agreed... countless singers, but very very few VOCALISTS and then you have the epitome of a vocalist and storyteller in karen carpenter's voice...a voice of 2 generations..ultimate vocalist who sang TO THE LISTENER NOT AT THEM...also a very rare gift was her incredible diction and enunciation, the best i've ever heard from any male or female.
And, 3.5 octave range, though she lived in the lower registers. There was a 'playfulness' to her voice down there ("Top of the World," and "Kind of a Hush") and an almost haunting clarity, where she sounds like she's singing directly into your ears. True artist in every way.
You're the one guy who puts themselves in the small "frame" and the artist in the large frame of the reaction video. That wins you a subscriber. Well done.
I AGREE........he's also a very talented drummer........he needs to stop second guessing himself........he's spot on......one of the best "reactors" out there. Really hoping he gets his 'BIG' break soon!!!!!!
Besides what everyone has said about Karen’s amazing vocal talent, her brother Richard is the reason their songs had such amazing harmonies and arrangements. He doesn’t get enough credit for creating the sound of The Carpenters.
Paul Williams wrote this song. He had a set back professionally and his mom was staying with him (he had invited her to live with him in LA and he was going to give her the moon!) She was mumbling and he asked her what she said. She answered “talking to myself and feeling old”. The rest is history.
Best female voice ever. This is one of my favorites. Karen didn’t write. However, her brother Richard said she could take a song and make you believe she lived it.
she was THEE ultimate singer who sang TO YOU NOT AT YOU.... even her brother stated her voice was "phono-genic".. and herb albert said it sounded like she was sitting in your lap and singing only to you... that is what makes her that monumental great VOCALIST she was/is as opposed to just being a singer..
@@richardbailey1295 While Richard Carpenter was a mega talented, musical virtuoso, he didn’t write this song and didn’t write most of their other songs either. His interest lay more in arranging and interpreting other people’s songs with his own lush harmonies and intricate orchestrations.
Their sound was achieved by a layering technique in which thier voices are layered over and over on the sound track. Their sound is ageless. Karen's voice was one for the ages.
"Dubbing" was something pretty much discovered by Les Paul and Mary Ford. Originally, the technique was not widely used and sort of became lost in recording studios. Richard revived the technique to his and Karen's advantage...so began the Carpenter sound. Part of the Carpenters musical history includes their time in choirs, and with their group "Spectrum". When "Spectrum" disbanded, Richard told Karen, they would just have to do the backing vocals themselves. Les Paul's technique of studio over dubbing, became the solution.
I grew up with the Carpenters. Have loved them for over 40 years. It's very refreshing to see a young person who appreciates these music gems. You're the real deal bro. Love ya man.
I also feel grateful for young as well as old, but especially young people give their reaction. No matter what kind of music you like, theres only one Karen.
I'm only 53 and a Metal/Hard Rock fan. Karen has ALWAYS been one of my favorite singers. Such control, range, pitch. And did it all looking like it was nothing at all.
Karen Carpenter was incredibly gifted but she was not a songwriter. This song was written by Paul Williams and Roger Nichols. In terms of playing instruments, I think a lot of fans today underestimate just how rare it was for a female to not only be a drummer but to drum and be the lead singer at the same time. It is still rare today but was just unheard of in the 70's. And she always considered herself as a drummer who also sings rather than as a singer who can also play the drums.
You do know she didn't play the drums on this recording..Famed session drummer Hal Blaine (A member of Record Producer Phil Spector's "Wall of Sound", later known as the "Wrecking Crew" ) is the drummer here...Not to belittle her drumming skills, and although she was very capable, she was smart enough to understand that it was her voice that was going to sell records, and handed the drumming part over to someone who was a professional session player..Blaine even complimented her skills, as a drummer. Said she had great timing.
@@sjd5750 You do know that she played the drums every time the song was performed live? You do realize that Hal Blaine didn't travel around dressed in drag impersonating Karen Carpenter? You do realize that you really didn't need to be dickhead with your comment?
