The song you need to hear next and do a reaction video for from Karen is; “I Can’t Make Music”! Karen’s singing and the violin at the end absolutely makes me sob almost every time. I’m not at all afraid to admit that. Something about the song, the arrangement, Karen’s perfect baritone voice and the high violin fading off at the end, just after Karen finishes her vocal…it’s so perfect! 🎤🎼 Solitaire is my second favorite, but “I Can’t Make Music” 🎶 is absolutely out of this world with emotion.
@@jamesgonzales5285 right I’m 19. I’ve been listening to the carpenters since the 6th grade and I’ve read a bunch of the books on Karen and the group. I hate when people say young folks or young people don’t know things on groups or things in general just because of age.
@@sydneyhorne745 You guys don’t have to get offended…you are relatively rare in this era…making his statement reasonable. I can relate to knowing of things before your age, myself…I was born in 1963 and my parents grew up during the Great Depression…so, I became familiar with and learned to love swing jazz of the 1930s and 40s, etc…..and music before that….so I know where you’re coming from.
62 years young here. I remember the whole family watching the Carpenters show back in the 70’s. Such a great time to grow up. Great reaction as always.
That last look killed me too. She gave the world so much. She deserved only the best life had to offer. I can only hope she has peace now. Beautiful soul.
Absolutely I want attended an event her brother put out a CD of their music after her death the way he spoke I could tell he had a deep love for his sister
Me, too. I became physically sick with grief. Just too much, too sad, to see her suffering so during those last couple of years. But, she was on the mend, then wham. Her heart gave out. Just shocking, even today. Bless you, Karen. You are still so loved, beautiful lady.
@@SayItAintSo4real Karen Carpenter was obsessed with her weight she had anorexia in was constantly throwing up when she tried to lose weight and she couldn't so she kept on trying to be thin that's what eventually killed her it and what I heard she was an extreme pain so God took her from this Earth with a heart attack cuz she was suffering unbelievable pain what an angel Karen he could just go we could just borrow you from heaven for a little while and come down here to Earth we love you the most soothing voice I've ever heard in my life I still miss her rest in peace my favorite song by The Carpenters those good old dreams lots of others I love but that's my favorite
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 "(They Long to Be) Close to You", "We've Only Just Begun", "For All We Know", "Rainy Days & Mondays", "Superstar", "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)" & so many more.
Girl! You nailed it when you said, "God dropped her down from Heaven..." Thank you for this reaction video!! It's obvious you both have mad respect not only for the music, but for Karen as well. We'll done!
Thank you for saying that about Shawn and Mel….I was going to comment on just the same thing. That was a very important thing to me- it was in a different time, different music…and I REALLY APPRECIATE the fact that Shawn & Mel may prefer to listen to different music (they may prefer country for all we know😉) Mel’s endearing comment about Karen Carpenter- it just melted my ♥️ and at the same time, I felt my eyes welling up. I was in grade school when the Carpenter’s became famous. When the news came out that Karen Carpenter had died, I was home at the time and totally shocked by the info available. I just couldn’t believe that she was gone. The Carpenters would be no more…without Karen, she was the heart ♥️ of the group. Richard was the genius…but, Karen was all ♥️ and we loved her for that.
AT THE END OF THE SONG WITH THAT LOOK SHE GAVE GRIPPED MY HEART ! 😪 SHE WAS SINGING FROM HER HEART ! SO SAD SHE COULDNT FIND LOVE BECAUSE OF HER CAREER .
Karen Carpenter and her brother were from Downey, California. At the same time, I lived in Downey with my family. It was exciting to know that the Carpenters lived nearby. During their career, The Carpenters lived at home with their parents. Karen suffered from anorexia-nervosa and it was quite noticeable. She died in the closet of her bedroom. She was found in the fetal position. It was 1983. Anorexia-nervosa was a sickness that was not taken seriously back then and typically it was swept under the rug so Karen never got the help she really needed. She died alone in her bedroom....so sad. It was a bad time for the world and Downey. We lost a "Superstar".....R.I.P Karen
Actually, she was originally from East Haven, Connecticut. She and Richard were both born in Yale-New Haven Hospital. The family moved to Downey from there to further Richard's career possibilities. Little did they know...
She actually did get treatment for her eating disorder. The problem came in the fact that it took so long for her parents to get her help and it weakened her heart. It’s the heart condition that killed her.
I'm a guy, but Karen sang exactly what I was feeling at the time for a dozen years. We've lost so many great singers / artists over the last 40+ years, but I truly miss her the absolute most.
Aww Mel, you made me cry when you said the was like an angel sent down by God to be with us for a little while, because that is exactly how I feel. I grew up with the Carpenter's, had their album and sang along with her all the time. My dad took me to see them, and it was the first concert I ever went to. She went through so much in her short lifetime, including the anorexia. I also feel every emotion in her voice. She was a shining star that left us way to soon. Love you guys. ❤
Had the most beautiful voice ever still as 2-18-2022 still does. She is an exception to the rule that no one is indispensable. She can never be replaced!
