Carpenters - We've Only Just Begun | REACTION

[@bradreimer2649]

I heard that after this song was released, it quickly became the most chosen music at weddings, and stayed that way for some time. They were so special. There is no equal to Karen Carpenter.

[@Linda-w8d]

Isn't it wonderful not to see her come out half naked and shouting the lyrics to a screaming pitch....Hooray for the 70's music.

[@tomschmitz-dj1fg]

because she was a master VOCALIST and STORYTELLER and knew her voice and interpretations were about the lyrics of the song, not about her. Ultimate voice that sang TO the listener and NOT at them..

[@mermaid3363]

I grew up 2 streets behind the Carpenters in Downey and me and everyone else used to ride by the house on our schwinns all the time trying to catch a glimpse of Karen. Two things: Karen always looked exactly like she did on TV, and her family gave out full size candy bars at Halloween.

[@hippiemama52]

Granted, Karen had a great voice, but I was never a fan of their music. I've always wondered what she could have achieved if she had broken away from her brother who I truly believe held her back.

[@steverakes6182]

It would have been a disaster.@@hippiemama52

[@evanhughes1510]

@@hippiemama52 well she did record a disco flavored solo album in the late 70s. I’m sure you can hear some of those songs on KZbin

[@jbs256]

I’ll be going to Downey in April (I’m in L.A. so 🤷🏻‍♂️) But, it’s for the Carpenters 55th Anniversary Celebration. It’s a multi day event with event and a bus tour and an acoustic concert at the Church in the neighborhood. Also the bus tour is going out to pay our respects to Kacie. Tori Holub is one of the invited singers for the acoustic night, so I’m jazzed. I can’t wait. Tori made a cameo in Salvo’s video. I posted it in my post.

[@hippiemama52]

@@steverakes6182 I think she had a lot more in her than the elevator music her brother came up with. Anyway, I don't think it would have been much more of a disaster than her life already was.

[@rbl4641]

Simply one of the greatest voices in history...so pure, so soothing, so enjoyable...a terrible loss

[@jackcaldwell3493]

Absolutely soul cleansing music, nothing better and I wish more people my age appreciated it. 21 year old here

[@jbs256]

Actually there is one. Her name is Tori Holub and she’s 20. A Carpenters super-fan and sings songs of the 60-80’s, mostly. I hope you see this. I posted a response and linked her newest performance covering this song in full length as age does a lot of Short videos. It’s simply as stunning as she is. You’re on the right track. Check out Heart also. Tori has covered two Heart songs, shorts. Joe

[@normlee6566]

Her voice is the embodiment of soothing. Her pitch transitions are near flawless.

[@tomschmitz-dj1fg]

and richness, purity and warmth...

[@artmasotes7539]

This was my wife and I wedding song in 1974. We will celebrate our 50th this June. We have just begun.

[@Linda-zm6lk]

My first husband and I sang this to each other at our wedding in 1975. Have always loved them.

[@jeremyc2445]

Amazingly long time to be together

[@maureenormston8356]

For me, her voice is like liquid chocolatey velvet. So unique.

[@tomschmitz-dj1fg]

like the warmest hug, like the most refreshing breeze on a hot day, like the greatest scent of burning wood and other descriptions..

[@twelveoaks1]

Miss the 1970s and the melodic/smooth voice of Karen. The best female vocalist of all time. The Carpenters...the soundtrack of our lives!

[@jkev1122]

I always get choked up when she sings "so much of life ahead" because she died so young in 1983.

[@sharoninglima1217]

Carpenters are just magic. Karen’s gorgeous voice and Richard’s arrangements. Karen’s voice just brings so much emotion…she’s my favorite too. They sung one on the Ed Sullivan Show. ❤❤

[@janetwhitten2781]

Who doesn't secretly love the Carpenter's. While driving and they come on. Turn it up and singing along 🎶

[@trojanmoondoggie4582]

Her voice was pure crystal. Smooth as silk. The way she sang each word so clearly and with a range that was impeccable. What a brilliant singer. Paul McCartney is said to have said she had the best female voice out there at the time. John Lennon apparently met her coming out of a restaurant in LA and told her, "I just wanted to say that I love your voice, Love!" She was floored and couldn't believe it. It's so sad that she didn't recognize her contributions to our world more than she did. She is missed, and I will always remember when I heard she passed. A great loss of a great woman. And angelic perfection in song.

[@SWLinPHX]

Salvo, we all have that reaction to Karen. I was a little kid during their heyday and her voice was so comforting to me just as a new human discovering the world during the sunny 1970s.

