Carpenters This Masquerade *DayOne Reacts*

[@gregorywright2798]

The Piano at Richard Carpenter, He is an Excellent Pianist.

[@christaylor2529]

She did that to everyone... you never wanted the song to end. Literally one of the best ever, the way her brother could do an arrangement and her beautiful haunting voice. MAGIC

[@Nastyfinger1444]

What a voice! This woman had one beautiful voice.

[@weehubbyable]

Your not kidding pure soulful voice .

[@Susan-pq5rx]

Angela, you are intelligent, vivacious, and beautiful. Watching your reactions to the incomparable Carpenters' music is a joy. Thank you for analyzing and preserving their unique musical legacy. Their music will enrich generation after generation of audiences. Thank you, Karen and Richard!

[@jerrykessler2478]

This Masquerade was written by an artist named Leon Russell and recorded in 1972 but no one had a voice like Karen...

[@dtennow]

A Song For You is another Leon Russell song Karen sings to perfection.

[@jeric7740]

I said the same thing above...should have gone done the list first! lol

[@ericburd]

@@jeric7740 Also Superstar was co written by Leon Russell

[@MrREH1962]

The key words in your comment are "NO ONE had a voice like Karen."

[@tomschmitz261]

@Dbo83 yes, he said for both "superstar" and "a song for you" that while many many had covered both songs, her versions were his favorites..

[@williamsmith-kd4bd]

You are officially a Karen Carpenter fangirl... Welcome to the club from a 50 year member! Perfect is the operative word for Karen. From the first note of every song her soul connects to ours.

[@judithhowell6654]

Just now seeing your reaction. This was perfection. The lyrics; the depth of emotion in Karen's haunting voice; Richard's jazz piano; flute and other instruments -- all combined and wove together one perfect fabrication nobody wants to end. Karen Carpenter was one of a kind. RIP Karen; you will be loved by each new generation who discovers you.

[@jeaniegrothause5824]

This whole conception was amazing!

[@Timmac48]

Never seems to fail, every time I hear Karen sing I want to cry. Beautiful voice with so much emotion.

[@armadillotoe]

It is a warm hug that breaks your heart.

[@2A-Bear-Arms]

@@armadillotoe The only thing Karen Carpenter & I have in common is the same birthday. And I am glad we do. :)

[@weehubbyable]

I agree just a beautiful angelic voice .

[@bruschmidt9943]

Millions would agree with you on that!

[@Perfect_Blend]

Richard's piano solo always enthralls me. Between Karen's voice and that piano...whew......chills.

[@ghiaman65]

Not to mention the great flute work by Bob Messanger.

[@bakercarl8518]

YES

[@polkhigh2317]

that ty

[@nkcbrazil]

Yes as if the piano wasn’t great enough, the flute then took the song to the next level.

[@JaimeRayon]

The clarity, enunciating each word perfectly, not a missed note, beautiful vibrato. Today's singers could learn so much from Karen Carpenter. Her brother Richard masterfully arranged the piece (as he did with all their work) to bring out the best of her voice.

[@jerrywilson3803]

Everyone knows about karens voice, but Richard's arrangements were genius. Not bad on the piano either. ,

[@MrSmartAlec]

So true. Richard knew who to arrange for Karen so it was always in her sweet spot. Whenever she would drop an octave it would just give me chills. Check out a song called Piano Picker. Richard sings and plays. It's a doozie.

[@graciesmom1477]

I totally agree with you. Richard never got the credit he deserved.

[@zigman8550]

@J T If you stop this video at 3:47 there's a picture of the band and Bob Messenger is on the far right standing next to Karen.He also played the bass guitar for them in concert.

[@fool4singing]

Karen's voice is simply magical, and she knew what she had, and knew how to control it. But I've never thought about their music without thinking about Richard just as much as Karen's voice, and his amazing contributions to their music. There simply wouldn't have been the Carpenters without him. He knew her voice better than anyone, so he knew what songs were best for her, and what key they needed to be in to bring out the best qualities in her voice. His arrangements and orchestrations, along with their amazing stacked backing vocals were simply exquisite, and sometimes they get overlooked, because in a lot of ways, they are the foundation for Karen's lead vocals, but unconsciously we're hearing them knowing they're enhancing their overall sound. Even though this song wasn't released as a single, it's definitely one of their finest performances; vocally and musical arrangement wise.

