Carpenters "This Masquerade"

[@othelloque85]

I'm a 54 year-old, black man, funk music and original hip hop fan, but i've loved Karen Carpenter's voice since I was in elementary school. I'd have listened to her sing ANYTHING.

[@marcosalves4824]

Congratulation my brother! É verdade!!

[@stephenbrown7741]

That voice is from the angels

[@vorlons100]

me too

[@trkdvrkevin]

I’m 60 and had no idea she did this song until now

[@vorlons100]

@@trkdvrkevin do you think she does it well

[@philbo200lambretta3]

200 years from now people will listen to this and say "how beautiful is that"

[@phoebus]

With our robot ears and cybernetic brains will music even mean anything?

[@christinajacob6871]

Absolutely

[@otmargreb6110]

​@@phoebusain't happening. Humans will be humans and deem such unnecessary! They'll be listening! Truuuust meeeee!

[@phoebus]

@@otmargreb6110 That's not what the futurist have planned for humanity.

[@michaelhwenig]

Pure velvet! Soulful and moving. Richard always picked out songs that would bring out the best in Karen’s pitch perfect beautiful voice. His arrangements and compositions are fabulous.

[@ruthstaples3852]

Karen has a voice of complete silk. She has one of the best voices ever

[@reginonssa]

agree

[@renebarrera178]

Absolutely never replaced

[@hallieharker4384]

I think of her tone in terms of a deep red or maroon velvet. 😊

[@2A-Bear-Arms]

@@hallieharker4384 It was said that she had one vocal lesson and the teacher walked out....saying , "you don't need me."

[@karelmori2285]

Del mundo mundial 😍 una gran artista. Que pena por su vida interna que fue turbulenta, incomprendida. QEPD ojalá haya encontrado paz 🙏🌠✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

[@ridgecrestvarietyshow7324]

Who's still listening to this song? Me in 2023..just now. Still jazzy, gorgeous..after all these years. Karen C. and Leon Russell!

[@lesleywilsdon4512]

Me in 2024

[@michaelmonicatti3163]

And me!

[@jolach5253]

And me 😊

[@minhtringuyen-xf8he]

2024

[@denismcauliffe4234]

I'm listening for last 20 years bigtime..she is amazing ❤..miss her..she instantly calms me x❤

[@brendazamora8095]

Soft and honey voiced Favorite Karen Carpenter.. March 2024..

[@HotRodBill99]

Besides Karen's perfect pitch angelic voice, Richard's piano is absolutely amazing and his arrangements are brilliant. There is nothing today that compares to this. Pure magic!

[@SUGAR_XYLER]

Agree. I still remember the shock of her death 40 years ago on this day 💔

[@dean3434]

Yes indeed Richard was focused at all times. After a few years he was 'required' to be focused from the bosses.

[@dean3434]

Richard Carpenter I see is continuing his craft and I anticipate he will keep-on-keeping on to help others along the way.

[@dean3434]

Yes. Richard Carpenter is highly talented and he is one of the good guys still working and I'm sure introducing new talent and helping to produce new talent.

[@guilhermecanaes7003]

The beautyest piano solo ever, no words to describe...

[@iamintheburg9820]

Feb. 12, 2021 ... Here we are, amazed 'n' dazed at a Supreme Voice . The little drummer girl from Downey and her genius brother will always matter, because we'll always listen and appreciate and love their efforts. Richard is turning 75 years old this year; Karen Anne, God love her, would be 71 in about 3 weeks; if I reach 100, I'll still listen and love'em.

[@zzzthaoster]

Carpenter's music is timeless. I could still be listening to it in a spaceship 1000 years from now cruising through space.

[@momothecat1]

zoom

[@jeancarlohuaroc2275]

Absolutely!

[@derrickperez7490]

Wow does that resonate with me you took the words from mind I agree 10000 percent. Timeless

[@MillardMorden]

Calling occupants!

