A perfect recording? Vocal Analysis of Karen Carpenter singing "Ordinary Fool" 

When I was younger, the church I attended hired Richard Carpenter as the organist. Karen would come in from time to time to sing, and she was, of course, glorious. They were quite young, probably still in their late teens. I would ditch Sunday school and meet Richard behind the church where he parked his car. He would come out and listen to his radio during the sermon, and he and I would talk. He could not have been a nicer guy to this twelve year old, who had fallen in love with music, and had no idea that I was talking to a musical genius. I live within sight of the Long Beach pyramid which is very close to the Carpenter Performing Arts Center at the University of California Long Beach. It's nice to know my old friend and his amazing sister are remembered for the excellent music they left us as a gift. I don't think people realize what a gifted drummer she was, because her voice overshadows all else about her. There are several videos where she shows off her drumming skills, but one should never underestimate the piano and musical abilities of my old childhood friend, Richard. He is incredible, and in several of these videos he shines like the star he is. What a wonderful opportunity I had, and I am always thankful that he took fifteen to twenty minutes each Sunday to be kind to this kid who was six years younger back in 1965 when they were just getting started.

Karen Carpenter. The most beautiful and perfect voice to ever utter a lyric. No trilling, no yelling, no shrieking, just pure perfection of note and timbre.

I get teary-eyed every time I hear that magical voice. Even after all these years, there is NO ONE like her.

Watching your facial reactions to Karen Carpenter's vocals are teachable moments in themselves.

Karen Carpenter is the prettiest, loveliest and most beautiful female artist with the most beautiful voice of all times

her voice has been giving me chills all of my life- I am nearly 60 years old.

One of the greatest vocalists of all times ❤

I always felt Karen's voice was 10 years older than her actual age. So much sadness and tenderness, wrapped up with superb self-control ❤

Two suggestions: 1. I would love for you to analyze "Solitaire." IMO it is the best song to showcase Karen's almost continuous use of her lower register in a single recording. I'm also interested in your opinion of her use of note stretching and superb enunciation in Solitaire. 2. Listen to Fil's (RU-vid Channel "Wings of Pegasus") use of technology to demonstrate how spot on she was in consistently hitting target notes and staying there even in live performances. She was sometimes mischaracterized as frequently using lip-synching because she sounded virtually the same in live performances. He demonstrates with technological tools how frequent lip-synching is just myth. He analyzes one song from a live performance and the same song from a studio recording. His analyzes shows she was actually more pitch accurate in her live than the recording. Really fascinating.

All you have to say is, Karen Carpenter, and I melt. Her voice is like she's having a personal conversation just with me.

I've missed the Carpenters so much since that terrible day in 1983, I was driving home and the news of her death came over the radio, I was so upset I had to pull over and calm myself before I could continue on. Since Karen has passed I can't get through a Christmas without listening to their Christmas Portrait album many times and especially Karen's Merry Christmas Darling, I listen to that song and I'm back in the arms with the love of my life, it's bittersweet because I lost her like we've lost Karen and the pain of those losses will never fade.

I can’t hear her voice without tearing up. Beautiful, sad and so tragic.

I’ve heard that she would describe herself as a drummer who sang instead of a singer who plays the drums. I am forever thankful for her willingness to share her gifts with us.

My favorite vocalist of all time. Incredible.💚

Karen is my favorite female vocalist of all time. Something about her voice resonates with our souls and has never been duplicated. Even when seen live, she was fantastic.

Karen Carpenter had one of the most delicate voices and the production of these recordings was second to none in its day. Don't forget, she was as talented a drummer as she was a vocalist and her brother, Richard, was equally talented. The two of them together brought us some of the most incredible music that will continue to stand the test of time.

Being 40+ years older than you, you'd be hard pressed to find a bigger Karen fan than myself so I love your reaction to her vocals. But much credit has to go to the brilliant songwriting of Paul Williams. Her interpretation is beyond fabulous, but even Karen has to have the source to work from, and as he has done so many times, Paul provides the perfect canvas.

Karen Carpenter was an extraordinary talent, and I’ll offer that her brother who was her arranger really knew how to bring the accompaniment to just the right level to make it all so memorable.

Words fail to describe the utter beauty Karen's voice, enriched with Richard's arrangements, provided to the World. She is THE singer, imo.

Sometimes God gives us a flawed miracle/Angel. How we support and help this gift reflects on us all. We definitely let her down.

On Karen's wonderfull voice sound, you can close your eyes, dream and float away in time and space.

What I think will amaze you even more about Karen’s talent is that her performances here, for all practical purposes, is a demo. This was an outtake, recorded in ‘76 but not used and consisted of basically the rhythm track (drums and bass) and Karen’s guide vocal. After her death, Richard selected a number of tracks (including this one) from earlier sessions to put together a “final” studio album. Only the song “Sailing on the Tide” on that album had a proper vocal take. Two songs, “You’re Enough” and “Now,” her last recording, were also guide vocals or “work leads” as Richard calls them. The albums “Lovelines” and “As Time Goes By” were two subsequent all new studio albums built around unused work leads.