[@reba5679]

The wedding song of the decade.

[@wolfhound1452]

Karen’s voice could make you cry with joy. It is so pure and beautiful. Thank you, SalvoG, for bringing that joy to an old lady who grew up on these songs. I love the reactions.

[@Joshualuv13]

Seriously, nobody has a voice like Karen Carpenter. She touches my heart in a way that's happy and sad,like no other.

[@lskylarbrown]

I'm almost 80, to this day, her voice brings tears to my eyes.

[@SusanPeterson-l7i]

Her voice is how I would imagine angels sounding like, so heavenly 🙏❤️

[@Dan-B]

Underrated Carpenters song to check out: Only Yesterday My personal favourite of the Carpenters.

[@primemoverRR]

Karen's voice is in a class all its own. Listening to her sing and her brother Richard's arrangements just soothes the soul. So glad you love them, Salvo.

[@Barnes466]

I'm a metal guitarist (amateur) and I love the Carpenters! This is good music! Wholesome level......great stuff!

[@BearClanMan1970]

I can relate. I used to be in a metal band in the 80s and would leave a gig or practice listening to The Carpenters or John Denver.

[@loristone9242]

Metallica and Pantera are my two favorite bands. But I love the Carpenters. They were part of the soundtrack of my childhood.

[@Barnes466]

I love a good variety these days :) Be well mate! @@BearClanMan1970

[@Barnes466]

Love it! @@loristone9242

[@BearClanMan1970]

@@Barnes466 Thank you and you too!

[@Tonidolls]

Solitaire and Masquerade are wonderful !!!

[@rogerhurt5569]

My favorites because of the jazz in Masquerade & her register in Solitaire

[@Tonidolls]

@@rogerhurt5569 So True Roger

[@angelomichael4156]

This was the go to Wedding song at the time

[@janewhitaker751]

If you'd like to go further down the rabbit hole, three songs that I think really showcase her beautiful vocals are Yesterday Once More, This Masquerade, and A Song for You.

[@jeremyshelman9716]

Great reaction and such a kind appreciation of this special singer. Maybe "Yesterday Once More" next?

[@evanhughes1510]

Yes that’s a good one remastered studio version

[@janewhitaker751]

Agree. I think this is actually my favorite for showcasing her beautiful tone

[@TamiThePinkHairedGirl]

I always say that Karen Carpenter's voice is so pure, it's like a warm fuzzy blanket wrapping around your soul.

[@MosaicRose99]

Yes, please react to "For All We Know", or "Hurting Each Other". Both are so beautiful. RIP sweet Karen...

[@seeuatthepeak]

Gorgeous iconic Karen Carpenter’s voice!

[@katnewton6475]

her voice control will never be beaten if you ask me as well as her drum skills

[@terricollins312]

You should listen to there songs,Hurting Each Other,Only Yesterday,For All We Know and the song that might surprise youthe most Goodbye To Love. You cant go wrong with these! Looking forward to seeing your next reaction to the Carpenters. Take care.

[@DonnaBarrett-y4q]

Still gives me goosebumps. The 70’s were so great ❤

[@LesaLardner-Brown]

Paul Williams who wrote this & many other amazing songs inc “An Old Fashioned Love Song” recorded by Three Dog Night - I’d love to see you react to Carpenters “Hurting Each Other” & “I won’t last a day without you”.

[@susanengland3919]

A LOT of people were playing this at their weddings when the Carpenter's version came out.

[@SWLinPHX]

Yes, your reactions to the Carpenters are always so rewarding because you were not exposed to them at the time nor heard them so much over so many decades like most of us, and yet your reaction is the same as most of us. That tells us a lot about her voice, their music and you too!

[@niged]

Always brings a tear to my eyes listening to Karen now. Voice of an angel. So sad we lost her so young.

[@darylprice-wx7fz]

There are many good female singers, but Karen's voice is beautiful, unbeatable and spectacular. What a natural talent. RIP Karen. Gone so young.

[@michaelbrady7870]

Beautiful voice Karen

[@annewoodard6803]

“Rainy Days and Mondays” is iconic.

[@patriciacanadiansenior8130]

I don't take to very many female voices, but Karen is right up there among my favourites. Exactly....the smoothest female voice ever.

[@megdelaney3677]

Angelic

[@BBaker-sf9vc]

Ear Candy!

[@Madminute1968]

The late Ms .Carpenter's outstanding voice wasn't one in a million, it was one in a lifetime!