Shawn & Mel, This has always been one of my favorites by the Carpenters, but today watching y'all's reaction has me in tears. Listening to y'all's reaction hit my heart and made me realize that it all made sense. All that Karen went through with her life, always feeling "LESS THAN" is heartbreaking. She was a beautiful young woman, with a beautiful angelic voice. No one will ever sing the way that she did. All she wanted to be was loved. My heart breaks thinking what she went through in her life and especially at the end of her life. No one, I mean no one should ever have to feel that way. For someone who felt so bad about herself, she was so loved by many in this world. I'm very thankful that we have her music to continue to listen to for generations to come. Unfortunately, I relate to this song as well. It never hit me until today. While I do not feel sorry for myself and I am very grateful for the life that I've lived thus far. However, all I've ever wanted from everyone around me, including my family, was to be loved for me. My parents both died in 2018 and now that the stability to my family is God, I have no one in my family except my brother. Everyone else has just kind of disappeared. I'm OK though, because I know that my Heavenly Father loves me. INFORMATION - "I Need to Be in Love" is a song written by Richard Carpenter, Albert Hammond and John Bettis. It was released as a single on May 21, 1976. "Karen's own all-time favorite Carpenters song was 1976's "I Need to Be in Love," which can be thought of as the theme of her life." Thank you Shawn & Mel, love y'all! LadyGator1983 ❤️❤️❤️ RIP SWEET KAREN
LadyGator1983, your post is eloquent and moving. So glad that you have found some solace through your religious faith. I am not a religious person, but I try to be a good and decent person. Unfortunately, loneliness is part of the human condition. However, isn't it nice that we can form a community here and feel less lonely through our love and appreciation of the peerless Carpenters. Richard and Karen were musical geniuses. But it is Karen, who is that rare artist who reaches, stirs, and remains in your heart and mind forever. Her talent, beauty, and humanity overflow into her performances. Thank you, You Tube for preserving the Carpenters' remarkable concerts and enabling us to share and react to them.
I have commended you both for being so perceptive, especially the “ look “ Karen gave at the end. 100% spot on. This was her favorite song, and for good reason, it defined her life.
Best voice...I really can't find the words to describe her voice ...warm...rich...perfect... I'm completely addicted to Karen's voice!!!! I'm crying with you
I'm a self confessed Soul music junkie. But truth be told I love me some Carpenters. Karen Carpenter had such a Beautiful voice.along with her brother Richard and his songwriting talents. Haunting melodies beautiful harmonies.Yeah Love me some Carpenters✌️♥️
I remember the carpenters when I was a kid growing up in the 1970's the carpenters were one of my favorite musical group and still is today this day over 40 years later. I love Karen Carpenter not only did she had one of most beautiful clear pure voice she was also a very beautiful woman inside and outside. I wished there was available help back then and enough info about her medical condition maybe she could had been saved. God bless you RIP Karen Carpenter thank u for your contribution to the music industry being around when I was a kid back in the 70's. You will always be missed.
It must be obvious to anyone listening that besides her marvelous voice, Karen had great charisma. You can't take your eyes off of her! A superb arrangement by Richard and it is LIVE! She was admired for her vocals and her drumming. A voice for the ages!
The BEST contralto voice in recorded history, with a range no contemporary female vocalists have... the warmth, tone and control reflect profound musicianship. She will be constantly "rediscovered" by each generation. Thank you Rich and Karen Carpenter , from a neighbor in Downey.
This song "I need to be in love" was Karen's favorite song of all the songs she ever sang.. TRULY autobiographical...and this performance shows why karen was one of if not thee greatest female VOCALIST of love and romance songs, looking for love, finding love and losing love ever... she was the ultimate storyteller and voice that sang to the listener not at them...
Mel you nailed it! The Universe allowed us to have this special being for a very short time. I'm so glad it was during my lifetime. I cried for months after her death. I still mourn the loss of this beautiful soul.
You really nailed it Mel, she really tapped into that vulnerability. I always felt that too. There was something delicate about her like a beautiful crystal figurine, Yet the power in her voice gave chills. I will never forget her.
She sang like an angel and the 70's was the decade of sex,drugs and rocknroll. The music had a message to it and reflected the new freedom of a new era.
I cried for a long time when she passed away. When I revisit their music and video's today I cry. I never saw this particular video before I"m in tears from it and your reactions.
A few of my personal favorites from the Carpenters... "(They Long to Be) Close to You", "For All We Know", "We've Only Just Begun" or also special for me is "Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft" and "All You Get From Love Is A Love Song" R.I.P. Karen !!! (February 4, 1983)
Thank you!!! Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft is one of my favorites of hers which I don't think some her most faithful fans even know she sang. Almost no one ever mentions it but I loved it the very first time I heard it. So glad to hear someone else mention it.
