KAREN IS AN ALL-TIME GREAT! First Time Hearing Carpenters - We've Only Just Begun Reaction!

[@gman7495]

Vocal experts concluded long ago that Karen's voice was what they call "pitch perfect." I just call it perfect!

[@sallyphillips9175]

In the studio, they called her "One Take Karen" cos she usually got the recordings down in one take.

[@roadkill7314]

​@@Spo-Dee-O-DeeYeah, that's why so many other choir girls were just as successful as Karen!

[@roadkill7314]

@@Spo-Dee-O-Dee Oh? Have I heard any of them?

[@rff2552]

She was "pitch perfect" and had perfect pitch, a rare duo shared by a few of the greats

[@roadkill7314]

@@Spo-Dee-O-Dee All great singers for sure, but "better" than Karen Carpenter? Just the usual internet habit of stating an opinion as fact.

[@pitapanda8319]

This song was "the song" at everyone's wedding for many, many years.

[@ginnywelsh6232]

I was going to say the same thing!

[@tracy8508]

And graduations!

[@tammyclark1920]

First dance as husband and wife for so many in the 70's and early 80's.

[@Daisychain1962]

Mine and my husband’s wedding 43yrs ago!

[@jeffreywendt446]

@@Daisychain1962 Same here in two months.

[@joemacinnis1972]

Simply the best female singer I've ever heard! Period

[@joankisloski6972]

Paul McCartney has said that Karen had "the best female voice in the world: melodic, tuneful and distinctive".

[@SA-oy9pn]

And yet they rated Aretha Franklin as the greatest ? which is absolutely ludicrous.

[@MosaicRose99]

John Lennon was also a big fan of her voice and told her so...

[@michaelasay8587]

​@@SA-oy9pnwho did?? Please!!!

[@lilamuzik3385]

So did Elvis

[@judithdebert4813]

​@MosaicRose99 she didn't believe him

[@elevenbucks5682]

Frank Sinatra said Karen was the only singer he would pay to see.

[@paulstewart6203]

Karen's not only an incredible singer but a natural born drummer.

[@Perfect_Blend]

Yes! There are excellent videos highlighting her drumming skills that should also be reacted to.

[@badplay156]

At one point Rolling Stone rated her among thecm top 10 drummers

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

@@Spo-Dee-O-Dee Rolling Stone magazine ranked her # 1 in their 1975 Top Drummer review. Which is silly, considering she beat out the likes of John Bonham. But I'm sure they did it to be provocative and sell mags.

[@sueshow401]

Good for Karen and congrats!​@@badplay156

[@UncleCharlie111x2]

She derailed me when I was 8 years old listening to her in 73. Her voice was strong and melancholy at the same time. Never heard another woman sound like her!

[@eggy1962]

It was 1974 for me i was 12…..hearing the greatest hits 69/73 on a friends dads car stereo…..i was hooked and still are.

[@ChuckHackney]

I will concur with a slight variation. Her voice gobsmacked me on a sultry Carolina evening in July 1970. I was 16. My musical soul has never been the same since.

[@ChuckHackney]

SIR Paul is 100% correct. The greatest female singer in our lifetime, maybe of all time. I would add one caveat, my heart, ears and soul are screaming at me, Chuck, she is greatest singer, regardless of gender, EVER. EVER. ❤❤❤❤ My God but how we need this woman's voice in 2024, now more than ever. EVER. EVER.

[@chercee]

@@ChuckHackney North or South Carolina? I'm in South.

[@ChuckHackney]

Uncle Charlie, I use the term gobsmacked. My soul and heart were gobsmacked in 1970 and still, at 70, they are today. Karen❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@bobanob1967]

When she sings the line" so much of life ahead" it breaks my heart knowing how little she had.

[@Tessiefaye]

This song was the main wedding song of the 70's. It was sung at every wedding for years.

[@happymethehappyone8300]

"I'm really a drummer that can just sing a little bit" "Karen"

[@donaldball3245]

If only they'd left her behind those drums... dragging her center stage made her self conscious about her appearance and her weight, bringing about the condition that would claim her life in the end...