It’s great to see that Karen and The Carpenters have a whole new generation of people who love their music. It makes her challenging life so meaningful. Great reaction and insightful commentary. Thanks
The lyrics to this song -- and lots of others -- was written by Paul Williams. The music was composed by Roger Nichols. Karen Carpenter was a one of a kind talent. Miss her so much.
the carpenters, richard and karen, were the top u.s. hitmakers of the 1970's... 12 top 10 all time pop classics and many more that also charted.. she was a world class drummer, he a world class pianist and arranged all their songs, she sang lead, he sang back-up and they did ALL of the background vocals and harmonies themselves using a "dubbing" technique laying their songs at different pitches and ranges recorded together... then and now her voice is considered one of if not THEE greatest female pop voice of love and romance songs ever.. surely the most pure, richest, intimate, warm, beautiful female voice ever..
The theory talent in the Carpenters was the brother. He arranged all of their music to showcase her talents, her voice and the drums. He also made sure any who accompanied them were a perfect fit for them. He usually accompanied her on the piano and had perfect harmony with her.
With Karen, I would listen to her if she sang "elevator" music!! You can also find acapella of her music on youtube. "Merry Christmas Darling"....that would make you tear up! She's the only singer that I have a HUGE smile yet tear up when she sings knowing she's gone. Almost 40 years since her passing and I still mourn when she sings.
In 1973, Karen Carpenter seemed to me to be the most beautiful woman in the world! I didn't know it at the the time, but although she was quite beautiful, I think it was her voice that got to me. It was like she was singing just for me personally. She wasn't just singing, she was baring her soul. It all felt very different, somehow... More real than just somebody belting out notes. Brilliant artist!
Unlike most female vocalists, Karen mostly sang with a 'chest' voice, rather than a 'head' voice. "Head voice" vs "chest voice" are terms used to describe ways of singing ("singing from the diaphragm") describes support, not voice). A "chest voice" is in your lower register, and it involves using your vocal cords in a way to produce lower notes. The "head voice" is created by changing the way you are using your vocal cords, so that you end up with higher notes. The "passagio" is the place in your voice where you need to switch from one way of singing to the other in order to produce those notes. She had a true 4 octave range even though she rarely used it. As for having a four-octave range, that's about two more octaves than most singers ever use. Karen didn't use her upper range nearly as much as the lower because she didn't sound nearly as distinctive in her upper range. You can recognize her voice instantly when you hear the opening phrase of "Goodbye to Love," but had she recorded something two octaves higher than that you probably would have to listen for a minute to figure out who was singing.
Thank you for that information. I think that now explains the reason for the Carpenters album entitled "Passage". I always thought it was a bit of a quirky album, but I think you just explained it for me. I'll have to listen to it again...today. In the book "Little Girl Blue" written by Randy Schmidt....it is reported that Karen discovered her lower voice about age 16. She said that before that she sang in a higher voice and didn't really like it. Later Karen would acknowledge "the money's in the basement...."
yeah...and Richard arranged specifically for her vocal range, considering she was a contralto. A phenomenal pairing of a gifted voice and genius arranging.
Little Altar Boy...absolutely stunning. The Carpenters Christmas Portrait is my favorite Carpenters album. (I don't care what time of year....) Another gorgeous holiday song is on their "Old Fashion Christmas" album. "What are you doing New Years Eve"....? Absolutely beautiful, and Karen as usual...impeccable.