Karen had one of the most beautiful voices that ever graced God's Earth. You cannot go wrong with the Carpenters. Superstar, Solitaire, and Close To You. Close To you received heavy radio play. Karen was also a great drummer.
Mel and Shawn, your earnest reaction to Karen Carpenter's sublime performance is priceless. You are wonderful! Thank you for continuing to react to the genius of the Carpenters and their enduring musical legacy.
Karen was quite simply the greatest female vocalists I've ever heard. I began listening to the Carpenters in the early-70s, as I was entering my teen years. I'm just an old country boy and always have been, but I listened to the Carpenters for hours at a time. I was on horseback working some cattle when a friend gave me the news that she had passed from this life. I'm not ashamed to say that I shed a few tears. What a lovely, classy, talented lady that God graced this world with.
Thank you so much for appreciating the true genius that was Karen Carpenter… The effortless voice. The sadness she emoted in this performance and all of her performances after this were due to the beginning of her anorexia which would ultimately claim her life at age 32 . She was everything.
Thank you for reacting to this song. For some history, her brother Richard collaborated with their best friend since college, John Bettis (a highly successful lyricist in his own right) and Albert Hammond to write this song for Karen. Karen loved it and it became her favorite song of their entire catalog. Both Richard and especially John have said in interviews that they all were feeling like this song, all on the road or in the recording studio, rarely having any time to even go out on a date and etc., much less find a partner for life. So yes, Karen really is singing straight from the heart here. You are correct, that look. That look and flip of her eyebrow said it all. Bless Karen. She is quoted as saying that sometimes when singing this song on stage she would bring herself to tears, because it hit so close to home, and hit so squarely in the heart for her. It's so sad, because she never really was truly successful in finding and fulfilling what she had truly wanted, a loving home with a loving husband and father to several children running around. She had always wanted to be a mom. But it never happened for her in this life. Truly heartbreaking. Sometimes I wonder if she didn't actually die of a broken heart when it was all said and done. Her heart just stopped, after a year of therapy and getting her weight back up to a normal range again, her heart still ultimately just stopped. She laid down in the floor and that was it. The last two years of her life were especially difficult. Bless beautiful Karen Anne Carpenter. She left us such a legacy of song. This song breaks my heart for her though, even as I think it's one of the best they ever recorded.
hello from greece i am 55 and i cry every time i listen to her i realy cant explain what this voice doing to our soul and i know you all feel the same way for this amazing woman
Another great commentary and first time reaction by these two like I said before I love these two people doing commentaries and first time reactions them and day one are the best nobody comes even close to those two thanks again
The Carpenters is who I listened to on road trips as a kid/teen/young adult. 70/s 80/s 90/s when road trips were a big thing. Karen often referred to as ONE TAKE KAREN because they say she could sing a recording in one take. Perfect voice. Funny fun fact is Karen was a DRUMMER and did NOT want to be the front girl or in front of the band singing. She finally succumb to the demand which paid off but yeah. The true sad part is the media who was just as cruel then as they are now saying or referring to her as Her brothers plump little sister causing her great distress and an ever life changing eating disorder battling anorexia and finally death because of it. So young and such a great loss.
she had perfect pitch and tone. 4 Octave Contralto voice. I was born about 5 months before Karen and I have been missing her for 40 years. There will never be another with a voice like hers.
This song was Karen's favorite to perform. It was written by Richard Carpenter and John Bettis. It does reflect how Karen felt. She never did find true love.
Hers is indeed a sad story. She was such a beautiful lady and yet somehow believed she wasn't good enough. In truth she was loved and admired by so many. Tragic.
It's sad that we just don't have quality voices like her in the music industry today . I guess that's why these artists will always have their music played and played on radio and people,s homes .🇬🇧
That nod at the end of her singing, says it all. So much sadness & hurt in her life. Many of her songs came across like this one. No wonder so many people cry when they hear her sing. She sang from a broken heart & people heard that in her musjc. R.I.P. Karen.
As a teenage boy at the height of her career, you wouldn't be caught dead listening to her music, it's something you only listened to in private and you loved it. Shhhh!
This is one of my favorite Carpenter's songs and per Richard, it was Karen's favorite. We lost a lot when we lost her. But we are fortunate to have her legacy. My heart hurts every time I hear their music. She was a true gift to us all. God bless you Karen.
I got to see The Carpenters in 1972 and she sounded amazing live. The happiest you ever saw Karen was when she played the drums. There are a couple of videos of her playing them in a tv special.
She put all of her emotions in every song she sang. She's my go to when my depression hits hard. I'd love to request yesterday once more if you haven't already seen that one.
My wife and I absolutely love The Carpenters! Karen Carpenter makes you feel every note and touches your heart. Would love to see you react to We've Only Just Begun by The Carpenters. My wife and I married on August 16th 1970 and this song came out a couple of days later. It's one of our favorites by them. We got to see them live a couple of years after getting married. It was amazing!! And Karen could really play the drums. Love your reactions and comments guys!
