowing!! Miss her!! A gift she was!
So wonderful to watch someone discover and fall in love with Karen's voice. She was extraordinary.
No studio tricks. Just pure talent. Karen sounds amazing even without any musical accompaniment.
Karen had the rare distinction of having TWO world-class talents: the best female vocalist of all time, and the best female drummer of all time. Absolutely unsurpassed, and I've subbed to you just for more Carpenters reactions.
Rainy Days and Mondays - you might find the video featuring her singing this while playing the drums. Great stuff. She had a one-of-a-kind voice for sure - a low contralto that still managed to sound feminine. She and her brother were well aware that her audiences LOVED to hear her drop for a low note. Though it's not a big hit, Solitaire really showcases her rich lower notes and her enormous lung capacity - she could sing longer lines than any other pop artist I can think of.
I agree, her vocal on Solitaire is great!
And she never needed to 'belt' to wow her audience. Though I'd love to hear her give it her best effort.
@@MoMoMyPup10 Try listening to their song "Another Song" from the Close to You album. I think that's probably her belt-iest. ;-)
Sinatra.
I super agree that Solitaire was her greatest vocal performance. It showcased her rich, crystal clear, sophisticated, and melancholic voice.
When she sang "Don't you remember you told me you loved me baby" it sounded like she had an entire orchestra and choir in her one voice. Amazing.
Her voice is one of a kind. Her lower register is like rich, golden velvet. .... a true gift. Also an incredibly talented drummer, to boot.
This is my favourite Carpenters song by far
.that deep vibrato is just magnificent definitely the GOAT
Karen's voice is like a gentle breeze that hits you at the right time on a beautiful spring day.
that is one perfect way to describe it ❤️
your so right ... and you keep on looking for it time after time. It is such a great voice
The most beautiful part of this song - which imo is their best song, is when she sings the word "loneliness". You talked a little bit over it so not sure if you heard it, but the way she sings it is hard to describe, all I can think of is elegance. Sweetness, the way she draws out the Ls. It's just gorgeous. I've never heard anyone else who can sing like she could.
She sings so beutifully,so effortlessly
Karen's voice was pure and golden. She was a good drummer also.
indeed...a fantastic jazz drummer!!
A very good drummer
Linda ronstadt was another extraordinary female vocalist from the 70s, along with Karen. They are often compared to one another.
Growing up my buddys were all Zep and Van Halen guys but we all got in to the Carpenters. We didn't advertise it but we definitely liked them.
Music wise, Karen is considered to be a “Contralto.“ She has the most beautiful voice that I think I’ve ever heard and no one will be able to duplicate it. RIP Karen
Welcome to the magical brilliance of Karen Carpenter ❤
This Masquerade is another great song. Richard's arrangement is really fantastic! As always.
And "A Song for You", all three of them written by Leon Russell.
When you said she can go low that is why and is noticed in the music world as the Voice. It has been said their are famous singers and legends and then there is Karen Carpenter. Nobody can or will ever sound like her. Whoever coined the phrase Nobody's Perfect, never heard Karen Carpenter sing! I am from the 70's rock n roll era and I never followed them until I hit the rabbit hole 4 years ago. Now tears flow when I hear her. WOW. Other songs that will grab your heart is "Your The One" and "Goodbye to Love".
That switch flipping you mentioned, she did that in a lot of songs which made them amazing. ♥️
Yap. Karen had perfect pitch and she overdubbed her voice singing the same notes 3 times. This is how you got the ''flip the switch'' sound.
She's a GREAT drummer also!
And her brother Richard is an excellent pianist!
Her voice is so thick and rich. I loved The Carpenters since the early seventies when they were considered "square" and I was also listening to Boston, The Eagles, etc. Time tells, doesn't it? Her voice (one-take Karen) and Richard's compositional ear made them great.
