[REACTION] to The Carpenters - We've Only Just Begun

[@SPohl-zy4rz]

She's not going to "belt it out" as you say. That's not her. Instead, she has this beautifully tender, pitch perfect, soothingly gorgeous voice that touches your soul. Most of the songs they performed were romantic, in nature. Again, she's not going to let loose, say like Aretha Franklin, but Carpenters will charm you nonetheless. They are my all time favorites.

[@vincentmaniscalco4421]

Her voice was absolutely effortless ! In my opinion the greatest female vocalist ever ! EVER

[@christopherlopez8541]

Yeah brother, Karen was one of those rare singers that sang in "perfect pitch". Due to her struggle with anorexia, we lost her too soon.

[@williamsmith-kd4bd]

You have just listened to the finest voice of any generation! Karen didn't "belt out" songs...she sang from her soul to ours. "Superstar" "for all we know" "I need to be in love" among many others are emotional masterpieces! Karen's music is mostly appreciated by people who love beauty in musical form. By the way, Karen was a lovely, sweet and courageous person also.

[@kathystammen3060]

Well put!!

[@deborahfrasier1221]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@elizabethf1591]

Karen had a beautiful voice, love the Carpenters .

[@trgoohileshea2820]

Karen died of Anorexia Nervosa on February 4, 1983. She was always the overlooked child. Her mother was insistent she was stealing the thunder of their Golden child, Richard, who was a musical masterpiece of his own, but the Carpenters would have gotten no where without That Voice! She couldn't deal with it and developed an eating disorder which would take her life at 32 years of age.

[@jamesdrynan]

Karen's lower register was pure gold! In fact she said, " The money's in the basement. " There are many fine, female singers but Karen's voice has the ability to instantly capture your ear. Her unique and pure quality embraces you with genuine emotion. Richard's arrangements are superb, too. Hal Blaine's snare work on the bridge really kicks it up a notch. Sheer brilliance!

[@elizabethfranco1284]

The blonde man standing by her is older brother Richard .

[@bmcagent]

Brings a tear to my eye seeing a younger generation appreciating this amazing music I grew up with.

[@hildamarmolejo1568]

I think at the time some people thought The Carpenters were “square” but their music has stand the test of times. Karen also played the drums too!

[@kmach1000]

Everyone who listens to her says she had a voice of an angel! (If we could hear an angel talk, haha) You got to do a Carpenters marathon! You'll not regret it!

[@michaelasay6140]

Yep shes the best...saved my life as a kid from a horrible father. Cant believe he doesnt know her.

[@kmach1000]

@@michaelasay6140 😔🥺

[@steveandrews7441]

Her voice is butter smooth

[@suzanreinhardt7467]

Those harmonies are all Karen and Richards voices

[@candywright64]

Karen is a drummer. Richard plays piano.

[@tomschmitz261]

the most pure, rich, warm, movingly, intimate beautiful voice! EVER... the ultimate female "crooner" who sang TO YOU NOT AT YOU...

[@heliotropezzz333]

Karen's voice is superbly controlled. She's not a belter.

[@matrox]

I remember when this song came out. Long before the internet...all we had was radio to hear the latest music. When I heard this I thought she had a voice like an angel. I didn't know what she looked like or even the name of the group when I first heard it.

[@3ScotsInk]

When I was a kid it was very uncool to like the Carpenters. So we all got together and built an enormous closet, got in, and loved them where no one could see us. Truly the voice of an angel. So, so sadly died from an eating disorder at just 32 years old. I guess the real angels decided they wanted her back. RIP Karen. Really enjoying your reactions, Chad. More Carpenters please! Superstar, Top of the World, Please Mr. Postman, Ticket to Ride, Rainy Days and Mondays, Close to You, and so many more. She and her brother accomplished a lot in what was a very short life for her. Check 'em out.

[@dawnaberry8452]

Close To You is my favorite. I know someone like that,,,Moondust in his hair, golden starlight in his eyes of blue....

[@michaelasay6140]

Yea and now everybody loves her!

[@BO_Riddle]

it was never uncool for millions of ppl worldwide. best selling duo of the 70's.

[@3ScotsInk]

@@BO_Riddle Thankfully! I know, they were huge. I was just a kid when they first appeared on the scene, and you know how kids are. But I listened to them anyway, and my 2 best friends and I, we didn't go in the closet to listen. Now, I think Karen had one of the most unusual and best female voices ever. I also still have the People magazine with her on the cover when she died. Just can't get rid of it. So tragic, her story, and such a loss to the world.