[@denismcauliffe4234]

That sounds like bliss..you are so right...forever CARPENTERS ❤

[@leisajanegrace]

Love, Love, Love this song. One of my all time favourites. The Carpenters still do it for me all these years later. ❤

[@tishkerrville8942]

🙏

[@bananacake9289]

Me too!! (7/10/2024 Uk 🇬🇧) gorgeous version 😮! 🙋‍♀️😉💕

Here I am 🙋🏻‍♀️, from Mexico; She is my favorite singer since that I was child

[@イズィワルバーバ]

本当に癒される歌声ですね。また聴くことができて嬉しい。ありがとう🎵

[@sonjanewman7066]

💝💕 Yeah, I think the majority of us are year it's 2024 yr.. but to listen to such kind music just take you allover away..with magic Voice of KAREN..it's never to fade away but to listen to it whenever u can , it all has a super meaning 💞💝..The best‼️

[@tounoni]

My mum loved the Carpenter's version of "This Masquerade" She is gone now and I miss her so much RIP

[@roberthowell5250]

Who doesn’t love the sound of this voice and this arrangement of a wonderful Leon Russell song. The key changes are spell binding

[@marcosalves4824]

I think.. no ones...

[@markanderson2904]

Leon Russell doesn't get enough recognition for his songwriting.

[@AdMBandLeader]

Modal changes are so beautifully woven with the instrumentation around a simple but attractive lead vocal tune, a gem of an arrangement indeed. I really feel the absence of such music today. Sad times.

[@margaretwilliams3900]

So classy

[@Gildedbutterfly1976]

Damn no one will ever come close to her voice. It’s ridiculous how amazing it was. Even live she sounded just as good. 😞

[@CharlieRogersMusic]

there are a few Teena Marie/Minnie Riperton singers that were as good as Karen but she was great.we all miss her so much.

[@marcsmith7526]

Sheels1976 ❤

[@jeffaxthelm7355]

Wasn't that the truth? I saw her in Omaha in 1976. I was into heavy metal, had free tickets so I took the GF. I still didn't care that much for their style at that time, but you couldn't avoid being impressed at her talent. She did sound as good live as recorded. She didn't have to be, "fixed in the mix" like most do today.

[@denisraykoff4172]

lo mejor de Carpenters. Karen es un animal cantando. La numero 1

[@denisraykoff4172]

karen es una bestia. un animal. una fiera. Fue la mejor voz femenina en la historia de la musica

[@robertpiarulli6230]

Thank you, Leon Russell for giving this song Superstar and Song for you to the Carpenters. You gave them gems to record. RIP

[@Coowallsky]

See also, A Song For You.

[@ellenhegarty1129]

The best version of This Masquarade. The Carpenters owned this.

[@vorlons100]

without a doubt

[@aj3569]

Absolutely! 💕

[@dang1861]

Beats Leon Russell and he wrote it

[@jorgerosas]

May be the Best versión Is the George Benson....

[@nickpalm65]

@@jorgerosas sorry Jorge,but in this instance your wrong.

[@alicehallam7949]

"On the day that you were born, the angels got together. And decided to make a dream come true." What a wonderful artist.

[@thomasoreilly4234]

Karen Carpenter had that one voice in a million. Possibly a billion. So leasy to listen to. Miraculous.

[@amandamckeever5052]

Noone has ever come close to having the same kind of voice of Karen, she was unique, and sorely missed. xxx

[@valderamusic]

Gives me James Bond vibes. Very very classy and sophisticated tone of voice. Pitch perfect.

[@davidcattin7006]

Flawless! That VOICE! The piano riff... the flute... I'm in heaven! 1973 - graduating from high school... Still listening in 2019. 46 years - THAT'S timeless!

[@armandeus]

One word: perfection; arranges, voice, piano solo, flute, all...

[@andrewlarson603]

In other words a masterpiece!

[@NickRatto]

We shall all listen ever after never and still we shall listen thank you Karen ,please RIP, but never leave us , this layout they set aside of covers is nice hope you may always be remembered this way .