[@dinawaggoner2957]

So true!!!! Love her voice!!! The best!!!

[@markgallemore8856]

Solitaire

[@allanalogmusicat78rpm]

The amazing thing about this song is that it started as a jingle for a small Savings and Loan company. Richard Carpenter saw the commercial, found out that Paul Williams wrote it, and had him write more lyrics to make a full song out of it!

[@jbs256]

Actually it was Crocker Bank, not small in that time.

[@angelicamarch3407]

Love the Carpenters.

[@robinbond7878]

This is my favorite Carpenter’s song. And yes, it was first a Crocker Bank commercial. If you grew up in California, you knew it as a Crocker Bank commercial before it became a Carpenter’s hit. This song was sang in many weddings in the 70’s including mine in 76. Karen Carpenter had a beautiful voice and she, along with Judith Durham ( from the group the Seeker’s) both had perfect pitch. They both always sounded perfect live. When they sang, you would have thought you were listening to a studio recording. Sadly, they are both gone now.

[@GinMae]

Ah, yes Salvo! "the wedding song".. she was so amazing, and Richard also on harmonies.. check out that guy with the tambourine in the foreground!... lol

[@jillenglish5878]

There are many good women singers but there are two that stand out for me because of their tone, clarity and strength, one is Karen Carpenter and the other is Judith Durham from the Seekers.

[@anthony6262]

‘Goodby to Love’ is my very favorite Carpenters song. Great guitar solo included! Highly recommended if u haven’t already done it.

[@timtubemusic]

We lost her way too soon. Such a wonderful singer. And also the great songs written by paul williams

[@larksigsby3697]

This song was played at so many weddings in the 70’s! And if your boyfriend gave you a 45 of this song it was everything💗

[@jorgejuarez6309]

Karen's voice is unique.. you can imitate her but her essence, her expressions when singing, her beauty will only be hers for eternity.

[@TerriCavalli]

I remember hearing where i was hearing she passed. Such a beautiful voice

[@sonjarussell7332]

Smooth and soothing…….

[@Poodle_gurl]

Her singing makes me smile.😊

[@williamschrom1584]

Your facial expressions say it all... excellent response

[@MsAmberAnne]

“Goodbye to Love” or “Rainy Days and Mondays”

[@daveloboda1769]

You will hear very few, if any, better voices. Such a tragedy that she was taken so young.

[@A-whiter-shade-of-pale]

I fell in love with the Carpenters in (I think 1967 when they were a part of the band Spectrum at The Whisky-A-Go-Go). The band included Bettis on guitar, guitarist Gary Sims, bassist Dan Woodhams, and vocalist Leslie Johnston Richard Carpenter on keyboards and Karen on drums (the only one who made an impression on me at the time was Karen had to look the others names up). In 1967 you did not see 16 or 17 year old female drummers. Did not see many drummers of any sex as good as she. She had mastered Dave Brubeck's "Take Five" one of her idles was Brubeck's drummer, Joe Morello. Saw them several times from 68 to 69 in Jazz clubs as Dick Carpenter trio (Karen on drums Richard keyboards and bassist Bill Sissoyev. .

[@ralphgomez6251]

Check out "A Song For You"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@johnsamuels8586]

That voice! There is nothing like it! Angelic is still not giving it justice. If you want an upbeat, beautiful Carpenter song try, Kiss Me The Way You Did Last Night. It’s an album cut from, Lovelines. It’s my favorite and so overlooked. It will make you smile

[@TerrySleuth]

Clarity and tone pitch perfect with feelings and emotions just wonderful

[@manlymuscle2367]

I’m glad you like the Carpenters as much as I always have. They have played a HUGE part in my life. ❤️

[@johndef5075]

This was our 8th grade graduation song. Damn how time flies.....

[@hokiedoo]

Rainy Days a must she plays the drums 😊

[@highheartwellness]

Great reaction! My favorite Carpenters song. You gave a beautiful description of Karen, definitely a honey smooth voice. But you didn't really comment about Richard's contribution, although you appeared to be enjoying it. He can easily get overlooked due to how extraordinary Karen is.

[@anthonyblakely399]

"Angelic " is Karen Carpenter's voice. "ANGELIC. "😊😊😊

[@pattymckitrick7436]

❤I was around a year old in the summer of 1970. I can tell you, my ears were honed in to the Carpenters even then. ❤️

[@sl9575]

One of my favorite female drummers, Karen Carpenter and vocals!!

[@russlanders6518]

Everyone that got married around this time has this song on their wedding

[@teresamontgomery9060]

I LOVE the Carpenters. So easy to listen to!