[@paulwalker9421]

Richard Carpenter was the arranger. He should get great credit also .Karen great Talent and sad loss RIP.

[@daleb1279]

Richard needs to be acknowledged as much as Karen for their sound, his song choices, arrangements, and phenomenal keyboard skills, really allowed Karen's vocals to soar and shine. She did an album late in her career without Richard producing it and it just didn't have the same polish. It took both of them to produce that unique Carpenters magic.

[@DAMHoo]

RIP Karen😢😢😢…….. maybe the most beautiful voice in the history of music

[@debbiekousmat6101]

Close to you is not just an ending for THIS song, but it is another #1 hit for them.

[@charlottehardy822]

One of the most beautiful songs ever made.

[@michaelasay8587]

I think they know that

[@DanielFrost21]

Karen's voice is timeless. It's like listening to an old friend. This song was originally used for a bank commercial.

[@beedeegee9374]

Written by the great songwriter, Paul Williams.

[@candicelitrenta8890]

It was sung by Paul Williams who also wrote the song

Loved Paul in " Smokey and the Bandit" with another musical master Jerry Reed.@@candicelitrenta8890

[@Purple1984Rain]

Brother Richard heard this melody on a bank commercial and asked the composer Paul Williams if there was a full version of the song. The rest is musical history. Karen had the most beautiful recording voice I’ve ever heard and Richard’s arrangements were equally brilliant and she was known for nailing her vocals perfectly in just one take in the studio.

[@markcarbaugh5416]

Williams wrote this for an advertising campaign for Crocker Bank in California.

[@3dbadboy1]

@@markcarbaugh5416 Oh yea, I remember that very well living in LA at the time.

[@Nerdmom1701]

I've said this before, there are only a few artists that when they sing that you know automatically who it is from the first word. Karen Carpenter is one of them. ❤️

[@EricSmaug]

SHE WAS AN ANGEL ON LOAN BY GOD!!!!

[@Pokafalva]

Simply the greatest female singer ever.

[@Lakeshore14]

Karen loved playing drums first of all. She described herself as a drummer who happened to sing. Talk about humility. We miss you. R.I.P. Karen. 💔

[@janeeyrehead2]

👍💓 you are correct

[@dougbowers4415]

I met Karen in the mid-70s and talked to her for a few minutes during sound check. She was lovely.

[@mikerobertson4041]

How do we describe Karen. Elegant, beautiful, total class, talented, and special, so so special.

[@KevinDemo-e2e]

Just so you know, this song was played at every wedding and graduation in the Seventies!!!

[@fastecp1]

It's hard to believe that she just wanted to be a drummer. Can you imagine what a big loss that would have been? She has one of the best voices of any vocalist of all time.

[@janeeyrehead2]

Get a clip of her playing druns.. she can rock!!! You will pleasantly surprised how good she is.. get the clips on you tube 👍😊

[@ladysky2883]

I remember when this was a Crocker Bank commercial jingle. Richard Carpenter always had that ear to find something somewhere and then just go to town and make a hit out of it. He is still producing in the industry. He knew what songs were perfect for Karen's velvet voice. RIP Karen.

[@denisepallin5316]

I was born in 1970 and she was part of my earliest music memories. I absolutely loved her voice. Such a tragic loss. Great reaction. Her voice was flawless and pitch perfect.

[@magicbrownie1357]

STILL my favorite Carpenters song. Her voice is just golden.

[@metalmark1214]

A great Carpenters song. The last portion you heard starting at 6:39 was part of another Carpenters song, Close to you. Oddly enough this started out as a bank commercial. Songwriters Paul Williams and Roger Nichols were commissioned by an advertising agency to write it in 1968 for Crocker Bank, which was trying to attract young people and newlyweds to their institution.

[@george217]

You can actually watch the commercial on KZbin.

[@keepgrindingup7661]

Her voice Is spun GOLD... pure magic. We are blessed to be able to hear such a creation

[@TheBeatenPaths]

Karen Carpenter and Anne Murray.....effortless perfect pitch.

