I wrote to Karen when I went to Vietnam in 70/71 I was 17 in the Marines. I was a Field Observer assigned to a recon squad going to Laos/Cambodia we ended up corresponding the entire year and I loved her. She was very tired of performing, she was happiest staying in the background playing the drums and singing. I still have her letters 50 plus years later in a safe and they will be cremated with me I have been blessed being married 46 years my wife is my soulmate but Karen will always own a piece of my heart.
Your a lucky man. I'm as in love with a women I've never met as man can. When Karen Carpenter comes on the radio at work this 52 yo man has to find a place to hide as she makes my damn eyes leak.
Yes, I was going to describe her voice like a warm blanket, too. Her voice is so soothing and warm and calming. I can't think of any other singer who has that effect on me. Definitely a gift from God. She was a beautiful person, inside and out, and I wish that she had known how loved she really was.
This is such a beautiful song on many levels- her beautiful, lustrous voice, the emotions she brings out in you when she sings, the lyrics. I'm so glad that I grew up with her.
Almost 40 years since she was lost to us...Her voice takes me back to my childhood. "haunting, full, pitch perfect, emotional..." so many adjectives to describe that voice....
She was one in a billion. A thousand years from now, she might get a mention in history. Let's enjoy her talent as long as we can. Freddie Mercury is also on that list.
I am 63 years old and no pushover, but this girls voice breaks me. I remember one weekend i was playing superstar, and for those two days, i wept more than i ever had. Lol.... i don't get why, but she breaks my heart. Love you always Karen. ❤🇦🇺
I don't think there are any other singers that bring tears to my eyes as readily as Karen Carpenter, but they are good tears - what an incredible voice
You are a beautiful, sweet young lady. I'm an 81 yr. old white duffer. I love your openness and your love for purity of talent. The Carpenters make me laugh, smile, and cry much more than I would like (if I didn't love them so). Keep doing what you are doing my dear, you are good at it. Oh, by the way, if you want some Carpenter smiles, check out their Christmas albums, some of the best renditions of Christmas classics ever !!!
It's perfectly OK to feel emotional listening to her beautiful and unique voice. Nearly 50 years later, she still evokes those feelings in casual listeners and fans as well. You should listen to "Merry Christmas Darling". RIP Karen.
This is the third reaction I’ve seen from Angela, who agrees with me that she is adorable & a beautiful Human being? Keep being you Angela, never stop and don’t settle for less, you deserve everything that is good in life!!! God Bless !!!🙏🏻❤️
There just aren't enough adjectives to describe Karen's voice. You recognize more and more what a tragic loss we had when she passed at 32 years of age.
I love Karen Carpenter’s voice. And her brother was a super talent to put it all together. I am 59 and remember these songs even as a young boy. I can’t remember my phone number but remember the words to these old songs.
She was a very "troubled soul" she had the voice of a angel,from when i was a 14 year old kid back in 1970 finding girls,their songs always reminded me of each girlfriend,even today i still think of them.
I am 67,this was my teenage years,love the fact you love these songs,most younger people do not listen to them,i loved Mowtown growing up,i played them to my son,he is 44 this year,he still loves it today.
Karen pulls you into her emotions whatever they may be during the song, it’s mesmerizing and beautiful and you can’t help but be pulled along with her. It’s such an enjoyable ride that at the end your brain and heart are begging for the song not to end, you want it to go on and on! That’s what music used to be like and that’s why this music still stands the test of time.❤
To think... she was only 19 when she sang We've Only Just Begun. What 19 yo sounds like that? Smoother than whipped cream! RECOMMEND listening to Roberta Flack sing The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. Be ready to cry... one of the most beautiful songs ever!
Angela: Yes, you keep saying there is just something about her voice...why?...because it bears repeating; because the next song reminds you again how special her gift was; and because, dear lady, there just isn't an adequate supply of superlatives in our lexicon to describe something so moving and magical.❤👍
I love your reaction fantastic reaction real emotional every time I hear this song it chokes me up Karen is fantastic and Richard is fantastic rest in peace Karen Carpenter
I cried the day I heard of her passing... Being from SoCal I had seen this dynamic duo, from its early days to being superstars. Met them once and they were both humble and honest. It truly is a shame that her life was taken away the this insidious disease.