The reason you are feeling that Karen Carpenter wrote the song is why she is one of the greatest female voices ever... her gift of phrasing and style makes the listen feel like she is singing just to you..... btw the harmonizing on their recordings were all actually achieved by Karen and Richard overdubbing their own voices in 4 part harmonies
@JackBauer...Karen and Richard did all the background harmonies in the studio recordings.... this video is not actually live but a performance of the studio recording with the entire band.... however in concert or live performances the band does the background vocals
I loved her so much as a little kid and was absolutely stunned when she passed. I’m so thrilled that another generation of people is discovering one of the best female singers and drummers who ever lived ❤️. The song was actually written by Paul Williams, but he really understood Karen and her struggles. Paul Williams once said that he’d wished Karen had battled substance abuse like he did, instead of what she battled, because what he had was easier to recover from. Pretty insightful. She made every song her own. Awesome reaction
When this song was first released in 1971 Karen and Richard were flying high. The events that would lead to her all to soon passing were not yet on the horizon. She was happily still drumming and in her element. Though not the writer, she certainly put her stamp on this song. Enjoy her artistry. For the likes of the legendary Karen Carpenter, will never come again. Thankfully we still have hers and Richards songs. Terrific reaction WR. Keep up the fine work, RNB
Karen passed away on a Friday. Her funeral was on Monday, and it was raining. That is such a heart breaking thought! Rest in the greatest PEACE, BEAUTIFUL KAREN 💔💐🙏
"We've Only Just Begun" has been performed at weddings, also, please consider "For All We Know", Bless the Beasts and the Children", Touch Me When We're Dancing", "Only Yesterday", Superstar", Top of the World"
Really respect and appreciate your reactions and comments on this tremendously talented duo. Thank you so much for not PAUSING and interrupting the flow. Yes, Karens story is a very sad story. Such a beautiful and talented young lady. Being a drummer yourself you must appreciate how difficult it is to play and sing at the same time. She stays pitch perfect and doesn't miss a beat. AND MAKES IT LOOK EASY! Tho I had noticed her health declining, I was stunned and heartbroken when I heard she passed away.
The song was actually written by Paul Williams and Roger Nichols in 1971 for the Carpenters. It never mattered who wrote for them. Karen made everything her own.
The song was written by two of the best writers of the twentieth century. Paul Williams and Roger Nichols. Paul wrote some of my favorite Muppets songs like "Rainbow Connection" and "I'm Going To Go Back There Some Day." I reached out to him a couple years ago to seek licensing for Back There on a CD I was producing. He emailed me back the same day and couldn't have been nicer. Roger and Paul were favored writers of the Carpenters. They wrote "We've Only Just Begun", which was originally for a bank commercial. They wrote "Out In The Country' for Three Dog Night. They were a powerhouse. Karen made this one her own. That's what the great ones can do.
Not here for long enough but regardless of the unfortunate problems that made her unhappy, what a legacy to leave the world in these stupidly complex troubled times. We need this music more than ever today from a time when thngs were far less complicated. Wonderful compositions and blazing talent, while Karen's voice will echo around the world forever.
Paul Williams wrote this song. He wrote many songs in the 70s. This old lady wants you to look him up! How could he be so young and write such meaningful songs?
Karen, with the voice of an angel, that could touch the hearer's soul. Paul Williams, who wrote the lyrics to this song, said, "Then an angel sang my song, and changed my life forever," when he commented on Karen's voice. He was so correct.
One of the first articles written about them talked about Richard and his chubby sister Karen. That started the ball rolling. They also took her from behind the drums where she was very comfortable to out in front where she was very uncomfortable. Her mother and Richard were both extremely controlling and critical. The only thing she felt she could control about herself was what went in her mouth. She was actually on the road to recovery when her heart just gave out. Purely natural God given voice of an angel! Please listen to A Song For You!
greatest female vocalist who sang TO YOU NOT AT YOU and greatest storyteller, plenty of singers around, but TRUE all time great vocalist and storytellers are few and far between, that is what makes her in my opinion the greatest modern female "pop" voice of romance and love songs of all time... looking for love, finding love, and losing love...
The Carpenters first album was OFFERING ( TICKET TO RIDE ). Karen played the drum tracks on that album but the future albums primary drummer was Hal Blaine session player.
Her story was a sad one.You can't help but wonder if she had done something different would she still be here.But she left us something so beautiful. I get so much from their songs and the stories they tell us. She suffered ,but she left a legacy that will never be repeated.R.I.P. Karen.
Great reaction. I don't know if you listen to Christmas music, but the Carpenters have a great Christmas album. They also have two Christmas specials 1977 & 1978 both on RU-vid at this time. And there are some videos where someone has edited the corny skits out from the specials and just has the songs. I know it isn't everyone thing, but I enjoy them because grew up watching variety shows and specials.
