i imagine how many around the world with real talent and can sing without help of computers and technology that we aren't privy to listen to because they won't sell their souls to the music industry.
Well, not exactly. Much of "her sound" is overdubbing; not computers, per se, but certainly technology. The studio mixing made for great albums, not so much for live performances - which is where many of her and her brother's problems started.
@@snarky_user Overdubbing gave them that unique studio sound, which only enhanced her voice. There are plenty of live Carpenters videos. I saw them preform in 1974 at a dinner show at Lake Tahoe. Up close and personal. She was the real thing. A once in a lifetime voice and a damn good drummer. John Lennon, Elvis Presley, Buddy Rich, and Frank Sinatra ( to name a few) all had very high praise of her talents. She was preforming live at 15. It was when she was pressured to come out from behind the drums is when her problems came to the surface.
@@sean92591 I don't know if "despised" is the right word, but there is something to what you say about Richard being the apple of their mom's eye. "'Lil Sister" Karen was just supposed to be the drummer in the band, not the principal voice. Even after it became obvious to everyone that Karen was the real star, she still had to fight to get Richard to agree to crediting her as "associate producer."
Well said, I feel the same. No one sounds like her . . . from low to high and back to low in a matter of seconds while never over singing. 1975, the Horizon album . . . The photo shoot, the sound, that's my favorite version of Karen.
I grew up in Downey where the Carpenters lived. Every Christmas they decorated their home and people from all around would drive by to see it. After Karen died, her parents never hung up those decorations again. Her passing was devastating to the whole community but did bring about awareness
The world lost an angel the day she passed....my grandmother was crying for days after, as Karen was her favorite singer to listen to. After I got to be a bit older, and studied Musical Theory in College, I listened to Grandmas old records of the Carpenters and understood exactly why it is said she was Timeless with her voice and had pitch control like no one ever befor her. R.I.P. Karen Carpenter you are missed to this very day and undoubtedly in the Far far future. Great Reaction sir, I enjoyed that immensely.
@@blakjack3053 A very distinctive voice that very few singers have. All you need is to hear a couple of notes and you know who it is right off the bat.
Mesmerizing . . intoxicating . . haunting . . her voice was all of those. I never tire of listening to her songs. The greatest female voice of the rock era in my opinion . . and there isn't a close second.
I've been in love with Karen Carpenter's voice since I was a child. Her voice was a tremendous gift to the world... so pure and just so perfect. While I love hearing her sing, the melancholy that radiates in her voice often makes me sad. Still... I listen and NO ONE compares to her.
Agree! She was an amazing artist! Loved her! Still love her. So sad that she struggled so incredibly bad with her eating disorder. I just feel so sad about it. I’ve had a an eating disorder since I was 15. I’m 61.
Karen Carpenter had the voice of angels. She was 32 when she died from heart failure due to her years of anorexia. The powers that be at that time felt she was too heavy and not pretty enough, this is what ultimately lead to her illness and eventual death. What a dirty shame. There is a great movie about her life if you can find it. She is and will be forever missed. Some say she died of a broken heart. RIP Karen.
It was her boyfriend. She was in a relationship where she was terribly insecure. By the time she was too thin and decided she wanted to live, it was too late. 😔
Vocal acrobatics, a la Mariah or Whitney will always have it's place in popular music. The richness of Karen's voice will always be second to none. Karen was about evoking a depth of feeling akin to a silky whisper rather than a triumphant crescendo. Rest in peace, Karen. There will never be another you!
@@brianm6530Thank you for your kind words. Attributing descriptive words to something as ethereal as Karen's voice is next to impossible. Thankfully, we have the recordings!! Otherwise, her magical gift would've been lost. If we had never had the chance to hear her, how would one even begin to describe her voice to someone else?? No words could ever begin to describe it! It would be like trying to describe a color to someone blind from birth! And to think that her brother had to drag her out from behind those drums to center stage. She was extremely shy and was contented to take a more supporting role within the group. It's hard to imagine having such a talent and not being able to recognize it!
@@kittenkorleone2918 Just to let you know, I have spent many a late night putting her albums on, sitting in a dark room with my eyes closed just having a warm feeling of comfort as I listen to her. You might find of interest if you are not aware, of another reactor who is a professional musician named Fil Wings of Pegasus who dissects her drumming and vocals. He's very good. ruclips.net/video/BCMyQD1-LYc/видео.html and ruclips.net/video/rfdh9x743Vw/видео.html I hope you enjoy as much as I did. By the way, love your name!
I agree those with REAL TALENT vocally, will NEVER go out of style....but as far as Whitney and Mariah, they were as close to her since Linda Rondstat. And still could not touch the talent range of Karen, since she played the drums simultaneously....also Karen Carpenter is the ONLY singer that Frank Sinatra said he would insist on PAYING to see sing LIVE....now that is an AMAZING compliment.
She had, in my personal opinion, the best singing voice I have ever heard. Her range, how she backs down and quietens her voice, how she picks up the power and projects her voice. Also, how she feels the song, the words, and songs to tell the story of the words. Other singers do some of these things, for sure, I dont deny that, but no one did it like Karen. The harmony is Carpenters songs give extra depth. And the topic of the songs... despair, loneliness, solitude, emptiness. There is a melancholia of the songs that resonate with too many people, and it's why the lyrics mean so so much, in addition to that amazingly beautiful voice. Thanks for the reaction. Kudos to you. Her voice is the definition of beauty. For me, best singer ever.
I remember being in second grade in 1984, and our music teacher telling us about her passing, and when he played her songs "They Long To Be Close To You" and "Top of the World", he started to cry and told us that he was a big fan of her's and that she had the voice of an angel and was too young to be gone from the world.
@@R.POWELL Thanks! I'm doing good. 57 yrs. old and dealing with lots of stomach issues, but happy to be at a healthy enough weight, and consider myself Blessed every day!