I’m a new subbie. I’m 73 years old and the Carpenters were so special in my life. You’re so right Karen was a special angel on loan to us for a sort time. I still love their music. You both really got her. That is why I decided to subscribe to you. Thank you for sharing. ❤️
Great reaction. Karen's voice just does something to you. It's perfect tone. You feel everything she is saying. Check out this 1971 BBC Concert. It's only 40 minutes. But I think it's The Carpenters at there best. th-cam.com/video/XX3ANSbH6Lg/w-d-xo.html . Here is the link of the best quality. She performs most of it from behind the drums. Very cool. Again great reaction.
My mom introduced me to the Carpenters when I was around 9. She would push in their "Top of the World" 8-track and drive us to school. (Yeah, I aged myself there. 🤣) I was devastated the day I heard she passed! Everyone says it but HER VOICE! Beyond special. If you'd like to see something really special, KAREN AND MISS ELLA FITZGERALD did a jazz medley together on a variety show called Music, Music, Music in 1980. Watch that! I'd love to see y'all react to it. Either way, you WON'T regret it. Love your channel, y'all keep me smiling! 👍❤
An angel who touched the hearts of many people and forever will be irreplaceable. Miss you so much rest in peace Karen carpenter. You left this world too soon but your lovely velvety contralto voice never will. Rest in peace angel
I grew up hearing the Carpenters and seeing them on tv on many programs and specials. It was always exciting to know they were going to be guests on some show or have a tv special of their own. I was about 13 when i recall first hearing Rainy Days on the radio. I was a kid but was feeling loneliness of an adult and when i heard her, suddenly i felt this adult voice was speaking to me. I just couldnt wait to find out more about the carpenters and before long they were everywhere.
There is another music/reactor who put Karen's live voice and recorded voice on a computer analysis, and she duplicated the quality and tone! Her voice was as good as it gets!
![SAFEPLANET - ดาวเคราะห์ [ THE PLANET ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4X1XL3I_k3c/mqdefault.jpg)
The song you need to hear next and do a reaction video for from Karen is; “I Can’t Make Music”! Karen’s singing and the violin at the end absolutely makes me sob almost every time. I’m not at all afraid to admit that. Something about the song, the arrangement, Karen’s perfect baritone voice and the high violin fading off at the end, just after Karen finishes her vocal…it’s so perfect! 🎤🎼 Solitaire is my second favorite, but “I Can’t Make Music” 🎶 is absolutely out of this world with emotion.
Something that most of you young folks don't know is, Karen was one of the best DRUMMERS of her generation!
👊🏻👍🏻 I used to love to watch the Carpenters Show just to hear her voice.
Oh.... But, I'm not that old like you. 😉😁👍🏻👊🏻
@@jamesgonzales5285 right I’m 19. I’ve been listening to the carpenters since the 6th grade and I’ve read a bunch of the books on Karen and the group. I hate when people say young folks or young people don’t know things on groups or things in general just because of age.
@@sydneyhorne745
You guys don’t have to get offended…you are relatively rare in this era…making his statement reasonable.
I can relate to knowing of things before your age, myself…I was born in 1963 and my parents grew up during the Great Depression…so, I became familiar with and learned to love swing jazz of the 1930s and 40s, etc…..and music before that….so I know where you’re coming from.
My kids used to listen to them as they were growing up. They’re in their 20’s and 30’s.
62 years young here. I remember the whole family watching the Carpenters show back in the 70’s. Such a great time to grow up. Great reaction as always.
That last look killed me too. She gave the world so much. She deserved only the best life had to offer. I can only hope she has peace now. Beautiful soul.
Absolutely I want attended an event her brother put out a CD of their music after her death the way he spoke I could tell he had a deep love for his sister
I remember the day she passed away. The entire music industry was in mourning. Everyone loved her.
I remember that as well. It was one of those moments. So sad.
Me, too. I became physically sick with grief. Just too much, too sad, to see her suffering so during those last couple of years. But, she was on the mend, then wham. Her heart gave out. Just shocking, even today. Bless you, Karen. You are still so loved, beautiful lady.
@@SayItAintSo4real Karen Carpenter was obsessed with her weight she had anorexia in was constantly throwing up when she tried to lose weight and she couldn't so she kept on trying to be thin that's what eventually killed her it and what I heard she was an extreme pain so God took her from this Earth with a heart attack cuz she was suffering unbelievable pain what an angel Karen he could just go we could just borrow you from heaven for a little while and come down here to Earth we love you the most soothing voice I've ever heard in my life I still miss her rest in peace my favorite song by The Carpenters those good old dreams lots of others I love but that's my favorite
As Did I.😢
This video seems to be near the end. Her disease is taking its toll.
An absolutely magnificent alto voice.
She had an absolutely beautiful voice, one nobody else can touch.
