Karen Carpenter's rich, pure contralto voice needed no embellishment. A voice like hers is rarely heard - she truly had the voice of an angel. Rest in peace, Karen.
Watching people's reactions when they 1st hear Karen sing never gets old.... Nearly 40 years later and she is STILL making believers out of people and rocking our world... We miss you Karen...
Karen's voice is called a Contralto( between an alto voice and a soprano voice. Listen and react to her songs " Top Of The World, Sing, and Yesterday Once More."
Im on my late 60s, so remember KC very well on the radio and TV specials.She began, with her brother Richard, by playing drums. Richard,her brother, was a terrific arranger but KC's voice was discovered by Herb Alpert in 1969 which began their road to fame. Richard convinced her that her best singing voice was contralto, 'the money is in the basement'. I believe KC's, voice, especially contralto, was the best female voice ever. No auto-tune, stripping, gimmicks, or screaming. Her nickname was 'one take', since she always sang a song once in studio without a single re-take. She sang to you with mesmerizing emotion, perfect pitch and enunciation. Her voice compelled you to listen. She had no professional voice training. Paul McCartney said she sang Ticket To Ride better than the Beatles, and "she had the most angelic voice I have ever heard". John Lennon told her at an LA restaurant "you have a fabulous voice luv". Every female harmony in all of her songs was hers as well, sang, then dubbed into the song by Richard. They were most successful in early/mid1970s when she received 4 grammys. She was also recognized by 1975 Playboy poll as rock drummer of the year. She never knew true love, nor how good she really was. Check other songs such as 'Superstar' 'Solitaire', 'Only Yesterday', 'Hideaway', 'Rainy Days and Mondays','I Can Dream Cant I', 'Hurting Each Other', 'Need To Be In Love', 'Goodbye To Love', etc.. She had low self-image, and could never seem to please her mother. She had a few friends including Dionne Warwick. She had serious onset of anorexia in 1975 that continued the rest of her life. Married a guy in 1982 that was broke, not who she thought, and mistreated her. Never knew true love. She died Feb 1983 at 32yo due to complications from anorexia. [Some info contained herein came from documentaries such as, "Only Yesterday]"
Both Karen and Richard are brilliant. He took a bank commercial song ( Written by Paul Williams) and made a Hit...We've only just begun. This song " Superstar " is amazing. She is the best singer there ever was or ever will be! ❤
Karen was a unicorn, unequalled since her death. Richard's arrangements know how for the perfect songs for Karen. Her 'Ave Maria' on their Christmas Portrait CD shows her mid range soprano highs.
Couldn’t find my new comment to add to, so here’s a new one. Be sure to check out the revamp that Richard arranged with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Richard’s talent as an arranger and genius musician is showcased in this TH-cam feature. It will blow you away.
This is as close as you can get to Karen "belting" out a song. This was the style of the Carpenters. Glad you chose this version of this song. There's a video where you hear her voice by itself. It's amazing. She was known as "one take Karen" in the studio.
I believe the term for Karen’s range is “contralto “ I just love her lower register. No vocal acrobatics needed for her greatness. I think this may be my favorite Carpenters track- just so haunting. Awesome reaction 👏👏
I believe he’s speaking specifically about the notes he’s hearing - not her entire vocal capacity For clarity, I believe it’s somewhat insulting to the hosts intelligence to suggest he doesn’t know what a contraltos range is He never said KC is an alto or tenor He said she’s singing notes within those ranges Are you a musician ? We can all go to Wikipedia and within 3 sentences see she’s classified as a contralto with a 3.5, close to 4 full octave range. Or watch the first 15 minutes of yesterday once more to have such terms as “the moneys in the basement “… or “when she sings in the lower register “. Like the world has enough parrots reciting or plagiarizing common internet publications already I’ve studied the carpenters music for many years and have been enamored with Karen’s drumming skill set as much as her vocals I’ve spent hours working our finger style arrangements and while my brain works better than my fingers it doesn’t stop me from poring heart and soul into those works
Karen’s voice is one that you recognize immediately. So pure. It’s interesting to hear vocal teachers talk about her range. Her lower register was really on par with a mid range male vocal. Most people in general sing higher than they do when they speak. Karen actually sang much lower than her speaking voice. Highly unusual- especially for a female vocalist- and also just spectacular. I seriously don’t know anyone who sounds like her.
