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.
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.
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.
@@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.
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..🎧😎
@@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."
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.
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. 🥺
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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 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. 😔
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.
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.
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.
@@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 have been a Carpenters fan for over 40 years. I love seeing younger generation discover them. 💕❤️. Thank you for sharing this rare talent. It feels like having eargasm.
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!...
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!
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.
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.💙
When you hear Karen... is like a big wall hits you right in the face...her voice was so powerful and so clear.. yeat so smooth...she was so amazingly talented...too bad we didn't have more of her... and she was so beautiful.
@@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!
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
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.
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.
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.
Karen had a voice that was heaven sent and possibly too good for us mere mortals to appreciate and for me personally she had the best ever singing voice planet earth has ever heard period. By the way great channel Jamel.
OMG...what a voice !! Just like velvet...smooth as silk. And to be able to sing AND play drums at the same time...SO talented...love this song as much as Superstar. The world needs to listen to what a beautiful instrument she had. I hear all these young kids that THINK they can sing...they're not even in the same ballpark as this girl !! Amazing in every way...so sorry she's gone...
Sad thing is somehow,she thought she wasn't pretty enough, I wish someone would have given her that deep love that she craved,she would still be with us I think had she found that.
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.
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.
She has such a phenomenal voice. It's so sad how she had to die. Rest In Piece Karen🌹 And Jamel your reaction was beautiful. Genuine and to the core of how her singing made you feel.
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.
Karen Carpenter struggled with depression, all her life. Most all, if not all, of her songs were a reflection of her troubled life. She bared her soul to us, which was incredible. Taken from us way too soon.
This woman was all-around beautiful...beautiful voice, beautiful soul, beautiful face. She'll always be the greatest female singer that ever lived in recorded music history. I miss her.
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
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.
She was truly an amazing singer. I was raised on a farm in south Georgia. I was mowing around the fields in one of my father's tractors when the news of her passing came over the radio. I instantly broke down and cried. I remember thinking that surely everyone in the world was crying with me. Right away the radio station began playing her most popular songs. I must have sat there nearly an hour before going back to work. It was a sad day on the farm. May she forever rest in peace.
Karen Carpenter🌹 definitely had a golden voice. No other female singer ever came close to her . She was and still will be an unforgettable music legend.🎙️🎶
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!!
A famous record producer said of her when she went in the studio to record, "It's always completed in only ONE take." Her voice is like an angel to me. That's what she reminds me of. Your comments were so kind and thought-provoking. I resonated with everything you said. NOTE: If you ever get the chance to hear "Fool on a Hill" by Brazil '66, the lead female voice is similarly angelic. She also happens to be the wife of Sergio Mendes.
Развлечения
"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.
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💕
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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."
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! 😎
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.
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. 🥺
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.
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.........
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.
We were so lucky to have her, even for the short time she graced us with her voice.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
She was so sad. Such talent. Rest now sweet soul.
Noone will EVER have a voice like that ever again! Pure perfection!
Amen!
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!
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
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.
Absolute perfection
At 47, I remember listening to this at my Nanny's house.
I've loved The Carpenters since then, just an amazing voice!
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.
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...
Her voice can still bring tears to this 55 year old man.
The purest voice I’ve ever heard in my life.
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!
I never get tired of hearing this angel sing!
I have been a Carpenters fan for over 40 years. I love seeing younger generation discover them. 💕❤️. Thank you for sharing this rare talent. It feels like having eargasm.
Her voice is so incredible!
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.
the song referred to what she felt when her love wasn't around, her voice and songs were magical and didn't leave you guessing what she said !!
No auto tune with her !! Pure gold !!
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.
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.
I get absolute chills with that voice
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!
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.
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.💙
Grew up listening to her and am so happy to see you fall in love with her too. She was so special miss her so much..
When you hear Karen... is like a big wall hits you right in the face...her voice was so powerful and so clear.. yeat so smooth...she was so amazingly talented...too bad we didn't have more of her... and she was so beautiful.
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😫
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
Her voice is so angelic. I used to listen to her songs when I was younger.. THE CARPENTERS.. Thank you for reacting to this.. God Bless.
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.
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.
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.
There's Karen and there's everyone else... The end.
Nailed it.
And the Bee Gees
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.