[@anewlifeupsidedown113]

Agree 100%

[@byzinski]

THE most beautiful female singing voice I’ve ever heard!! 🎤🎶👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🥰🥰🥰 her lower register (Contralto) was exceptional 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 Portland Oregon USA 🇺🇸

[@bigd1345]

Absolutely!

[@richh650]

Totally True!

[@dougmeredith5659]

Amazing voice, fantastic arrangement.

[@jimmatsunaga2968]

Ditto brother!

[@dean3434]

Yes. Richard said this as well. Just sooo many pop music female voice venues to talk about.

[@steve8170]

Karen Carpenter was blessed with an angelic pure voice. She was truly one of the best female vocalists we’ve had in our time. She’s in a class of her own…..RIP Karen Carpenter

[@rcpainter3023]

If I could "feel" her voice, I'd liken it to a cool breeze on a warm day...ahhhh

[@gerardhiggins4827]

Or a warm welcoming friendly hug

[@OzarkTroutBum]

Shout out for Leon Russell the author of this and also Superstar which were HUGE hits for Karen and her talented voice.

[@bosoerjadi2838]

Intelligent poetic lyrics that actually tell a story. Intricate more than an octave spanning melody that perfectly conveys the emotion behind that heartfelt story. Still waiting for any popsong written in the 21st century that has an actual melody or coherent storytelling lyrics, never mind both. Karen's divinely smooth voice and Richard's virtuose arrangement make the song absolutely perfect.

[@weehubbyable]

Just a magnificent song the pure angelic voice of the beautiful karen carpenter .

[@geneobrien8270]

That's brother Richard Carpenter on piano - he was sooooo good and mostly under-rated. He also did the majority of the arrangements of the tunes. He's heavily involved in the vocal harmonies when you hear that Carpenters' "wall of sound" vocals.

[@petermorley3910]

Excellent point. I like your term "wall of sound" used in a Carpenters context. Phil Spector was associated most with that term, but his production was more like "wall of overkill". Richard's productions were lush but sleek to support the deep beauty of Karen's vocals.

[@iainsan]

I've watched you review five of Karen and the Carpenters' songs now and I'm really struck by the honesty and sincerity of your reactions. The thing about her voice is that her diction was so crisp that you can easily learn the lyrics of everything she did in a couple of hearings. The arrangements by her brother are amazing too.

[@Ozefan2580]

Totally agree with you. Karen's voice and diction were impeccable. And Richard's knack for arranging is the bow that tied it all together.

[@tykotate9346]

I looooooooooove this version. Her voice feels so lost and isolated - you FEEL the Masquerade.

[@ethelynchristopher6995]

Karen had a once in a lifetime voice. She could make any song sound magical. And Richard was an expert arranger.

[@Vinguy11]

30 years ago , this woman died.. There has never been anyone who has come close to replacing her.. Thank you for understanding and appreciating her greatness

[@shaner9155]

40 Years ago actually it's hard to believe.

[@rickyconner6782]

She could make the telephone book interesting.

[@ChuckHackney]

Thank you so much Angela, for your reactions to Karen. I come back to them over and over because they give me such joy. Please keep her voice, spirit and memory alive for your generation and ones to come. Your channel is awesome and one of four "go to" channels I come to listen to reactions. Yours, Rob Squad, Harri Best (from England) and Wings of Pegasus (also from England). One thing that unites them all--their discovery of, and love for, Carpenters and Karen in particular. Blessings to you, Chuck in NC

[@mmichaeldonavon]

Angela. I love watching you react to all of these OLD songs. You are a lovely woman who gives lovely reactions. Are very few, if any, in your category. You bring out the best in your followers. Thank you kind lady.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

There's something about the way she sings ANYTHING! This has more of a mid 1960's jazzy feel to it. Another masterful job of arranging by Richard.

[@sherrygreiner5037]

I grew up with the Carpenters songs and didn’t know others played their songs. The day Karen died was so sad for me and I’m sure the entire planet. She left us way too early but I’m thankful for all these wonderful songs she sang.

[@maxiesky9594]

I grew up listening to the Carpenters, and now at age 69, her songs make me cry knowing what she went thru in her life and how it ended so so sadly.😭😭😭😭

[@randyoster7341]

I'm right there with you bud!

[@tomrichter244]

It is so nice for this old guy, who grew up with the Carpenters to hear your generation react so positively to her voice. Thanks for sharing!