Karen will forever be a one of a kind. I grew up during their hay day and didn't appreciate them as much as I do now...what a loss to the music world by her early death. Everyone offers many of her songs to listen to and they are all great, you can't go wrong. One song that doesn't get mentioned much is Solitaire, maybe the best one she has ever done. Be for warned, it is a very slow song, but packed full of emotions...enough to take you to that place she's singing about in your heart and mind.
Karen began playing drums in her brother’s band. But when the studio execs heard her amazing alto voice they put her up front. Such a beautiful voice. She was one of the few who could sing perfectly on key live. ❤
"THIS MASQUERADE" is their finest in my book. Karen and Richard were magic together. She's my all-time favorite female vocalist with the most beautiful tone in the galaxy. So soothing...
Hands down thee best voice!! No auto tune just a pure amazing one of a kind voice. It’s effortless. What she has can’t be taught. She just had it
6:47 “OH, she can go low”. Yeah, those were her money makin’ notes! Three octave range and always pitch perfect in or out of the studio; a true legend. She was also a fantastic drummer.
Karen was, in fact, a master of breathing impeccably in her songs. Just amazing. Especially as she originally was not trying to be a vocalist at all, but rather a drummer. And, of course, she was a phenomenal drummer, as well. She performed a wonderful medley with Ella Fitzgerald -- talk about making it look easy! Thanks for a great reaction!
Recorded in 1 take, reading the lyrics off a napkin and only 21 years old at the time! OTHERWORLDLY! "Superstar" reached #2 on the charts in 1971 and while it has been recorded by a number of singers/vocalist, (the 2nd most well known version being luther vandross, who himself was a huge fan of karen carpenter, did his version as a homage to her and her brother and said himself the carpenters version was the best), the carpenters, karen and richard, version remains the best known and most successful. In closing, the actual writers of the song, said that the carpenters version was the best ever recorded...
That's what makes a great singer, they can go high, midrange and low with a flick of a switch. She's just unbelievable and she's truly missed. 😢
Superstar is my favorite Carpenter’s song.
Mine too!
Greatest female vocalist I've ever heard.
Same here, agree 100%
Agreed.
The duo utilized the "Wrecking Crew" which was a group of seasoned musicians out of L.A. that played sessions with various artists that needed their services.
She had the absolute most perfect vibrato. Unreal. Textbook.
I was a metal-head in high school and in a band, but me and a few others snuck around and listened to The Carpenters, until we all found out we were all listening to them. Although their image was too goody-goody (image was over-emphasized in youth), none of us could deny the musical greatness of The Carpenters. P.S. Karen was a bad-ass drummer also. P.P.S. Would love to see you (and other reactors) hear their song "Hurting Each Other"!
That's an awesome story 🥰
Gotta Stop!
I love your memory of covert fandom, and I've heard similar things from friends about John Denver as well. I think the really mellow, lyrical singers were not considered "cool", but their voices were so beautiful that they had an impact on all kinds of music fans, which is as it should be!
"Only Yesterday" is another great song of theirs that often gets overlooked these days, although it was popular when released.
So much more to her singing than vocal range. Ok, contralto. It's the purity of her voice; the precision of her pitch / intonation; incredible sense of time and timing; phrasing that is so beautifully done - coupled with that her breath control. The ease at which she performed. Sublime professionalism. Such an amazing performer and musician.
You can hear how depressed she was, it’s like she has a tear in her voice, but definitely an outstanding singer
I had to pull my car off to the side of the road when they announced on radio that she had passed, I couldn't stop crying. She had the voice of an Earth Angel, her brother just as talented. I know Heaven has had beautiful Angelic music since her arrival 💜🕊️💜🌿
Her tone and breath control were perfection...SMOOTH.
Rod Stewart's "Maggie May" - Excellent song!