[@waynesanchez6504]

Absolutely incomparable. My sixteen year old daughter, a jazz enthusiast, instantly fell in love, when I first played this for her. Incredible how haunting it all sounds, how Karen seems to be sitting next to you.

[@rosechardonnay5351]

My favorite Carpenters song. It really shows off that haunting quality of Karen's voice.

[@paladincheng3986]

Me too Same opinion as u

[@laurieg5]

@Colbert da Silva Leon Russell wrote and recorded it first. The Carpenters covered it then George Benson. (I only knew the GB version for the longest.) Love this song--so smooth.

[@gersongomes7832]

I couldn't agree more!

[@furyguy9669]

me too

[@katherinehayes9110]

My favorite one too!

[@silvergoth1834]

She's the voice of an angel in this earthy world. ❤️ we lucky to have you Karen!

[@davidhubbert9445]

It has to said we where truly blessed to be able to listen to the wonderful voices of the carpenters the finest of comfort blankets.

[@jimmycrase3588]

I have not and don't think I will ever hear a better voice in my life than Karen Carpenter, and a better person.

[@Undefeated92]

Simply one of the greatest female voices on earth. That warm and lofty tone was just pure gold. Her simple but unique voice is one of the most beautiful instruments that I've ever heard. Pure magic... pure gold!

[@bradblecha5029]

Prettiest voice I ever heard !

[@normasegarra3795]

This is my favorite Carpenters song of all time. Everything about it is perfection. Starting of course with Karen's haunting vocal, and everything in Richard's arrangement, from the piano, to the late Bob Messenger's flute, and the one thing people forget or don't even realize - Karen playing the drums on it!! She had amazing jazz skills. 💖💖💖💖💖

[@karenlashley5555]

I wish Karen could be here still... of course her voice would be different, but even though I never had the honour of attending a live performance , I would love to tell her how much she meant to me; it is amazing how much I miss the magic... It is just nostalgia. She was too special, I guess. Her death was my absolute HUGE, i'm talking, rock bottom, wake up call. SO THANKS, KAREN... iam now alive, recovered, and enjoying life to the fullest.

[@isayoldchap1]

Let's not forget the composer - the late great Leon Russell.

[@JuanMartinez-tb9jq]

La noche de insomnio hoy es de los Carpenters , gracias a la vida por tu don querida Karen donde quiera que estes que seas feliz y muchas gracias.

[@Fuggetaboutit1776]

The most beautiful Angelic voice to ever grace this planet ....Karen Anne carpenter ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@theking-nz1ut]

Karen was one woman who knew how to sing. Her voice was so smooth and soft and when Karen sings she makes all of your cares dissapear. Gone far to soon 💖💖💖 Love Her 💖

[@reginatheron436]

So moving

[@garyvandecar2580]

Karen Carpenter put her heart and soul into every song she sung, And it shows with her warmth and wisdom and her mellow tones. She was the very best couldn't be beat i put her up there with Patsy Cline and Connie Francis mode.

[@sony3694]

Crisp and clean, by far the BEST version of this song, I've ever heard. ABSOLUTE BEAUTIFUL!!! R.I.P Karen

[@johnnypeterson8547]

Hands down "THE BEST FEMALE VOICE OF ALL TIME" No vocal acrobatics just pure heaven.

[@GAMEBREAKER700]

@bobeagle007 100% 👍

[@eitridwarf9854]

Well said

[@nstix2009xitsn]

Johnny Peterson Better than Ella Fitzgerald? Barbra Streisand? Judy Garland? Marilyn McCoo? Don't be ridic. Your hyperbole undid your compliment.

[@andylee2608]

@@nstix2009xitsn And your response undid your comment Nicholas. Just leave it be.

[@haitianmaniac74]

Hold your horses mate

[@filsgreen]

Karen's voice is truly amazing, but let's not forget Richard's piano skills and the magnificent production.

[@williamgerost1558]

yeah , true !

[@thomassimpson8276]

This.

[@bobr4987]

And Bob Messenger on that fantastic flute solo!