Karen was controlled (I believe, from birth, by the forceful personalities in her life -- her mother, brother, and later, her abusive husband). Too much of this kind of toxic dynamic goes on in families everywhere. I can speak to this from my own lifetime experience with the same eating disorder. This is not a matter of "wanting to be thin," but needing at least ONE area of our life that cannot be controlled by another. After much soul-searching, reading, godly counsel, and my Heavenly Father's faithfulness towards me (as I placed complete trust in Him), this "issue" no longer had power over me -- though I did have to go NO CONTACT with my abusers (and toxic family members). By the way, I would highly recommend David Phelps to you and this channel :)
I had the good fortune to work for the Carpenters attys in Century City, and they were one of our top clients. Karen lived just down the street on Avenue of the Stars
It is scary to realise that because Richard's and Karen's talents were SO UNIQUE , they might not have made it on such a grand scale in the music business without each other to lean on and be inspired by. 😮😮😮😮 As we all know there have been so many uniquely talented people who have slipped between the cracks in the music bizz. 😮😮
Karen put some emotion into this song, and gave it that human feel - something you don't hear much today. Karen got treatment for her anorexia but so little was known about it at the time, the specialists weren't successful in helping her.
One aspect many don't notice is that Karen was the drummer for this song. She considered and would have preferred to be known as a drummer who sang. It was the fans who convinced her otherwise.
If you want to learn more about The Carpenters, the book Little Girl Blue tells her story. She was one of a kind, the best female vocalist I have ever heard.
Its crazy how touched one gets by her voice and their harmonies. The context of Karens destiny enhance this further. So tragical. A further perspective frm me personally comes from trying to help my daughter with a similar diagnose. Also great to see that you give her the respect and acknowledgement that I think she deserves especially as a singer but also as a drummer. Thank you!
Actually, Karen’s struggle and death from anorexia is what brought the disease to recognition that it was a deadly condition that required research and treatment. There was almost no help available for her. Before this many in the medical field poo-pooed the problem, almost certainly because it occurred pretty exclusively in young women. Many wrote it off as a phase or hysteria or some ‘female’ problem that would resolve itself "when she gets hungry enough".
Karen was remarkable and a drummer too! Very cool. Really loving u choosing some deep cuts instead of the songs everyone is doin. Thoroughly enjoying your breakdowns. Thanks for another insightful reaction.
You should check out her drum solo’s on YT, you see a completely different side to her where she is just blissfully happy playing the drums and smiling the whole way through. It’s a joy to watch and listen to, she was so talented.
2 of my very favorite voices are Karen Carpenter and Elvis, both are phenomenal even though different types of songs. Karen Carpenters voice is like liquid gold.
Nice poignant review. Karen was a lovely soul who gave us her beautiful voice and songs. She s so missed and was a big part of my early life.Probably the greatest female singer in my lifetime. What a beautiful yet sad legacy she left us.
One of the things I love about this song is the line toward the end ". . what I feel has come and gone before . . ."which says that she's gonna get through it. There are some of her fans who almost seem to like to wallow in the tragedy of her passing. The Karen who sings ". . what I feel has come and gone before . . " is resilient Karen Carpenter and I love her even more.
I appreciate that you play the whole song, then give your reaction. From what I understand, many artists will stop such reactions and they get removed. I like it the way you do it.
Hi buddy. Great reaction. Just to let you know, Karen wasn't a songwriter but was a great singer, my favorite. Paul Williams and Roger Nichols wrote it. Great song.
Karen and her brother were highly musically talented. That all came crashing down when a reporter in the news paper criticized their music and called her “that chubby girl” ... after that she took it too seriously. She developed belemia/anorexia nervosa which eventually led to her early death.
The worst part is she was by no means "chubby", but I think it might have been the dowdy, conservative clothes she wore in the beginning, thanks to the fact their parents were managing them. Their mother was always very critical of Karen, because in her eyes Richard was the more talented of the two. Karen was pretty shy and didn't like becoming the focus of the group, but they kept pushing her out to the front so she would end up drumming less. These factors set Karen up for huge self-esteem issues.
She was my first celeb crush, back in '69, I was 12 when they hit the charts, awesome singer, amazing drummer, and to this day..........still my favourite female singer.
KAREN, suffered in silence, from anorexia - bulimia, the binging and purging, caused erreversible heart damage, she passed away at such a young age. She left behind her beautiful heart felt music, for us to enjoy for and eternity. RIP - KAREN. Thank you for your beautiful music and angelic voice.