@@Tmanaz480 y'know what Hal said about her, that she was one of the finest drummers he'd ever seen, and she should have played on the tracks herself. That's very high praise, considering Hal was one of the best drummers of all time. My daddy was a studio/tour drummer, and he loved Hal, in his opinion he was up there with Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich. Dad wasn't half bad himself, lol!
I was listening to Paul Williams way back when I was a child. He also composed for Three Dog Night, "Just an Old Fashion Love Song" I prefer his version. If you haven't heard it, check it out! Take care and stay safe..🎧😎
Her voice is like putting soothing balm on a burn. It makes everything feel better immediately. It’s such a shame about what happened to her. It’s still heartbreaking all these years later. RIP, Karen.
I grew up watching and listening to the Carpenters during the 70s. I'm am now 58 years old. When I hear their music and Karen's unique voice I'm transported back in time. Their music brings a smile to my face yet it leaves a dash of melancholy knowing that Karen left us too early in life. My father, who is 80 years old and a lover of music always said to me that Nat King Cole and Karen Carpenter are the only 2 recording artist that have a voice that will live on for eternity. Thank you for your review and your honest reaction to her singing. You made me smile. Peace.
demo77ef I was in the sixth grade when this song came out. We played it in band, I was the third trumpet. I loved their music growing up. To be honest I never bought into the sex and drugs and rock and roll mindset. I preferred James Taylor, America, Gloria Estefan, and especially the Carpenters. The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, yes even the Beatles, bored me.
@@davidgaugamela9801 . Talk about Deja Vu! I too was in sixth grade when this song came out and instead of a trumpet I played the Alto Saxophone in the school band. I guess we listened to the same kind of music however I learned to appreciate the music of Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones later in life. Thanks for sharing.
great post! in fact, my 2 favorite singers of all time and in another video praising karen carpenter here on youtube, k.d. lang a huge fan of karen carpenter said that to her karen was a female nat king cole, on par with him.. which is so true! both were the ULTIMATE "crooners" and the ULTIMATE singers who sang TO YOU NOT AT YOU!...
Karen's voice was pure smooth chocolate. Such a wonderful voice, no one has replaced this Lady in respect of her style. Effortless, note perfect, pure - and that's what gives me goose bumps - purity of song
Pure and spot on, is the only way to describe her voice. To turn how you feel to musical notes and vocals is special indeed. To make someone or rooms full of people want to hear you is a gift. Great singers make you want to listen. So soft, so precise. What a wonderful talent she was. Could listen to her all day.
Thought I would add my 2 cents. I too love Jamal' s reactions. He is authentic and very well meaning making it s pleasure to see enjoy his musical journey with him. He's discovered much gold with lots more around the next curve. At the same time, we know that all that glitters is not gold. But mostly what he's putting forth has been just that.
Bless her sweet heart & soul. Can't ever listen to her without getting teary eyed.💙 That song was written by the great Paul Williams who also wrote "We've Only Just Begun" for The Carpenters and so many 70's hits for other artists.."Just An Old Fashioned Love Song", "You & Me Against the World", too many to even mention here but wanted to mention him. Great talent, lasting music.💙
@@markellwilliams3594 I do have a favorite, "Superstar". Just because it takes me back to a certain time & place as a young teen. And I love it no matter who did different versions (like Rita Coolidge). But Karen made it so special. You could hear the longing in her voice. But aside from that song I'd have a hard time picking a 2nd fave. Well, maybe "Close to You". Another sentimental favorite. Now I've got "Superstar" on my mind. Think I'm gonna have to listen to it now.💙
@@renaerolley5670 I forgot about that! Must be getting old, lol. But I do remember he wrote "Evergreen" (love theme from "A Star Is Born", the movie with Streisand & Kristofferson). Gorgeous song.💙
Karen’s voice was soooo angelic and full bodied.. she was such a treasure. RIP Karen.. you were such a beauty inside and out even though you couldn’t see it. 🥺
absolutely agreed. Richard is a music genius. He never needed to be the star. SOOO much of a LOT of songs we love, Richard played a huge role in the production.
When talking about Karen’s singing, sometimes there just aren’t good enough words. She was 32 years old when she passed away due to complications from her illness anorexia. So tragic! Yet because she was the first “superstar“ to pass away from this illness, it brought awareness of it and its treatments that may have helped save tens of thousands of others’ lives. Karen‘s gift just keeps on giving.....
I remember the day she died. I was 10 years old. I still recall the miniseries they made about her and her brother. Her heart gave out, right, from anorexia.
Excellent point. I'd never heard of anorexia before Karen. She has saved countless lives whether those people know it or not. God Bless her. No question she's singing and jamming the drums in heaven.
She was talking about depression. Back in the 70's cognitive theories of depression were just starting to emerge so there wasn't a lot of treatment for those with depression.
Listening to this song & looking at her singing, actually listening to the words, and thinking about what she must have been going through. Back in the 70s depression was rarely diagnosed. People suffered with melancholy, or they were having mood swings & given uppers if they went to a doctor. Hearing this song just now seems to have touched something in me
@@geriatricraver she didn't actually write this. Most of their material was from professional songwriters, this one from Paul Williams (lyrics). Richard composed music for the group, but wasn't a lyricist either. Not saying she didn't suffer from depression, but its more a case that her amazing voice could convince you of anything.
@@geriatricraver you are so right.in the 70s people did not touck about depachen .they would give you pills or put you in a sico ward.at least now they have treatement
Most singers today have trouble emoting, or think that simply having a lot of runs or melisma is all it takes. Karen just oozed feeling from every note. And she looked really good here. Whoever did her hair and makeup knew exactly what to accentuate plus she was a healthy weight. I like to remember her exactly like this.
Loved your reaction! Growing up in the 50s, 60s and 70s, I guess I took great music for granted since we were surrounded by excellence like this. I feel sorry for the young folks of today who don't know what they're missing. Talent like this is almost non-existent right now, but thankfully the music of the Carpenters will last forever. Thanks for highlighting it and helping others to discover how fabulous music can be. If it gives you chills and brings tears to your eyes, you know it's something really special!
