First time hearing The Carpenters "We've Only Just Begun" Reaction | Asia and BJ

[@dagmar.6954]

Karen was one of a kind. There will never be another like her. She had such a pure calming voice. And she was a terrific drummer. That was her passion even more than singing. Sadly we lost her so young. Thankfully we have her legacy left in her music. The Carpenters had so many great songs such as "(They Long to Be) Close to You", "We've Only Just Begun", "For All We Know", "Rainy Days & Mondays", "Superstar", "Goodbye To Love", "Top Of The World", "Sing", "Yesterday Once More", "I Won't Last A Day Without You", "Please Mr. Postman", "Only Yesterday", "There's A Kind Of Hush (All Over the World)", "I Need To Be In Love" & so many more.

[@surlechapeau]

agree 100 percent. I believe all humans love her voice. She was happiest when she was drumming.

[@hempchimp]

She always referred to herself as "a drummer who sings".

[@mauriciodelarosa2449]

@@hempchimp But with that wonderful voice there is no doubt she was a singer who drums.

[@Trifler500]

She would have had one hell of a career if she had lived to grow old.

[@joecollie4314]

And Christmas isn't Christmas until you hear her Merry Christmas darling.

[@hansjolen6087]

One of the most precious and great voices of popular music. Richard and Karen were a truly unique duo. R.I.P. Karen.

[@yellowfin1962]

Karen's voice is angelic. The most beautiful voice I've ever heard in my 59 years!

[@williammcgrann5972]

My absolute favorite female vocalist of all time, I absolutely loved her voice when I was a kid growing up in the 70s!!!!!

[@theodoreritola7641]

So did i ,,,,,,,,,,,,And Many millions more

[@itchyandred4131]

Her voice is smooth like butter ✌️

[@paulf4802]

Karen had a silky-smooth voice that resonated with clarity and is unsurpassed. Great reaction!

[@paxonearth]

I feel so fortunate to have grown up in the 70's. I'm a Classic Rocker, but I can't listen to this without tearing up. Chills. No vocal gymnastics needed.

[@ZartmoBThoughtForms]

Karen Carpenter never over-sang like so many pop stars do. She always got the lyric across.

[@TheGreatGig73]

One of the most amazing female singers of all time. Great drummer, also!

[@SM-dq4mn]

No need to add female. Simply one of the most amazing singers of all time, period.

[@TheGreatGig73]

@@SM-dq4mn Who happens to be female. And there is nothing wrong with that.

[@cscook69]

Fun fact: This song was originally written by Paul Williams and Richard Nichols, to be used for a TV commercial for San Francisco-based Crocker Bank. Richard carpenter was at home watching TV when he heard the song and took interest. One thing led to another and after contacting Paul Williams to work out a full arrangement, Richard and Karen Carpenter took to the studio to record this song which was released in 1970. The smooth harmonies in the background are due largely to the fact that Richard and Karen would often do the backing tracks in post production, so when you hear them sing, you’re actually hearing them twice, simultaneously. As a young boy at that time, I remember this song playing all over the place. And it was a BIG hit at weddings and wedding receptions. This I know because my older siblings were all in their twenties and were, of course, being invited to weddings and other functions. Good stuff.

[@angelagoodwin5758]

The Carpenters were very popular in the 70's. Besides singing, Karen Carpenter was a talented drummer, too.

[@michaelasay8587]

Did u see her drummer solo.

[@paulk9985]

She outranked John Bonham from Lez Zeppelin in a contest in the 70s.

[@rharvey2124]

@@paulk9985 Yes, think it was a 1974 Playboy magazine readers' pick, and John was NOT HAPPY about it.

[@paulk9985]

@@rharvey2124 Well that was just tough ti tties for him (pun intended).

[@theodoreritola7641]

Them And The Bee Gees The .Eagles Abba .. Aerosmith

[@happysnail5813]

This was our wedding song, 31 years ago. Every now and then, without warning, my husband plays it, in the house, in the car, so I can hear. Hearing this song takes me straight back to that day🙂

[@tedcole9936]

That’s awesome. 🙂🙂 Together…together!

[@lyndonwillms9668]

Same here 43 years ago.

[@MRB1199]

This comment just made my day

[@kat3433]

yup - us too - in 1973! - Love The Carpenters

[@vipjcaq]

Love it .. Congrats!!