[@djwinchell]

Absolutely agree!,regarding Anne Murray she has this effortless way to her singing and amazing.please also play Anne Murray,she sang during the same time as Karen Carpenter.

[@melliehobson8299]

Oh, my. Lord. Like Prince Rogers Nelson, you cannot go wrong with The Carpenters!

[@bhsbmd]

I would have given anything if they’d have collaborated!! Sugar and spice for sure…

[@angelataylor2049]

Her voice is pure honey!

[@Aprilme2]

NO autotune, just Karen. Fantastic!!!

[@Pezzonovante916]

R.I.P., legend! Continuous, heartfelt condolences to Richard. Thank you for sharing your gift!

[@anthonyross9855]

Her voice is by far the most beautiful. She left us to early.

[@bobdelp2023]

MORE FROM KARENNNNN, YAYYYYYY!!! ❤😊LUVVVVVV IT PHIL AND SAM!👍 THIS MASQUERADE, SOLITAIRE, A SONG FOR YOU, YESTERDAY ONCE MORE RIP ☹TO THE ANGEL FROM ABOVE! TAKEN WAYYYYYYY TOO EARLY!😮

[@laureltaylor4535]

Best female singer ever. Lets also give credit to her brother Richard next to her.

[@James-c8s9z]

Paul williams what a songwriter!!

[@annieromo74]

Karen has always been my “mentor” in my singing over my 65 years. I’m in a Doo Wop group and I am privileged to sing a few of her songs. Her voice is so clear and pure. And with her brother, Richard, they were just wonderful. She was gone too soon. God rest her soul and bless Richard in his life. Thank you for all of your reactions, but especially the Carpenters… and Dimash! You guys rock! 😊🎶🎤🙏

[@neorich59]

There are a number of female vocalists that have moved me, over the years, Dusty Springfield, Stevie Nicks, K.D. Lang, Kate Bush, but Carpenter, had this ability to "swell," into long notes, in the lower register that is utterly spine tingling. And yes, she played drums. But, more than that, she was a bloody good drummer. Always bittersweet listening to her!

[@ronaldbolton7338]

The song "Close to You" was a smidgin of their first hit that they played at the end. "Close to You" is the song that launched their careers. I think I was like 11 years old when I first became aware of them and it was that song, so I recommend that next!

[@krazyj1957]

The song was originally in a wedding-themed television commercial for Crocker National Bank in California. Richard Carpenter saw it and contacted the writers. The rest is history.

[@allmusicfan88]

Yes, and the person that wrote the song is Paul Williams.

[@johnholliday5874]

Inconceivable to me that you could have lived as long as you have not having heard of the Carpenters. Check out the closing medley from their final 1980 TV special "Music Music Music". She only got better.

[@chrisalldis3375]

Karen is the number one female voice of all time & lets not forget Richards arrangements.

[@luquitafowler7688]

Oh yes, don't forget Richard, "Mom's favorite "

[@williamfortner]

Last part was part of one thier famous songs Close to You

[@Mess2012Z]

Karen and Richard Carpenter...only siblings can have that tight a harmony, i.e., The Bee Gees :D

[@dvolonino]

Lyrics by Paul Williams, music by Roger Nicholes. Was originally a bank commercial for newlyweds. Then Richard Carpenter said, "Hold my martini."

[@Markrealguy51]

Amazing voice,died at 32 from congestive heart failure due to complications with anorxexia. Her brother continued to work in the music industry

[@tangledcharlotte]

This used to be played at *every* wedding.

[@aisharosser3945]

Masquerade by Karen Carpenter...excellent❤

[@dewman0269]

I've listened to the carpenters since they began in the late 60s... I put the fan immediately and I'm still a fan today... I think that most of the people my age and I'm 67 we remember where we were When we heard that Karen carpenter passed away... The whole world cried for a few days... She was such a talent... There are so many songs you could listen to yet if you want to go down that rabbit hole... Karen's favorite song to sing of hers was " I Know I Need to be in Love "... If you could play that at some point I would greatly appreciate it... Another great reaction guys... Keep being awesome !!!...

