@@roadkill7314 Just about every Black singer of the era got her start in church, for starters. I suppose the names Leontyne Price, Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin mean nothing to you.
@@Spo-Dee-O-Dee Rolling Stone magazine ranked her # 1 in their 1975 Top Drummer review. Which is silly, considering she beat out the likes of John Bonham. But I'm sure they did it to be provocative and sell mags.
There are a number of female vocalists that have moved me, over the years, Dusty Springfield, Stevie Nicks, K.D. Lang, Kate Bush, but Carpenter, had this ability to "swell," into long notes, in the lower register that is utterly spine tingling. And yes, she played drums. But, more than that, she was a bloody good drummer. Always bittersweet listening to her!
She derailed me when I was 8 years old listening to her in 73. Her voice was strong and melancholy at the same time. Never heard another woman sound like her!
I will concur with a slight variation. Her voice gobsmacked me on a sultry Carolina evening in July 1970. I was 16. My musical soul has never been the same since.
SIR Paul is 100% correct. The greatest female singer in our lifetime, maybe of all time. I would add one caveat, my heart, ears and soul are screaming at me, Chuck, she is greatest singer, regardless of gender, EVER. EVER. ❤❤❤❤ My God but how we need this woman's voice in 2024, now more than ever. EVER. EVER.
Brother Richard heard this melody on a bank commercial and asked the composer Paul Williams if there was a full version of the song. The rest is musical history. Karen had the most beautiful recording voice I’ve ever heard and Richard’s arrangements were equally brilliant and she was known for nailing her vocals perfectly in just one take in the studio.
If only they'd left her behind those drums... dragging her center stage made her self conscious about her appearance and her weight, bringing about the condition that would claim her life in the end...
I've said this before, there are only a few artists that when they sing that you know automatically who it is from the first word. Karen Carpenter is one of them. ❤️
The song was originally in a wedding-themed television commercial for Crocker National Bank in California. Richard Carpenter saw it and contacted the writers. The rest is history.
Inconceivable to me that you could have lived as long as you have not having heard of the Carpenters. Check out the closing medley from their final 1980 TV special "Music Music Music". She only got better.
Absolutely agree!,regarding Anne Murray she has this effortless way to her singing and amazing.please also play Anne Murray,she sang during the same time as Karen Carpenter.
I remember when this was a Crocker Bank commercial jingle. Richard Carpenter always had that ear to find something somewhere and then just go to town and make a hit out of it. He is still producing in the industry. He knew what songs were perfect for Karen's velvet voice. RIP Karen.
I was born in 1970 and she was part of my earliest music memories. I absolutely loved her voice. Such a tragic loss. Great reaction. Her voice was flawless and pitch perfect.
Whew !!!!!!! Once again Carpenters ( esp. Karen's heavenly voice) have floored me with that "warm and fuzzy" feeling that is triggered by synapses in the brain ' snap, crackle, popping ' oh so warmly and SMOOTHLY. Sheeese !?! GOOSE BUMPS !!!!! 😮😮😮😊😊😊❤❤❤
Best female voice ever. She was extremely shy and insecure. Richard was the writer and lead singer with Karen content to stay in the background on the drums. Until one day when they realized just wha she could do with her voice, they pushed her up front and the magic happened. It is so sad that she suffered with anorexia until her heart just gave out. She never found the love she was searching for. Their mother favored Richard. Karen was marrried once for a short time until his cheating ended it. My absolute fav Carpenters song is ONLY YESTERDAY. Please give a listen. thanks
MORE FROM KARENNNNN, YAYYYYYY!!! ❤😊LUVVVVVV IT PHIL AND SAM!👍 THIS MASQUERADE, SOLITAIRE, A SONG FOR YOU, YESTERDAY ONCE MORE RIP ☹TO THE ANGEL FROM ABOVE! TAKEN WAYYYYYYY TOO EARLY!😮
This song is about a couple who just got married and is beginning their journey together ("white lace and promises; a kiss for luck and we're on our way" describes a wedding).