[@clydeb7713]

This song was The number 1 Wedding song in. The 1970s. Karen sounded as good live as in the studio, she was THAT good!

[@ben_dornie]

It's a wonderful, beautiful song, but the line "so much of life ahead" generates such a feeling of sadness in me knowing that Karen passed away just 13 years after this song was released.

[@odochartaighofodonegal9815]

There just aren't enough Karen Carpenter ringtones. Such a voice.

[@syntone61]

She was 20 years old here!! Amazing! :)

[@blackprix]

Karen Carpenter had an angelic voice with Power… Just a side note she was the original drummer of the carpenters. You have to watch a KZbin video with regard to her drumming capability, she never wanted to come out front and sing Richard is the one that convinced her, thank God! Yeah we have the wonderful memories of her music and Richards arrangements… Rest in peace Karen

[@garfield122010]

Superstar, This Masquerade, Rainy Days and Mondays, Goodbye to love, Only Yesterday, Close to you, etc .... So many hits to choose from ❤️❤️❤️

[@user-or1ye3iz6d]

It's amazing. I love every song they sang. I can't say that for any other band.

[@kenrk]

Be sure to check out their song "Close to You". Best version imo is the one where she's playing drums.

[@anneking4656]

You just can’t get much better than the Carpenters and their harmonies. I remember as a kid hearing this and thinking it was pure magic… It still is. ☺️

[@beeseewill2407]

It just came so natural for Karen .Those amazing vocals,but Richard did such a great job of putting it all together.The harmonies and the productions are magnificent.So soothing.R.I.P.

[@markbiggs6302]

The Carpenters we're wonderful. If you like harmonizing, you will really enjoy The Association, Never My Love.

[@way2deep100]

This started off as a bank commercial Richard Carpenter watched on TV. He recognised the singer as Paul Williams who he then called to find out if it was a complete song. Williams happened to have written the lyrics and, although it wasn't studio-ready, realised the value of having Carpenters, who had just hit with (They Long to Be) Close to You, record his song. Even Bacharach and David were in awe of Richard's rearrangement of that song, so Williams finished his almost overnight and gave it to Richard to work his magic. He in turn gave it to Karen to work hers. The song has gone full circle insofar as a cover is currently being used in a TV campaign for a UK bank, promoting, like the original, home loans for first-time buyers. The original Crocker Bank commercial can be found on KZbin.

[@GinMae]

Wow - Thanks, Way2 - this info is gold... I've always loved the Carpenters, b/c I heard them first as a young teen -- then they were "not cool" when I got a little older, and into some "new wave" (ha) -- but I often go back... (every sha-la-la-la...) appreciate learning more about K. & R. --

[@way2deep100]

@@GinMae You're welcome. Carpenters were deeply uncool in my little circle, where we grooved to Soul, Funk and Motown and grew our hair out. But my big sister used to come home with some albums that frankly I would have been afraid to be caught buying. Didn't stop me playing them on repeat with only the four walls for company though! You may also be interested in how Goodbye to Love came about. Richard was watching an old movie about a songwriter whose biggest success was a song called Goodbye to Love. As a writer himself and fascinated by the song's title, Richard waited patiently for it to feature in the film but it never does. So he decides that the title is so in need of a song that he will write it himself and the rest is history. If I can find the name of the documentary that revealed this trivia and more, I'll let you know. Another interesting snippet Richard mentions is that the band is "Carpenters" never THE Carpenters. He's grown used to people getting it wrong and doesn't fuss over it but he points out that the pronoun doesn't appear on any of their official records or publicity material.

[@rharvey2124]

@@way2deep100 That movie was a Bing Crosby movie made about 1941 or so. I think the title was By the River or something.

[@way2deep100]

@@rharvey2124 Thanks, I had no idea. Based on that, I just checked out Bing Crosby's filmography. He made a movie called Rhythm on the River about a songwriter around that time. I'd say that must be the one. 👍

[@rharvey2124]

@@way2deep100 Yes, that is the movie Richard saw while in London. I'll Say Goodbye to Love is the song title for the song never sang in that film. Think Bing was still living when the Carpenters song came out. Wonder if he ever reacted or commented on it.