[@doctorj6030]

This is my favorite Song by the Carpenters and I was in thar Carpenter's closet with you back in the 70s.

[@jonmayes2422]

It makes me so happy to see young cats like you learn what real Singing and music is all about

[@annjourney2717]

You need to head on down that rabbit hole. They are their backup singers lol. You can feel Karen's pain in her songs and emotions. She was the happiest behind her drum set. God rest her soul.🙏

[@yohann1960]

Siblings make the best harmony, bar none. Richard was a musical genius.

[@justine_rolf1997]

Carpenters Band Members: Doug Strawn - Clarinet, Tambourine & Vocals Gary Sims - Guitarist Dan Woodhams - Electric Bass, Tambourine & Vocals Bob Messenger - Electric Bass, Saxophone & Flute

[@janetmyre3023]

Know their songs by heart, still. They don't have a bad song ever. I'm 72. They stick with you forever. You recognize what is to come. Thank you, Chad.

[@IAMCAVE]

Part of the genius of the Carpenters was her brother Richard's arrangement and his ability to arrange the music and harmonies that best fit Karen's contralto. Richard was a gifted musician. Their catalog of hits is worth delving into.

[@ElusvOptmst1]

This song was used for weddings and graduations at the time. Karen is a phenomenal drummer and Richard is a fantastic pianist and songwriter/arranger. The Carpenters are iconic.

[@drieuxkoeppel8152]

You used the present tense. Karen died in 1983.

[@abevillanueva1974]

I get goosebumps even today, after 5 decades of listening to Karen. This quality of music from the BEST decade of music, the 1970s, was the norm. How lucky i grew up with a variety of talented writers/singers/musicians. Here, brother Richard is a genius knowing how to arrange the music and vocals to support Karen. She didn't need any help though. Her early passing has all of us baby boomers with mixed emotions when we hear her voice. Your journey has surely "just begun"....MANY more to listen! Their first hit was "Close to You". Both songs were played at many weddings and anniversaries! This song was our HS graduation song. She doesn't need to belt it out...that's the beauty of it. Karen is on the Mt. Rushmore of vocalists indeed...up there with Linda Ronstadt, Donna Summer, Barbra Streisand, Cyndi Lauper, Roberta Flack.

[@artistbrindle]

Totally agree with you. I was a little kid in the 70s and it was THE BEST era for music, especially pop

[@sandradyer5956]

She had the voice of an angel. So very sad that she passed away so young. Karen and Richard are brother and sister.

[@suzielynne9421]

Pure emotions in her voice ❤️🇬🇧

[@ChuckHackney]

No belting out. No runs. No turning one note into 20gazillion notes. Thank you, modern music.. anyhow, just pure simplicity, pitch, and guess what, you understand every word she sings. What a concept. To understand each word and note. God bless, Karen.

[@Sandy-dt2mp]

Karen had the voice of an angel. You have to do Superstar. She was the best female singer ever. Just wait until you get further into her songs and you will see how beautiful her voice was. What a loss when Karen left us. Always loved.

[@elizabethfranco1284]

I was in high school when she passed hers was the first celebrity death to personally affect me. It herald the end of my childhood

[@michaelasay6140]

And the over 100 songs!

[@Coupydog]

Superstar "Quad Mix" version. The production actually improved on the Original!

[@barbaradunn1778]

Loved your reaction to Karen's voice and Richard's harmony. I think when it comes to you delving into The Carpenter's catalogue, you have only just begun! Thanks for sharing!!

[@artistbrindle]

I agree, once you delve into their catalogue it becomes an addiction.

[@ppiechnik]

From watching her movements, can you tell she's also a drummer? If you are interested, watch a documentary about her very tragic and short life!!

[@tomschmitz261]

karen and richard did all of the background vocals themselves, the others in this video were there just for the video and in live performances.

[@debralang9467]

Yay! I hope you'll do more Carpenter songs. I've listened to them since the 70's. Not sure Karen Carpenter ever 'belted out' any song, exactly, but everything she sang was perfect in her rare contralto voice. Maybe 'Superstar' next? 'Yesterday Once More'? 'Rainy Days and Mondays'?

[@starman2337]

When I first saw her singing this in concert, she was playing drums while singing.

[@Djr67]

Karen's voice gives you chills no matter how many times you listen to it

[@lt6134]

Richard heard the first part of this song on tv when he couldn’t sleep. It was for a bank commercial. He found out who wrote it & reached out to Paul Williams to ask if there was more to it so he could record it. (Paul said yes, then quickly wrote the rest). This was the theme song for my 8th grade graduation. Thanks Chad!