[@sgnmath1234]

Karen attributed the success of the group to her brother.

[@fool4singing]

This song is SO designed for The Carpenters; Karen sings it flawlessly, and the melody and words are perfect for her range and phrasing, and Richard's arrangement and piano work are gorgeous!

[@letssail9287]

Just goes to show how important self-love is. Doesn't matter if the whole world thinks you are beautiful, you need to see your own special beauty. 😇😘 RIP Karen. You ARE beautiful, just as you were!

[@barbarella6279]

So effortlessly her voice leads the way to total relaxation for the listener.

[@marcleysens7716]

True. Just nothing forced about it.

[@gizelacarneiro2880]

They are perfect and nobody will never sing the way she does.

[@SimonHoward-fb6tr]

Among the cream of their outstanding output. This IMO, rises to the top.

[@josephbennett2484]

Absolutely masterpiece Karen a beautiful music.. Miss you Karen RIp

[@stevebrown2850]

The best song the carpenters did in my humble opinion ...karen carpenter ...a beautiful woman ,an amazing voice and a great drummer ...What a tragic loss

[@brendawaugh7511]

+Steve Brown .and seems to describe her life.. Masquerading about her illness, so sad..:(

[@20alphabet]

Your opinion. Hard to tell which was best, with such quality.

[@stevebrown1978]

Brenda Waugh hadn't thought of it that way just another reason she sings it so brilliantly love from Wales..my mam was a Brenda

[@maryanker55anker37]

Totally agree Steve brown.

[@cynthiacorcoran9389]

And songwriter etc

[@JCTelenio]

This has to be one of the most criminally underrated, unintentionally covered pop anthems of all time.

[@elbeem20001]

You forgot to mention "effortless" ...

[@JCTelenio]

@@elbeem20001 I think the term your looking for is either simple or minimalistic, not effortless.

[@elbeem20001]

@@JCTelenio hmmmm ...

[@michaeljordan-ws8bw]

how does one get the perfect song? how much effort went into this creation?

[@denisej4813]

@@michaeljordan-ws8bw That's a really good question! Karen was famous for often nailing her vocal contribution in one take, but, like Richard, she was also a great perfectionist and if necessary would keep on working at a performance in the studio until she got the result that she and Richard were looking for. The arrangements, orchestration and engineering of their recordings were, of course, very labour-intensive and complex. And that's without even taking into account the considerable effort expended by Leon Russell to write the song in the first place.

[@iwantthatcom]

Best version of this song by several miles! No one and I mean No one is even a mile close.

[@HarCam-Watch2u]

My parents owned a restaurant w/ a cocktail lounge attached to it in the 70s & 80s. I ate dinner many nights in the dining room, & this song was a popular one that played from the jukebox in *the lounge.* 🎶 A haunting classy song.

[@lilianramirez2278]

Meeee, love the Carpenters...❤and this song❤❤❤beautifull voice Karen,the best female voice wow

[@KhariShootYourShot92]

That effortless melodic switch at 2:43 is such a beautiful thing, as a music maker myself it is truly amazing...

[@cindycooper9042]

I am lost in this masquerade and I never want to be found. I love this song so much. It's perfect. You can't improve on it. Karen's amazing voice makes me cry--especially when she sings this one.

[@jonpogoda1387]

Simply the best.

[@davidstone2820]

Karen had a singularly beautiful alto voice that will sadly never be replicated this side of heaven.

[@rosabelledcosta1771]

Wbat a voice no one comes even comes close to such a neautiful. Voice. Thank you karen. There wĺll never be another you. God bless

[@jaybuzz4071]

Im listening!! Man I had forgotten how good Karen was....I had a huge crush on her,and was devestated when the news came that she had died. I didn't know she was sick. I was in total shock! Her voice was amazing!! I didn't know how to appreciate her voice and musical talent then. Now im revisiting those classics and have a renewed appreciation and amazement at how incredibly talented beautiful woman. I and WE miss you Karen! Hope your singing with the angels!!❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@EDDIE21863]

She has gone, but left with us one of the most beautiful thing she has, her wonderful voice, and that will never die s.