I've been listening to the carpenters for almost 50 years now and Karen's voice still gives me chills every time I hear her perfect voice. Sheer perfection.
It kinda mystifies me when people describe Karen's voice as "soothing". Surely it's the most melancholy sound in the known universe. If you're feeling fragile, it will just crush you.
You still get chills? I still do.... after 50 years of listening!! But I don't mind, at all ! And I love to see the reaction videos. It's like the host is hearing real music for the first time in his/her life. Their little brains blow a fuse.
Back in the 70s, Frank Sinatra said Karen Carpenter was the only contemporary singer he would pay to see. Also, John Lennon was a huge fan, and I actually heard Alice Cooper say that Karen Carpenter had the best voice in popular music.
Her voice is like honey, soft, smooth and so sublime. It gives me shivers down my spine. Yes it is the best version of this song with fab harmonies and a beautiful melody. I really miss these oldies. Thanks for reacting to them Chad xx
Love your reaction to the ever wonderful Karen Carpenter. She and Richard, her older brother and producer, singer, arranger, songwriter and another of the musicians in the group, were globally one of the top selling artists of the day throughout the 1970s. But by the late 70s they both were struggling from so many years on the road yet their music lives on to this day. I'm thrilled to hear you talk about her lower range. Two songs that were released as singles in their catalog where she really hits those low bottom-of-the-basement notes for a woman's typical range is on "Solitaire" & "Only Yesterday". Holy mackerel, the first note on "Only Yesterday" is so low! And she nails it beautifully! Thank you so much for your reaction. She was wonderful! And Richard's arrangements and production was amazing. They are one of the few groups to this day who did all of the voice overdubbing, meaning every voice you hear on their recordings are theirs, just the two of them singing all the parts, backing vocals and such. Thank you for your reaction!
Only yesterday is probably my favorite song of theirs. No doubt that first note just grabs you. I've never heard an equal to her and she has been gone for over 40 years , unfortunately.
I LOVE "Solitaire." I think it's one of her best performances (although all of her performances are fantastic). Although, I hate "This Masquerade," maybe because it's jazzy.
The harmonies were by both siblings. Richard employed the technique of overdubbing of vocals quite extensively in the recordings, especially in their earlier albums.
One of the marks of a great recording is that you can hear it over and over again and never tire of it, you are never over it and this is definitely in that category.
My job was to was dishes after dinner. Also listened to AM radio pop every night. Had to get small radio with an FM band for my room when the first FM station signed on.
Hey, Chad… I’m so glad you decided to react to some of the Carpenters catalog.You should really listen to… Yesterday once more, masquerade, only yesterday, close to you… There are many many more! Once she gets in, it’s very difficult to let her go.
Of course you have heard of them! Anyone born in the 80s or earlier has heard of the Carpenters. Even if you never listened to them, you at least heard of them. Girls of my age were actually told about eating disorders using poor Karen's death as an example of what can happen if you start trying to alter your appearance by those means. She had such a lovely voice. What a shame that she couldn't see that she was a wonderful gift to the world and didn't need to be stick thin.
This was the year I graduated high school. Her voice was always so soothing to everyone who loved her. It's a shame it wasn't as soothing to her. She had so much more to give us because those years didn't give us very many female artists other than Carole King or Aretha Franklin that had staying power
I may be wrong, but I think Luther Vandross covered this too which I love, but I think The Carpenters’ version will always be my favorite. I love her low voice.
And also Leon recorded a video of this too. I rank them Karen, Leon, Luther but all are amazing in each of their ways. There’s another that predates these 3 but I’m not as familiar, Leon just did piano on that one, besides writing the dang song. It went by Groupie (Superstar) or something like that? I got some googling to do.