[@heidibrown342]

Best female voice ever. She was extremely shy and insecure. Richard was the writer and lead singer with Karen content to stay in the background on the drums. Until one day when they realized just wha she could do with her voice, they pushed her up front and the magic happened. It is so sad that she suffered with anorexia until her heart just gave out. She never found the love she was searching for. Their mother favored Richard. Karen was marrried once for a short time until his cheating ended it. My absolute fav Carpenters song is ONLY YESTERDAY. Please give a listen. thanks

[@OHW313]

Whew !!!!!!! Once again Carpenters ( esp. Karen's heavenly voice) have floored me with that "warm and fuzzy" feeling that is triggered by synapses in the brain ' snap, crackle, popping ' oh so warmly and SMOOTHLY. Sheeese !?! GOOSE BUMPS !!!!! 😮😮😮😊😊😊❤❤❤

[@rhphotocdn]

"Top of the World" and "Mr Postman", two of my favourites from the Carpenters.

[@ChuckDrennen]

This song was played at a million weddings.

[@mikemiller3069]

This song is about a couple who just got married and is beginning their journey together ("white lace and promises; a kiss for luck and we're on our way" describes a wedding).

[@leriksen54]

Richard arranged everything and he and Karen sang the harmonies

[@neal5068]

Greatest female vocalist ever, not even close.

[@yannhollister9091]

Eva Cassidy was amazing too, those are my top 2 for sure

[@barrycounts490]

I agree she's the best female singer overall ! Eva Cassidy is my favorite blues singer and Dianna Ross is amazing as well

[@Kaddywompous]

Not even close? She’s a great vocalist, but there’s no need for hyperbole. And I’m guessing you haven’t heard Sarah Vaughan.

[@neal5068]

@@Kaddywompous nope, not even close

[@ricthornton2958]

@@neal5068I agree … she was in a class all by herself … and 2nd place isn’t in the same zip code.

[@George50809]

We've Only Just Begun is one of my favorite Carpenter's songs.

[@Susan-pq5rx]

Phil and Sam, thank you for your articulate analysis of the performances of Karen Carpenter and the Carpenters. It's heartening to see younger generations of audiences discover and celebrate the extraordinary talents of the Carpenters. Many of the songs they chose to record have become timeless classics. They have earned their legendary status.

[@jimfrederick3907]

It was played at 1,000s of weddings throughout the 70s.

[@Philcoxon]

The ease with which she sings, to me the best female voice you will ever hear.

[@amb2745]

This song was the soundtrack to many a wedding in the '70's and '80's.

[@HelenA-fd8vl]

I am contemporaneous with Karen Carpenter and haven’t seen her picture for years. I am struck now by what a beautiful girl she was. When you are young youthful beauty seems “normal”. She had so much to live for. Why? Why? Why? Would she have recovered if she had lived now, I wonder.

[@AutoAlligator]

Beautiful song. Totally bonkers the pair of them.

[@thomaspittock4018]

You young kids I lived it she was my teenage crush and when she passed I was torn up for years. Still am when I hear her music I just cry but appreciate your responses and appreciation for another era.

[@johnshannon9656]

That is kick-ass drumming.

[@bonester50]

Picking my favorite Karen Carpenter song is like asking me to pick my favorite child. I love them all. Some requests are "Your'e The One", "I Can Dream Can't I" and every song they recorded. Simply an awesome duo. Karen is considered one of the finest singer/drummers ever in the music world. This rabbit hole is very very very deep.

[@timothymyers6827]

This was my class song when I graduated high school back in another lifetime,

[@michaelhwenig]

Karen’s pitch perfect effortless voice while drumming and those overdubbed vocals. 😍

[@ConnieKWONG-lw4zl]

All her songs were timeless ❤❤

[@Mare_bear738]

Beautiful! Karen's voice is so special, unique. Props to Richard & the entire group, the harmonies❣️. Next? "A Song For You" or "Close to You" or maybe "Please Mr. Postman." 😊

[@barsandbarbells2022]

Seems like Close to You Would the logical move!