[@markreed8688]

+Eddie Aparecido yes so wonerful !

[@maryannmorabe2473]

yes amazing voice indeed!😍

[@brendanfox2732]

I couldn't agree more with you thank God she was here in the era when good quality recording was available.

[@sugengsugeng5542]

Good slow..bagus enak ditelinga

[@karezoticsndour2879]

If you download the app StarMaker you can hear me( KareZotics) sing Karen Carpenters songs! Try to anyway, lol

[@ianhockey6393]

Wonderful, my favourite song from Karen and Richard, brings tears to my eyes hearing her perfect voice gone so early but never forgotten

[@Hutzjohn]

WHAT an incredible singer she was...everything that came out of her mouth turned to GOLD!!!!!! SHE WAS THE BEST EVER!!!!!!!

[@rocco...]

Ahhh! Yes!

[@idelljohnson5440]

I been listening to it since 1973. I had the record RIP Karen Carpenter Sweetie pie ❤️✝️👑🥁🎤🎧🎙️🎼🎵🎶

[@MariaLacsamana-ik3in]

I miss karen carpenter I had all her records her voice calms me in a way I can dream on n sleep soundly thanks for uploading it 😅😅😅😅😅

[@EarthWindandFirepower0990]

THIS SONG JUST GETS IN YOUR SOUL AND HOLDS ON TIGHT TO IT.

[@jfptv7769]

It relaxes our mind

[@leeland3275]

Well said and never lets go until it’s over... a good haunting for the soul! I hope to hear and see Karen Carpenter when my next chapter of life begins.

[@mystrangefruitsandvegetabl4474]

Agreed.

[@thomasnorman9536]

Marcus Reeves no it doesn't there's nothing here for it to hold on to basically because there is no here there is no us there's no Karen Carpenter there's no masquerade there's no nothing so since there's nothing to hold onto not even this comment

[@Isleofskye]

Has there ever been a clearer voice ? Beautiful.

[@unamckillen7125]

Clear says it. She enunciated, didn't she? Her voice was pure velvet with such emotion it can make you cry listening to anything she sings. However, she also did not strangulate her vowels, contort her voice with melisma flourishes. She just sang in that natural, lovely voice. She is missed.

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

Jacquie McShee has a beautifully clear quality to her voice but sings in a very different style to Karen.

[@chatty4kathy]

No lol x

[@othelloque85]

Nope

[@Isleofskye]

Indeed, my friend...:)

[@monticlassictv]

In my lifetime I know I will never ever hear such a more angelic natural vocal talent as the likes of Karen . . . I continually preach about her superb vocal supremacy and that is why I will and forever give this woman my vote as the planet earth’s greatest gift to humanity. . . truly a songstress of the very highest order . . RIP Karen.

[@bettysha3154]

Her talent was so natural and it was projected effortlessly on her part. Whenever I hear her sing I find myself relaxing to my inner peace.

[@marcosalves4824]

I'ts much true😉

[@juliusb790]

Yea and the word Angel comes to my mind.

[@anilrajak9629]

I’m listening on home theatre, amazing sound with beautiful voice

[@nazarvakil579]

I have never heard singing and music so beautiful. I can never have too much of this song. Wish Karen was with us today and forever.....

[@catnip824]

Thankfully, her music IS....

[@2jakezy]

This song is one of many composed by Leon Russel and perfectly interpreted by The Carpenters. That haunting voice and Richard's piano makes this piece so beautiful and easy to listen to. So, thank you Leon and Karen. May you rest in peace...

[@robinmcdaniel5905]

Perfectly said my friend! :)

[@jeffrobdine]

Richard arranged almost all their hits so let's not forget about him !

[@davegann4178]

Sorry but it was written by Leon Russel. It's a George Benson song.

[@OlJackBurton]

What are the other many Russel songs besides A Song For You?

