Carpenters - Superstar | Singer Reacts & Musician Analysis 

Karen had a contralto voice...the rarest of all female voice types. She had a three octave range. Her singing voice was nothing less than magical. In this performance she is NOT lip-synching and back then there was no auto-tune etc. This was her voice live and unadulterated by technology. I learned of her death on my car radio. I pulled over and I cried. Be well, be happy, Duke

I grew up with the Carpenters' music. Karen was one of a kind. There will never be another like her. She had such a pure calming voice. And she was a terrific drummer. That was her passion even more than singing. Sadly we lost her so young. Thankfully we have her legacy left in her music. The Carpenters had so many great songs such as "We've Only Just Begun", "Rainy Days & Mondays", "For All We Know", "Goodbye To Love", "Top Of The World", "Sing", "Yesterday Once More", "I Won't Last A Day Without You", "Please Mr. Postman", "Only Yesterday", "There's A Kind Of Hush (All Over the World)", "I Need To Be In Love" & so many more.

The commenter who said Karen sounds fresh and new nailed it. I was with young people who had never heard of The Carpenters. They were chatting about what era the song was from. Then Karen began singing Superstar, and they fell silent as if hit by a thunderbolt. Because they had. She is truly timeless.

One of the greatest voices ever. Makes me tear up a little every time i hear her and knowing we lost her so young to anorexia nervosa.

Her voice was the best, she had perfect pitch and control. And a deep sincere expression of feelings.

Karen was an angel. We're blessed to have many recordings of her stunningly beautiful contralto voice...but her untimely death was a tragic loss to the world of popular music. Almost no one had even heard the word "anorexia."

The Carpenter's biggest hits, "We've Only Just Begun" became every wedding song of the 70's. The words were so appropriate for the new couples life. "Close To You" was the Carpenter's first hit. Richard Carpenter was a child prodigy and wrote most of the songs for the group. Karen a drummer was a reluctant singer but her voice is just pure angelic. You're right her deep voice was something most people didn't recognize because it was so clean in its quality. She was a gift that left us too soon.

Karen Carpenter was always a mesmerizing talent to me. She pulls you in so beautifully. It would be so cool to see what she could do now.

Carpenters are a historic group. Karen is legendary as a singer and singer/drummer. They produced 15 #1 hits on the adult contemporary charts in a short career. #1 selling American group in the 70’s. Song For You is a fabulous listen.

This presentation was on the BBC in 1971.. great reaction. Karen voices is the Best. Please react Carpenters A song for you in complete version is amazing 🤩

I gotta say. To me, she was simply the best female singer I've ever heard period!

One of the most beautiful female singing voices in history! The Carpenters are before my time and I'm over 50, but I could even understand at my very young age that we lost a great one way too soon. She had so much more to bless us with in that voice.

It's very difficult to make a sad refrain sound so cheerful. No matter what she sings, Caren Carpenter always brings tears to my eyes and goose bumps to my skin

The voice of an angel . . .

I just love it when a reactor hears Karen's voice for the first time and realizes just how great of a singer she was. It just makes my day. RIP Karen. We miss you

This was LIVE....you can't believe how it sounds in the studio....stunning.

She had so many qualities in her voice. And incredibly brought all those qualities together so effortlessly.

I knew this was live because there were no back up singers to start. Most of the other instruments were spot on. Her voice was powerful yet comforting. Soothing, but dynamic especially when it came to her voice control. She made it look so simple and it sucked you in every time. One of the best voices in music history. RIP Karen. You left too soon.

Karen's voice is intoxicating. The more you hear it; the more you can't get enough. 💖

The best female voice ever. No discussion required and yes, it's her lower register that is truly special.

Flawless, live, no tricks. Pure talent.

Her voice was rare. She was a pure alto, and her tone was one of a kind. This music sounds fresh and new. Rip Karen

My dad and I seldom saw eye to eye when it came to music. He liked old country (Eddie Arnold, Marty Robbins, Jim Reeves) and I'm a Van Halen, AC/DC kind of guy. But there was one thing we agreed on. Karen Carpenter was the best female vocalist. She had a deeper voice than most women singers, yet still sounds feminine.. As I said. I'm usually a hard rock fan, but I'll listen to Karen sing forever.