Bless The Beasts And The Children by The Carpenters
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 "(They Long to Be) Close to You", "We've Only Just Begun", "For All We Know", "Rainy Days & Mondays", "Superstar", "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)" & so many more.
Bless the Beasts & the Children is one that no one seems to react to.
@@martinlepper4522 I agree, that is such a beautiful song.
she was a great story teller through her songs she's really amazing 😍😍
@@martinlepper4522 Same with "I Have You", I think everyone forgot that one.
I’ll go ahead and say it…the best female singer in the history of music! Just perfect every time she opened her mouth.
Girl! You nailed it when you said, "God dropped her down from Heaven..."
Thank you for this reaction video!! It's obvious you both have mad respect not only for the music, but for Karen as well. We'll done!
Thank you for saying that about Shawn and Mel….I was going to comment on just the same thing. That was a very important thing to me- it was in a different time, different music…and I REALLY APPRECIATE the fact that Shawn & Mel may prefer to listen to different music (they may prefer country for all we know😉) Mel’s endearing comment about Karen Carpenter- it just melted my ♥️ and at the same time, I felt my eyes welling up. I was in grade school when the Carpenter’s became famous. When the news came out that Karen Carpenter had died, I was home at the time and totally shocked by the info available. I just couldn’t believe that she was gone. The Carpenters would be no more…without Karen, she was the heart ♥️ of the group. Richard was the genius…but, Karen was all ♥️ and we loved her for that.
Thank you for this. She said this was her favorite Carpenter’s song. And you’re right. An angel.
My favorite female singer of all time. I can listen to her sing all day long.
AT THE END OF THE SONG WITH THAT LOOK SHE GAVE GRIPPED MY HEART ! 😪 SHE WAS SINGING FROM HER HEART ! SO SAD SHE COULDNT FIND LOVE BECAUSE OF HER CAREER .
Karen Carpenter and her brother were from Downey, California. At the same time, I lived in Downey with my family. It was exciting to know that the Carpenters lived nearby. During their career, The Carpenters lived at home with their parents. Karen suffered from anorexia-nervosa and it was quite noticeable. She died in the closet of her bedroom. She was found in the fetal position. It was 1983. Anorexia-nervosa was a sickness that was not taken seriously back then and typically it was swept under the rug so Karen never got the help she really needed. She died alone in her bedroom....so sad. It was a bad time for the world and Downey. We lost a "Superstar".....R.I.P Karen
Thank you Sammy. I remember she died tragically but I couldn't remember how she died. Such a loss
We used to live on Donovan Street in Downey in the 1970's
Actually, she was originally from East Haven, Connecticut. She and Richard were both born in Yale-New Haven Hospital. The family moved to Downey from there to further Richard's career possibilities. Little did they know...
She actually did get treatment for her eating disorder. The problem came in the fact that it took so long for her parents to get her help and it weakened her heart. It’s the heart condition that killed her.
You both. Are so right ,,,that look in the end made me lose it!! Never seen this video ,,, that look was from her,, her inner self!!
I'm a guy, but Karen sang exactly what I was feeling at the time for a dozen years. We've lost so many great singers / artists over the last 40+ years, but I truly miss her the absolute most.
Aww Mel, you made me cry when you said the was like an angel sent down by God to be with us for a little while, because that is exactly how I feel. I grew up with the Carpenter's, had their album and sang along with her all the time. My dad took me to see them, and it was the first concert I ever went to. She went through so much in her short lifetime, including the anorexia. I also feel every emotion in her voice. She was a shining star that left us way to soon. Love you guys. ❤
@@michaelasay8587 ❤
❤️
We love you both. 💌l wish Karen could have been helped. God Bless Her.
She was an amazing talent. Thank you for sharing this.
I definitely agree, God has a reason for everything. She must have been an angel.
Had the most beautiful voice ever still as 2-18-2022 still does. She is an exception to the rule that no one is indispensable. She can never be replaced!
She had a glorious voice, truly beautiful! She had such a horrible end to her life...
She said she this was her favorite song. I believe this song was about her.
Shawn & Mel, This has always been one of my favorites by the Carpenters, but today watching y'all's reaction has me in tears. Listening to y'all's reaction hit my heart and made me realize that it all made sense. All that Karen went through with her life, always feeling "LESS THAN" is heartbreaking. She was a beautiful young woman, with a beautiful angelic voice. No one will ever sing the way that she did. All she wanted to be was loved. My heart breaks thinking what she went through in her life and especially at the end of her life. No one, I mean no one should ever have to feel that way. For someone who felt so bad about herself, she was so loved by many in this world. I'm very thankful that we have her music to continue to listen to for generations to come.
Unfortunately, I relate to this song as well. It never hit me until today. While I do not feel sorry for myself and I am very grateful for the life that I've lived thus far. However, all I've ever wanted from everyone around me, including my family, was to be loved for me. My parents both died in 2018 and now that the stability to my family is God, I have no one in my family except my brother. Everyone else has just kind of disappeared. I'm OK though, because I know that my Heavenly Father loves me.