Karen has always been my “mentor” in my singing over my 65 years. I’m in a Doo Wop group and I am privileged to sing a few of her songs. Her voice is so clear and pure. And with her brother, Richard, they were just wonderful. She was gone too soon. God rest her soul and bless Richard in his life. Thank you for all of your reactions, but especially the Carpenters… and Dimash! You guys rock! 😊🎶🎤🙏
The song "Close to You" was a smidgin of their first hit that they played at the end. "Close to You" is the song that launched their careers. I think I was like 11 years old when I first became aware of them and it was that song, so I recommend that next!
A great Carpenters song. The last portion you heard starting at 6:39 was part of another Carpenters song, Close to you. Oddly enough this started out as a bank commercial. Songwriters Paul Williams and Roger Nichols were commissioned by an advertising agency to write it in 1968 for Crocker Bank, which was trying to attract young people and newlyweds to their institution.
Phil and Sam, thank you for your articulate analysis of the performances of Karen Carpenter and the Carpenters. It's heartening to see younger generations of audiences discover and celebrate the extraordinary talents of the Carpenters. Many of the songs they chose to record have become timeless classics. They have earned their legendary status.
I've listened to the carpenters since they began in the late 60s... I put the fan immediately and I'm still a fan today... I think that most of the people my age and I'm 67 we remember where we were When we heard that Karen carpenter passed away... The whole world cried for a few days... She was such a talent... There are so many songs you could listen to yet if you want to go down that rabbit hole... Karen's favorite song to sing of hers was " I Know I Need to be in Love "... If you could play that at some point I would greatly appreciate it... Another great reaction guys... Keep being awesome !!!...
No one,no one can sing like Karen Carpenter! The next songs you may want to react of theirs is Superstar, Close to You and Goodbye to Love. You won't be sorry!
I am contemporaneous with Karen Carpenter and haven’t seen her picture for years. I am struck now by what a beautiful girl she was. When you are young youthful beauty seems “normal”. She had so much to live for. Why? Why? Why? Would she have recovered if she had lived now, I wonder.
This song has a special meaning for my wife and I. We got married on August 16, 1970 at the Chapel on on our college campus. A few days later this song came out. We even bought the album Close To You which this song is on. A couple of years later we got to see them live in concert and it was absolutely amazing! We didn't even know Karen played the drums. We have played this song on every Anniversary since. Really enjoyed your comments and reaction guys! Thanks! And best wishes to you both!❤
Picking my favorite Karen Carpenter song is like asking me to pick my favorite child. I love them all. Some requests are "Your'e The One", "I Can Dream Can't I" and every song they recorded. Simply an awesome duo. Karen is considered one of the finest singer/drummers ever in the music world. This rabbit hole is very very very deep.
Karen had a so so much wonderful and unique voice, even today I can listen to all Carpenters songs with vibes and good feelings. And this song was special too.
Beautiful! Karen's voice is so special, unique. Props to Richard & the entire group, the harmonies❣️. Next? "A Song For You" or "Close to You" or maybe "Please Mr. Postman." 😊
"We've Only Just Begun" was originally written for "The Crocker Bank" ad campaign (wedding themed) by Paul Williams. Paul Williams wrote a ton of hit songs. He also wrote "Rainy Days and Mondays" (previous video reaction) and "The Rainbow Connection" for The Muppet Movie.
I also felt for Richard because they were so close. My mom had an 8 track tape of the carpenters when I was a kid. I have been a fan since we listened to the 8 track over & over.
@@angelark2011 Thanks for sharing such wonderful memories. I can certainly relate as my upbringing consisted of similar experiences. Ah, those 8-track tapes take me back 😎. I just can't help thinking about Richard having to carry on & live his life without Karen, especially considering how much they potentially had to give.to this world. They were just getting started on a path of true greatness when tragedy struck. I honestly don't know how or even if I could keep going, so I am in respectful awe of his will to persevere.
She is beautiful. I struggle not to cry everytime I see her or listen to her. It breaks my heart that she left us at such a young age and in such a cruel way! 😓
It's hard to believe that she just wanted to be a drummer. Can you imagine what a big loss that would have been? She has one of the best voices of any vocalist of all time.
The Carpenters had so many great hits in the 70's, they were one of my favorite groups and they were huge. And to think that she didn't want to be upfront singing, she just wanted to play her drums!! Her voice is so concrete, concise, pure and beautiful, solid yet flows like liquid gold.