She started on the drums in her brother's band, didn't start singing until later. Then she stole the show lol
She always sang but no person could hear her. Her brother said the microphone was the greatest thing for Karen that was ever invented.
She sure did !
her brother is so overshadowed by her I feel when I watch her videos.
@Mike Walter I like how that just sounds whenever I hear it
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.
Karen had a voice that was heaven sent and possibly too good for us mere mortals to appreciate and for me personally she had the best ever singing voice planet earth has ever heard period. By the way great channel Jamel.
I agree
OMG...what a voice !! Just like velvet...smooth as silk. And to be able to sing AND play drums at the same time...SO talented...love this song as much as Superstar. The world needs to listen to what a beautiful instrument she had. I hear all these young kids that THINK they can sing...they're not even in the same ballpark as this girl !! Amazing in every way...so sorry she's gone...
My goosebumps have goosebumps. The most beautiful voice, ever.
32 when she died. 💔 Their first #1 hit, "Close to you" released 1970. She was 20
Pure soul. Pure voice.
#SingAlong 🎵🎶💖💖🎶🎵
She had a beautiful voice...you could go through the emotions of a song with her...She was lovely and we lost her much too soon 😇🎶♥️
Sad thing is somehow,she thought she wasn't pretty enough, I wish someone would have given her that deep love that she craved,she would still be with us I think had she found that.
To me she's beautiful!
As someone who's been looking at women for half a century, I feel qualified to say this was a beautiful woman. And very pretty too.
And her mother called her fat ....
She is so pretty -i love her -she knows up in heaven how wonderful she was -i know she knows -i cant wait to meet her -
She puts out such perfect notes. Just a great voice.
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!
It's a song about being depressed... something I know all too well. She has such a beautiful 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 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.
Her voice is angelic.
She has such a phenomenal voice. It's so sad how she had to die. Rest In Piece Karen🌹 And Jamel your reaction was beautiful. Genuine and to the core of how her singing made you feel.
Paul Williams wrote this (they did a few of his) - and, of course, this was the first version I ever heard.
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.
Love the Carpenters. Such a sad story. Her voice is amazing.
Such perfection and clarity. Probably my favorite song of hers, yet the at the same time the saddest knowing she was hurting through every word.
Karen Carpenter struggled with depression, all her life. Most all, if not all, of her songs were a reflection of her troubled life. She bared her soul to us, which was incredible. Taken from us way too soon.
"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 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.
hands down the greatest vocalists of all time.....angelic silky smooth......pure
This woman was all-around beautiful...beautiful voice, beautiful soul, beautiful face. She'll always be the greatest female singer that ever lived in recorded music history. I miss her.
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
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!!
Im always smiling and crying at the same time when I hear Karen. Also thank you Richard. Total perfection!!!
Karen Carpenter's voice is like a warm blanket on a cool evening. You just want to close your eyes and let it wrap around you.
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.
She had a God given talent that only comes along once in a lifetime.
DAMN! playing the drums, n singing! no autotune no nothing! SHEER TALENT MAN!
I agree with you. She has one of those rare voices that go straight to the heart!
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
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?!)!?🤷
You are delightful to watch Jamal. You have a great positivity and genuinely loving appreciation of good things. Thanks for the SMILES!!
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!
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.
One of my favorites by the Carpenters ❤
She was truly an amazing singer. I was raised on a farm in south Georgia. I was mowing around the fields in one of my father's tractors when the news of her passing came over the radio. I instantly broke down and cried. I remember thinking that surely everyone in the world was crying with me. Right away the radio station began playing her most popular songs. I must have sat there nearly an hour before going back to work. It was a sad day on the farm. May she forever rest in peace.
Karen Carpenter🌹 definitely had a golden voice. No other female singer ever came close to her . She was and still will be an unforgettable music legend.🎙️🎶
She’s timeless- nothing forced, pure magic. Tank you!
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!)
She was the best ever!
A famous record producer said of her when she went in the studio to record, "It's always completed in only ONE take."
Her voice is like an angel to me. That's what she reminds me of. Your comments were so kind and thought-provoking. I resonated with everything you said.
NOTE: If you ever get the chance to hear "Fool on a Hill" by Brazil '66, the lead female voice is similarly angelic. She also happens to be the wife of Sergio Mendes.
yep she was known as one take Karen
Tesla games people play, might be a good reaction video?