"Flattering the text." and "A whisper wrapped in a hug" OMG, I listen to these songs with a new sense of appreciation. Your reaction to the song and then how you verbalise it is amazing. I wish Karen were still here to appreciate how much this means 50 years on. This production sounds like she sang it a foot away from the listeners ear such was the intimacy. I challenge you to listen to her singing "Goodbye to Love" without crying. Thank you for lifting our day.

My 7 year old daughter is a big fan of Karen. She smiles every time she hears the Carpenters’ songs especially ‘Close to You’, ‘Yesterday Once More’ and ‘Superstar.’ Cheers from Thailand 🇹🇭

Karen's voice brings chills to the back of my neck. She sounds great

People had thought she had copied Ella Fitzgerald (a Legend!)'s version...but Karen recorded her version before Ella's.....as Richard Carpenter says....Great Minds think a like....or something like that. Karen was so gifted with her 4 octave range...

If anyone is wondering, this track is from Voice Of The Heart album released after Karen's death. A lot of great songs on this album. This song is best listened to when completely relaxed, lights off and a nice glass of red wine. So soothing....

I love the female vocalists of the 70's, Carly Simon, Linda Ronstat, and others, but only Karen Carpenter makes me shiver!

I think you nailed it! One of the most "perfect" female voices of all time.

You would have to stop every 3 seconds to accurately explain what she's doing. Her range is so broad she's up and down and in between so much its hard to keep up 😃 When asked " how do you sing so beautifully? She said with a laugh. " i don't know i just open my mouth and it comes out " she doesn't try to sing like other artist's and she's know as ONE TAKE KAREN. she doesn't rehearse HOW she's going to deliver. Thats all natural. Angelic ❤ Beautiful Karen Anne ❤️

A sheer technical masterclass, from start to finish. Such a stunning, subtle singer.

I was 11 when I first heard the Carpenters on the radio and instantly fell in love with Karen‘s voice. I saved my money and bought my first 45 record which was “please Mr. postman.” I spent my teenage years listening to and singing along with all of the Carpenter’s albums. I just turned 60 and I still haven’t heard a more beautiful voice on this planet. I still listen to their music all the time and I’m thankful for all the joy that Karen has brought to my life. I’m still brought to tears whenever I hear her sing.

You nailed it! "A whisper wrapped in a hug." Love that phrase 🥰

Was so moved by KC's performance of Ordinary Fool and by Bethany's review of it. While I've always been a Carpenters' fan, it's the first time I'd heard this song. And I was blown away by the textures and nuances that KC was able to bring ... it went way beyond what I thought her capable of. I can only wonder how she might have evolved had she not died so young. Thank you, Bethany. What a treasure.

One of the most beautiful sounds in the musical universe: Karen Carpenter singing a song. Any song. She gives "ear-gasms"...

I am seeing more and more reactions to Karen’s incredible singing, which is totally justified considering how much she excelled at it. I know that she had some training, but I’m completely convinced she had a tremendous amount of natural talent.

There is absolutely no better female voice than Karen Carpenter. Past or present.

Oh my gosh! I've always loved Karen Carpenter's voice... so smooth, and that tone! Her voice can express the emotions that we mortal humans sometimes have difficulty expressing on our own. And Bethany, as always you perfectly captured the essence of her voice in word and expression. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. ❤🙂

We lost Karen very early but that voice is very recognisable. Her delivery of this song hits your heart directly. ❤

This is always been my favorite Karen Carpenter song. It shows the unbelievable clarity and breathing that she has. She is absolutely my favorite female singer.

Her voice is unmatched and her brother made her masterpiece.

And for those who have not seen the movie, the Karen Carpenter Story, she became a singer by accident. She was just a drummer. Go watch the movie. You can find full length videos on YT. She had to sing once to get a record deal and the rest is history.

She is my ABSOLUTELY ALL TIME FAVORITE female vocalist. I LOVE her voice, it is SO BEAUTIFUL and BREATHTAKING. 😊❤❤❤❤

I really can't say how much I adore the voice of Karen Carpenter. It takes my spine to get vibrated and my heart gets warm and cold at he same time. It's beyond goosebumps.

I read a comment by one of The Carpenters support people, producer, or even Burt (sorry I can't remember) saying he caught Karen many times in a quiet place, back of the bus or bar, by herself, moving her lips. He finally realized or finally heard what she was doing. He said she was rehearsing songs in a voice so quiet no one could hear. He never said he discovered why she did this, but I myself speculate that it was about lyric phrasing and finding all these beautiful nuances that she could put into a song.