[@joele.campbell1532]

You keep falling into the Karen Carpenter trap, she’s always flawless, effortless and sooo soothing to the senses. Richard is a genius in his arrangements for her. Their genetic connection is incredible they are always in sync, his arrangements frame her performance, perfectly !! The Gibb brothers harmony is another great genetic connection from that era that is close in their performance level. You’re very astute in your description of Karen from song to song. You never really know what to expect from them except musical excellence !!

[@JoeTyria]

Karen is playing drums on this track. That was her first love, the drums.

[@richardea4223]

They should have never taken away her first love. They crushed her.😥

[@catherder78]

She played the drums on all tracks except "Jambalaya" on this album ("Now and Then"). She's really creative here. Next to "Mr. Guder", my favorite Carpenters track that she played drums on...

[@bruschmidt9943]

You're right in that it crushed her. That's about the time she started her Dieting Regime, focusing too much on her self & her appearance while listening to critics wanting "this & that". Her body was the only thing she felt she had control of & it got the best of her 😥😟

[@pauljtee9141]

Sophisticated perfection

[@davidphillips4476]

That voice always causes an ache just from the knowing....One of a kind. And yes Richard's arrangements were masterful.

[@marywilk3936]

Hi, I just want to tell you I love your reactions because they are authentic . No over the top Fakiness. And it just makes my heart smile to know another Carpenters fan is born.

[@stephenbosanquet3577]

it's because the emotion within the lyrics are brought to you through her interpretation she lives the emotion so the listener feels it down to their toes, it' a unique talent by an unbelievable artist

[@rosannamarson634]

She sings to your heart!. Grew up in the 70's. Now 62 and still she sends shivers through me!

[@bruschmidt9943]

Loveliness combined with Majestic Tone & Pitch Perfect Perfection 😍😇

[@alexarmendariz7763]

One of my favorite songs of The Carpenters fantastic Richard Carpenter does a fantastic job on the music and composing and of course Karen Carpenter fantastic vocals wow rest in peace Karen Carpenter

[@garfield122010]

It's because her voice touches your soul ❤️ You would like " For all we know " the carpenters rabbit hole is Deep !!!!

[@Coolrockndad]

And she was their drummer till she went full lead singer.. Such a smooth voice. perfect notes. Cried when she died. Her brother plays the piano for them.

[@benjamineferko1657]

I still shed a tear or two when I hear her singing. I'm 55 years old and I can't seem to stop doing it. So sad what happened to her. Poor Richard faded away after that too. What a great talent in his own right.

[@davidzaniewski548]

the most soothing voice ever!!!!

[@ChuckHackney]

Otherwordly. Sublime. Never be another like her. RIP talented lady. Thanks for your gift of music.

[@marcallen7233]

👍 Nice review! Richard and Karen were so gifted musically. They could take a song someone else had done and make it their own.Karen could interpret a song like no one else.

[@carolhesterberg7526]

Great, beautifully-sung song and fabulous piano playing by Richard! Superstar siblings!

[@jamessmith3978]

That piano that you reacted to was Richard who's talent was much overlooked because of Karen's magnificence. One of Richards talents was to acknowledge and revere his sisters talent and not envy her, but support her and take a back seat to her. Few vocalists (especially so young) can capture the nuances of a song as well as Karen, the control of her breathing and tonal quality is superb. I am 81 yrs. old and have loved her since her voice first enlightened the world, and I have missed her since she passed.

[@djmull63]

you summed them up perfectly !

[@timothymunger3186]

Leon Russell was a true legend. His work is like an encyclopedia of rock. I was able to see him at the Milwaukee Summerfest a few years ago.

[@dougallen8305]

This is a buffet of beautiful music and instruments made perfect by her singing. That smooth jazz feel so sweet. Take that from a jazz fan.

[@Bryn061]

she's got a ticket straight to your heart!

[@sylvialopez5928]

Karen plays the drums on this tune I believe so her voice will always be our gift 🙏🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️

[@rutssy]

All the Carpenters songs are amazing!

[@SteveL2012]

Thank you for keeping this wonderful talent current and alive--Karen Carpenter's voice with the honesty and warmth of delivery--one of a kind. Pulls straight at the heart.

[@joepowell7025]

I play this when I'm driving in the country on a sultry day or through a rainforest ...

[@rocco...]

This just might be the best reaction in history. "It feels like a big hug"! Wow!!!!!!

[@syrmatt]

Don’t forget her Chiristmas song from the ABC special in 1978.

[@daveskolnick9643]

Richards arrangements were specifically put together to get the very best of Karen! He is a musical genius! What a gift he had to feature The Voice!