[@mcolford]

Her voice is so beautiful it just brings tears to my eyes. Her voice is just exquisite. Have you listened to Goodbye to Love or Hurting Each Other yet? Both fantastic.

[@johnandrews3151]

Carpenters/Desperado - a "Must Hear" Eagles cover!😮😊

[@acripe9875]

The purest voice ever.

[@OHsopositive]

So much feeling in “I Need to be in Love” And her breath control in “Goodbye to Love” is amazing

[@robertcartier5088]

2 Recommendations: Their version of "Masquerade" is brilliant, and it doesn't even matter if you've heard the original or not! And the one that first turned me onto them was "Yesterday Once More" -- I find myself grinning at the fact that I am being nostalgic for a song about nostalgia! ;-]

[@lskylarbrown]

Also - I was an artist doing album covers for A&m records when they were signed to the label. Their music was piped through the sound system. It was great.

[@mikefetterman6782]

This is actually the studio version. I remember they didn't like lip synching like some shows insisted.

[@mikefetterman6782]

After the Doors on Ed Sullivan, studios didn't want any surprises. Many show would not have it any other way than to lip synch the song to the studio track.

[@spawn4582]

Beautiful harmonica, it somehow reminded me of the Beatles, I don’t know, maybe there was a lot of such music back then, but there are similarities.

[@SOCCERNUT32]

Great reaction ! Your face expressions says it all and I'm right there with you bro. Carpenters played in the house while growing up in the 80's. Before my time but my parents loved them. Carpenters, Barbara Streisand , Bee Gees, Kool and the Gang, Dolly Parton, Michael McDonald, BRINGS BACK SO MANY MEMORIES. I WOULDN'T TRADE MY CHILDHOOD FOR ANYTHING.

[@vincechampion3031]

What a beautiful buttery voice. So smooth and silky

[@CathyPrice317]

They had a great Christmas album!

[@raybrown3667]

This video was taped for broadcast for the 1971 NBC-TV summer replacement series, "Make Your Own Kind Of Music," on which the Carpenters were the featured headlining performers. The audio is from the 1970 studio recording and is not live. All vocals are by Karen and Richard, including all background vocals.

[@LeftysLefty]

OMG - she was a gift to us

[@Susan-pq5rx]

SalvoG, thank you for your earnest appreciation of the legendary Carpenters, in particular the unmatched vocals of Karen Carpenter. Although her life was cut tragically short, she and Richard's contributions to music are enduring and unforgettable.

[@greeleyman]

We've Only Just Begun was one of the first 45s I bought when I was a kid.

[@26shedan]

glad you picked the live version!

[@kimcook991]

I love the Carpenters too. Try ‘A Song for you’. Great song.

[@thomastaylor9237]

And the best version of “A Song For You” is the one from the album. It has a killer saxophone solo. The video version cuts it out! It’s a great performance by Karen and a great arrangement by Richard.

[@russtex]

Great song! Love your reaction!

[@ConnieKWONG-lw4zl]

Lost Karen was such great tragedy for her family and all her fans.😢

[@NoviJimB]

Paul Willimans wrote this, and it started out as a 'jingle' for a bank commercial, with a young couple just starting out their life together. I was in 5th grade when this came out and it was my favorite song for a while. I was in love with Karen - she had that voice AND she palyed drums! I had wanted to be a drummer throughout much of my childhood, so seeing a beautiful woman who could sing and play drums was something else for a ten year old!

[@johnaaron2064]

You have to listen to there signature song Top Of The World.Carpenters are so good to hear.

[@maryhampton8686]

This was the song we wanted played at our weddings. ❤️. Her voice was so beautiful.

[@jeraldkimball494]

Here as in many of their song Karen wasn't happy that they wouldn't let he play the drums in this. Play drums were actually her first passion in music.

[@nestorhernancasares3318]

Karen Carpenter's voice is everything that's right (even though she's no longer with us) is like to understand the meaning of life (and how wonderful is) just for listening her.-

[@joemachine4714]

You'd probably recognize songwriter Paul Williams. He was also a TV actor in the 70s

[@Russ-gy7tx]

The Carpenter's "Bless the Beasts and the Children" released in 1971, theme song from the movie of the same name

[@flyflorida2001]

I would LOVE to hear you react to perhaps their most eclectic song. It’s just different than anything else. CALLING OCCUPANTS OF INTERPLANETARY CRAFT

[@larynanntapp6333]

Can't go wrong with listening to them!