I remember when Karen Carpenter died. I think everyone I knew was sad. She was and is definitely part of the fabric of America. You’re right, there is just something about her voice. The clarity and smoothness are just intoxicating. ✌️
clarity , (she has the most perfect diction and enunciation for every word to every song she ever sang better then any male or female singe i've ever heard), smoothness, richness, purity, intimacy, movingly beautiful, the ULTIMATE singer who sang TO YOU not AT you.
Truly talented brother and sister. She got all the limelight because of her drumming and heavenly voice but his arrangements and keyboards were both brilliant and very tasteful and really played them both to their strengths.
Her voice is so beautiful and always sounds effortless. I wish more was understood about eating disorders back then. I don’t know if she could have been saved, but there would have been a better chance. Her voice is definitely missed. 😢
Sadly, ED’s are rampant still in show biz. Those actresses are forced to go on extreme diets to achieve that ultra thin look. Many develop ED’s from this.
Sadly, Karen was beset by a multitude of issues, many of which did not manifest clearly or consistently. Her talents are amazing, but like all of us she was more than her magic moments.
Just LOVED your reaction to my all-time favorite singer, Karen Carpenter -- no voice has ever come along quite like hers. In a store she comes on and everyone around you starts singing along, commenting, etc. I have seen other musicians talk about her and they all agree her voice was one in a million! Thanks so much. She touches he deepest places in my heart too.
She is amazing. I remember watching her on TV and thinking she always looked so sad or she had a far away thought in her head. After she died, it wasn’t until then that you could kind of see her illness consuming her. It was something people could she. - she was always on TV and you could see her fading physically, BUT that voice . . . always angelic Love your channel big guy - keep up the journey
As an older guy, I can assure you, 50 years ago there were 2 type of men. Those that fell in love with Karen and her voice, and those that hadn't heard her sing yet. What a voice, perfect pitch and diction. One of the best, for sure. She could sing the phone book and dictionary, and I'd buy the 2 cd set.
When I first meant my wife in 1981, I told her the only person I would ever leave you for would be Karen Carpenter. She was my first crush and it never went away.
And she sure could play the hell out of them... she had some FIERCE jazz chops when she did drum solos! Geme Krupa was one of her main inspirations there
If you watch a lot of Carpenters videos you notice a pattern of how she always looks happy behind a drum kit, and usually melancholy when fronting without the drums. I am certain that taking her drums away contributed to her demise.
I totally agree. She liked to hide behind that drum set, and did not want to be out front. She felt self-conscious, and that is when the weight loss began... very sad.
To sing that softly then purposely go in out using volume to create vocal intonation, with absolutely perfect pitch and breath control, steady and crystalline clear, using incredible tonality and inflection, WHILE ALSO DRUMMING, is nothing short of astonishing. She makes it look easy, no belting, but all that is far from easy. It takes incredible strength, vocal and breath control, and control of one’s diaphragm to sing spot on pitch that steady, while also singing softly then using weaving volume intonation in and out…lest I forget, WHILE DRUMMING 😂 It may look simple, but in reality what she did is much harder than just belting out lyrics with all your might. So, so difficult, and takes so much control. It takes utter mastery of one’s vocals. And she was a master. With a 3 octave range and a dead on, rare and pure contra alto voice, she truly had the voice from the heavens themselves. Plus she was a fabulous songwriter and musician. And she doesn’t get the credit she deserves IMO🤷🏼♀️When people talk great voices throughout history, her name rarely if ever come up. When in reality, she is truly one of the rarest voices we’ve ever been blessed with.
It's hard to imagine that she seen her self as so fat that she literally starved herself to death Anorexia is such a terrible mental disorder., she was such a talented woman
Bryon Ensminger at the time I read that she saw a review where the critic said she was gaining weight. That was all it took. So sad. All that beauty and talent washed away with one review. A completely unnecessary comment on her appearance.
Your reaction to this song is so spot on. I'm 63 yrs old, about 14 back in the seventies when they were singing and a bit embarassed that I liked them so much because hard rock was "cooler". Well I'm "comin' out". Karen's voice will always be my favorite along with Richard's arrangements and backup. It's just perfect music. To see you enjoy it too is so affirming. Great music crosses all lines and borders. Love the way you love it. Hope you keep doing this. Whenever I need to smile I turn this on, watch you, listen to them.
One of my favorite songs Karen sang, was "Bless the Beasts and the Children". GETS to me every time I hear it, and mostly because of her special voice and the emotion she puts into it.
Thank you so much . Ive been waiting for you to do this one. Karen had the most amazing voice on the planet. Ive seen a lot of your videos and you seem to have a glow to you whenever you listen to the carpenters. I am liking the logo in the top corner.
It's still always amazing to me how music can do the same thing to people regardless of who they are. Her voice soothes everyone's soul...there aren't even words to describe her voice. Love her!! And much love to you Jamal, from a middle aged, white woman from the middle of the woods in New Hampshire!!
I have always said that her voice was like wearing your favorite comfy PJs, wrapping up in the softest blanket on a big comfy couch in front of a roaring fire with a cup of hot chocolate.
The Carpenters actually sang Killing me softly when I saw them in London in the early 70s, but I don't think there's any recordings of it unless it's on a bootleg album somewhere.
Jamal. I've been with Karen since the beginning! I fell in love with her voice a LONG time ago, and I still have that feeling. It's obvious to me, that you, Brother, have also gone and fallen in love with her and her voice. Join the crowd, Jamal. We love that girl. God rest her soul.
"the best female voice in the world: melodic, tuneful and distinctive." - Paul McCartney, on Karen Carpenter.
She has many fans. Björn Ulvaeus from ABBA says that she is his favourite vocalist.
@J OneLife No, American.
Linda Ronstadt was really good, but even Linda couldn't top Karen Carpenter.
that is a LEGIT quote he really said that about her
it really is that good though.
If honey was a sound, it would be her voice.
Her voice is like a warm hug.
Her voices caresses You...like a warm blanket....Simply breath taking
Bingo!