INFORMATION - "I Need to Be in Love" is a song written by Richard Carpenter, Albert Hammond and John Bettis. It was released as a single on May 21, 1976.
"Karen's own all-time favorite Carpenters song was 1976's "I Need to Be in Love," which can be thought of as the theme of her life."
Thank you Shawn & Mel, love y'all!
LadyGator1983
❤️❤️❤️
RIP SWEET KAREN
Sending love...keep the faith x
LadyGator1983, your post is eloquent and moving. So glad that you have found some solace through your religious faith. I am not a religious person, but I try to be a good and decent person. Unfortunately, loneliness is part of the human condition. However, isn't it nice that we can form a community here and feel less lonely through our love and appreciation of the peerless Carpenters. Richard and Karen were musical geniuses. But it is Karen, who is that rare artist who reaches, stirs, and remains in your heart and mind forever. Her talent, beauty, and humanity overflow into her performances. Thank you, You Tube for preserving the Carpenters' remarkable concerts and enabling us to share and react to them.
Thank you SOOO much for loving Karen & her music & her search for love. 💔 (which you 2 luckily have found)
Yes, that final face expression says it all...
I have commended you both for being so perceptive, especially the “ look “ Karen gave at the end. 100% spot on. This was her favorite song, and for good reason, it defined her life.
Best voice...I really can't find the words to describe her voice ...warm...rich...perfect... I'm completely addicted to Karen's voice!!!! I'm crying with you
Love The Carpenters!!!
I'm a self confessed Soul music junkie. But truth be told I love me some Carpenters. Karen Carpenter had such a Beautiful voice.along with her brother Richard and his songwriting talents. Haunting melodies beautiful harmonies.Yeah Love me some Carpenters✌️♥️
i listen to every genre of music at my age late 50's and carpenters are my all time favorite in any genre.
Karen is #1 on my list of top 10 female singers of all time, and that covers alot of great female singers!! 🎶🎵
I remember the carpenters when I was a kid growing up in the 1970's the carpenters were one of my favorite musical group and still is today this day over 40 years later. I love Karen Carpenter not only did she had one of most beautiful clear pure voice she was also a very beautiful woman inside and outside. I wished there was available help back then and enough info about her medical condition maybe she could had been saved. God bless you RIP Karen Carpenter thank u for your contribution to the music industry being around when I was a kid back in the 70's. You will always be missed.
It must be obvious to anyone listening that besides her marvelous voice, Karen had great charisma. You can't take your eyes off of her! A superb arrangement by Richard and it is LIVE! She was admired for her vocals and her drumming. A voice for the ages!
The BEST contralto voice in recorded history, with a range no contemporary female vocalists have... the warmth, tone and control reflect profound musicianship. She will be constantly "rediscovered" by each generation. Thank you Rich and Karen Carpenter , from a neighbor in Downey.
This song "I need to be in love" was Karen's favorite song of all the songs she ever sang.. TRULY autobiographical...and this performance shows why karen was one of if not thee greatest female VOCALIST of love and romance songs, looking for love, finding love and losing love ever... she was the ultimate storyteller and voice that sang to the listener not at them...
Mel you nailed it! The Universe allowed us to have this special being for a very short time. I'm so glad it was during my lifetime. I cried for months after her death. I still mourn the loss of this beautiful soul.
You really nailed it Mel, she really tapped into that vulnerability. I always felt that too. There was something delicate about her like a beautiful crystal figurine, Yet the power in her voice gave chills. I will never forget her.
She sang like an angel and the 70's was the decade of sex,drugs and rocknroll. The music had a message to it and reflected the new freedom of a new era.
mel when you said she was an angel on loan it made me cry!the words of the song and then that look you also noticed just😭.rip karen!
I cried for a long time when she passed away. When I revisit their music and video's today I cry. I never saw this particular video before I"m in tears from it and your reactions.
A few of my personal favorites from the Carpenters... "(They Long to Be) Close to You", "For All We Know", "We've Only Just Begun" or also special for me is "Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft" and "All You Get From Love Is A Love Song" R.I.P. Karen !!! (February 4, 1983)
Thank you!!! Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft is one of my favorites of hers which I don't think some her most faithful fans even know she sang. Almost no one ever mentions it but I loved it the very first time I heard it. So glad to hear someone else mention it.
Karen had one of the most beautiful voices that ever graced God's Earth. You cannot go wrong with the Carpenters. Superstar, Solitaire, and Close To You. Close To you received heavy radio play. Karen was also a great drummer.
Mel and Shawn, your earnest reaction to Karen Carpenter's sublime performance is priceless. You are wonderful! Thank you for continuing to react to the genius of the Carpenters and their enduring musical legacy.