[@artistbrindle]

One of her best! This entire album is fantastic. She did a duet of this song with the great Ella Fitzgerald on Music, Music, Music.

[@johnsamuels8586]

another amazing Carpenters song is, well several, I Have You; My Body Keeps Changing My Mind; Kiss Me The Way You Did Last Night (my rave fave); & Ordinary Fool. And yes, her voice is perfect. Thank you for bringing her to your generation

[@Head-ck4hu]

There is a video from one of their TV shows where she sings this song with Ella Fitzgerald. Awesome.

[@dtennow]

I love that video. Worthy of a reaction by someone.

[@helokopter924]

@@dtennow True. Especially when you consider how sick she was then.

[@1qkdoggy]

Such a wonderful voice this sweet Angel had. There are a lot of things around where I live that remind me of her. Long Beach st is about 5 miles from where I live. The Carpenters Performing Center is located on campus. She was first interned at Forrest Lawn which is one off ramp from my house. She lived in Downey which is about 10 miles from where I live. When I was a kid my family would go to Downey and see the Christmas lights. We would cruise by and look at her childhood home.

[@Bekka_Noyb]

Yay! One of my fave Carpenters songs. Don't think anyone's done this one yet?

[@bramos488]

Love your reactions!!! Looks like you're addicted to The Carpenters, Karen's voice to be more exact and I don't blame you. How can anyone not? It was just perfection, there will never be another artist like her. Please keep reacting to more of their songs, you will not be disappointed, I promise. There are a lot of good ones out there like: 1. Close to You 2 A Song for You 3. I need to be in love (Karen's favorite) 4. Only yesterday 5. Yesterday once more 6. Solitaire 7. You're the One 8. I won't last a day without you 9. Goodbye to love 10. Now (Karen's last recording) And many more, you should also check out her drum solo video, she was an amazing drummer. Her happiness was clearly visible when she played the drums, after all; that was her first love and her comfort zone.

[@larrywright6214]

Where Do I Go From Here is gorgeous too.

[@bfx20018f]

Karen is always magic. And, her voice always touches your soul.

[@rosangelaferreira5576]

Essa mulher era unha gênio da música 🎸

[@TheRexmoon]

What a beautiful voice...!! My God...I think I'm in love...

[@frandaniel886]

Hauntingly beautiful. That’s her brother Richard on the piano. He also arranges all their songs. ❤

[@davidhubbert9445]

A complete honour to listen to this magnificent track simply beautiful.

[@harrylederman1679]

It's not just a masterpiece of a song but it's so much more a masterpiece of an arrangement....... Thank you Angela for reintroducing this one and loving it as much as I do..... No one quite shows the enjoyment on their face as well as the emotions as you do on your channel so thank you Angela

[@manolitoenales3363]

❤️❤️❤️ Richard was on piano while Karen singing with the drums.

[@dansheridan6693]

Richard's beautiful arrangementCameron's haunting and unnatural vocals and your beautiful smile and reaction make this one to remember thank you

[@54nomore]

Richard and Karen Carpenter loved the music of Leon Russell. The recordings of "This Masquerade" "A Song For You" and "Superstar" became platinum hits for the Carpenters and singer/songwriter Leon Russell.

[@stephenmyles1895]

The Carpenters had a way of making songs their own.

[@artemisravenclaw9604]

These songs came out when I was a kid they effected me then like there effecting you now.I Love this Carpenters trip we are on Thank you

[@hongfang2508]

This song was written by Leon Russell and released on one of his albums in 1972. This Masquerade was the B - side on Leon's hit single called Tight Rope. Song has been covered by several people: Carpenters, Helen Reddy. This song was finally made a hit (#10 on Billboard top 100) by George Benson. All the versions are different, though I haven't heard Reddy's version. Leon, who wrote the song, sings it with so much soul. Karen can sing to the phone book and it sounds good. Benson's version is smooth and an obvious hit.

[@TheNorthernMist]

One just simply can't get around that astounding and haunting voice.

[@jeffanglin7925]

Her Voice is "MESMERIZING!"

[@tomsikes9064]

Thanks for your continued exploration of the finest music duo memory must maintain.

[@robertgaudreau7327]

The piano solo is outstanding and genial.

[@dean3434]

Yes indeed young lady. Thanks Day One!

[@SayItAintSo4real]

Some may have already mentioned this but Karen is also the drummer on this song, too. I love her drumming on this song. Just beautiful, esp at the end when she's giving those extra little clicks and taps. The Jazz in her really shines in this song. So beautiful! Drummer/Singer Karen Carpenter! And Richard's piano solo is fantastic.