Karen is the best female voice ever. 🥰👍

Your analysis was great & spot-on. Karen Carpenter was a terrific drummer, but her singing put her in the Masterclass of Vocalists. Underrated in her Day, similar to Mozart, Handel, Telemann & Haydn. Her technique wasn't learned or taught. That was just her interpretation of each song, creating the masterworks of perfection we realized then & today!

Karen was an absolute musical genius. What she could do with her voice can never be rivaled. She could make the heavens dance and move with that voice. She brings tears to my eyes every time I hear her sing. Every. Single. Time. She left us way to early.

One of the most wonderful and warm voices ever, which mostly brings me to tears...

Beth I agree that just listening to the audio allows for a better appreciation of the vocals. Karen’s voice in this style of song is so mesmerising. The intimacy of this particular song is also breathtaking. Another awesome reaction Beth!❤

I loved her back in 1970 and on my favorite Rainie days of Monday always get me down! All Awesome 🎵 🎶 🎵 songs❤

It’s a lovely song. I’ve never heard it before, it really allowed me to focus on her extraordinary voice. Her voice rises above the music to me. Thank you Bethany!

Who doesn't? Karen was special. Thank you Bethany 😊

I am sure someone has already commented that this vocal track was only a demo track. Richard Carpenter needed a vocal track to help him with the arrangement which makes this an even more astonishing accomplishment by Karen Carpenter. And for you trivia buffs, "Ordinary Fool" was composed by Paul Williams and was on his' 1975 album, "Ordinary Fool". Kudos to The Vocalyst for bringing Karen Carpenter's unique vocal talents to people's attention.

Karen 'One Take ' Carpenter. The best Voice ever, in my Opinion.

Karen Carpenter … your voice was at a level of the greatest jazz saxophonists’ tone when playing ballads, yet with words! ❤ RIP dear lady - for those who grew up on you, you left us too soon.

Imagine how she would have evolved as a singer had she not died so young. How much richer her voice might have become? We can only wonder.

in a docu. movie, one of her close female friends said, her voice is "the sound of depression", or something like that. her mental condition is the root cause of her disease💔 her songs have pulled me through those dark helpless teenage time and in my early twenties. no one can replace her place in my heart. forever adore her. she is a true idol ❤

I was fortunate to see them perform in 1976 while in college. I loved their music and of course her amazing voice, and I was broken hearted when she passed so young. A big loss for all of us music lovers.

When I was a lot younger and she was played on the radio I would take pause and listen to the song playing. Her voice had that kind of affect on me. After all these years she remains my favorite female singer.

Pure perfection, stunningly gorgeous voice. Sad that she left the world too soon.

What a shock it must have been for her brother to hear her voice the first time they invited her to the studio to play DRUMS!

I'm an orchestral musician, and I admit I don't know a lot about vocal techniques. I'm also a Karen Carpenter fan since 1974, so I absolutely love hearing your educated commentary on my favorite singer.Thank you for sharing your talent and expertise. I'm enthralled with your heartfelt reactions, and I hope you'll analyze some more of her work, like You're The One or Love Me for What I am. And if you need a bassoon lesson, let me know, lol.

She was so young to have so much sadness in her voice. Gorgeous.

I’m 67… my very favorite singer ever but when I was in highschool I never admitted it because I would be made fun of saying the Carpenter were my favorite group. How I wish I could have heard them live. Karen spoke to where I was and how I felt at that time. It was like she was singing my life. How so sad I am that she left us way too early.

I love your appreciation of Karen's artistry as well as reviews of different voices. In recemt years, it seems singers who have differenr tones, mostly in the lower ranges, have received less love. The belting and histrionics of the present day singers are impressive, yes, but can be tiring to listen to often

Wow !?! First time I've heard this 'Ordinary Fool' and as it unfolded I felt those familiar sensations Karen's voice evokes : goosebumps ; feeling like being on a pillowy cloud while she purrs a seemingly endless smooooth flow of melodic nuances.😊❤

She had a most beautiful voice clear could hear every word.❤❤❤

This is one of my favorite songs she ever sung. I love the analysis you give - perfectly described. I can't believe this song never got as much airplay as it deserved. The H words like how and have are to me, hardest to not come in hard on with a lot of air. I think it's safe to say that one can feel and "see" the story of the songs she's singing like the little laugh she does. Thank you so much for your insightful comments!

Thank you so much for reacting to my suggestion; I knew you'd love it! This song performed by this artist I think represents the best of popular music. I think Mel and Ella were the only other artists to cover this song; woof! I echo recent posts here about your introspection and interpretation; first-rate and heartfelt! You used the word "heartbreaking" in your review. A perfect one-word summation of this magnificent performance. When I listen to this song, the emotion I feel is "resignation". This recording took place near the end of her life, and it bleeds with heartbreak of the worst sort; the realization that she is resigned to her fate.