Karen and Richard always said about Karen's singing "the money is in the basement." Meaning her lower range was so warm it sold the song. This song was the ultimate wedding song back in the 1970's. the Carpenters became worldwide popular in 1970, this was the second single that also went to number one. I was 14, I had a helpless crush on Karen who was only 20!!! I was 27 in early 1983 when she died, I heard the news on the car radio, pulled over and balled my heart out for 5 minutes. I was a music teacher...
This was a staple wedding song in the 70's-80's including mine. I was fortunate to see them in concert in 1976, there live performance sounded just like in the studio. There will never be another Karen Carpenter.
By the time I saw the Carpenters perform on TV, she had sadly left the drum set behind, so it's always a special treat to see her drumming while singing!
Vocal experts concluded long ago that Karen's voice was what they call "pitch perfect." I just call it perfect!
In the studio, they called her "One Take Karen" cos she usually got the recordings down in one take.
@@Spo-Dee-O-DeeYeah, that's why so many other choir girls were just as successful as Karen!
@@Spo-Dee-O-Dee Oh? Have I heard any of them?
She was "pitch perfect" and had perfect pitch, a rare duo shared by a few of the greats
@@roadkill7314 Just about every Black singer of the era got her start in church, for starters. I suppose the names Leontyne Price, Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin mean nothing to you.
Frank Sinatra said Karen was the only singer he would pay to see.
Paul McCartney has said that Karen had "the best female voice in the world: melodic, tuneful and distinctive".
And yet they rated Aretha Franklin as the greatest ? which is absolutely ludicrous.
John Lennon was also a big fan of her voice and told her so...
@@SA-oy9pnwho did?? Please!!!
So did Elvis
@MosaicRose99 she didn't believe him
Karen's not only an incredible singer but a natural born drummer.
Yes! There are excellent videos highlighting her drumming skills that should also be reacted to.
At one point Rolling Stone rated her among thecm top 10 drummers
@@Spo-Dee-O-Dee Rolling Stone magazine ranked her # 1 in their 1975 Top Drummer review. Which is silly, considering she beat out the likes of John Bonham. But I'm sure they did it to be provocative and sell mags.
Good for Karen and congrats!@@badplay156
This song was "the song" at everyone's wedding for many, many years.
I was going to say the same thing!
And graduations!
First dance as husband and wife for so many in the 70's and early 80's.
Mine and my husband’s wedding 43yrs ago!
@@Daisychain1962 Same here in two months.
So clear. So pure. Beautiful.
There are a number of female vocalists that have moved me, over the years, Dusty Springfield, Stevie Nicks, K.D. Lang, Kate Bush, but Carpenter, had this ability to "swell," into long notes, in the lower register that is utterly spine tingling. And yes, she played drums. But, more than that, she was a bloody good drummer. Always bittersweet listening to her!
This song was the main wedding song of the 70's. It was sung at every wedding for years.
She derailed me when I was 8 years old listening to her in 73. Her voice was strong and melancholy at the same time. Never heard another woman sound like her!
It was 1974 for me i was 12…..hearing the greatest hits 69/73 on a friends dads car stereo…..i was hooked and still are.
I will concur with a slight variation. Her voice gobsmacked me on a sultry Carolina evening in July 1970. I was 16. My musical soul has never been the same since.
SIR Paul is 100% correct. The greatest female singer in our lifetime, maybe of all time. I would add one caveat, my heart, ears and soul are screaming at me, Chuck, she is greatest singer, regardless of gender, EVER. EVER. ❤❤❤❤ My God but how we need this woman's voice in 2024, now more than ever. EVER. EVER.
@@ChuckHackney North or South Carolina? I'm in South.
Uncle Charlie, I use the term gobsmacked. My soul and heart were gobsmacked in 1970 and still, at 70, they are today. Karen❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Karen's voice is timeless. It's like listening to an old friend.
This song was originally used for a bank commercial.
Written by the great songwriter, Paul Williams.
It was sung by Paul Williams who also wrote the song
Loved Paul in " Smokey and the Bandit" with another musical master Jerry Reed.@@candicelitrenta8890
Brother Richard heard this melody on a bank commercial and asked the composer Paul Williams if there was a full version of the song. The rest is musical history. Karen had the most beautiful recording voice I’ve ever heard and Richard’s arrangements were equally brilliant and she was known for nailing her vocals perfectly in just one take in the studio.