Ricky Price good explanation
Voice like honey, ...caress you like a warm blanket: I agree! those descriptions are on point! 😎
One of the Greatest Female vocalist of all time, just her, no computers to help her voice as if it were necessary...
i imagine how many around the world with real talent and can sing without help of computers and technology that we aren't privy to listen to because they won't sell their souls to the music industry.
@@danij1586 we do get to hear them w/o on shows like AGT, The Voice...etc., trouble starts when the show ends and recording begins...jmo
"One take Karen"
Well, not exactly. Much of "her sound" is overdubbing; not computers, per se, but certainly technology.
The studio mixing made for great albums, not so much for live performances - which is where many of her and her brother's problems started.
@@snarky_user Overdubbing gave them that unique studio sound, which only enhanced her voice. There are plenty of live Carpenters videos. I saw them preform in 1974 at a dinner show at Lake Tahoe. Up close and personal. She was the real thing. A once in a lifetime voice and a damn good drummer. John Lennon, Elvis Presley, Buddy Rich, and Frank Sinatra ( to name a few) all had very high praise of her talents. She was preforming live at 15. It was when she was pressured to come out from behind the drums is when her problems came to the surface.
She was a very loveing and caring soul,she would write personal letters to the soldiers in Vietnam and answer all of their letters they wrote her
My Love, her voice ! Christmas is not christmas without that voice! loved her since childhood... She was a drummer first, she was a great drummer!
She didn't need runs, she didn't need no whistle voice, she was genuine, 100% pure natural amazing talent.
100%
Simply pure!
Listening to her is like wrapping yourself up in a nice, warm blanket.
and she seems like such a good person too.
Jaybriel Akoi. the Best💕
Every time I hear her sing now, it's like taking a gut punch. Such a loss. She never learned to love herself. I get that.
Lee, yes.
Look what she left for us for all time.
So well said.
You can thank her family for that. She was not supposed to be the star, Rich was and her mother despised the fact that he wasn't.
@@sean92591 I don't know if "despised" is the right word, but there is something to what you say about Richard being the apple of their mom's eye. "'Lil Sister" Karen was just supposed to be the drummer in the band, not the principal voice. Even after it became obvious to everyone that Karen was the real star, she still had to fight to get Richard to agree to crediting her as "associate producer."
I cannot express how much I love the Carpenters. Karen’s voice is like silk and Richard’s arrangements are genius.
Given credit when credit is due.
Well said, I feel the same. No one sounds like her . . . from low to high and back to low in a matter of seconds while never over singing. 1975, the Horizon album . . . The photo shoot, the sound, that's my favorite version of Karen.
So in sync KC & RC . That voice is definitely like Liquid silk. ♥️grew up listening and still is ♥️
Definitely not quite Karen, but this lady has a pretty sweet voice: ruclips.net/video/GvmJQbjpZ2g/видео.html
Everyone always concentrates on Karen’s voice, and rightly so. But Richard was a musical genius.
Kind of puts today's so called talent into perspective.One of the few perfect singing voices ever
The voice just jumps right out of the speaker. THIS is SOUL.
I grew up in Downey where the Carpenters lived. Every Christmas they decorated their home and people from all around would drive by to see it. After Karen died, her parents never hung up those decorations again. Her passing was devastating to the whole community but did bring about awareness
Yun Engdahl Wow! Ty for sharing that👍
Sad
💔
💔💔💔
What a crushing loss.
The world lost an angel the day she passed....my grandmother was crying for days after, as Karen was her favorite singer to listen to.
After I got to be a bit older, and studied Musical Theory in College, I listened to Grandmas old records of the Carpenters and understood exactly why it is said she was Timeless with her voice and had pitch control like no one ever befor her.
R.I.P. Karen Carpenter you are missed to this very day and undoubtedly in the Far far future.
Great Reaction sir, I enjoyed that immensely.
I still shed tears when I listen to her beautiful voice. Her music is soothing to the soul. She is loved by so many even to this day.
@@angelblue1054 Ditto that.
Absolutely...... And every year at Christmas, her singing Merry Christmas Darling just hits me straight in the heart.........
You don't just listen to her sing with your ears, you FEEL her voice with your heart and soul.
She sings to my soul
@@blakjack3053 A very distinctive voice that very few singers have. All you need is to hear a couple of notes and you know who it is right off the bat.
Mesmerizing . . intoxicating . . haunting . . her voice was all of those. I never tire of listening to her songs. The greatest female voice of the rock era in my opinion . . and there isn't a close second.
I've been in love with Karen Carpenter's voice since I was a child. Her voice was a tremendous gift to the world... so pure and just so perfect. While I love hearing her sing, the melancholy that radiates in her voice often makes me sad. Still... I listen and NO ONE compares to her.
Well written. Melancholy is the precise word to use.
She's SOOOO underrated! She's never mentioned among the all time greats. Every time I hear her voice it's magic.
Of course she is. What the hell are you talking about?
Not underrated. Won Grammy awards. Hosted specials on t.v...but missed terribly.
Ya. Not one knows Sissel either.
I guess they just don't know how to express the voices from heaven
why am I not learning about this womans awesomeness till like this weeks reactions i did?
Agree!
She was an amazing artist! Loved her! Still love her. So sad that she struggled so incredibly bad with her eating disorder. I just feel so sad about it. I’ve had a an eating disorder since I was 15. I’m 61.
Karen Carpenter had the voice of angels. She was 32 when she died from heart failure due to her years of anorexia. The powers that be at that time felt she was too heavy and not pretty enough, this is what ultimately lead to her illness and eventual death. What a dirty shame. There is a great movie about her life if you can find it. She is and will be forever missed. Some say she died of a broken heart. RIP Karen.
It was her boyfriend. She was in a relationship where she was terribly insecure. By the time she was too thin and decided she wanted to live, it was too late. 😔
Anne Marie yup!
She died while IN-HOUSE THERAPY!
It’s treated much better today of course, than it was then. I miss her
@@Nan-59 Me too. 😢
I feel that she did also. The music industry killed her...