Here we go again one of my favorite band with such wonderful nice emotional songs that Karen Carpenter brings. It's like you said her songs does something to you. There's something about that voice. I love your reactions, your smile, your personality, and the love that shows through your tender heart. Thanks again for a great reaction to the Carpenters. 👍😊
Angela, I sent this reaction video to my two sisters. We were around when this song came out. Your commentary on Karen is PERFECT! It made ME get a little emotional. The Carpenters and The Fifth Dimension were considered "sunshine pop" in their day and kind of dismissed by critics. Yet because of their polished musicianship they have stood the test of time, while many of their "edgier" contemporaries have not. Your video bears this out. Thank you!
Good job. This voice is some elemental force. Sometimes Karen can knock folks off their perch. She opens her mouth, my brain kicks in and says this is pure and this is good. And they did it night after night all over the world and it killed.
From that long ago, Summer of '73, written by Richard & John Bettis. This one was close to #1 all over the world, that summer. -------------------MJL, 75 y/o
THIS IS POSSIBLY MY ALL-TIME #2 BY RICH & KAREN. FROM THAT LONG AGO, SUMMER OF '73, WRITTEN BY RICH & JOHN BETTIS, THIS IS A MASTERPIECE. ------------------MJL, 75 Y/O
I'm old enough to say that plain and simple, she had a once in a lifetime voice. I was a kid when I first heard her and I can't recall any other female singer that has/had this particular voice quality. There are plenty of great female singers but none that sounded like Karen. Just listening to her brings a great big sigh of joy and satisfaction in hearing her sing. I can tell by your reactions that you feel it too.
Eve, - You, - Leave Yesterday behind, - I bealive you, - Trying to get the feeling again - All of this are Carpenter’s songs, not the popular but really gems that I’ll love you to react to. ❤️
In the early seventies there was a vogue for "oldies", jukebox era songs from the fifties and early sixties. This song was written by Richard Carpenter and John Bettis (Richard's usual lyricist partner) as a commentary on that.
When I was younger, it wasn't always cool to listen to the Carpenters--they were so...pure. I mean, i don't know how to explain it. People could make fun of you for it. But, she was so amazing. And her brother Richard understood her voice better than anyone and knew how to showcase her strengths. I have always loved them and I don't care who knows.
I so enjoy your reactions Angela! You don't need to apologize for being emotional. You're genuine and honest. Continue to be you. Like you, my wife and I love the Carpenters. We married August 16th 1970 and We've Only Just Begun was released on August 21st. We saw them in concert not long afterwards and Karen's voice was truly angelic! We have several of their albums and still enjoy them. Young lady you have a beautiful spirit. You be you!
Being an emotional person is what makes all your reactions genuine. Seen too many reactioners that react the way they think they should, not what they really feel. xx
Thanks for this reaction to what was one of the Carpenters' biggest international hits as well as a #2 hit stateside. You should also give a listen to the B-side of the "Yesterday Once More" single - "Road Ode" from their album "A Song for You" from 1972. I think you'll like it.
Hi Angela, Love your reaction It is the same reaction I had when I was a kid and the Carpenters played on the radio in the car when I was 10. Back then cars only had one speaker and Karen still sounded so "Out Of This World". In my opinion, let me say that Karen was a absolute "Genius" as she was only 19 when their first hit charted. And her brother Richard is also a "Genius" as his arrangements can't be equaled. Every Carpenters recording is a absolute masterpiece. Suggestion: for future Carpenters reactions: THis Masquerade, I'm Caught Between Goodbye And I Love You" Take care. Love your channel!!! Keep up the great work!!!
Gorgeous, gorgeous performance by Karen- one of my favorites. Thanks for telling us how you feel and for keeping Karen's songs alive in your generation.
A maturely sensual woman's voice. I have been loving it since I was 17 in the very early 70's but now I'm 67. It immediately brings a smile and a tear at the same time . I know most of the words to all her songs and often sing along ( when I'm alone ). I dream of a universe where you are still alive and treating everyone with more of that silky smooth caress people call a voice.
I still remember hearing the Carpenters for the first time on my older brothers reel to reel stereo in my parents home. I was blown away by their singing. This was around 1979. And to this day I'm still blown away when I hear them.
What's really amazing about her is that in the beginning she didn't want to be the one out front singing lead. She was happy sitting in the back playing her drums. And she played the drums really well. So she knew and could feel the music in ways that we could never know. And it's also amazing how she could put out these mesmerizing and wonderful songs while silently suffering with what would take her away at such a young age. Time will never diminish the Legacy of Karen Carpenter.
We used to say, "Music is the soundtrack of your life." This song personifies that. When you are older - you will understand more. Keep up the great work. Peace.