This woman sure loves Karen ❤️ .

It's so wonderful to see your total appreciation of a sheer talent. KC was ever beyond gifted.

Our Karen. Gifted, Shy, Fragile.. Godspeed for the maybe purest tone Pop Music ever heard.

Wow...it was SO nice to hear educated explanation about what's going on with Karen's singing. You kept going back and relistening, and I found myself rapt, creeping closer to my speakers so I could appreciate your comments about what Karen was doing. And I always knew Karen did fries, but never heard that term until tonight. You're really enjoyable to listen to.

@The Vocalyst Okay so, great song written and performed by Paul Williams and of course later recorded and performed by the Carpenters, how could you go wrong with that amazing Karen Carpenter voice. Check out another great Carpenters song with ties to a movie soundtrack called " Bless the beast and the children " I promise it won't disappoint.

The child in me gets so comforted by Karen's motherly voice. (Im 54.) In her pain and suffering she blessed the world, even 20 years after she passed and hopefully will for many more to come.

beautiful voice, thank you for another Carpenter moment. And, if I may, it seems (to me anyway) that you feel this song on a more than descriptive level

Spot on review of one of the greatest voices this world has ever or will ever know.

Oh please keep going with Karen...people do so lil of her!! Like this song...there are so many beautiful songs that were non hits!!

Thank you Bethany for revisiting Karen and keeping her spirit alive. There’s so many ways to analyze her voice and talent. Other possibilities would be singing and drumming and not missing a beat or a note. So many examples from concerts or live performances we still have on video. To me the Bacharach/David Medley from The Ed Sullivan Show is a magical example. It was live outside on an Army Hospital lawn. It was an up tempo mix so that too. Also another where the audio is the dominating factor and better than video is A Song For You. A Leon Russell classic that Karen really uses a big hunk of her range. She goes to “The Basement” on this one and it’s so good. Thank you again for your analysis. ❤️ Joe

I love the tail off of the strings, horns & Grover Washington-style sax around 14:30-14:55 with Karen's voice finishing this section. It reminds of of Nat King Cole's so many wonderful songs. We are so blessed to have these wonderful artists recordings to pass the time with. Thank you Bethany for this treat🥰

What a great reaction. Thank you. This is one of my favorite Carpenter songs because it’s a great song, with a fine arrangement by Richard and highlights Karen’s remarkable voice. Another song that does that so well is from their Horizon album called, “I Can Dream, Can’t I.” It’s a tune from the 1930s that I can picture Karen on stage at a nightclub singing. Another brilliant performance. Thank you again for your analysis of my favorite vocalist.

Yes Karen Carpenter resits the temptation to ham it up ...and I love her for that. restraint. Love it.

Never heard this song b4. It's very smooth. Her voice is amazing. So sad about her.

Thank you for your vocal analysis of Karen. I hope you will continue to comment on the Carpenters music.

A master class in the fine art of singing a song - for other teachers of master classes...

Two voices I never tire of; Karen & Judith Durham (The Seekers) - listen early & often.

I never heard this song and I grew up listening to anything they put out. Thank you for this!!

The modulation of her voice as she sings totally unique.

Karens voice was exceptional and one of a kind.......and rarely experienced nowadays!!!

oh my dear. You describe sooo beautifully and eloquently ever singer, and with such detail. I learn so much from you . I remember when I was just a little kid 7 or 8 . I'd put headphones on and listen to The Carpenters . That brown album when you opened it up there were Karen on the left and Richard on the right. All the classic songs. Just the auditory with headphones is such an impactful core memory. I LOVED Karen Carpenter

One of my very favorite songs by her.stuningly perfectection.what a voice and what a delivery

Great reaction! I love karen carpenter! Love your channel. Angelina Jordan is why I subscribed but I like all your reactions. Karen's ability to sing so clearly has always impressed me.

Unique and gorgeous. No one like her. Thankful for her remarkable legacy. 💜

Hi, Bethany! Love you and your reactions... love The Carpenters too... tks!! 😘

Bravo Great analysis! I know you can empathize with we baby boomers who grew up with her gorgeous voice and how the entire world was stunned when we heard the news of her passing, Shock and extreme sorrow went through the airwaves.. I would love to hear your analysis of Karen singing Solitaire. It was a song she didn't want to record , but in typical Karen Carpenter fashion, she just killed it. It shows a broader vocal range than a lot of her songs. And her lower notes are just sublime.

I find it so surprising, how few fans of Karen's voice mention this song...as you note, at the very beginning, it's one of the very few pieces where her voice is "out in the open", with such a light background.

Great reaction to this song. This song is one of my favorite by Karen. She was and always will be in a league of her own.

I love to hear you talk about Karen’s voice. Please can you do some more commentaries on her?

Im 61 years old and grew up listening to this Angel. God Bless Her. !!! ❤❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