The powers that be were damn fools too,she was so beautiful to so many
Vocal acrobatics, a la Mariah or Whitney will always have it's place in popular music. The richness of Karen's voice will always be second to none. Karen was about evoking a depth of feeling akin to a silky whisper rather than a triumphant crescendo. Rest in peace, Karen. There will never be another you!
That was beautiful, your description of Karen. I wish I had the ability to express as eloquently as you did right here. Kudos Kitten.
@@brianm6530Thank you for your kind words. Attributing descriptive words to something as ethereal as Karen's voice is next to impossible. Thankfully, we have the recordings!! Otherwise, her magical gift would've been lost. If we had never had the chance to hear her, how would one even begin to describe her voice to someone else?? No words could ever begin to describe it! It would be like trying to describe a color to someone blind from birth! And to think that her brother had to drag her out from behind those drums to center stage. She was extremely shy and was contented to take a more supporting role within the group. It's hard to imagine having such a talent and not being able to recognize it!
@@kittenkorleone2918 Just to let you know, I have spent many a late night putting her albums on, sitting in a dark room with my eyes closed just having a warm feeling of comfort as I listen to her. You might find of interest if you are not aware, of another reactor who is a professional musician named Fil Wings of Pegasus who dissects her drumming and vocals. He's very good. ruclips.net/video/BCMyQD1-LYc/видео.html and ruclips.net/video/rfdh9x743Vw/видео.html I hope you enjoy as much as I did. By the way, love your name!
I agree those with REAL TALENT vocally, will NEVER go out of style....but as far as Whitney and Mariah, they were as close to her since Linda Rondstat. And still could not touch the talent range of Karen, since she played the drums simultaneously....also Karen Carpenter is the ONLY singer that Frank Sinatra said he would insist on PAYING to see sing LIVE....now that is an AMAZING compliment.
Kitten Korleone TRUTH!!!! So beautifully written Kitten...
She had, in my personal opinion, the best singing voice I have ever heard.
Her range, how she backs down and quietens her voice, how she picks up the power and projects her voice.
Also, how she feels the song, the words, and songs to tell the story of the words.
Other singers do some of these things, for sure, I dont deny that, but no one did it like Karen. The harmony is Carpenters songs give extra depth.
And the topic of the songs... despair, loneliness, solitude, emptiness. There is a melancholia of the songs that resonate with too many people, and it's why the lyrics mean so so much, in addition to that amazingly beautiful voice.
Thanks for the reaction. Kudos to you.
Her voice is the definition of beauty.
For me, best singer ever.
I remember being in second grade in 1984, and our music teacher telling us about her passing, and when he played her songs "They Long To Be Close To You" and "Top of the World", he started to cry and told us that he was a big fan of her's and that she had the voice of an angel and was too young to be gone from the world.
Depression and eating disorders especially in women weren't recognized seriously in the '70's.
I know. I was anorexic from '76 to ....well, you never get over it. You just learn to gain enough weight to keep drs. and others from yelling at you.
@@patdonnelly9392 Sorry to hear that, Pat . Hope you're doing ok! ☺ ❤COMING TO YA FROM TEXAS
@@R.POWELL Thanks! I'm doing good. 57 yrs. old and dealing with lots of stomach issues, but happy to be at a healthy enough weight, and consider myself Blessed every day!
@@patdonnelly9392 You should be proud of yourself. That's a mountain you climbed.
And even today, under-recognized seriously in men😫
Singing like that WHILE playing the drums, amazing!!!
well she's lip synching but still.
Donald Leider I play drums. I’m good for harmony, that’s it!
The audio track is the studio recording, so we're listening to Hal Blaine on drums.
Another great performance of a singer playing drums is from Levon Helm of "The Band", singing "The night they drove old dixie down".
@@Tmanaz480 y'know what Hal said about her, that she was one of the finest drummers he'd ever seen, and she should have played on the tracks herself. That's very high praise, considering Hal was one of the best drummers of all time. My daddy was a studio/tour drummer, and he loved Hal, in his opinion he was up there with Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich. Dad wasn't half bad himself, lol!
Some singers have a voice that comes along once in a generation, or once in a lifetime. Karen had a voice that comes along once.
i totally agree. she was amazing and unfortunately couldn't see what the world saw. it was the means to an unfortunate end. rip Karen.
Props to the composer of this song, Mr Paul Williams. The Carpenters covered a number of his songs. This is the Karen that we all love to hear.
That song fit her perfectly.
thank you, tony. i love paul williams. so overlooked
I was listening to Paul Williams way back when I was a child. He also composed for Three Dog Night, "Just an Old Fashion Love Song" I prefer his version. If you haven't heard it, check it out! Take care and stay safe..🎧😎
I loved Kermit singing his Rainbow Connection.
@@13terapyn Word! What a magnificent songwriter he is!
Her voice was LIQUID GOLD! No other female can match her voice!
Her voice is like putting soothing balm on a burn. It makes everything feel better immediately. It’s such a shame about what happened to her. It’s still heartbreaking all these years later. RIP, Karen.
Yes.
I grew up watching and listening to the Carpenters during the 70s. I'm am now 58 years old. When I hear their music and Karen's unique voice I'm transported back in time. Their music brings a smile to my face yet it leaves a dash of melancholy knowing that Karen left us too early in life. My father, who is 80 years old and a lover of music always said to me that Nat King Cole and Karen Carpenter are the only 2 recording artist that have a voice that will live on for eternity. Thank you for your review and your honest reaction to her singing. You made me smile. Peace.
demo77ef I was in the sixth grade when this song came out. We played it in band, I was the third trumpet. I loved their music growing up. To be honest I never bought into the sex and drugs and rock and roll mindset. I preferred James Taylor, America, Gloria Estefan, and especially the Carpenters. The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, yes even the Beatles, bored me.
@@davidgaugamela9801 . Talk about Deja Vu! I too was in sixth grade when this song came out and instead of a trumpet I played the Alto Saxophone in the school band. I guess we listened to the same kind of music however I learned to appreciate the music of Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones later in life. Thanks for sharing.