[@ponki91002]

I'm only 22 and I really appreciate reactions that introduce us to new music. Love the carpenters and my fave song that I'm addicted to is TOP of the world.

[@eviekelpie1]

Good on you loving the music we grew up as kids. Top of the world is cute and happy. As a little kid in school we used to sing it in class in the 70s

[@ponki91002]

@@eviekelpie1 thank you! As I grow older I appreciate the music my parents used to listen. There is particular songs that take me back and remind me of being a child and listening my grandmother try and sing 😁

[@Mamat5kdz]

You just made my day!! 😌 That song is probably my fav too ( even though I luuuuv all of their songs...lol)...I remember performing it in Glee Club and Choir throught out my childhood!And when it came on the radio📻 all us kids would get out our hair brushes or something and belt it out...hahahahahaha. I think I wore out that 45'...

[@joepowell7025]

The voice of an angel, so raw and smooth no aids by computers and no vocal gyrations. So beautiful.

[@Splitscreen83]

Karen Carpenter's early death was such a huge loss to the music industry. But, at the same time, she (and The Carpenters) gave such a unique sound to us all. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@andyt48]

Just beautiful and natural which we just don’t seem to have anymore, everything seems to be manufactured now, such a shame.

[@willblood7082]

Karen had one of the most beautiful, angelic voices ever! She was also a very accomplished drummer. Gone way too soon… RIP Karen 🙏🏻

[@thomaskolioupoulos6590]

This tune was played in Weddings across the land in the 70s and even beyond...She's got the purest voice I have ever heard...

[@melissacaddell2604]

I simply love her voice. She was amazing. What a gift to the world.

[@marthayoung2308]

Their music is soothing.

[@josepheastman1719]

Yes, Karen Carpenter just melts your heart!

[@kevinp8108]

This song was written for a Croker Bank commercial by Paul Williams. The original song for the commercial was not completed since it was created for a 30-second commercial. Later, Williams expanded the song and gave it to the Carpenters to sing it.

[@vicprovost2561]

Ultimate Wedding song, I have cried a thousand tears listening to Karen Carpenter through the years. As an old Hippie and Metal Head, I can't praise this group enough, they are pure musical geniuses for their brand of music. Karen is also a damn fine drummer. You will never run out of great Karen Carpenter songs to react to. Try Superstar where she comes out of the darkness on stage to start the song in timeless, goosebump inducing fashion, that version always tears me up for the sheer emotion in her voice and they nail the arrangement. Enjoy! 🎵

[@zigman8550]

I agree with your comment. I'm 58 and grew up listening to hard rock like Led Zeppelin,The WHO and Van Halen to name a few. But I always loved the Carpenters. I would never admit it when I was a teenager but her voice and his arrangements just kinda hug you and pull you in. Their talent was off the charts great!

[@neillenet291]

You guys should definitely check out Karen Carpenter playing drums.

[@kevinknox2753]

They were brilliant she died so young wonder wat could of been

[@annieh5479]

Yes, we played this in the intro to our wedding ceremony 37 years ago- GREAT SONG.

[@looneygardener]

My heart breaks every time I hear her. A tragic passing at such a young age. 😪

[@lawrenceforbes5993]

Look for the band. Wet,wet,wet. I feel it in my fingers

[@sealdrup]

Sound is ethereal.

[@johnmccarthy568]

karen was an angel she had perfect pitch no autotune, the greatest female vocalist ever, great reaction

[@mlhesler68]

1970s most popular song for Weddings and Proms.

[@kestrelle5345]

I love their "Superstar".

[@matthewcostello3530]

played at every wedding for 20 yrs

[@IMEveryTrueAmericanRU]

They added tracks with Karen backing her own voice to set those perfect blends and also Richard was harmony.

[@christinewaide5249]

That voice. It gets me every time.

[@brandonbaker5884]

Karen had a voice of an angel straight from heaven. Pure talent .

[@davidlewis1050]

A unique sound. The harmony is beautiful. Her voice sounded so delicate, but strong.

[@tonidarcy9577]

She had such an amazing voice!! She died way to young.. RIP Karen❤🎶🎵❤

[@danieldistrola2873]

This was THE song in the early 70's that couples played at their wedding.