One of the best voices ever imo Her emotion on every song really gets to you , absolutely beautiful 🎶

I said many times. Karen voice always make me cry, just so prefect so clear no auto tune no tricks just a angel singing.

Her voice was perfect - and she was a great drummer. Dammit, I'm in tears again, this woman does it to me every damn time. There have been some great suggestions - so how about "Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft" (that's not a joke).

One of the most hauntingly beautiful voices in history. RIP Karen Carpenter! You are missed.

Karen graduated from my HS before me and unfortunately passed away when I was junior. My HS had a tribute to her and the news was there and Richard and her parents came. It was awesome.

Delighted you have uploaded this one again, Karen Carpenter had the voice of an angel. More 70s music reactions please in future ❤

Great reaction, Millie! ❤ The Carpenters made their debut in 1970 with their hit single, "Close to You." I'm sure you'll love it, and it will allow you to get a whiff of brother Richard's harmonies.

My father (RIP) had a huge crush on Karen Carpenter. My sister is named after Karen. Iconic performer, iconic voice, iconic drummer.

The Carpenters were one of my parents favorites, so I've grown up with them ... They named me Karen and I've loved music since I was born. ☺️ Both my parents were in quartets throughout my early childhood years ❤ I've been singing for fun ever since!

Saw her in 1972 in Vegas.I was hitch hiking thru and saw the Midnite show for $8.75 at the Riviera. She was wonderful. What this does not capture is the fact she sang and drummed at a level that Don Henley ,Levon Helm and Phil Collins could do.Check out her drumming and singing on Help-live at the Boudokan, Dancing in the Streets and doing a Burt Bacharach medley --the best version is in black and white .She died 1 month short of her 33rd birthday .

Karen had the ability to walk into a recording studio and put down a perfect track in one try. Her pitch, timing, and volume were spot on. The day she passed away was the day that the music industry and the world as a whole lost an irreplaceable gem. Rest in Peace Karen.

One of the most beautiful, nuanced and magical voices of all time! Listen to her on a pair of audiophile headphones and its a real treat! I'ver heard other covers of her songs and no one comes close to the "girl next door" casual folksy-ness and perfect delivery and then some. And Richard as arranges is a superstar as well.

She has a strong and melancholy voice at the same time! At 8 years old I was listening to 45 records over and over. Great job reacting to this group!

Karen was an angel that visited us for a little while and changed all who heard her for the better

She had such a wonderful voice. Some of their biggest hits, and MUST listens, that I recommend are We’ve Only Just Begun, (They Long to Be) Close to You, Rainy Days and Mondays, Yesterday Once More, Top of the World, and during the holidays, check out their album Christmas Portrait.

I was a teen in the 70's and the Carpenters were BIG.. Karen had the deep vibrato which is what you heard when so was in her lower range..you must listen to more of her..in my humble opinion as female singers to..she is the GOAT..listen to Goodbye to love..Merry Christmas Darling..Rainy days and Mondays..to name but a few..to be honest all of em as she never sang a bad song..and this was LIVE and no autotune..🇬🇧💞🙏✝️👍👏🎶🎵

Karen Carpenter was an Angel 😇 sent from Heaven and left us way too soon! One of the most beautiful voices ever heard! The compositions are the direct result of her brother Richard Carpenter who really played to Karen’s strengths as a singer! I LOVE ❤️ the music of The Carpenters! RIP Karen!

The carpenters were a brother and sister act, she did all the singing, with him writing, producing, singing back up and playing the piano. In the beginning she was also the drummer.

Karen had an incredible voice

Written by Bonnie Bramlett, and famous musician Leon Russell, recording session man of the Wrecking Crew, singer/ songwriter. Millie wants to make us slow dance with her lol.

Part of the soundtrack of my life. We had so much great music with tremendous quality and variety.

“Rainy Days and Mondays” and “Top of the World” are my favorite Carpenters songs.