Floor Jansen is another.
great post! in fact, my 2 favorite singers of all time and in another video praising karen carpenter here on youtube, k.d. lang a huge fan of karen carpenter said that to her karen was a female nat king cole, on par with him.. which is so true! both were the ULTIMATE "crooners" and the ULTIMATE singers who sang TO YOU NOT AT YOU!...
@@demo77ef I'm about the same age and I played alto sax too. I've always loved the Carpenters and enjoyed the softer side of rock.
You just heard an angel sing😀
Now she teaches the rest of the angels!
Same feelings as you.
Thanks for the uplift.
Keep safe.
Peace and love. brother.
One of the best female artist she is truly miss R.I.P Karen ❤
Karen's voice was pure smooth chocolate. Such a wonderful voice, no one has replaced this Lady in respect of her style. Effortless, note perfect, pure - and that's what gives me goose bumps - purity of song
Pure and spot on, is the only way to describe her voice.
To turn how you feel to musical notes and vocals is special indeed.
To make someone or rooms full of people want to hear you is a gift.
Great singers make you want to listen.
So soft, so precise.
What a wonderful talent she was.
Could listen to her all day.
I just love watching Jamel/Jamal experiencing the Carpenters music. Karen had so much soul, such a lovely break/cry in her voice. He gets it!!
fuzzybob1963 YES, He DOES GET IT!!! I LOVE HIS CHANNEL!! And I appreciate that he keeps it clean. Thumbs up for Jamal!!
Thought I would add my 2 cents. I too love Jamal' s reactions. He is authentic and very well meaning making it s pleasure to see enjoy his musical journey with him. He's discovered much gold with lots more around the next curve. At the same time, we know that all that glitters is not gold. But mostly what he's putting forth has been just that.
Bless her sweet heart & soul. Can't ever listen to her without getting teary eyed.💙
That song was written by the great Paul Williams who also wrote "We've Only Just Begun" for The Carpenters and so many 70's hits for other artists.."Just An Old Fashioned Love Song", "You & Me Against the World", too many to even mention here but wanted to mention him. Great talent, lasting music.💙
Williams has a great voice himself. He's much more than Little Enos.
Me to .. I can’t hear her without getting teary eyed. It’s hard to figure out my fav when it comes to her music 💕🙏🏽💕🙏🏽RIP KC
@@markellwilliams3594
I do have a favorite, "Superstar". Just because it takes me back to a certain time & place as a young teen. And I love it no matter who did different versions (like Rita Coolidge). But Karen made it so special. You could hear the longing in her voice.
But aside from that song I'd have a hard time picking a 2nd fave. Well, maybe "Close to You". Another sentimental favorite.
Now I've got "Superstar" on my mind. Think I'm gonna have to listen to it now.💙
He wrote the score/music for "Bugsy Malone". LOVE that movie!
@@renaerolley5670
I forgot about that! Must be getting old, lol. But I do remember he wrote "Evergreen" (love theme from "A Star Is Born", the movie with Streisand & Kristofferson). Gorgeous song.💙
Her voice was like a hot knife through butter. I could listen to her sing the phone book!!
How the fuck do you sing paper?
i know right!
@@SpaceCattttt You either get it or you don't.
Well said.
i simply love her! so missed! she was special!
Karen’s voice was soooo angelic and full bodied.. she was such a treasure. RIP Karen.. you were such a beauty inside and out even though you couldn’t see it. 🥺
The best Alto I have ever heard. Her brother was underestimated for his ability to arrange. The choice of instruments was great.
absolutely agreed. Richard is a music genius. He never needed to be the star. SOOO much of a LOT of songs we love, Richard played a huge role in the production.
100% the best alto
That alto sax is Bob Messenger of The Wrecking Crew. He played all kinds of woodwinds on all kinds of records.
I never get tired of hearing this angel sing!
When talking about Karen’s singing, sometimes there just aren’t good enough words.
She was 32 years old when she passed away due to complications from her illness anorexia. So tragic! Yet because she was the first “superstar“ to pass away from this illness, it brought awareness of it and its treatments that may have helped save tens of thousands of others’ lives. Karen‘s gift just keeps on giving.....
all truth brother, her death, saved 10's of thousands
I remember the day she died. I was 10 years old. I still recall the miniseries they made about her and her brother. Her heart gave out, right, from anorexia.
It was so sad
Excellent point. I'd never heard of anorexia before Karen. She has saved countless lives whether those people know it or not. God Bless her. No question she's singing and jamming the drums in heaven.
Dial Square
I don’t see how that rephrasing changes what I was saying, but whatever brings joy to you!
There's Karen and there's everyone else... The end.
Nailed it.
And the Bee Gees
She’s a great talent. Taken much to young. They have lots of music. You will love it.
She was talking about depression. Back in the 70's cognitive theories of depression were just starting to emerge so there wasn't a lot of treatment for those with depression.
Listening to this song & looking at her singing, actually listening to the words, and thinking about what she must have been going through. Back in the 70s depression was rarely diagnosed. People suffered with melancholy, or they were having mood swings & given uppers if they went to a doctor.
Hearing this song just now seems to have touched something in me
@@geriatricraver she didn't actually write this. Most of their material was from professional songwriters, this one from Paul Williams (lyrics). Richard composed music for the group, but wasn't a lyricist either.
Not saying she didn't suffer from depression, but its more a case that her amazing voice could convince you of anything.
@@geriatricraver you are so right.in the 70s people did not touck about depachen .they would give you pills or put you in a sico ward.at least now they have treatement
Most singers today have trouble emoting, or think that simply having a lot of runs or melisma is all it takes. Karen just oozed feeling from every note. And she looked really good here. Whoever did her hair and makeup knew exactly what to accentuate plus she was a healthy weight. I like to remember her exactly like this.
Loved your reaction! Growing up in the 50s, 60s and 70s, I guess I took great music for granted since we were surrounded by excellence like this. I feel sorry for the young folks of today who don't know what they're missing. Talent like this is almost non-existent right now, but thankfully the music of the Carpenters will last forever. Thanks for highlighting it and helping others to discover how fabulous music can be. If it gives you chills and brings tears to your eyes, you know it's something really special!