[@metalmark1214]

Karen Carpenter had such an amazing voice, many other songs by them to do. Top of World, Close to You, Rainy Days and Mondays, Yesterday Once More if you haven't done them before.

[@centuryrox]

Please Mr Postman Only Yesterday There's a Kind of Hush Superstar

[@tinasmallwood9546]

I love them so much. I've listened to them since Junior High School... and it never gets old or boring. True talent. I miss them.

[@richardkawelo4525]

I graduated from high school in 1973 and We’ve only just begun was our graduation song. Karen Carpenter had the voice of an angel. This song was the perfect song for us, because we were embarking on our journey through life. Now I’m 68 and towards the end of my journey through life. It sure was quite a ride through life with some ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I still have my health, my loving wife, kids, grandkids and great grandkids. God has watched over me and protected me. God bless you all

[@robincochran7369]

Beautiful arrangement, lush harmonies and Karen's once in a generation voice putting it over the top made this a monster hit and a standard for weddings ever since. We miss you Karen, RIP

[@geraldsmith133]

Always bitter sweet for me to hear her voice.

[@ronkrupovich7152]

They started their musical career as part of a jazz trio down in Long Beach, California. "This Masquerade" is one of the jazz songs they recorded (written by Leon Russell) --and I just love it!

[@catherder78]

And Karen played the drums on This Masquerade... icing on the cake...

[@hmichaelr1]

That's my favorite version of that tune! It belongs on everyone's easy listening playlist!

[@dianaprobst3157]

There's no doubt that Karen had a beautiful voice, unusually mellow & smooth. But Richard also had a good voice (harmonization!) & he was responsible for their arrangements. He tends to be overlooked-in large part because of the cultural grief at losing Karen so tragically.

[@JanS1]

I've said this often but her voice is pure velvet. So smooth, such a beautiful tone. Gorgeous.

[@vodkarage8227]

Her voice, for me anyway, is soooo soothing, so beautiful.

[@user-or1ye3iz6d]

You cannot go wrong with ANY of their songs. Goosebumps with anything Karen sang. ❤️

[@johnthegreek5836]

Karen has a great voice, I was in junior high when their music was released, no one would admit they liked the Carpenters but we all knew the words to their songs ❤️

[@teachone2261]

Thank you for appreciating what we grew up with and in todays computerized noise it’s so moving to see you value and understanding the great voice of my love Karen Carpenter - through the tears you two are beautiful people

[@chuckcarles8288]

I've be married to my sweetheart for 61 yrs and I sang this to her when it first came out. Lovely song. A lot of people us it for their wedding song.

[@gritter2112]

This song is literally been played at every wedding I’ve been to. That’s probably where you heard it

[@davidbordonaro1631]

Talk about the hard and soft ends of music ! The Carpenters and Van Halen on the same day !? Solitaire , by them , is a beautiful song . Glad to see you are both on the road to recovery , it sucks not feeling well

[@bossmodl3thalpoppa484]

Their music to me is angelic

[@nathans3241]

To this day I adore Karen Carpenter.

[@hollybeat6901]

That melody is exquisite, and paired with her voice!!

[@phineaspepper3530]

Yep, I find their music soothing and calming. Love it.

[@garybeemer2339]

this song was written for and discovered as the background music in a bank commercial showing a young couple at the beggining of their lifee together. Written by Paul Williams

[@rick5440]

This song is ethereal, it feels like a spiritual connection. Puts you in a dream like state...

[@mlhesler68]

Written by Paul Williams for a bank commercial. They made it the second big hit.

[@olenatty]

I always find myself longing for her voice each December. I’ll be somewhere shopping and then THAT VOICE pipes out of a loud speaker and sweetly says “Merry Christmas Darling.” It penetrates my soul and it is only at that very moment when the Christmas season truly begins for me. I will always treasure her.

[@dougsusie2319]

Great one guys and welcome back. This is one of the most popular wedding songs ever. God only knows how many brides and grooms danced to this one. Karen Carpenter, one of a kind talent. ☮️✌️💕

[@cshubs]

I was a little kid when this was big on the radio, and I have memories of it playing while I sat in the back seat of the brown Chevelle we had.

[@MosaicRose99]

RIP Beautiful Karen. Thank you for the gift of your incredible voice and talent....