If you look at her mouth,there is no sign she's trying to sing,it just comes out like beautiful magic! RIP karen Might I suggest the mamas and papas california dreamin
God Bless You Brother 💯 RESPECT TO YOU GET MAMA CASS STRAIGHT SHOOTER YOU'LL ENJOY HER LIFE LITTLE BROTHER OHH MEMORIAL DAY IS THE DAY I SAW MY WIFE I WILL LOVE NO OTHER THAN MY PATRICIA ANN 57 GLORIOUS YEARS, HOPE YOU GET A NICE PERSON TO BE WITH YOU YOU DESERVE TO BE. HAPPY PAT AND I WANT THE BEST FOR YOU LITERALLY 🇺🇸🙏😔💎🏅💯
Although the best known version, Carpenters "Superstar" is a cover. Originally titled "Groupie (Superstar)", released as a single Dec. 1969 by Delaney & Bonnie & Friends (Bonnie Bramlett, lead vocals, Rita Coolidge, back-up vocals, Eric Clapton, guitar & Leon Russell, piano). When Delaney & Bonnie released their 1972 album, they used the original 1969 recording on it, which is why some sites mistakenly list theirs as a 1972 version. There were at least 3 recorded covers in 1970; Cher (as a single, which didn’t do well), McPhee (Australian group) & the Mad Dogs & Englishman live album (Rita Coolidge, lead vocals & Leon Russell, piano). Then, Richard Carpenter heard Bette Midler sing it on The Tonight Show, Feb. 14, 1971 & felt it would be good for the album they were working on (which was released May 1971).
Thanks for reacting to this duo. I suggest you air one of their lesser known songs called solitaire. Dont be surprised if it brings a tear to your eyes.
Yay! I'd been waiting for your next Carpenters reaction. Thanks. This was one of my favorites of their songs. Maybe Yesterday Once More next? It's one with which we can all identify.
Thanks for this reaction. This was one of two promo films recorded on the stage of the Desert Inn in Las Vegas in April 1971. The other was for "Rainy Days and Mondays." In both cases, the studio recording is used for the audio, so neither was "live." In the case of "Superstar," Karen's vocal in the recording was drawn from her work lead, but her first-take performance was exceptional and was retained for the final recording. All background vocals are by Karen and Richard, as was typical on their recordings for much of their career.
Thank you for reacting to this beautiful song. It might be my favorite Karen Carpenter vocal, but there are so many wonderful songs, so it's hard to choose a favorite. Did you know she was also a fabulous drummer? There is this awesome video of her doing a drum solo on a TV special they did; if you ever want to check it out, you will see the pure joy on her face: th-cam.com/video/ie1WWWOxhMs/w-d-xo.html
I was just mentioning this duo to you a few days ago. Thank you, Chad, for starting to feature my favourite group from USA on your channel. Trivia - they were friends of the Bee Gees! 😊
I have always loved this song. 9 year old me cried my eyes out when their very short lived TV show was canceled. I also remember the 8-track would fade in the middle of this song, switch tracks and fade back in. Very annoying. LOL.
The only 8-track of mine that did the song track change was the Doobie Brothers greatest hits during South City Midnight Lady. Yes, it was very annoying!
I remember watching a documentary or a film about her when she first auditioned for a radio company, she sang in a soprano voice, but the client considered it a waste of time, there was nothing extraordinary about it. When Richard told Karen to use her natural voice to sing a song, that changed their lives completely.
Chad, Thank you. Superstar is timeless beauty. FYI...SATB (Soprano/Alto/Tenor/Bass) are the parts that are written for singers. along with some other mid range parts. Soprano and Alto are female parts. Tenor and Bass are male parts. As a singer, Karen is a contralto who sings the alto part. She would not normally sing tenor. Although in some church choirs I have heard females with real low voices sometimes volunteered to fill in at Tenor when there aren't enough male members. Karen has a lush rich lower register that is just intoxicating. What makes it even better is that you are listening to a choir of Karens and Richards. He was very into multi-tracking, even some of the solo instruments. I betcha that french horn at the beginning is double tracked.He did that with the clarinet in "We've Only Just Begun." Richard was a genius arranger and new how to present Karen's gorgeous voice in the best way possible.
Such a good ear you have. First time I've heard, "...mostly alto and some tenor..." which is exactly right. There's an instrument that plays lower than a bassoon called the contrabassoon. Contra-alto or contralto. Most people just say smooth or angelic, but you picking up the range makes me wonder if you were or are a singer. When I was getting my music degree, I always had a firm grasp on range, listening to all my voice-major friends sing, so I was keyed in on the ranges. Good ear.