The best female voice of all time. Unmatched for her tone, warmth and vocal range. As of today, October 10, 2023, Richard Carpenter is working on a new studio album. This album will be her first solo recording since 1987's "Time Out of Mind." Carpenter has been working on the album for several years, and has been searching for a vocalist who can fill the void left by her sister Karen, who died in 1983. In an interview with Billboard in 2022, Carpenter said that the album will have a sound similar to that of the Carpenters, but that it will also be an evolution of his sound. "It's still soft rock, but it's a little more modern," Carpenter said. "There's also a bit of experimentation." Carpenter has not yet announced a release date for the album, but has said that he hopes it will be released in 2024. In addition to his work on the new album, Carpenter is also working on a documentary about the life and career of the Carpenters. The documentary, which is being produced by the company "Greenwich Entertainment", will be released in 2024. Carpenter also continues to tour and give concerts. In 2023, he toured the United States with singer-songwriter Michael Feinstein. There is no voice today that compares to Karen Carpenter's. She was a unique musical genius in the world and goes far beyond her time. It without autotune or any other manipulation. Just her voice and her brother Richard's incredible arrangements. No current artist can match this in this era. Karen was also one of the best drummers of her time and she could sing well while she played the drums simultaneously. A true top talent. RIP Karen Carpenter, We will always remember you and love you!!! 💛💛💛 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- La mejor voz femenina de todos los tiempos. Inigualable por su tono, calidez y rango vocal. A fecha de hoy 10 de Octubre de 2023, Richard Carpenter está trabajando en un nuevo álbum de estudio. Este álbum será su primer trabajo discográfico en solitario desde "Time Out of Mind" de 1987. Carpenter ha estado trabajando en el álbum durante varios años, y ha estado buscando una vocalista que pueda llenar el vacío dejado por su hermana Karen, quien murió en 1983. En una entrevista con el medio "Billboard" en 2022, Carpenter dijo que el álbum tendrá un sonido similar al de los Carpenters, pero que también será una evolución de su sonido. "Todavía es soft rock, pero es un poco más moderno", dijo Carpenter. "También hay un poco de experimentación". Carpenter aún no ha anunciado una fecha de lanzamiento para el álbum, pero ha dicho que espera que salga a la venta en 2024. Además de su trabajo en el nuevo álbum, Carpenter también está trabajando en un documental sobre la vida y la carrera de los Carpenters. El documental, que está siendo producido por la compañía "Greenwich Entertainment", se estrenará en 2024. Carpenter también continúa realizando giras y dando conciertos. En 2023, realizó una gira por los Estados Unidos con el cantante y compositor Michael Feinstein. No hay ninguna voz hoy en día que se compare con la de Karen Carpenter. Fue una genio musical única en el mundo y va mucho más allá de su tiempo. Sin autoajuste ni ninguna otra manipulación. Sólo su voz y los increíbles arreglos de su hermano Richard. Ningún artista actual puede igualar esto en esta era. Karen también era una de las mejores bateristas de su época y podía cantar así mientras tocaba la batería simultáneamente. Un verdadero talento superior. QEPD Karen Carpenter, ¡¡¡ Siempre te recordaremos y te querremos!!! 💛💛💛

You need to watch some videos of her singing while she is drumming. She could keep the beat and sing at the same time. Also watch the video of her with Ella Fitzgerald who was a jazz legend. That video is pure magic.

No other singer, band, musician, has ever evoked the same emotions in me. I tear up at her first note, not just because her voice is so angelic but because of the tragic way she died thinking she wasn't enough. I grew up with her 8 track next to my Foreigner and AC/DC tapes. Her angelic voice is a prescription for anyone with high stress or high blood pressure! TY Karen! RIP

"Tommy Boy" has a fitting Karen Carpenter tribute moment 😊 she would have ruled the world with that voice if she'd lived a longer life ❤

i get goosebumps every time i hear her sing...so sad we lost her to anorexia...thanks for adding this to your reaction list

LOVE LOVE LOVE KAREN!!