[@patcurrie9888]

If you were alive in the early 70's you couldn't miss this song. It was all over and the biggest wedding song of the decade.

[@dawnaberry8452]

I told you! She was so uniquely gifted. Amazing drummer! I would have loved for her and Bobby to do a song together! You should see her drum solo. Plus all their other great songs..She preferred playing drums while she sang. She felt more secure behind her kit. The back-up singers are themselves.

[@bluarcher5941]

The story goes that Richard was riding around in his car and heard a shorter version of this tune on the radio, which at that time was a bank jingle written by Paul Williams. Richard heard it and knew immediately that they absolutely needed to record it (after it was modified with additional lyrics to lengthen the tune). With Richard's piano playing, arranging and Karen's voice, well, the rest is history.

[@lena-mariag.louis-charles3579]

Another perfect example of how siblings harmonizing brings the world Pure Magic!💖💖 Watching this brother and sister duo performing this track always brings me to tears - Karen Carpenter (with her perfect pitch and rich voice...) never got to truly experience the life that these lyrics are describing, leaving us way too soon at the age of 32, due to Anorexia Nervosa. (Experiencing this illness first hand 42 years ago, I can't stress enough how important it is for loved ones and friends to keep their eyes open, and to learn everything they can about this horrible condition - without judging...). Glad to have You back, Chad!💕

[@ralphvillanueva8724]

Nice reaction, her voice was pure, their harmonies so smooth.

[@achimwollmershauser8328]

Yes, more of the Carpenters please!

[@kathystammen3060]

She’s got a beautiful voice. No one can come close. No one sounds like her. She’s one of a kind. I miss her voice so very much.

[@raybrown3667]

Thanks for this reaction. "We've Only Just Begun," as you note, is often considered the Carpenters' signature song. The song is closely associated with the Carpenters for their hit 1970 recording (#2 on the Billboard Hot 100 for four consecutive weeks), despite its being covered by numerous artists through the years since that time. It is very much representative of the best of their work, featuring Karen's crystal clear lead vocals, the overdubbed background harmonies of the two siblings, and Richard's talent for arrangement and orchestration on display. If you're looking to sample other Carpenters' songs, try "Rainy Days and Mondays" or "Superstar" (probably their most widely respected single) - both major hits from 1971, or "Goodbye to Love" - a Richard Carpenter/John Bettis-penned song (and #7 hit) from 1972. The three songs combined captured the emotional undercurrent of their body of work.

[@bassboybazza]

I saw them live in London around 1974. They drove on to the stage on a motor bike and the concert was superb. Karen was a very accomplished drummer. Sad day when she left us!

[@debgrable9035]

Yay my favorite is back !

[@bobbimc13]

I loved loved Karen’s voice. She was one of the few singers I could sing along with and stay in tune! I got married in 1970 and this was our song! Unfortunately it didn’t last but it was a great time!

[@Vikinggirl1679]

Great song great reaction. Can't tell you how many weddings this was played at! Great brother sister duo. Richard was an incredible musician. Wrote and arranged most their songs and had background vocals. Karen had a once in a lifetime time voice and was a mean drummer too! She actually. Considered herself more a drummer than a singer believe it or not. There is video of her doing great drum solos. Unfortunately Karen was extremely insecure about her looks and talent and died of anorexia very young. Could have done so much more. Sad.

[@dawnaberry8452]

Her mother had a lot to do with her insecurities.

[@dp3396]

What about management? Didn’t they want her to trim down and supply her with the pills to “help?” That would be typical.

[@paisley1134]

Weddings, proms and graduations

[@KNPrince]

@@dp3396 No.. That is not true.. Basically the story goes this way.. she was about 20 pounds overweight during her early teens... At sixteen she consulted a doctor and was put on a diet..(Stillman Water Diet) she weighed in at 145 pounds and within six months she'd dropped down to 125.. and stayed at that weight up until 1974. She caught a glimpse of herself on TV and was horrified by what she saw... and immediately started to diet once again.. She got down to 115.. and everyone told her. "You look great." but it wasn't enough... She told her brother while out for lunch that she wanted to get down to 105... Richard thought she was taking the diet to the extreme and told his sister she didn't need to lose anymore.. By 1975 Karen was 35 pounds underweight.. Anorexia had taken over and it would be a battle that would last the rest of her life...

[@gabrielofficial7859]

I love The Carpenters too💓💓

[@xtusvincit5230]

Modern listeners sometimes dont know how to react to simple raw unmanipulated talent, sincerity and innocence--all of which are in short supply today.