Once you've discovered more of Carpenters hit songs.. I highly recommend that you look into Karen's solo album... One word of advise.. the operative word is "SOLO".. It's Karen Carpenter not the Carpenters.
Karen sings it so huntedly beautiful that it feels a bit edgy. While the song is a cover, Karen and Richard made it their own. Her voice is pure, angle like. Pitch perfect. God wanted Karen back so God called her home. Now she sings with the angles. Don't get me wrong I am not deeply religion but that is the only way I can put it.
And, I will remind you of a request for "Rainy Days and Mondays." Unbelievable song. Here is the link from a 1971 Johnny Cash Show: th-cam.com/video/YF1sefvrN40/w-d-xo.html
Chad can you react to Karen Carpenter, "I Can Dream, Can't I" ? Such a beautiful song that hasn't been reacted to as much on TH-cam, but it is so very deserving of a reaction. Thanks! th-cam.com/video/hFIlJC45qVs/w-d-xo.html
Always wished I could sing like her. So clear and beautiful. Can’t even imagine Midler singing this. Got to look for that…..ok went and heard about three words. Yikes.
Yikes? Your comment made me curious so I went and checked it out. I don't know why you say yikes. It's completely different from the Carpenter's version, for sure. A very haunting and emotional interpretation that brings a different meaning to those lyrics. I don't have a problem with that. Different versions for different moods from two amazing and enduring artists.
Karen was a voice of a generation. Unfortunately, her parents didn't see it that way. Her mother was especially cruel, thinking Richard was the only talent in the family and Karen was somehow stealing his spotlight. Hence, she developed anorexia and died at 32 years old. Richard's career pretty much halted at that time. Together they were a force to be reckoned with, but separately, not so much. Tragic!
Tbh, when the song first came out, I didn't care much for it. But over the years I've come to like it, especially compared to more recent covers. Maybe it's because now I can hit those low notes, too. 😊🥰
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Richard told Karen "the basement is where the money is" referring to her excellent lower register! Boy, was he right!
Karen Carpenter's rich, pure contralto voice needed no embellishment. A voice like hers is rarely heard - she truly had the voice of an angel. Rest in peace, Karen.
amen.
You did it again, saying Go Richard 😢
Watching people's reactions when they 1st hear Karen sing never gets old.... Nearly 40 years later and she is STILL making believers out of people and rocking our world...
We miss you Karen...
Karen's voice is called a Contralto( between an alto voice and a soprano voice. Listen and react to her songs " Top Of The World, Sing, and Yesterday Once More."
Go back a few years before this recording and listen to the author and one of the greatest songwriter/performers of all time, Leon Russell.
Im on my late 60s, so remember KC very well on the radio and TV specials.She began, with her brother Richard, by playing drums. Richard,her brother, was a terrific arranger but KC's voice was discovered by Herb Alpert in 1969 which began their road to fame. Richard convinced her that her best singing voice was contralto, 'the money is in the basement'. I believe KC's, voice, especially contralto, was the best female voice ever. No auto-tune, stripping, gimmicks, or screaming. Her nickname was 'one take', since she always sang a song once in studio without a single re-take. She sang to you with mesmerizing emotion, perfect pitch and enunciation. Her voice compelled you to listen. She had no professional voice training. Paul McCartney said she sang Ticket To Ride better than the Beatles, and "she had the most angelic voice I have ever heard". John Lennon told her at an LA restaurant "you have a fabulous voice luv". Every female harmony in all of her songs was hers as well, sang, then dubbed into the song by Richard. They were most successful in early/mid1970s when she received 4 grammys. She was also recognized by 1975 Playboy poll as rock drummer of the year. She never knew true love, nor how good she really was. Check other songs such as 'Superstar' 'Solitaire', 'Only Yesterday', 'Hideaway', 'Rainy Days and Mondays','I Can Dream Cant I', 'Hurting Each Other', 'Need To Be In Love', 'Goodbye To Love', etc.. She had low self-image, and could never seem to please her mother. She had a few friends including Dionne Warwick. She had serious onset of anorexia in 1975 that continued the rest of her life. Married a guy in 1982 that was broke, not who she thought, and mistreated her. Never knew true love. She died Feb 1983 at 32yo due to complications from anorexia. [Some info contained herein came from documentaries such as, "Only Yesterday]"
Both Karen and Richard are brilliant. He took a bank commercial song ( Written by Paul Williams) and made a Hit...We've only just begun. This song " Superstar " is amazing. She is the best singer there ever was or ever will be! ❤
Karen was a unicorn, unequalled since her death. Richard's arrangements know how for the perfect songs for Karen. Her 'Ave Maria' on their Christmas Portrait CD shows her mid range soprano highs.