Hauntingly beautiful
I remember when Karen Carpenter died. I think everyone I knew was sad. She was and is definitely part of the fabric of America. You’re right, there is just something about her voice. The clarity and smoothness are just intoxicating. ✌️
clarity , (she has the most perfect diction and enunciation for every word to every song she ever sang better then any male or female singe i've ever heard), smoothness, richness, purity, intimacy, movingly beautiful, the ULTIMATE singer who sang TO YOU not AT you.
My mom was her age at the time, age 32, and a huge, devoted fan. To see my mom sob like that, when Karen died, broke my heart; she was devastated.
Karen’s voice with Richard’s arrangements. Perfection!
So true!
Truly talented brother and sister. She got all the limelight because of her drumming and heavenly voice but his arrangements and keyboards were both brilliant and very tasteful and really played them both to their strengths.
She was a great drummer, that was her passion she actually didn’t want to be a singer.
famous for singing but wants to be a drummer.
Richard “discovered” her singing capabilities, managed to guide her to sing in a lower register...contralto...and they never looked back!
@@timothyparsons8327 I love her lower register it's so deep and full.
She told her manager she wasn't good enough to be a singer.
@Zoned 247 that's the music business for you.
Absolute perfection
I think this song really depicts how she felt inside. Beautiful voice and pain heard as well.
I Need to Be in Love is probably the most autobiographal. The pain in that song is pure agony.
Her voice is so beautiful and always sounds effortless. I wish more was understood about eating disorders back then. I don’t know if she could have been saved, but there would have been a better chance. Her voice is definitely missed. 😢
She was in rehab seversl times for eating disorders.
Sadly, ED’s are rampant still in show biz. Those actresses are forced to go on extreme diets to achieve that ultra thin look. Many develop ED’s from this.
Sadly, Karen was beset by a multitude of issues, many of which did not manifest clearly or consistently. Her talents are amazing, but like all of us she was more than her magic moments.
Karen was blessed with a true gift from God.
She could sing the text on a parking ticket...and someone is going to cry.
ya that voice is fire.
My goosebumps have goosebumps. The most beautiful voice, ever.
I agree with you. She has one of those rare voices that go straight to the heart!
hands down the greatest vocalists of all time.....angelic silky smooth......pure
I still become a bit sad when I listen to her. So tragic. I’m glad we have the recordings and videos of her angelic vocals. 💖
Same here. I cannot help but weep every time I hear her.
Me too
@@brettsfav4 Me too....so sorry she was so sad. She is singing how she felt..... very unhappy in spite of fame and fortune.😰
Me too 😢 this song, any of her slower, sadder songs... it was like she let us into her world.
32 when she died. 💔 Their first #1 hit, "Close to you" released 1970. She was 20
Pure soul. Pure voice.
#SingAlong 🎵🎶💖💖🎶🎵
Everyone that hears Karen.....can't never find the right words to describe her voice....I can't myself....it's just what it is.
Butters, are you listening to Karen Carpenter again on the RUclips?? That's it mister, you're grounded!!
What a heartwarming voice, and the video is amazing too, among their top 3.
Just LOVED your reaction to my all-time favorite singer, Karen Carpenter -- no voice has ever come along quite like hers. In a store she comes on and everyone around you starts singing along, commenting, etc. I have seen other musicians talk about her and they all agree her voice was one in a million! Thanks so much. She touches he deepest places in my heart too.
Karen was my first love as a little boy! I was mesmerized by her heartfelt voice! She's the absolute best! 👏👍🤗
Corrinne May reminds me of Karen a bit... Give her a listen!
She puts out such perfect notes. Just a great voice.
She is amazing. I remember watching her on TV and thinking she always looked so sad or she had a far away thought in her head. After she died, it wasn’t until then that you could kind of see her illness consuming her. It was something people could she. - she was always on TV and you could see her fading physically, BUT that voice . . . always angelic
Love your channel big guy - keep up the journey
As an older guy, I can assure you, 50 years ago there were 2 type of men. Those that fell in love with Karen and her voice, and those that hadn't heard her sing yet. What a voice, perfect pitch and diction. One of the best, for sure.
She could sing the phone book and dictionary, and I'd buy the 2 cd set.
And women 😉
Paul CO I was in love with her. Her voice made me melt. Her voice was butter.
Me too!
Her voice is like something out of eternity.
I love the way she allowed her voice to “crack” occasionally.
Love the Carpenters. Such a sad story. Her voice is amazing.
I think there's a word for this: it's called "melancholy." It's sadness and yearning.
It also sounds like something you have with your catfish gumbo in the deep south.
Her voice is angelic.
We were so lucky to have her, even for the short time she graced us with her voice.
When I first meant my wife in 1981, I told her the only person I would ever leave you for would be Karen Carpenter. She was my first crush and it never went away.
"This Masquerade" is an absolute jewel in their catalog that you need to hear. It's Amazing.
100% Mr A. I love all the Carpenters songs but "This Masquerade" is my favourite.
@@gerpius1750 mine too
I was lucky enough to see them live many times and Karen's voice was just as amazing live.
U lucky im very jealous u where blessed to see her live
She loved playing drums....and it wasn’t the thing women were supposed to do back then....sad to say.
Women were drumming before her. They were playing bass and guitar.
And she sure could play the hell out of them... she had some FIERCE jazz chops when she did drum solos! Geme Krupa was one of her main inspirations there
If you watch a lot of Carpenters videos you notice a pattern of how she always looks happy behind a drum kit, and usually melancholy when fronting without the drums. I am certain that taking her drums away contributed to her demise.
@@diamonddog13 Spot on, she was awkward and uncomfortable up front. Being behind her drum kit was her place of safety.
I totally agree. She liked to hide behind that drum set, and did not want to be out front. She felt self-conscious, and that is when the weight loss began... very sad.
