OMG. That bottom register. Every time it makes me tear up and sends shivers down my spine. One of the greatest voices of her generation. The song was written and sung originally by Neil Sedaka
Im on my late 60s, so remember KC very well on the radio and TV specials. She began, with her brother Richard, by playing drums. Richard, her brother, was a terrific arranger but KC's voice was discovered by Herb Alpert in 1969 which began their road to fame. Richard convinced her that her best singing voice was contralto, 'the money is in the basement'. I believe KC's, voice, especially contralto, was the best female voice ever. No auto-tune, stripping, gimmicks, or screaming. Her nickname was 'one take', since she always sang a song once in studio without a single re-take. She sang to you with mesmerizing emotion, perfect pitch and enunciation. Her voice compelled you to listen. She had no professional voice or drum training. Paul McCartney said she sang Ticket To Ride better than the Beatles, and "she had the most angelic voice I have ever heard". John Lennon told her at an LA restaurant "you have a fabulous voice luv". Every female harmony in all of her songs was hers as well, sang, then dubbed into the song by Richard. They were most successful in early/mid1970s when she received 4 Grammys. She was also recognized by 1975 Playboy poll as rock drummer of the year. She never knew true love, nor how good she really was. Check other songs such as 'Superstar'(1971), 'Only Yesterday', 'Hideaway', 'Rainy Days and Mondays','I Can Dream Cant I', 'Hurting Each Other', 'Need To Be In Love', 'Goodbye To Love', etc.. She had low self-image, and could never seem to please her mother. She had a few friends including Dionne Warwick. She had serious onset of anorexia in 1975 that continued the rest of her life. Married a guy in 1982 that was broke, not who she thought, and mistreated her. Never knew true love. She died in Feb 1983 at 32yo due to complications from anorexia. [Some info contained herein came from documentaries such as, "Only Yesterday"].
This song was written by Neil Sedaka, with lyrics by Phil Cody. Richard Carpenter did all the arrangements on all their albums, and it really enhanced Karen's voice. I have Karen's only solo album, which she did with Phil Ramone when Richard was in the hospital. Karen is a lovely singer, but I listened to a few cuts and just put it away. Richard and Karen, together, were lightning in a bottle.
You really need to jump into the Carpenters rabbit hole. You will be amazed at how great this group is. Karen is the singer and drummer; Richard is the keyboard and arranger of their music.
The musical arrangements done by her brother; Richard were almost as if they were twins and could read each other's thoughts and emotions. What a great duo. McCartney knew exactly when to step in and pair his voice to Lennon's. In a similar manner, Richard and Karen did the same. Karen had the voice and Richard the musical magic to accompany her. Respect to both!
Yes, it's a melancholy lyric, but Karen's voice sells it every step of the way, with one of her best-ever (if not THE best-ever) performances. She was incomparable. I appreciate your commentary.
The story goes that Karen didn't like this song, but did it anyway just to get through it. After dhe finished her track the studio fell silent for about 5 minutes. Nobody said anything. Silent. They were stunned at how beautiful it was.
Even today Neil Sedaka (who wrote the song) tears up when he mentions Karen Carpenter....he was thrilled that the Carpenters recorded this song....and then there was the fall-out between Neil Sedaka and Richard Carpenter as they asked Neil to open for them in their summer US tours....
Yes, as others below say, one of her finest vocal performances - others at this incredible level would be "You're The One", "Where Do I Go From Here", "Leave Yesterday Behind", "Desperado" and "One More Time".
Beautiful. At 3:08 the lyrics say, "Who lost his love thru his indifference.." Karen pronounced words with a precision scalpel. EVERY time I listen, I hear "Who lost his GLOW thru his indifference". I suppose I'm the only one? Nope. At times she sang different words from printed lyrics. With Karen, it's all very clear.
"Solitaire" is a ballad written by Neil Sedaka and Phil Cody. Cody employs playing the card game of solitaire as a metaphor for a man "who lost his love through his indifference". Hope that helps you!
Karen Carpenter’s story is very sad - makes me well up. Thank you for your videos - I love it that you are so open and honest when relating songs to your own life. I know you have had a lot of song requests, but if you want to try something that’s a little heavier (well, quite a lot heavier actually), how about reacting to Deep Purple’s ‘Highway star’ - the live version from the album ‘Made in Japan’, from 1972. I think you’ll love it!
This amazing song, written by Neil Sedaka, was NOT a favorite of Karen's. In fact, despite the fact that this is probably one the finest vocals she ever produced, it may be the only time she ever sang it. She never performed it in concert.