[@torydz]

Karen's true love was playing the drums. She often referred to herself as "A drummer who happens to sing". What an incredible talent she was.

[@clannad99germany70]

Karen had a so so much wonderful and unique voice, even today I can listen to all Carpenters songs with vibes and good feelings. And this song was special too.

[@BarryMillar-m4q]

She was a fantastic drummer as well.

[@stephenhuber1219]

The Wrecking Crew's Hal Blaine, Joe Osborn & Jim Horn played on this

[@larryfisher5796]

She had a BEAUTIFUL VOICE. It sad she died way too young. R-I-P

[@terricollins312]

No one,no one can sing like Karen Carpenter! The next songs you may want to react of theirs is Superstar, Close to You and Goodbye to Love. You won't be sorry!

[@angelajames7917]

Rainy Days and Mondays!

[@charlesray7537]

her voice was addictive. Can't get enough.

[@DavidGlover-s7x]

You guys are spot on with the reaction. Carpenters forever.

[@NigelIncubatorJones]

Her voice is like an angel made of honey.

[@ConnieKWONG-lw4zl]

Miss her and her voice 😢

[@joelweaver174]

Listen to Superstar. Then listen to Leonid and Friends with vocals by Ksenia Buzina

[@yannhollister9091]

They have already done Superstar

[@Ade2bee]

Oh, and she was an amazing drummer as well

[@rowenatulley852]

Her voice is like wrapping yourself up in a cozy comforter . . .

[@gpxo11]

the last part after the applause was the coda to their other big hit Close to You at the time. we've Only Just Begun is about the beginning of marriage and the different paths the couple can choose together on their journey.

[@ConnieKWONG-lw4zl]

Karen Carpenter was one of my favourite female talented angelic voice singer apart from Barbra Streisand ❤❤❤her so much...🎉🎉

[@gerrimcgrath6878]

Close to You is amazing too! This one morphed into it at the end.

[@L1623VP]

This guy needs to do radio. He's got such a great radio voice.

[@gordonpatterson8615]

Just wonderful, so soothing! Many other Carpenters classics to choose from, maybe Goodbye To Love or Superstar next 👍

[@suzanneprock7286]

The Carpenters had so many great hits in the 70's, they were one of my favorite groups and they were huge. And to think that she didn't want to be upfront singing, she just wanted to play her drums!! Her voice is so concrete, concise, pure and beautiful, solid yet flows like liquid gold.

[@MoMoMyPup10]

Can you even imagine what it means to my 6th grade class that sung this for our parents on our "Moving Up" graduation concert in 1974? "Our whole life's ahead" is long since passed the rear-view mirror. 50 years ago, and it's gone in a blink. #makeitcount

[@marygracemallia6220]

Something else about her voice no-one mentions is its clear as a bell, one can understand every word perfectly.

[@michaelparsons5299]

She is beautiful. I struggle not to cry everytime I see her or listen to her. It breaks my heart that she left us at such a young age and in such a cruel way! 😓

[@mailmanjim57]

This was a huge wedding video, for the musicians who could pull it off.

[@mspfinney]

The smiles on your faces when she sung her first note says it all. Karen was, is and will always be a legend. ❤

[@miltonslocum8957]

This song has a special meaning for my wife and I. We got married on August 16, 1970 at the Chapel on on our college campus. A few days later this song came out. We even bought the album Close To You which this song is on. A couple of years later we got to see them live in concert and it was absolutely amazing! We didn't even know Karen played the drums. We have played this song on every Anniversary since. Really enjoyed your comments and reaction guys! Thanks! And best wishes to you both!❤

[@clairecornish8458]

It's great to see the current younger generation discovering the 70s classics of the Carpenters

[@markhodge7]

That they medleyed into Close To You, might be a good segway to your next reaction. It's a classic.

[@vickybrackin7483]

There will NEVER be another with those perfect vocals!! ❤

[@TooDarnSoulful]

This era was just magical and this is why it still does it to this very day !