Your reaction was a Joy to watch. Your energy is infectious.

I was a little kid in the early '70s'. I love Karen Carpenters voice and remember the songs she sang as a young child. Some were very upbeat and some were more thoughtful. I love that you found The Carpenters and also that you waited until the end of the song to talk about it. Other bands from the seventies you might like are Pink Floyd, "Dark Side of the Moon". Fleetwood Mac, especially anything that Stevie Nicks wrote or sang, There is also a wonderful movie, "To Sir With Love," with Sidney Potier. Its' an amazing movie and there is a singer, "Lulu," who sings the theme song. It's worth a listen and takes place in London in the '60's.

A voz q mais emociona, a mais perfeita pronúncia de palavras da história da música . Take one

Look up some of her drumming videos...she described herself as a drummer who sings. Someone asked Neil Peart of Rush how if felt to be called the best drummer in the world, and he said 'you'd better ask Karen Carpenter about that' !!

It seems no one ever covers the Carpenters songs. The songs were great because of Karen’s voice and since then no one else’s voice could live up to hers.

This lady was one hell of vocalist. She was such a good singer!!! Her brother Richard is also very talented. He often did their musical arrangements including Superstar. They were very very good.

One of the greatest voices ever! Sadly, she left us way too soon.

That may be from 1971 after the original by Delaney and Bonnie was released in 1969. Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell wrote it and originally titled "Groupie (Superstar)",and a bit more risque

Like I always say her voice melts my heart ❤❤❤

I once sang "Calling occupants of interplanetary craft" in karaoke. After I had finished, I heard someone in the audience say: "Certainly not Karen singing. And doesn't even look like her." As a man, I was not offended in any way, because I was aware I could not sound like an angel singing and for sure did not look like an angel singing. Only Karen was capable of doing those things. Love you and miss you, Karen. 💖

The Carpenters, best duo of the 70s...timeless classics! And, Karen...I tear up every time she sings...mixed emotions dying so young.

Hi Millie! A beautiful reaction. Being an OG Carpenters fan I absolutely love when a young person of this time experiences Karen and Richard for the first time or a song that’s new to them. I could see you getting goosebumps. It’s a common reaction especially for someone who sings or is musical. Karen’s voice (tech spec: Contralto 3.5 octave range) is like no other. Many say she’s the best ever but she’d never say that, her modesty would forbid it. You have awakened the Carpenter mafia who will certainly guide you to many songs. I’m going in another direction that I’ve been doing lately. I have a personal favorite the shows off all of Karen’s talents and it’s live. Like this performance. This one was noticeably different from the recorded song, still worthy of watching, look for a picture frame at the start and a deep red tone to the look. My recommendation is a Bacharach/David Medley from 1970 at Walter Reed Hospital. Those are Viet Nam War Veterans in the audience. It is in a word, awesome. It was recorded live to tape for The Ed Sullivan Show. Enjoy, I know you will. ETA: Carpenters started in the late 60’s mostly in the 70’s a little in the 80’s, Karen died in March 1983, 40 years ago. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-yrsuLCF9FtI.html

First of all, you are beautiful Millie❤. There will never be another Karen Carpenter..R.I.P...we miss you❤❤❤❤

The "Close To You" album by The Carpenters was the VERY FIRST album/record I purchased, which was in 1970 (yes, I'm that old). I was also blessed to see The Carpenters live in concert at Arnold Hall when I was a cadet at the United States Air Force Academy in 1976. The never was, and nor has there been a group since like The Carpenters. It grieves me when I think about the late great Ms. Karen Carpenter--she gave us all so much, I wish we could have given her a fraction of the degree of joy in return.

Nice reaction ,Miss. You just got ambushed by pure class.

Such a great song and musical arrangement. A great song by a gifted vocalist. AND she was a drummer! An epic performance.

The most beautiful voice that left us !!! If she only knew how much we loved her. ♥️

If you like the 60's and 70's sounds you have a great ear!

This is my favorite Carpenter’s song!

No matter how often I listen to her, I always get goosebumps.

She was too good for this world.