Couldn’t find my new comment to add to, so here’s a new one. Be sure to check out the revamp that Richard arranged with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Richard’s talent as an arranger and genius musician is showcased in this TH-cam feature. It will blow you away.
This is as close as you can get to Karen "belting" out a song. This was the style of the Carpenters.
Glad you chose this version of this song.
There's a video where you hear her voice by itself. It's amazing.
She was known as "one take Karen" in the studio.
I believe the term for Karen’s range is “contralto “ I just love her lower register. No vocal acrobatics needed for her greatness. I think this may be my favorite Carpenters track- just so haunting. Awesome reaction 👏👏
I believe he’s speaking specifically about the notes he’s hearing - not her entire vocal capacity
For clarity, I believe it’s somewhat insulting to the hosts intelligence to suggest he doesn’t know what a contraltos range is
He never said KC is an alto or tenor
He said she’s singing notes within those ranges
Are you a musician ?
We can all go to Wikipedia and within 3 sentences see she’s classified as a contralto with a 3.5, close to 4 full octave range. Or watch the first 15 minutes of yesterday once more to have such terms as “the moneys in the basement “… or “when she sings in the lower register “.
Like the world has enough parrots reciting or plagiarizing common internet publications already
I’ve studied the carpenters music for many years and have been enamored with Karen’s drumming skill set as much as her vocals
I’ve spent hours working our finger style arrangements and while my brain works better than my fingers it doesn’t stop me from poring heart and soul into those works
I believe the term for Karen's voice is perfect.
My favorite Carpenter songs are Superstar and Goodbye to Love . I grew up listening to their amazing music.
Karen's one of a kind voice and Richard is a genius.
The voice of an angel. And with perfect pitch.
First time I heard her in 1971 I stopped in my tracks! Most moving voice I have ever heard!
Karen’s voice is one that you recognize immediately. So pure. It’s interesting to hear vocal teachers talk about her range. Her lower register was really on par with a mid range male vocal. Most people in general sing higher than they do when they speak. Karen actually sang much lower than her speaking voice. Highly unusual- especially for a female vocalist- and also just spectacular. I seriously don’t know anyone who sounds like her.
Her speaking voice is even beautiful.
When I hear her sing, I feely truly safe.
ALL female harmony lines in all her songs were hers as well.
Karen Carpenter’s voice just speaks to my soul.
I've been listening to the carpenters for almost 50 years now and Karen's voice still gives me chills every time I hear her perfect voice.
Sheer perfection.
Karen's voice was angelic. We miss her so much.
Karen could give anyone an eargasm!
It kinda mystifies me when people describe Karen's voice as "soothing". Surely it's the most melancholy sound in the known universe. If you're feeling fragile, it will just crush you.
Karen was one of a kind. There will never be another voice like hers. 😢
One of their most played & also copied songs! Exquisite!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👍🏻
Everyone says this her voice is soothing, smooth, relaxing! RIP Karen! Yes she will give you chills, even after decades of listening to her songs!
You still get chills? I still do.... after 50 years of listening!! But I don't mind, at all ! And I love to see the reaction videos. It's like the host is hearing real music for the first time in his/her life. Their little brains blow a fuse.
Karen was also an amazing drummer.
Back in the 70s, Frank Sinatra said Karen Carpenter was the only contemporary singer he would pay to see.
Also, John Lennon was a huge fan, and I actually heard Alice Cooper say that Karen Carpenter had the best voice in popular music.
Many, many, many people in the music business, including other vocalists, have praised Karen's voice.