Karen was quite simply the greatest female vocalists I've ever heard. I began listening to the Carpenters in the early-70s, as I was entering my teen years. I'm just an old country boy and always have been, but I listened to the Carpenters for hours at a time. I was on horseback working some cattle when a friend gave me the news that she had passed from this life. I'm not ashamed to say that I shed a few tears. What a lovely, classy, talented lady that God graced this world with.
when karen died my heart was broken. i have still not recovered.
Karen's look at the end of the song broke my heart! I still listen to her songs today! Two of my favorites are " Solitare" and " Masquerade".
So agree on Solitaire. My favorite.
Karen's story is heartbreaking, but it brought awareness that hopefully saved lives.
Thank you so much for appreciating the true genius that was Karen Carpenter… The effortless voice. The sadness she emoted in this performance and all of her performances after this were due to the beginning of her anorexia which would ultimately claim her life at age 32 . She was everything.
This is a live performance that sounds just like the studio recording. Amazing!
Yes it does...but not exactly. You can tell this one's pure live, not "TV live".
(And autotune wouldn't be invented for years...)
I agree she sounds great.
I think her live versions are superior to the studio versions.
She’s delightful.
And Richard was a masterful arranger.
If an Angel ever sang.... A drummer with the best voice ever to hit the airways.
Thank you for reacting to this song. For some history, her brother Richard collaborated with their best friend since college, John Bettis (a highly successful lyricist in his own right) and Albert Hammond to write this song for Karen. Karen loved it and it became her favorite song of their entire catalog. Both Richard and especially John have said in interviews that they all were feeling like this song, all on the road or in the recording studio, rarely having any time to even go out on a date and etc., much less find a partner for life. So yes, Karen really is singing straight from the heart here. You are correct, that look. That look and flip of her eyebrow said it all. Bless Karen. She is quoted as saying that sometimes when singing this song on stage she would bring herself to tears, because it hit so close to home, and hit so squarely in the heart for her. It's so sad, because she never really was truly successful in finding and fulfilling what she had truly wanted, a loving home with a loving husband and father to several children running around. She had always wanted to be a mom. But it never happened for her in this life. Truly heartbreaking. Sometimes I wonder if she didn't actually die of a broken heart when it was all said and done. Her heart just stopped, after a year of therapy and getting her weight back up to a normal range again, her heart still ultimately just stopped. She laid down in the floor and that was it. The last two years of her life were especially difficult. Bless beautiful Karen Anne Carpenter. She left us such a legacy of song. This song breaks my heart for her though, even as I think it's one of the best they ever recorded.
hello from greece i am 55 and i cry every time i listen to her i realy cant explain what this voice doing to our soul and i know you all feel the same way for this amazing woman
Thanks so much for your beautiful reaction to my favorite singer Karen ❤️
Another great commentary and first time reaction by these two like I said before I love these two people doing commentaries and first time reactions them and day one are the best nobody comes even close to those two thanks again
The Carpenters is who I listened to on road trips as a kid/teen/young adult. 70/s 80/s 90/s when road trips were a big thing. Karen often referred to as ONE TAKE KAREN because they say she could sing a recording in one take. Perfect voice. Funny fun fact is Karen was a DRUMMER and did NOT want to be the front girl or in front of the band singing. She finally succumb to the demand which paid off but yeah.
The true sad part is the media who was just as cruel then as they are now saying or referring to her as Her brothers plump little sister causing her great distress and an ever life changing eating disorder battling anorexia and finally death because of it. So young and such a great loss.
Mel, thank you for showing us your heart. We feel the same.💛
Richard was just as talented playing the piano and his musical arrangements. People don't give Richard the credit he deserves as well.
That’s the way it is.
The upfront person always gets the most attention. Putting her upfront was Richard’s idea.
I do
fact!
Karen had the most beautiful and natural voice of all time. Rest In Peace. I miss your beautiful voice.
she had perfect pitch and tone. 4 Octave Contralto voice. I was born about 5 months before Karen and I have been missing her for 40 years. There will never be another with a voice like hers.
She's singing her innermost thoughts, so this is as real as it gets.
I read that this was her favorite.
This song was Karen's favorite to perform. It was written by Richard Carpenter and John Bettis. It does reflect how Karen felt. She never did find true love.
Hers is indeed a sad story. She was such a beautiful lady and yet somehow believed she wasn't good enough. In truth she was loved and admired by so many. Tragic.
It's sad that we just don't have quality voices like her in the music industry today . I guess that's why these artists will always have their music played and played on radio and people,s homes .🇬🇧
That nod at the end of her singing, says it all. So much sadness & hurt in her life. Many of her songs came across like this one. No wonder so many people cry when they hear her sing. She sang from a broken heart & people heard that in her musjc. R.I.P. Karen.
As a teenage boy at the height of her career, you wouldn't be caught dead listening to her music, it's something you only listened to in private and you loved it. Shhhh!
This is one of my favorite Carpenter's songs and per Richard, it was Karen's favorite. We lost a lot when we lost her. But we are fortunate to have her legacy. My heart hurts every time I hear their music. She was a true gift to us all. God bless you Karen.