[@frankmerris8821]

and the ANGEL sang

[@bro.bsbibleun-boxingreview2149]

My favorite Carpenters song! My wife and I Just celebrated our 50th Anniversary. This song was so very popular when we were married January of 1972. Thank you for reacting to this amazing group and wonderful song! Peace my friends.

[@johnb.2518]

Just to refresh your memory, so far you've reacted to "Rainy Days and Mondays", "Superstar" and "We've Only Just Begun" - next up "Yesterday Once More"...

[@ricklaszlo8223]

Richard Carpenter who was watching TV and saw a bank commercial he found out who wrote the jingle and asked if they had any more versus of course the people lied and said yes and then broke their butt finishing the song and it became the Carpenters first major hit LOL

[@tfullmer65]

Back in 1980 we sang this at my Jr high graduation. The Carpenter's were a huge part of my childhood. Just subscribed, love your channel! 😃

[@cynthia8343]

Whenever I hear this, which isn't often, it makes me miss my mom so, all of the Carpenters songs, but this one in particular... I'm 63 almost 64 and was in Jr high school when this came out... my mom loved this song sooo much I knew that I just had to save up my allowance and buy her the record for Christmas or maybe it was for her birthday, I can't remember which, lol. Grew up listening to the Carpenters, who were very popular in the early to mid 70s, and they did have a wonderful and pure harmony. Thanks for sharing this. Miss you mom. 😓💗

[@elsievickie]

Memories...1972 this song was our theme song....We were just beginning as Adults....Can't believe I'm going to 50th year reunion this year....I'm sure we will be playing this, Zed Zeppelin, Stones, Motown, Santana, Elton, Carly Simon, James Taylor, Crosby, Stills, and Nash

[@mikeadams2677]

My mother graduated in 1971. She said this was her class's graduation song, because if you think about it even in that respect, at that point and time, you've only just begun your adult life.

[@miguelacosta5446]

on of my fav coffee morning songs

[@freegracetruthembrace7188]

Heart tenderizer . Such beauty only helps our world . What's truly precious in this life . Golden thread .

[@jeffanglin7925]

One of the best female singers of all time, her voice was like "Liquid Gold!"

[@eviekelpie1]

Karen and Richard Carpenter... what can I say? Easy listening, beautiful and classic. Richard was devastated when his baby sister passed away in 1983, aged 1 month shy from her 33rd birthday

[@summerharmon2020]

You should watch some of her drumming. She was an amazing gifted talent!

[@johnobrien8135]

Thanks guys for playing that song. That brings back memories. I grew up in the .70 s and those songs are so soothing and takes you to a great place . You guys are great . Thanks again.

[@t.r.1708]

They were a rest from all the chaos going on back then! Thx!

[@byzinski]

First few lyrics sung…and I get chills 🎤🎶💕 💫Silky Velvety Silk 💫 Portland Oregon USA 🇺🇸

[@Noname-ni1dy]

I graduated high school in 1974. We played this song and a song by Seals and Croft called “We may Never Pass this Way Again” instead of the usual graduation song. What a time for amazing music!

[@happymethehappyone8300]

Herb Alpert "This Guy's In Love With You"..A Beautiful Must Hear Classic

[@shawnklein9997]

It’s so great you have discovered these icons, music will never die if people keep discovering them

[@johnpenner2632]

I was a teenager in the 70's during the Carpenters peak of popularity and the deserved every bit of it. Those harmonies will never get old. We lost Karen way too young to a disease that rarely takes a life these days. There will never be another voice that smooth and mesmerizing again.

[@jeffstevens4262]

How sad and tragic that they sang 'We've Only Just Begun' when Karen's time was cut so short so young. God rest her dear sweet soul.

[@michaelparsons5299]

What a beautiful singer she was. It's just heartbreaking thinking about her struggles and losing her at such a young age x

[@gayleabrams9739]

Literally grinning ear to ear seeing this song sifting through your ears... Thank you, you carry our art to the future.

[@tammielongino7485]

Karen is the best singer ever. What I love about her and if you don't notice it but she is so smooth. You can even hear her take a breath. SHE IS ALSO 1 OF THE TOP 10 WOMEN DRUMMERS IN THE WORLD. CHECK OUT HER CHRISTMAS DRUM SOLO. IT IS AWESOME. 🎙🥰🎼