DAMN! playing the drums, n singing! no autotune no nothing! SHEER TALENT MAN!
Her voice has so much emotion , you can feel every word she sings. My favorite female singer of all time!
There is a girl in the Philippines who does K.C. spot on.
I’ve always said I wish I could hear Karen sing “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”. Tell me that wouldn’t be the most heavenly sounding thing.. 😭
+1
agree 100%
It would be great. My favourite version is the Peter, Paul and Mary one.
@@christinespiliopoulos5379 I think they did "Early Morning Rain" not this one
@kevin clements they definitely did do this, look for it. Its an old black and white clip from the BBC
I'm so glad you reacted to this one, her voice just can't be duplicated. Gone waaay too soon. Thank you to the one requested it!🍃🌸
Karen was a better drummer than 90% of the guys out there.
JOhn Bonham was furious once when she was rated above him in a Playboy musicians poll
@@audiotomb Bonham was all about style and sound. When it cam to technique he was in the top 10% but outclassed by drummers like Peart and Paice
@chalie boyee Styx is not Canadian, they're from Chicago. Try April Wine or Triumph for other great Canadian rock bands.
@@audiotomb Wow.... that's great to hear because he was a legend.
I always love your reactions and take on the meaning of the songs. Never stop reacting to these videos. I can tell you felt this song in your soul.
To sing that softly then purposely go in out using volume to create vocal intonation, with absolutely perfect pitch and breath control, steady and crystalline clear, using incredible tonality and inflection, WHILE ALSO DRUMMING, is nothing short of astonishing. She makes it look easy, no belting, but all that is far from easy. It takes incredible strength, vocal and breath control, and control of one’s diaphragm to sing spot on pitch that steady, while also singing softly then using weaving volume intonation in and out…lest I forget, WHILE DRUMMING 😂 It may look simple, but in reality what she did is much harder than just belting out lyrics with all your might. So, so difficult, and takes so much control. It takes utter mastery of one’s vocals. And she was a master. With a 3 octave range and a dead on, rare and pure contra alto voice, she truly had the voice from the heavens themselves. Plus she was a fabulous songwriter and musician. And she doesn’t get the credit she deserves IMO🤷🏼♀️When people talk great voices throughout history, her name rarely if ever come up. When in reality, she is truly one of the rarest voices we’ve ever been blessed with.
I agree with everything you said however KC didn’t write any of her, or their, songs. She will never be equaled….
Back when music 🎼 was real.. just sayin
Music is still real. You aren't looking in the right places.
One of my favorites by the Carpenters ❤
She had a God given talent that only comes along once in a lifetime.
If Karen Carpenter singing doesn't touch your soul... you don't have one.
The purest voice I’ve ever heard in my life.
It's hard to imagine that she seen her self as so fat that she literally starved herself to death Anorexia is such a terrible mental disorder., she was such a talented woman
Bryon Ensminger at the time I read that she saw a review where the critic said she was gaining weight. That was all it took. So sad. All that beauty and talent washed away with one review. A completely unnecessary comment on her appearance.
That critic knows what he said about her weight. He destroyed that beautiful being. I wonder how he lived with himself after that.
But she didn’t get through it and that’s the tragic part. A perfect voice from a beautiful soul.
When every day is a rainy monday and the forecast is for more of the same.
She had such a beautiful voice and a sad family life. She was so loved by her fans and her brother
Boo hoo...choices in the end...only the strong survive..no freaking excuses
@@jameslaskowski9542 wow.. You're a real shit.
Assholes never cease to amaze me
@@juliesmock7614 isn't he though?!)!?🤷
Noone will EVER have a voice like that ever again! Pure perfection!
Amen!
Your reaction to this song is so spot on. I'm 63 yrs old, about 14 back in the seventies when they were singing and a bit embarassed that I liked them so much because hard rock was "cooler". Well I'm "comin' out". Karen's voice will always be my favorite along with Richard's arrangements and backup. It's just perfect music. To see you enjoy it too is so affirming. Great music crosses all lines and borders. Love the way you love it. Hope you keep doing this. Whenever I need to smile I turn this on, watch you, listen to them.
One of my favorite songs Karen sang, was "Bless the Beasts and the Children". GETS to me every time I hear it, and mostly because of her special voice and the emotion she puts into it.
Thank you so much . Ive been waiting for you to do this one. Karen had the most amazing voice on the planet. Ive seen a lot of your videos and you seem to have a glow to you whenever you listen to the carpenters. I am liking the logo in the top corner.
It's still always amazing to me how music can do the same thing to people regardless of who they are. Her voice soothes everyone's soul...there aren't even words to describe her voice. Love her!!
And much love to you Jamal, from a middle aged, white woman from the middle of the woods in New Hampshire!!
Right on!
-- From a White Mountains NH resident (born & bred!)
Karen is my favorite singer, and it just brought tears to my eyes to see you give her some respect for her gorgeous, heartfelt voice.
I have always said that her voice was like wearing your favorite comfy PJs, wrapping up in the softest blanket on a big comfy couch in front of a roaring fire with a cup of hot chocolate.
Damn, you beat me to it! I just said almost the same thing. LOL
Yes 😊
I would like to have seen her sing Roberta Flack's " Killing me softly" Both have similar voices in my opinion.
I agree....their voices had an understated warmth & mirror images of their souls.
You mean Lori Lieberman's "Killing Me Softly".
I was just thinking of that. That would have been a great duo.
The Carpenters actually sang Killing me softly when I saw them in London in the early 70s, but I don't think there's any recordings of it unless it's on a bootleg album somewhere.
She’s timeless- nothing forced, pure magic. Tank you!
This could make its way in my top 10. First time hearing it. She speaks to me.
Beautiful song, beautiful memories.. tears for those gone...
"Gone but Not Forgotten"
Her voice is so incredible!
Jamal. I've been with Karen since the beginning! I fell in love with her voice a LONG time ago, and I still have that feeling. It's obvious to me, that you, Brother, have also gone and fallen in love with her and her voice. Join the crowd, Jamal. We love that girl. God rest her soul.