My wife and I saw the Carpenters perform in Pittsburgh in the early seventies. She was still playing the drums. Unbelievable voice!
I got to see The Carpenters in 1972 and she sounded amazing live. The happiest you ever saw Karen was when she played the drums. There are a couple of videos of her playing them in a tv special.
Karen does sing from the heart always and that touches everyone. I am so glad you have discovered her!
the only true angel to grace our planet, rip karen
Classic melodies and Karen’s one of a kind voice. Her emotions would always break you down🥰
Beautiful reaction. So heartfelt. R.I.P. Karen, gone way too soon.
She put all of her emotions in every song she sang. She's my go to when my depression hits hard. I'd love to request yesterday once more if you haven't already seen that one.
“Freedom only helps you say goodbye” that is such a great line and so true. There is no substitute for a committed relationship.
A very moving reaction, S&M. Karen was indeed an angel. Next from, Carpenters, I recommend their hit song, "Yesterday Once More".
Warm maple syrup poured over hot buttered pancakes. That was Karen. ❤ RIP from MN.
I wish you would watch have happy she is playing drums
My wife and I absolutely love The Carpenters! Karen Carpenter makes you feel every note and touches your heart. Would love to see you react to We've Only Just Begun by The Carpenters. My wife and I married on August 16th 1970 and this song came out a couple of days later. It's one of our favorites by them. We got to see them live a couple of years after getting married. It was amazing!! And Karen could really play the drums. Love your reactions and comments guys!
There's never been another vocalist that withing a single verse makes me well up. Forever an angel
Made me throw a tears on my cheek , greetings from lima PERU
Nice to see a look of peace on your faces. That's what music is all about
I’m a new subbie. I’m 73 years old and the Carpenters were so special in my life. You’re so right Karen was a special angel on loan to us for a sort time. I still love their music. You both really got her. That is why I decided to subscribe to you. Thank you for sharing. ❤️
First Like👍🏿& First One Here to show love family and I will be watching until the end😁
She always makes us feel the songs. Try ‘Road Ode’ and ‘Bless the Beasts and the Children’. Very underrated songs but absolutely brilliant.
Great reaction. Karen's voice just does something to you. It's perfect tone. You feel everything she is saying. Check out this 1971 BBC Concert. It's only 40 minutes. But I think it's The Carpenters at there best. th-cam.com/video/XX3ANSbH6Lg/w-d-xo.html . Here is the link of the best quality. She performs most of it from behind the drums. Very cool. Again great reaction.
Behind the kit was where she was happiest. RIP Karen.
God bless her sweet soul.💙
And God bless you two for your empathy.💙💙
My mom introduced me to the Carpenters when I was around 9. She would push in their "Top of the World" 8-track and drive us to school. (Yeah, I aged myself there. 🤣) I was devastated the day I heard she passed! Everyone says it but HER VOICE! Beyond special.
If you'd like to see something really special, KAREN AND MISS ELLA FITZGERALD did a jazz medley together on a variety show called Music, Music, Music in 1980. Watch that! I'd love to see y'all react to it. Either way, you WON'T regret it.
Love your channel, y'all keep me smiling! 👍❤
Thank you for feeling what my tears are falling for .....Mel want to hear you sing too beautiful
Pure voice. Still amazes me.
Yes, she was a brilliant drummer too!! Such an amazing singer with the extra low sound of hers, incredible. xx
Would love you two to react to Karen playing the drum while shes singing. She was very talented you need to explore that part of her!
I miss Karen and her beautiful voice!
I was a senior in high school when she passed. Such a sad day! She was and is still loved by so many.
Another autobiographical song to hear her sing is Goodbye to Love.
Enjoyed watching all of this ❤ the carpenters are amazing 🤩 and Karen’s voice is just unbelievable wow 😮
An angel who touched the hearts of many people and forever will be irreplaceable. Miss you so much rest in peace Karen carpenter. You left this world too soon but your lovely velvety contralto voice never will. Rest in peace angel
Thank you for seeing who she really was. In the actual day, she got trolled hard. People were mean AF
It's ok to cry. Perfect reaction.
I grew up hearing the Carpenters and seeing them on tv on many programs and specials. It was always exciting to know they were going to be guests on some show or have a tv special of their own. I was about 13 when i recall first hearing Rainy Days on the radio. I was a kid but was feeling loneliness of an adult and when i heard her, suddenly i felt this adult voice was speaking to me. I just couldnt wait to find out more about the carpenters and before long they were everywhere.
There is another music/reactor who put Karen's live voice and recorded voice on a computer analysis, and she duplicated the quality and tone! Her voice was as good as it gets!
You two put a big smile on my face and Karen was the best. That voice will never exist again.
Thank you for appreciating what my generation grew up with ! You have impeccable taste and share the love with u both
Uma das vozes mais lindas que já ouvi
What a nice couple 💑.
"I know I ask perfection of a quite imperfect world..." great lyric.