Her voice is like honey, soft, smooth and so sublime. It gives me shivers down my spine. Yes it is the best version of this song with fab harmonies and a beautiful melody. I really miss these oldies. Thanks for reacting to them Chad xx
Love your reaction to the ever wonderful Karen Carpenter. She and Richard, her older brother and producer, singer, arranger, songwriter and another of the musicians in the group, were globally one of the top selling artists of the day throughout the 1970s. But by the late 70s they both were struggling from so many years on the road yet their music lives on to this day. I'm thrilled to hear you talk about her lower range. Two songs that were released as singles in their catalog where she really hits those low bottom-of-the-basement notes for a woman's typical range is on "Solitaire" & "Only Yesterday". Holy mackerel, the first note on "Only Yesterday" is so low! And she nails it beautifully! Thank you so much for your reaction. She was wonderful! And Richard's arrangements and production was amazing. They are one of the few groups to this day who did all of the voice overdubbing, meaning every voice you hear on their recordings are theirs, just the two of them singing all the parts, backing vocals and such. Thank you for your reaction!
Only yesterday is probably my favorite song of theirs. No doubt that first note just grabs you.
I've never heard an equal to her and she has been gone for over 40 years , unfortunately.
A beautiful song takes me back to the '70s it always makes me choke up Richard and Karen Carpenter are fantastic rest in peace Karen Carpenter
My favorites of theirs are "Solitaire" which really highlights her range and "Masquerade."
I LOVE "Solitaire." I think it's one of her best performances (although all of her performances are fantastic). Although, I hate "This Masquerade," maybe because it's jazzy.
Love Masquerade. Another Leon Russell penned classic (as is Superstar), sung impeccably by Karen Carpenter.
Karen and her beautiful voice is the best there ever was RIP KC
You should try This Masquerade. Richards arrangement is fantastic. And of course, Karen.
The harmonies were by both siblings. Richard employed the technique of overdubbing of vocals quite extensively in the recordings, especially in their earlier albums.
Takes me back. Such a pleasure, not even a guilty one. You just get lost in her voice and their harmonies
It's easy to fall in love with Karen after hearing her sing. Gone too soon and she was a hell of a drummer!! Miss my Karen.
The perfect and closest decription of her vocals are truly an angels voice. I love her and will forever miss her. Ill see you soon my angel.
One of the marks of a great recording is that you can hear it over and over again and never tire of it, you are never over it and this is definitely in
that category.
There's no other singer that makes one swell with emotion in just the first few bars...than Karen Carpenter
Greatest female singer. RIP Karen
Karen Carpenter, simply beautiful.
Thank you for featuring The Carpenters, look forward to more of their music and your review.
Imagine her singing to you personally in a private situation.
Please, more of Karen! Heavenly talents and a divine lady, kind to everyone that ever met her. That is an extraordinary legacy!
I was 6-years-old when this was released. This is one of my favorites!!!!
2nd...ahh the Carpenters - its Summer 71, and a 11yr old me was listening to this on the Kitchen AM RADIO...61 this yr....dammm
Me too!! Time flies. Great music.
My job was to was dishes after dinner. Also listened to AM radio pop every night. Had to get small radio with an FM band for my room when the first FM station signed on.
Hey, Chad… I’m so glad you decided to react to some of the Carpenters catalog.You should really listen to… Yesterday once more, masquerade, only yesterday, close to you… There are many many more! Once she gets in, it’s very difficult to let her go.
Of course you have heard of them! Anyone born in the 80s or earlier has heard of the Carpenters. Even if you never listened to them, you at least heard of them. Girls of my age were actually told about eating disorders using poor Karen's death as an example of what can happen if you start trying to alter your appearance by those means. She had such a lovely voice. What a shame that she couldn't see that she was a wonderful gift to the world and didn't need to be stick thin.
Love the very talented Carpenters. And I like this song a lot!!
First and, foremost. Karen Carpenter was a drummer. And, when the Producers took, that from her. It, led to her death.
This was the year I graduated high school. Her voice was always so soothing to everyone who loved her. It's a shame it wasn't as soothing to her. She had so much more to give us because those years didn't give us very many female artists other than Carole King or Aretha Franklin that had staying power
Soothing indeed...for the soul.
I may be wrong, but I think Luther Vandross covered this too which I love, but I think The Carpenters’ version will always be my favorite. I love her low voice.
Yes, he did. I love me some Luther too.
And also Leon recorded a video of this too. I rank them Karen, Leon, Luther but all are amazing in each of their ways. There’s another that predates these 3 but I’m not as familiar, Leon just did piano on that one, besides writing the dang song. It went by Groupie (Superstar) or something like that? I got some googling to do.