[@markwilliams7097]

@@OlJackBurton Superstar was another one

[@ignorantbliss1778]

her voice is like butter..it melts!

[@haroldalexis4200]

When I reading George Benson on his Grammy nominated album" Breezin " On the second track of that album "This Masquerade" ( originally i thought was his) a song he didn't want to do but later was convinced and another hit. That's what drew me to listen to The Carpenter's version. No doubt "Close To You" ,"And We Only Just Begun" sung in my High School graduation in the 1980's "Top Of The World" sang it in elementary school. I never realized Karen Carpenter was a drummer i was a drummer in Junior High & High School! What i didn't know I'm so glad to know now. Those memories.😢😊

[@Alan-c7d6h]

Still listening to these songs and her gorgeous voice to this day. Have loved the Carpenters since day one. NO one today compares to her voice. I never get tired of their songs. RIP Karen. We STILL miss you!

[@esnstrider46]

Had this album and played it constantly. What a voice and what a tragedy that Karen left us. A True angel with an incredible voice and soul. Once in a hundred years comes such a voice

[@blvck9773]

Are we really happy With this lonely game we play Looking for wild words to say Searching but not finding understanding anyway We're lost in a masquerade Both afraid to say we're just to far away From being close together from the start We tried to talk it over but the words got in the way We're lost inside this lonely game we play Thoughts of leaving disappear Each time I see your eyes And no matter how hard I try To understand the reasons Why we carry on this way We're lost in this masquerade We tried to talk it over but the words got in the way We're lost inside this lonely game we play Thoughts of leaving disappear Each time I see your eyes And no matter how hard I try To understand the reason Why we carry on this way We're lost in this masque

[@marinasmith3763]

blvck' I believe it's" looking for the RIGHT" words to say, not" wild"

[@dtennow]

Why bother? You can understand every word. Unlike many today.

[@myriamramirezcontreras2861]

Marina Smith....es correcta la palabra ...

[@ChanChan-oy3lq]

ｔｈａｎｋｓ？✌👏👍

[@davepinewood562]

@@dtennow porque no todos hablamos inglés y sin embargo amamos a karen Carpenter

[@markokrunic6325]

What a voice.Such power,heart,feeling,warmth wrapping you up in it like a warm blanket!

[@andresgarciag299]

Perfect music, teleportation to another world and the feeling that that majestic woman gave him is something unprecedented.

[@stephenbosanquet3577]

just delightful as always, close to forty years since we lost her, still waiting for someone to match the lovely relaxed soothing voice just magical.

[@lloydrobert6182]

After thousands of listenings, still cannot describe the beauty of this song. The words get in the way.

[@ritabenson2618]

Lloyd Robert there are no words, when explaining an Angel

[@dugroz]

I see what you did there ...

[@sony3694]

Very well put!!

[@annamanning4931]

Her voice is a thing of beauty and she is timeless

[@estherwood2119]

The best velvet voice ever. My auntie gave me a double tape years ago. I wore it out listening to it and learning the words. My auntid is no longer with us and these songs make me feel close to her. Special memories and times

[@aisharosser3945]

Gone too soon. Most beautiful voice❤

[@tweetybird2968]

She’s got a haunting voice here. Don’t hear this as much as other Carpenters music, but I like it just as much. This was kind of a fitting song in the movie regarding her marriage she deserved sooo much more. Too bad she didn’t find the right one. And I think she would have been such a great mom. 💜💜Karen is missed and very much loved by many💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@thegodthatfailed100]

This song is so smooth it almost slides off the record...what a voice. I'm glad I got to grow up listening to this music..take me back to the 70's NOW !!

[@MrAitraining]

Amazing Arrangement. All of it. Piano, flute, harmonies. And Karen sings this so beautiful and soulful. Wow!

[@TaylorFan9]

One of the best songs ever written and this version is sublime and spellbinding. Karen Carpenter at her very best.