Part of what you were listening to is the application of a studio technique called doubling when the song transitioned into the chorus. Doubling is done in a multi-track session when the lead singer, in this case, will re-sing over the top of themselves on an additional track. Thereby, making it sound like two people are singing. Also, keep in mind, Karen was 20 to 21 years old when she recorded this and she did it in one take. There's not a singer of that age in our time that can remotely approach the skill level that Karen Carpenter exhibits in this song. The music, The Carpenters produced, while not presently recognized as such, is amongst the most sophisticated music ever created in the American Pop Music industry. I would encourage you to explore more of their music. Superstar is one of the best songs they ever recorded, but they did even better productions. Enjoy.
This old bag 63 year old lady harmonized with all her songs on the radio in highschool and college. She was my mentor. I'm a mezzo soprano and will never forget her. I celebrate her birthday every March 2. BTW Rod Stewart is a British rocker. Look him up!! Rainy Days and Mondays. Leon Russell wrote aLOT of songs for the Carpenters.
It took me many years to appreciate the Carpenters music, not that I am older I now see how great they were. So dark and bright at the same time.
Absolutely the BEST female singer ever to grace this planet. I've been singing my whole life. I do it for a living. I know what I'm talking about
Love your reaction when you realize “she can go low!”
You must listen to her sing “End of The World” (particularly the end) where she drops the last note not once, not twice, but three times.
Considered the best breather ever. Some of her work you can hear her breathing into the mic. It's like she's right there with you.
There are so many incredible Carpenters’ songs:
Rainy Days and Mondays
Hurting Each Other
I Won’t Last a Day Without You
This Masquerade
Yesterday Once More
❤❤❤❤❤
Carpenters were my favorite group when I was a young girl, they had so many great songs in the late 60's and early 70's, you identify with their music and associate it with your childhood. She's one of my favorites.
You're a good listener; you hit upon two points for which Karen is noted: Breath control and her rich contralto low-register. A lot of people miss this, but, where other singers will divide a phrase with a breath, she does the whole phrase. And, when you listen to other selections, you'll hear her go even lower. Early on they found out her low register was incredible, so Richard would do the songs in a key that would allow her to hit those low notes. Wow, you really pay attention!
This is simply one of the greatest female vocalists of all time no questions no arguments no discussion.
If you can’t either see or hear the perfection of her voice then give it up because you simply no nothing about music.
That Bert Bacharach trumpet influence in the background simply beautiful
Guy fell in love after she first said I Love You. The deep inhale was the giveaway. Great taste.
She was a one in a million and we little girls adored her, sadly lost her way too early. 🥺
Yet here we are, with you SalvoG, remembering, cherishing, adoring...again. ❤
A gift to be shared, I would love to hear "Rainy Days and Mondays" next please.
Her voice was butter; no auto tune, ever, she just changed her pitch on demand
The Carpenters were so amazing, She really did have a magical voice and she is very missed. All for their songs were memorable. The one you thought about was Rainy Days and Mondays. AMAZING!
This is like two songs combined into one. The melancholy of the verses juxtaposition against the upbeat chorus is just so refreshing. So many of the best songs have that variety within them. The ideas of two or three songs that the artist figures out how to blend into one cohesive piece of music.
"Dude, she can go LOW..." yep! 😄
Analyze Solitaire, PLEASE! It is the best showcase of her voice ever, especially her lower register. Her voice was just pure, always pitch perfect and she didn’t do (or need to do) the vocal riffs that are so common. She just sang it, spot on and with great emotion.
I like your approach at showing people what you are reading as facts on your computer. You are unique in this way.
Remarkably fluid and heartfelt in her delivery. Utterly a gift from the gods of music. Thank you Karen Carpenter and Richard Carpenter for recording this song. Luther Vandross is smiling still...
We lost Karen way too soon, RIP but she is with us for ever in our hearts. Thanks SalvoG for extending her legacy to new listeners..Cheers
She continues to make the whole world a little bit more cheerful for everyone.