[@sweetcaress50]

Oh my goodness I loved watching your expressions to the carpenters video.

[@AdairCty]

Listen to their version of the Beatles’ “Help!”. She’s belting on that one…IMO. Karen could sing anything…my fav vocalist of all time.

[@candywright64]

One of my wedding songs in 1983.

[@wongjefx980]

..that harmonization and sound was spot on... right down to the tambourine

[@parsifal40002]

I'm so shocked that you never heard of the Carpenters. They were a brother-sister duo who made so many classic tunes.. We lost Karen way, way too soon. She died of a heart condition caused by an eating disorder. I'm privileged to own CDs of every song she and her brother Richard recorded. Every song they recorded was a classic. They both possessed magnificent singing voices. They were active from 1969 to 1983, She died at age 32 in 1983. Tragic loss!

[@matrox]

Lets all face it, the 50s-70s had the best collection of music in world history.

[@janicetrimmell6897]

Karen and Richard are incredible. Someone has already mentioned this song began as a bank commercial in California. Richard heard it and went to Paul Williams and Roger Nichols. He found out it had a bridge and another verse, went to A&M, and the rest is history. Karen's voice is beautiful. She is not really a "belter." What gives you goosebumps is the lush alto register and her flawless pitch. Brother Richard is quite an innovator and king of multi tracking. The harmony you are hearing is all Richard and Karen. In this song, they sang the harmonies together on one mic and then Richard triple tracked them - same with Karen's lead. (Where have we heard that before - some beloved brothers maybe?) He even double tracked the piano and, my personal favorite, the clarinet. First time I ever heard her "Merry Christmas Darling" I was washing dishes in my mom's kitchen. I picture the exact time and place, because the Karen's voice was so stunning. I'll never forget it. These aren't foot stompers, just great voices and instrumentation. Thanks Chad - you are right, there are a lot of beautiful songs from these two (I vote for Rainy Days and Mondays).

[@raybrown3667]

"Rainy Days and Mondays" is my favorite song (not just my favorite Carpenters song)

[@janicetrimmell6897]

@@raybrown3667 It's a great song. I'm old enough that I bought the 45 in junior high. "What I've got they used to call the blues."" I love Superstar too.

[@masudashizue777]

A group this good should. never be forgotten.

[@edu456]

They perfected harmonizing. It doesn't get any better.

[@robertaclark3286]

The Carpenters were great I loved their music and I really love this song. TY Chad.

[@karenmanemeit7803]

She’s so amazing, I hope you do more 💜💜💜 probably my favorite would be her last recording Now. It’s beautiful

[@deniseketchum4332]

Richard and Karen Carpenter....one of the best duo's from the 70's. Love their music......RIP Karen

[@paisley1134]

Her voice was smooth. She didn't even need music for that voice.

[@thejoyofthemusicinmylife7897]

The Carpenters in this song created a wedding song for a new generation.

[@iamhere4now980]

Going for that second cup of coffee here, Chad. Trying to catch up. Here's another Angelic Angel now. She is soul piercing and touching. Thank you for your reaction. ✌️❤️. Tammy. C

[@johnmartinez8971]

Great to see reaction videos on the carpenters, people need to hear this women’s incredible voice.

[@zepgirl6489]

I loved them, her voice was perfect. Plus she played the drums which was awesome! Thx for sharing.

[@clivem.791]

So good Chad, They were just class, always thought some of her songs were about her struggle with her life..Rainy days and Mondays the main one..

[@berniec7134]

Beautiful voice. I used to do her music at karaoke years ago. It was karen, and arichard. They had a select members to use to preform. She had a very sad life and past.

[@debbienewton909]

Great singer and great drummer, beautiful young lady, love her music!! She and her brother Richard, (wearing white) were a great team!!

[@reneleeper7296]

I love watching new generations discover the artists we grew up with because there was so much real talent out there to enjoy. I was always a Carpenters fan and can still remember the Christmas when Santa gave me the 45 single of Top of the World. I wore that record out. You can enter the rabbit hole of the Carpenters and will never be disappointed.

[@miriamkirk7293]

So beautiful. Such talented siblings which makes her early death so tragic. Love, love this song.

[@lynnecox6431]

The Carpenters....pure Gold!

[@trgoohileshea2820]

Richard is a master at overdubbing. All of those gorgeous harmonies are a result of studio overdubbing. He's a master at what he does!

[@gregorybast869]

This was originally a commercial jingle for Crocker Bank in Los Angeles.