Williams wrote this for an advertising campaign for Crocker Bank in California.
Close to you is not just an ending for THIS song, but it is another #1 hit for them.
One of the most beautiful songs ever made.
I think they know that
Richard Carpenter was the arranger. He should get great credit also .Karen great Talent and sad loss RIP.
Paul williams what a songwriter!!
Just so you know, this song was played at every wedding and graduation in the Seventies!!!
RIP Karen😢😢😢…….. maybe the most beautiful voice in the history of music
Karen loved playing drums first of all. She described herself as a drummer who happened to sing. Talk about humility. We miss you. R.I.P. Karen. 💔
👍💓 you are correct
How do we describe Karen. Elegant, beautiful, total class, talented, and special, so so special.
"I'm really a drummer that can just sing a little bit"
"Karen"
If only they'd left her behind those drums... dragging her center stage made her self conscious about her appearance and her weight, bringing about the condition that would claim her life in the end...
I've said this before, there are only a few artists that when they sing that you know automatically who it is from the first word.
Karen Carpenter is one of them. ❤️
The song was originally in a wedding-themed television commercial for Crocker National Bank in California. Richard Carpenter saw it and contacted the writers. The rest is history.
Yes, and the person that wrote the song is Paul Williams.
Inconceivable to me that you could have lived as long as you have not having heard of the Carpenters.
Check out the closing medley from their final 1980 TV special "Music Music Music". She only got better.
Simply the greatest female singer ever.
SHE WAS AN ANGEL ON LOAN BY GOD!!!!
I met Karen in the mid-70s and talked to her for a few minutes during sound check. She was lovely.
When she sings the line" so much of life ahead" it breaks my heart knowing how little she had.
Karen Carpenter and Anne Murray.....effortless perfect pitch.
Absolutely agree!,regarding Anne Murray she has this effortless way to her singing and amazing.please also play Anne Murray,she sang during the same time as Karen Carpenter.
STILL my favorite Carpenters song. Her voice is just golden.
This used to be played at *every* wedding.
I remember when this was a Crocker Bank commercial jingle. Richard Carpenter always had that ear to find something somewhere and then just go to town and make a hit out of it. He is still producing in the industry. He knew what songs were perfect for Karen's velvet voice. RIP Karen.
That is kick-ass drumming.
Oh, my. Lord. Like Prince Rogers Nelson, you cannot go wrong with The Carpenters!
I would have given anything if they’d have collaborated!! Sugar and spice for sure…
All her songs were timeless ❤❤
Her voice is like an angel made of honey.
Her voice is pure honey!
Miss her and her voice 😢
Amazing voice,died at 32 from congestive heart failure due to complications with anorxexia. Her brother continued to work in the music industry
I was born in 1970 and she was part of my earliest music memories. I absolutely loved her voice. Such a tragic loss. Great reaction. Her voice was flawless and pitch perfect.
NO autotune, just Karen. Fantastic!!!
Karen’s pitch perfect effortless voice while drumming and those overdubbed vocals. 😍
This song was the soundtrack to many a wedding in the '70's and '80's.
R.I.P., legend! Continuous, heartfelt condolences to Richard. Thank you for sharing your gift!
Whew !!!!!!! Once again Carpenters ( esp. Karen's heavenly voice) have floored me with that "warm and fuzzy" feeling that is triggered by synapses in the brain ' snap, crackle, popping ' oh so warmly and SMOOTHLY. Sheeese !?! GOOSE BUMPS !!!!! 😮😮😮😊😊😊❤❤❤
Best female voice ever. She was extremely shy and insecure. Richard was the writer and lead singer with Karen content to stay in the background on the drums. Until one day when they realized just wha she could do with her voice, they pushed her up front and the magic happened. It is so sad that she suffered with anorexia until her heart just gave out. She never found the love she was searching for. Their mother favored Richard. Karen was marrried once for a short time until his cheating ended it. My absolute fav Carpenters song is ONLY YESTERDAY. Please give a listen. thanks
MORE FROM KARENNNNN, YAYYYYYY!!! ❤😊LUVVVVVV IT PHIL AND SAM!👍 THIS MASQUERADE, SOLITAIRE, A SONG FOR YOU, YESTERDAY ONCE MORE RIP ☹TO THE ANGEL FROM ABOVE! TAKEN WAYYYYYYY TOO EARLY!😮
This song is about a couple who just got married and is beginning their journey together ("white lace and promises; a kiss for luck and we're on our way" describes a wedding).