[@janetmorrison5372]

I get the CHills and look. How beautiful She was an angel forever I love you

[@sylviafranklin1109]

I am! I 💕 love this song, it's so smooth and relaxing!! Excellent job Karen and Richard!!

[@julieannweinert3005]

I've forgotten how smooth and silky her voice sounds. A splash of my youth flashes back in my mind as I listen. Beautiful!

[@johnmaguire7562]

It's great to know that more of the younger generation are appreciating this wonderfully artistic voice which I have been listening too since 1973. She can sing anything, anytime and anywhere, including heaven. I will never tire of this wonderful musical talent

[@carolineharris2632]

In 2023, loved these guys since I was a kid.

[@MatzMatz11]

One word: Perfection.

[@williamgerost1558]

indeed !

[@lyndasandoval2140]

😂❤i love the Carpenters and this song I cant believe i never heard it before What a treat Made my day THANK YOU!!😍👏🎉

[@おばらひみつ]

Hello, Karen Carpenter. I still don't know a singing voice better than yours. Thanks giving. 2024, from Japan.

[@justme4845]

Karen and Richard were unique: Karen with a quintessential voice and Richard with music arraignment genius. This made them a duo that added charm to any song they decided to play.

[@robinmcdaniel5905]

Probably my favorite song sung by Karen Just beautiful; she sounds like an angel.

[@festivelady826]

I so love Karen! I saw Leon Russell live in a small venue in Beaumont, TX shortly before he died. He sang this song and dedicated it to Karen. He said how much he missed her and what a talent she was. They are making beautiful music together in Heaven!

[@wagnerpd5921]

festivelady826: Hello from another Beaumonter! Go to HWC? If not come visit... my 'home' now.

[@gvalley07]

Karen and Leon were a winning combination, no doubt about it...Karen sings this song perfectly. So sensual.

[@zvonko57]

I'm so inlove with Karen's voice!!! So, I can not be objective, but, people, this is perfection !!!

[@cementdriveway]

It is really a hard pick between the 3 to be honest. The reason being they are all so different, and Karen is just superb in all of them. This Masquerade though brings out the beauty and loveliness in her voice more than any song in my opinion.

[@eds3969]

+William T Fansher. She sang so many beautiful songs, it's hard to decide. A lot of people might think that "For All We Know" is the most beautiful song she ever sang. I don't know about most beautiful, but I just love everything about "This Masquerade"... the composition, instrumentation and her voice. As far as her best vocal recording, I would have to say "Solitaire". I know of no vocal performance ever recorded that I think was better than that.

[@nancyschafer8118]

I’m learning to play drums by listening to Carpenters songs. I love so many of them that I can’t pick a favorite.

[@gloriasigman4497]

That voice and Leon's genius, perfection.

[@lilibethsarmiento2273]

This is simply amazing especially the piano solo Richard did!!! Very amazing performance!!!

[@Derwentcub]

It only seems like yesterday that we lost one of the greatest treasures of music. We are mere mortals, but her golden voice will live on forever.

[@nigelfelixcheongde2980]

No masquerade and gimmick in her voice; only honesty and purity. In fact, the best description for this exceptional and unique voice is Heavenly. Although long gone, she's never been forgotten, because in the interminable drought of talent that pop music has been experiencing, she's the solace we constantly seek.

[@davidhammond3033]

So bittersweet. A beautiful song perfectly complimented by the incomparable Carpenters charm and that wonderful voice. Such talent, taken far too soon.

[@mikeyrue]

I cannot believe I've never heard this version before today. Beautiful version. Of course, Karen had one of the purest singing voices of all time. I read some of the comments and the observation about this song fitting in a 007 soundtrack is really spot on. Also, the Bossa Nova comment and the one about the flute. All so right. I grew up with George Benson's version of this song, so I'm partial to it, but I am so glad I finally was exposed to this one. Really special.

[@normasegarra3795]

They actually decided this two years before George Benson. I hated the fact that this was not released as a single. It's simply incomparable.

[@juliusb790]

No Bond song. If the "bad" guys with the money can't control it, they don't want it.