Soundtrack to my early youth in the early70s....such a pure talent,... We were all blessed who lived in her time ,to have had her lift our lives....such innocent times.

"Rainy Days and Mondays"

A friend and I saw them once . What a beautiful voice. A beautiful woman. Sweet music 🎶 Sweet memories, and a little sad.

Karen Carpenter /Linda Ronstadt/ K D Lang My 3 favorite female vocalist ....

I'm old as dirt. This song still gives me chills. Loved your reaction : )

I'm now in my 70s and was already a high school graduate when the Carpenters came on the scene. Karen's passing was like losing a family member. My wife and I played and danced to so many Carpenters songs that first year we were married. We're still going strong 48 years later.

Karen's voice always gives me chills. You should review "Bless the beasts and the children & hurting each other"

Loved your reaction Millie. I had many waltz's to this song back in the day :) Her voice certainly is iconic.

Carpenters' first #1 hit was in 1970 with "Close to You" . . . this song "Superstar" came out in 1971.

Karen is a drummer along with her brother who played the organ and piano in the beginning of her career. Her brother was the singer, Karen played the back ground music with the drums. I read that a talent scout came to hear them play one day. This was all set up by her brother who wrote his own music and put together instrument sounds. At some point Karen came out from the drums and sang a song. The talent scout signed them both up once he heard her sing.

You cannot un-hear Karen Carpenter and from now on you will judge every pitiful pathetic new modern song you hear against Karen’s Royal supreme talent.

Perfection. An angel on earth. Still missed.

You should react to the Carpenters first single. It was a cover of the Beatles Ticket to Ride. If you find the live from Australia 1972 video, you will have a rare treat, and get to see her singing that song from behind her drum set. From what I can see, her drumming never affected her perfect, smooth delivery singing.

Such a talent lost too young. :(

Our melancholy angel... she is so loved.

Thanks, Millie (this is seventies, BTW) -- I hope you listen to more Carpenters (this one is kind of sad) - Karen never wanted to be a "lead singer" - she was a drummer... but once that voice was discovered, she was pressured to do that... but she also sang while drumming -- look forward to more from you...

Your facial expressions when she started singing said it all. The woman was on a different level altogether.

Nice hat lady!!!!! Watch how easy this is for her. Karen was one of those gifted singers that made it look easy. She had a big vocal range!! Yes love she is/was WOW!! This arrangement is perfect!!!! I think she is an alto, and true alto. She has/had the low end. The Carpenters are/where classic..... Thanks lady.....

brings me back to my childhood.. still gives me shivers its so beautiful

You must hear "Goodbye To Love"! Very beautiful and also very powerful.

Rainy Days And Mondays, Close To You, Masquerade, Goodbye To Love, I Won't Last A Day Without You

You will love these: Rainy days and Mondays /Goodbye to Love /Ticket to Ride /Merry Christmas Darling/ Enjoy sweetie 😘

Karen Carpenter, ésta chica tan dulce fue extraordinaria como baterista, además también como cantante y compositora, busca vídeos y podrás disfrutarla cantando y tocando, esa mezcla la llevó a lo más alto, cosa que su hermano, que era la otra mitad del grupo The Carpenters, truncó no permitiéndole tocar ni grabar discos en solitario, lo que tras años de lucha legal y artística, terminó literalmente con ella... Misoginia elevada a la enésima potencia... La vida de Karen Carpenter, es muy triste...

Without a doubt Karen is in the top 5 Female vocalist of all time. Totally digging your reactions, it shows you're a music lover. ❤

The Carpenters were incredibly good. Like magic. Her voice is like comfort food. It take you in and affects you deeply. Check out Solitaire and Ordinary Fool.

And finally, the Las Vegas Legacy tribute duo Sally Olsen and Ned Mills virtually reincarnate The Carpenters. Sally not only resembles Karen, but recreated all Aspects of her performances, both vocally and in mannerisms. It’s like you are looking at her return in present day. Listening to Sally is a treat!

Purest, most authentic voice in history.

Karen was a world class drummer and a voice of an angel