Karen has always been my “mentor” in my singing over my 65 years. I’m in a Doo Wop group and I am privileged to sing a few of her songs. Her voice is so clear and pure. And with her brother, Richard, they were just wonderful. She was gone too soon. God rest her soul and bless Richard in his life. Thank you for all of your reactions, but especially the Carpenters… and Dimash! You guys rock! 😊🎶🎤🙏
Her voice is by far the most beautiful. She left us to early.
The song "Close to You" was a smidgin of their first hit that they played at the end. "Close to You" is the song that launched their careers. I think I was like 11 years old when I first became aware of them and it was that song, so I recommend that next!
Last part was part of one thier famous songs Close to You
She was a fantastic drummer as well.
This song was played at a million weddings.
You guys are spot on with the reaction. Carpenters forever.
A great Carpenters song. The last portion you heard starting at 6:39 was part of another Carpenters song, Close to you. Oddly enough this started out as a bank commercial. Songwriters Paul Williams and Roger Nichols were commissioned by an advertising agency to write it in 1968 for Crocker Bank, which was trying to attract young people and newlyweds to their institution.
You can actually watch the commercial on TH-cam.
Karen is the number one female voice of all time & lets not forget Richards arrangements.
her voice was addictive. Can't get enough.
This was a huge wedding video, for the musicians who could pull it off.
It was played at 1,000s of weddings throughout the 70s.
Phil and Sam, thank you for your articulate analysis of the performances of Karen Carpenter and the Carpenters. It's heartening to see younger generations of audiences discover and celebrate the extraordinary talents of the Carpenters. Many of the songs they chose to record have become timeless classics. They have earned their legendary status.
Her voice is like wrapping yourself up in a cozy comforter . . .
Her brother saw her gift and wrote compositions for her. We were introduced to Karen Carpenter.
She had a BEAUTIFUL VOICE. It sad she died way too young. R-I-P
Oh, and she was an amazing drummer as well
I've listened to the carpenters since they began in the late 60s... I put the fan immediately and I'm still a fan today... I think that most of the people my age and I'm 67 we remember where we were When we heard that Karen carpenter passed away... The whole world cried for a few days... She was such a talent... There are so many songs you could listen to yet if you want to go down that rabbit hole... Karen's favorite song to sing of hers was " I Know I Need to be in Love "... If you could play that at some point I would greatly appreciate it... Another great reaction guys... Keep being awesome !!!...
"Top of the World" and "Mr Postman", two of my favourites from the Carpenters.
The ease with which she sings, to me the best female voice you will ever hear.
Karen's true love was playing the drums. She often referred to herself as "A drummer who happens to sing". What an incredible talent she was.
This was my class song when I graduated high school back in another lifetime,
KD Lange said Karen and Richards voices were like air and a choir!
It's great to see the current younger generation discovering the 70s classics of the Carpenters
No one,no one can sing like Karen Carpenter! The next songs you may want to react of theirs is Superstar, Close to You and Goodbye to Love. You won't be sorry!
Rainy Days and Mondays!
This guy needs to do radio. He's got such a great radio voice.
I am contemporaneous with Karen Carpenter and haven’t seen her picture for years. I am struck now by what a beautiful girl she was. When you are young youthful beauty seems “normal”. She had so much to live for. Why? Why? Why? Would she have recovered if she had lived now, I wonder.
I love how this song ends with the “Close to You” chorus
This song has a special meaning for my wife and I. We got married on August 16, 1970 at the Chapel on on our college campus. A few days later this song came out. We even bought the album Close To You which this song is on. A couple of years later we got to see them live in concert and it was absolutely amazing! We didn't even know Karen played the drums. We have played this song on every Anniversary since. Really enjoyed your comments and reaction guys! Thanks! And best wishes to you both!❤
Richard arranged everything and he and Karen sang the harmonies
Picking my favorite Karen Carpenter song is like asking me to pick my favorite child. I love them all. Some requests are "Your'e The One", "I Can Dream Can't I" and every song they recorded. Simply an awesome duo. Karen is considered one of the finest singer/drummers ever in the music world. This rabbit hole is very very very deep.