[@lenardhenderson9674]

I recognize that voice anywhere as soon as I hear I know it's Karen Carpenter what a beautiful voice she had rest in peace you were gone far too soon

[@SteveJones-ul9ex]

I love your reaction to her songs - your smile is wonderful and the emotional reaction you get. Karen Carpenter for my money had the greatest voice ever.

[@patrician7445]

A great Leon Russell song by Karen Carpenter - the best voice ever! My favorite Leon song that he sings is "Lady Blue," and I'd love to hear your reaction, of course!

[@jameskearney4100]

Most beautiful voice ever!!!! She did miss one thing on this song though. Passion. She needed a lover. I don't think she had one.

[@edhatch8755]

Leon Russells lyrics,Karens' angelic voice,and Richards' arrangements.Pure Magic.

[@Mysticyogi67]

It's beautiful to see your genuine reaction to Karens voice. I fell in love with it as a small child and that feeling has never left. Many say she is the greatest female pop vocalist of all time. I tend to agree.

[@Pixelologist]

I was actually surprised I liked Karen's version as much as I did the first time I heard it. George Benson's a good singer but, first and foremost, he's a guitar jazz man (light jazz, but still) and he definitely gave the track more of a swing feel. Karen's a different sort of vocalist - she's got those golden pipes, obviously, and she's also got a much lighter, gentler touch with her syncopations and whatnot. Also, Richard got a chance to show off a much jazzier touch than he was generally known for. I instantly loved BOTH versions.

[@brainsareus]

Oh dear god; George was a jazz guitar-heavy before he did his pop-dance stuff in the 70s; he was one of the greats; nothing ''light'' about it!

[@backspace4203]

This has cabaret style to it like Karen could have done this laying on a piano in a Casablanca acid trip. Richard and George were both excellent, but Karen was just unusually gifted with effortless talent.

[@jamesc264]

Karen Carpenter sang her soul, and that haunting truth had the ability to resonate with the people who had the good fortune to hear her then or now. It is our hearts and souls that resonate to her voice, the emotions, the sadness, the depth, the openness and vulnerability. All of that wrapped up in an amazing contralto 3 octave voice.

[@kevinodell1502]

Right there with you, dear girl. Speechless everytime.

[@davidhubbert9445]

Dear beautiful Angela your reaction is wonderful and blesses our hearts thank you to you ❤️❤️❤️❤️.

[@thetwikikid4444]

Just discovered your channel & subscribed. The Carpenters were almost always in the background for me growing up as my parents are huge fans. KC’s voice is sonic velvet 👍

[@MackDJ]

Dude I am loving the fact that you are loving Karen and hearing this stuff for the first time! Richard's arrangements were such a perfect match for her voice, right?! Like warm hugs that never fade...

[@kimmarievan-ever6599]

Nobody on earth has ever had a voice like Karen.. that deep low vibrato is just pure...Richard was a fantastic piano player and arranger..together they were just perfection... I was a 70's teen so grew up with their magical songs..

[@groove1722]

Me too.

[@rsthibault4798]

Another Leon Russell song. Simply beautiful.

[@SPohl-zy4rz]

Her voice is starlight in a bottle. Your expressions say it all. You're a Carpenters' fan through and through.

[@gregorybast869]

You feel more because Karen sings directly to your heart and soul through her phrasing and dynamics. She has a way of unlocking the emotions of a song and sharing it through creative story telling. Richard's amazing arrangements creates the canvas on which Karen creates!

[@browneye1968]

I've totally forgotten about this song. This song is a gem. The piano play is awesome

[@johnjivey1]

Isn't her voice addictive...I love it.

[@GregDinAZ]

Doesn’t get much better than that! ❤️

[@DaveHof]

Always happy to subscribe to a fellow Carpenters fan! The song they recorded that was always closest to Karen's heart was "I Know I Need to Be in Love,' and there's a wonderful live version that shouldn't be hard to find on KZbin. I'm sure you'll enjoy it - and wish you all the best of luck with your channel!

[@billparthum206]

Leon Russell's music, Richard's arrangement and piano, and of course, Karen's impeccable vocals are combined to make one beautiful piece of soft jazz music. Karen always sings to you, not at you, making you feel what she does as she performs. If you want to hear more from Karen aside from the standard requests, react to "If We Try". I think you'll enjoy it.

[@weehubbyable]

This is pure quality and very good for the soul.