[@cathyhudnall3602]

You DEFINITELY need more Carpenters in your life! Karen had a RICH lower register and "This Masquerade" shows it off BEAUTIFULLY! Kind of a jazzy/bluesy sound to it. Her brother Richard has an excellent piano solo in it as well. I think you're going to love it as much as I do. ❤❤❤

[@cathyhudnall3602]

BTW, so glad your channel popped up as I was scrolling. 👍

[@charlesyateschalfant]

Yes, harmonize, great vocals, real instruments...we used to call this music. Karen's voice is sublime.

[@javiermgtaoism5702]

I heard that they have not been induced into the rock hall of fame. How can such talented performers not be included? It is a shame. They should not go on forgotten. For their short run, they make an impact in the history of music.

[@trgoohileshea2820]

She is on the Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Best Female Artists of all Time!

[@bobrichards318]

This song was written by Paul Williams and I remember seeing it on TV as a Crocker National Bank commercial before the Carpenters made it a hit.

[@christopherscorner]

Congratulations! You’ve just heard one of the most beautiful voices in all of American music. Some of her best: solitaire, yesterday once more, Mr. Guter, I need to be in love, trying to get that feeling again… The list goes on and on and on! Everyone has their favorites but those are some of mine.

[@cherigreen4471]

That's Karen's older brother standing next to her his name is Ruchard, they were The Carpenters, the other people were backup. Richard her brother wrote a lot of their music, but not this song. Also Karen was a great drummer and really didn't want to sing, but her voice was such a gift. Sadly she died too young! I loved their music. Listen to Superstar and Close to you, For all we Know.

[@goodcompany6494]

Lol, I remember singing this to my 12 year old boyfriend in 1971.😆

[@vickysmith7644]

The backup was Karen and her brother Richard, he did all the arrangements. So the power house was both of them! Richard was and is a beautiful composer and musician and she played the drums!

[@maryhuhnke8496]

This was written for an insurance company after a couple gets married. Another classic written by Paul Williams.

[@eh-i1841]

She was a great drummer.She was happiest behind her drum kit.

[@Vonne-cw5wf]

The guy next to her is her brother Richard who arranged/produced all of their songs. The harmonizing was the overdubbing of both their voices, which he learned from Les Paul.

[@elizabethfranco1284]

Reliving childhood 👍🏼

[@dp3396]

This and TOP OF THE WORLD are my 2 sentimental Carpenters favs, and I LOVE their Christmas music!! CHAD, please add Jim Croche to your to do list. His TIME IN A BOTTLE is incredible and there’s a live version that’s absolute perfection.

[@byzinski]

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FEMALE SINGING VOICE I’VE EVER HEARD 🎤🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾💕💕💕 especially her lower register ( contralto) Portland Oregon USA 🇺🇸

[@stanleynykaza9042]

Requiting Carpenters Superstar, and For all We Know and Hurting Each Other and Sing a Song live and Place to Hide Away.

[@paulsharkey6576]

This song was written for an airline TV commercial. I think it was TWA. Richard heard it playing on TV and got permission to record and rearrange.

[@scottdomenica8516]

You do a great job with your videos. Excellent taste in music.

[@peterhayden7136]

An excellent reaction and in depth personal analysis. Nice thanks

[@dreamweaver8913]

Karen Carpenter was also the band's drummer. She never wanted to be pushed out front and away from her spot behind the drums. If you'd like to see a sample of her drumming talent, check out "Rainy Days and Mondays" live performance from 1972. Here's the KZbin link if you'd like kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpupoISun8yVqNU

[@lizabetharmenta9297]

Lovely song, they harmonized beautifully. Glad you liked them sweets, you would like many of their songs. Close To You is quite a romantic tune, sure you would love it💯

[@leoniewynne8062]

The “group” is brother and sister with back-up singers with parts of a group as their orchestra.

[@DJ-bj8ku]

A voice as smooth as silk

[@ls1959]

The Carpenters were among the pop groups that catered to a very mainstream crowd. They were a contrast to some of the more rebellious rock n roll that was happening at the time. But they were exceptionally talented, with great songwriting, very melodic songs and the exceptional talent of Karen Carpenter.

[@seanjohnson6186]

I was only 10 when this song was released but I guess because of an older sister I know all of the words. It is unfortunate Karen died so young but the silver lining is her death caused a revolution in the study of eating disorders. Before she died I don’t think the general population knew there was such a thing. On another note, please do a reaction to any of Home Free’s songs, but I would especially like a reaction to Adam Rupp’s drum solo. It is amazing.