If you look at her mouth,there is no sign she's trying to sing,it just comes out like beautiful magic!
RIP karen
Might I suggest the mamas and papas california dreamin
I remember listening to this on a friend's 8 track in '72. The sound was/is so soothing & haunting.
Love your reaction and commentary ….👍🏼
Music at its best - rich smooth and pure
RIP Karen🕊
Thank you Richard 🙏🏼
It brought me to teares again 😷
God Bless You Brother 💯 RESPECT TO YOU GET MAMA CASS STRAIGHT SHOOTER YOU'LL ENJOY HER LIFE LITTLE BROTHER OHH MEMORIAL DAY IS THE DAY I SAW MY WIFE I WILL LOVE NO OTHER THAN MY PATRICIA ANN 57 GLORIOUS YEARS, HOPE YOU GET A NICE PERSON TO BE WITH YOU YOU DESERVE TO BE. HAPPY PAT AND I WANT THE BEST FOR YOU LITERALLY 🇺🇸🙏😔💎🏅💯
This is Not a cover, this is their song originally; everyone else is a cover: by the way in stdio they one did One take!
Although the best known version, Carpenters "Superstar" is a cover. Originally titled "Groupie (Superstar)", released as a single Dec. 1969 by Delaney & Bonnie & Friends (Bonnie Bramlett, lead vocals, Rita Coolidge, back-up vocals, Eric Clapton, guitar & Leon Russell, piano). When Delaney & Bonnie released their 1972 album, they used the original 1969 recording on it, which is why some sites mistakenly list theirs as a 1972 version. There were at least 3 recorded covers in 1970; Cher (as a single, which didn’t do well), McPhee (Australian group) & the Mad Dogs & Englishman live album (Rita Coolidge, lead vocals & Leon Russell, piano). Then, Richard Carpenter heard Bette Midler sing it on The Tonight Show, Feb. 14, 1971 & felt it would be good for the album they were working on (which was released May 1971).
My favorite song of hers happens to be her last recording. It’s called Now, so beautiful 💜
Now never fails to move me to tears. Karen was hauntingly perfect.
Ooh, that song brings back memories ❣️
love me for what i am"
Thanks for reacting to this duo. I suggest you air one of their lesser known songs called solitaire. Dont be surprised if it brings a tear to your eyes.
Yay! I'd been waiting for your next Carpenters reaction. Thanks. This was one of my favorites of their songs. Maybe Yesterday Once More next? It's one with which we can all identify.
I loved this song so much when I was a little girl. Thanks for reacting to it. Karen’s voice was like silk!
Thanks for this reaction. This was one of two promo films recorded on the stage of the Desert Inn in Las Vegas in April 1971. The other was for "Rainy Days and Mondays." In both cases, the studio recording is used for the audio, so neither was "live." In the case of "Superstar," Karen's vocal in the recording was drawn from her work lead, but her first-take performance was exceptional and was retained for the final recording. All background vocals are by Karen and Richard, as was typical on their recordings for much of their career.
Thank you for reacting to this beautiful song. It might be my favorite Karen Carpenter vocal, but there are so many wonderful songs, so it's hard to choose a favorite. Did you know she was also a fabulous drummer? There is this awesome video of her doing a drum solo on a TV special they did; if you ever want to check it out, you will see the pure joy on her face: th-cam.com/video/ie1WWWOxhMs/w-d-xo.html
What a phenomenal musician & talent. NO one like her before or since her time!
I was just mentioning this duo to you a few days ago. Thank you, Chad, for starting to feature my favourite group from USA on your channel. Trivia - they were friends of the Bee Gees! 😊
Please do more Carpenters, SING A SONG Live from Japan and For All we Know and Hurting Each Other and A Place to Hide Away....great review
I have always loved this song. 9 year old me cried my eyes out when their very short lived TV show was canceled. I also remember the 8-track would fade in the middle of this song, switch tracks and fade back in. Very annoying. LOL.
The only 8-track of mine that did the song track change was the Doobie Brothers greatest hits during South City Midnight Lady. Yes, it was very annoying!
Their show wasn't canceled. It was a summer replacement series.
Beautiful.