The wrecking crew. The Carpenters were discovered by WC bass player Joel Osborne. They became stars when they started recording with the WC, Hal blaine on drums with the monster set, that we all heard on hundreds of records and TV and movie themes. It was Hal who coaxed her out from behind the drum set to take the lead vocal. Check out her drumming. th-cam.com/video/ECEBexCwGwM/w-d-xo.html
April 29 th I will be going to a Carpenters tribute at The Maryland Theater , where I live....Happy Birthday to me 😄
Saw them in 1975. She did a good portion of their set playing drums. It was amazing how she could do both and still have that quality in her voice.
I get chills every time I listen to this.
Wild to hear you comment "she can go low.." yep, she had that dynamic, that low pitch that got right under any thought process, and just grabbed your soul.... sorry to "gush", but....
no one and i mean no one, could touch her talent, now or ever, she ws one of a kind, every song she did hit no 1 , or 2 there was no one ever could even come close to her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Her voice was perfection. No other words needed
Sal you are the best reactionary guy on TH-cam. My sister's in love with you and so am I. Thanks so much for the videos from heavy metal to Karen Carpenter we love ya ❤
Innocence is the word that she sings with! Rainy days and Monday is the song you're thinking of !
not sure if I said this on the previous video, but her voice was magical and unforced. It's like she was talking musically. No effort to hit notes or harmonize-just beautiful. Had to edit this as you just picked up on this-so impressed. Most reactors don't seem to realize how she just doesn't seem to have to put forth physical effort to sing so beautifully.
Short troubled life & Huge talent, that's how legends are made.
Leon Russell song. Richard Carpenter, keyboards, arrangements, the guts of the act, invented their sound, and arranged everything with some help on certain old style songs. Listen for his discordant chords here and there, such as in the brass bridges and backup vocals. She's 21 here. Air for miles... She was also a very good drummer, had "metronome timing", and could do both simultaneously .
Listen to "Goodbye to Love". Richard wrote it up to her air capacity- she still does it effortlessly. They were the biggest American hitmakers of the 70s.
My favourite Carpenters song. Karen had a great vocal range but producers felt her lower register was what made the Carpenters unique. The only other female artist I've heard was Toni Braxton who briefly uses her lower register like this in Un-Break My Heart. Karen was also an accomplished musician and played percussion. She had a great jazz sense in spite of their pop sound. Bonnie and Delaney Bramlett along with Leon Russell wrote Superstar but Karen's performance is iconic.
Always loved singing along to her songs. Gone too soon & missed very much. Blessed we have her legacy of music left here for everyone to cherish. RIP Karen Carpenter. Thnx for ur great reactions Salvog.
Sing a song was one of my childhood favorites. Her voice was like an angel
Karen Carpenter was an Angel 😇 sent from Heaven and left us way too soon! One of the most beautiful voices ever heard! The compositions are the direct result of her brother Richard Carpenter who really played to Karen’s strengths as a singer! I LOVE ❤️ the music of The Carpenters! RIP Karen!
Hearing her voice for the first time as a child, was like listening to an angel. I wore the needle our and record too. I'd sing with her records feel the intonation into my soul. God blessed us with such a warm and excellent voice!
A voice as smooth as silk
She was just fabulous, her voice is like a breath of fresh air I could listen to her everyday of the week, I miss her and her amazing voice, REST EASY karen and God bless your beautiful soul.
Carpenters (not THE Carpenters) were extraordinary. Karen was a one in a millennium voice and those of us lucky enough to have enjoyed her singing (and drumming) when she was alive will never get over the loss but so grateful to see their music is still being listened to today. Remember that Karen's voice was ALL HER - no autotune, no technical machinations - just pure God-given talent. There is no one today that can even TOUCH her voice.
No auto tune for this girl. She was the real deal. I loved the 70's. My dad used to joke about them being the invisible band. They sold millions, but nobody would admit they liked them. The movie Tommy Boy makes a joke about it. I'm sure someone has told you already but an oboe looks like a clarinet. But it has a double reed like a bassoon.