Masquerade by Karen Carpenter...excellent❤
Karen had a so so much wonderful and unique voice, even today I can listen to all Carpenters songs with vibes and good feelings. And this song was special too.
Beautiful! Karen's voice is so special, unique. Props to Richard & the entire group, the harmonies❣️. Next? "A Song For You" or "Close to You" or maybe "Please Mr. Postman." 😊
Seems like Close to You Would the logical move!
There will NEVER be another with those perfect vocals!! ❤
"We've Only Just Begun" was originally written for "The Crocker Bank" ad campaign (wedding themed) by Paul Williams. Paul Williams wrote a ton of hit songs. He also wrote "Rainy Days and Mondays" (previous video reaction) and "The Rainbow Connection" for The Muppet Movie.
Imagine what could've been. My heart breaks for Richard.
I also felt for Richard because they were so close. My mom had an 8 track tape of the carpenters when I was a kid. I have been a fan since we listened to the 8 track over & over.
@@angelark2011 Thanks for sharing such wonderful memories. I can certainly relate as my upbringing consisted of similar experiences. Ah, those 8-track tapes take me back 😎.
I just can't help thinking about Richard having to carry on & live his life without Karen, especially considering how much they potentially had to give.to this world. They were just getting started on a path of true greatness when tragedy struck. I honestly don't know how or even if I could keep going, so I am in respectful awe of his will to persevere.
This era was just magical and this is why it still does it to this very day !
Second line in the song "White lace and promises... A kiss for luck and we're on our way." This is a wedding and beginning of a life together.
Richard heard it on a radio commercial for a bank , called his manager and asked if it had a second verse and it was GOLD.. # marriage song of 70’s
This is my favorite.
Lyrics by Paul Williams, music by Roger Nicholes. Was originally a bank commercial for newlyweds. Then Richard Carpenter said, "Hold my martini."
This is a legendary song, played at every graduation and wedding for years! No one has a voice like Karen’s!
No.1 wedding song of the seventies.
Greatest female vocalist ever, not even close.
Eva Cassidy was amazing too, those are my top 2 for sure
I agree she's the best female singer overall ! Eva Cassidy is my favorite blues singer and Dianna Ross is amazing as well
Not even close? She’s a great vocalist, but there’s no need for hyperbole. And I’m guessing you haven’t heard Sarah Vaughan.
@@Kaddywompous nope, not even close
The smiles on your faces when she sung her first note says it all. Karen was, is and will always be a legend. ❤
She is beautiful. I struggle not to cry everytime I see her or listen to her. It breaks my heart that she left us at such a young age and in such a cruel way! 😓
It's hard to believe that she just wanted to be a drummer. Can you imagine what a big loss that would have been? She has one of the best voices of any vocalist of all time.
Get a clip of her playing druns.. she can rock!!! You will pleasantly surprised how good she is.. get the clips on you tube 👍😊
The Carpenters had so many great hits in the 70's, they were one of my favorite groups and they were huge. And to think that she didn't want to be upfront singing, she just wanted to play her drums!! Her voice is so concrete, concise, pure and beautiful, solid yet flows like liquid gold.
Karen Carpenter was one of my favourite female talented angelic voice singer apart from Barbra Streisand ❤❤❤her so much...🎉🎉
Karen and Richard always said about Karen's singing "the money is in the basement." Meaning her lower range was so warm it sold the song. This song was the ultimate wedding song back in the 1970's. the Carpenters became worldwide popular in 1970, this was the second single that also went to number one. I was 14, I had a helpless crush on Karen who was only 20!!! I was 27 in early 1983 when she died, I heard the news on the car radio, pulled over and balled my heart out for 5 minutes. I was a music teacher...
A voice as smooth as silk
Listen to Superstar. Then listen to Leonid and Friends with vocals by Ksenia Buzina
They have already done Superstar
I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to see them in concert in 1973. They were magical.
This was a staple wedding song in the 70's-80's including mine. I was fortunate to see them in concert in 1976, there live performance sounded just like in the studio. There will never be another Karen Carpenter.
By the time I saw the Carpenters perform on TV, she had sadly left the drum set behind, so it's always a special treat to see her drumming while singing!