I remember watching a documentary or a film about her when she first auditioned for a radio company, she sang in a soprano voice, but the client considered it a waste of time, there was nothing extraordinary about it. When Richard told Karen to use her natural voice to sing a song, that changed their lives completely.
Chad, Thank you. Superstar is timeless beauty. FYI...SATB (Soprano/Alto/Tenor/Bass) are the parts that are written for singers. along with some other mid range parts. Soprano and Alto are female parts. Tenor and Bass are male parts. As a singer, Karen is a contralto who sings the alto part. She would not normally sing tenor. Although in some church choirs I have heard females with real low voices sometimes volunteered to fill in at Tenor when there aren't enough male members. Karen has a lush rich lower register that is just intoxicating. What makes it even better is that you are listening to a choir of Karens and Richards. He was very into multi-tracking, even some of the solo instruments. I betcha that french horn at the beginning is double tracked.He did that with the clarinet in "We've Only Just Begun." Richard was a genius arranger and new how to present Karen's gorgeous voice in the best way possible.
And to think she was 21 at the time and stunningly beautiful
Such a good ear you have. First time I've heard, "...mostly alto and some tenor..." which is exactly right. There's an instrument that plays lower than a bassoon called the contrabassoon. Contra-alto or contralto. Most people just say smooth or angelic, but you picking up the range makes me wonder if you were or are a singer. When I was getting my music degree, I always had a firm grasp on range, listening to all my voice-major friends sing, so I was keyed in on the ranges. Good ear.
A beautiful voice. Gone too soon.
Great reaction, please react "Carpenters Only Yesterday"
I loved your reaction Chad.
This would have been a hit in 2022.
Wonderful reaction. Thank you
Once you've discovered more of Carpenters hit songs.. I highly recommend that you look into Karen's solo album... One word of advise.. the operative word is "SOLO".. It's Karen Carpenter not the Carpenters.
I also believe that Karen had a contralto range. Stunning by any name. Please react to Solitaire when you can. Thanks and much love.
Excellent reaction!!! I love all of your takes. Great job!!!
Beautiful song and excellent commentary Chad! Happy to know they will be featured more
Chad, i love all your reactions. I just have never got into the carpenters. Luv ya😍
speaks to any lonely mans soul.
Karen sings it so huntedly beautiful that it feels a bit edgy. While the song is a cover, Karen and Richard made it their own. Her voice is pure, angle like. Pitch perfect. God wanted Karen back so God called her home. Now she sings with the angles. Don't get me wrong I am not deeply religion but that is the only way I can put it.
Frank Sinatra said she's the only singer he would pay to see.
And, I will remind you of a request for "Rainy Days and Mondays." Unbelievable song. Here is the link from a 1971 Johnny Cash Show: th-cam.com/video/YF1sefvrN40/w-d-xo.html
Chad can you react to Karen Carpenter, "I Can Dream, Can't I" ? Such a beautiful song that hasn't been reacted to as much on TH-cam, but it is so very deserving of a reaction. Thanks!
th-cam.com/video/hFIlJC45qVs/w-d-xo.html
I use to be good at this one. My favorite song of hers.
Great reaction! They are awesome. Have you heard the spaced out Sonic Youth cover from 1994?
Always wished I could sing like her. So clear and beautiful.
Can’t even imagine Midler singing this. Got to look for that…..ok went and heard about three words. Yikes.
Yikes? Your comment made me curious so I went and checked it out. I don't know why you say yikes. It's completely different from the Carpenter's version, for sure. A very haunting and emotional interpretation that brings a different meaning to those lyrics. I don't have a problem with that. Different versions for different moods from two amazing and enduring artists.
Karen was a voice of a generation. Unfortunately, her parents didn't see it that way. Her mother was especially cruel, thinking Richard was the only talent in the family and Karen was somehow stealing his spotlight. Hence, she developed anorexia and died at 32 years old. Richard's career pretty much halted at that time. Together they were a force to be reckoned with, but separately, not so much. Tragic!
Tbh, when the song first came out, I didn't care much for it. But over the years I've come to like it, especially compared to more recent covers. Maybe it's because now I can hit those low notes, too. 😊🥰
285 mhz ...😍😎😁
You should do Please Mr Postman and Top of The World.
Wait… you mean you haven't heard Close to You yet?
only Yesterday"