Perfectly Put… 😊❤️😍 First time hearing Carpenters "Close to You" Reaction | Asia and BJ

[@vickiadkins9844]

I'm 66. When I was a teenager the Carpenters were it!! Karen is a legend and always will be!! R.I.P

[@krisiglehart3061]

If you ever wondered what the voice of an Angel sounds like, this is IT! so pure, smooth, and beautiful.

[@bruschmidt9943]

Also comforting and believable.

[@LadyGator1983]

I too grew up listening to the Carpenters! Their songs are so magical. Karen Carpenter has a voice that no other can duplicate. When I think of her not being on this earth today, I feel that we lost someone special! RIP KAREN CARPENTER 💔💔💔

[@metalmark1214]

Totally agree LadyGator. Karen and her voice were very special. She started as a drummer only.

[@LadyGator1983]

@@metalmark1214 I knew I liked you my friend!!!

[@denisef1684]

One of the best voices I've ever listened to. So pure. Great song!!

[@DanielFrost21]

Karen had the voice of an angel. So clean, so pure and uplifting. Her voice just pulled you in and wouldn't let you go.

[@buixrule]

Oh man you started down the hole of what many consider the best contemporary female vocalist ever. One thing I can tell you is every Carpenter's song makes you "feel" something.

[@kenpatton8761]

There’s an awesome video of her performing this live while she’s on the drums. Well worth a watch….RIP Karen.

[@myownchannel247]

Karen would perform this song while playing the drums live 🥁

[@metalmark1214]

An absolute iconic and beautiful song. Karen Carpenter one of the best female singers in the business.

[@surlechapeau]

Asia & BJ, their "Hurting Each Other", "Yesterday Once More", "Goodbye To Love" and "Sing" are next for you!! "Close To You" is their signature song. Song written by the great Burt Bacharach and Hal David, with the signature Bacharach horns.

[@keithneale3055]

Rainy Days and Mondays and Only Yesterday.

[@kdm71291]

I remember as a kid hearing this as a new song on the radio and feeling like she was singing directly to me…..they and their music had that emotional power!

[@757optim]

The Bacharach/David catalog could go on and on. Just their stuff with Dionne Warwick is epic.

[@surlechapeau]

@@757optim I agree 100%. Well said.

[@jeffreywong3155]

This was the song that announced their arrival. Yep, pay homage to Burt Bacharach.

[@alissonlares2926]

'Yesterday once more' is one of my favorites. No doubt, including 'Calling occupants of interplanetary craft'. You should checkout both.

[@user-or1ye3iz6d]

There is not one single song by them that doesn't grab my soul. Karen had the ability to touch your heart with her ethereal voice. Always elicits emotions. 🙌

[@Coupydog]

Truth 👍

[@Ozefan2580]

The magic of Karen's voice, and the genius of Richard's production. A combination we still appreciate 5 decades later...

[@victoriawoods3898]

CLOSE TO YOU is a cross between a lullabye AND a Love Song. One of the most beautiful lyrics ever. This is definitely one of my favorite CARPENTER'S songs.

[@candicedonaldson4259]

she is in my top 5 favorite female singers ever...I remember the day she died how sad people were...imagine 39 years later and so many people still miss her and love her music...Superstar and we've only just begun was my favorite songs she did..but all their songs were outstanding...just like Elvis and Whitney...huge talent taken to soon..

[@jlyc1985]

You would LOVE their song “Yesterday Once More” because you two are Music Lovers! 🥰

[@johnthegreek5836]

I just love The Carpenters and I appreciate their music more now that I’m older

[@jutwilton2805]

Not only did she have a out of this world voice but she was also an amazing drummer !!

[@LadyGator1983]

This one guy that I've known since fourth grade was just totally awesome. This song is one that when I listen to it I thought about him. I've known him since elementary school and we graduated together. He's an awesome guy! I'm not in love with him, but I love him. He really is special! This song is for him!

[@dagmar.6954]

I grew up with the Carpenters' music. 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 "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.

[@71viking]

My mom played Carpenters for a good 10 yrs of the first of my life...and I just get such a big smile when these siblings smile and sing a song. Makes you wanna sing along and feel better.

[@teddtarr]

Even though it may be difficult to believe, she was a more accomplished drummer than a vocalist. For compelling evidence, check out her drum solo number from their '76 TV special ( on "the tube); guaranteed to make a believer out of you both. Cheers !

[@timbrown2637]

She was a good jazz influenced drummer but Hal Blaine played on most of their hits

[@normandavidtidiman9918]

She thought that,most people wouldn't agree how ever good a drummer she was

[@leonardshevlin7260]

I don't believe it.

[@leonardshevlin7260]

If Karen were that great a drummer they would have saved the money paid to session drummers like the phenomenal Hal Blaine. Karen tended to play on simple old songs that they covered. The best drummers have a creativity that enables them to enhance a record with original percussion.

[@mikematusek4233]

@@leonardshevlin7260 Because Richard and the boys wanted her out front to be seen, not hidden behind the kit.

[@garyjohnson3081]

No auto tune just pure talent! A remarkable voice!

[@ricknbacker5626]

Dionne Warwick's version of Close To You was recorded in 1964. The song reached #6 in the Billboard charts in1965 (B side of the single). Released in 1970, the Carpenters version became an international hit and an instant classic. Giving the duo their first #1 song. Close To You won the Grammy Award for "Song of the Year', beating out The Beatles (Let It Be) and Simon and Garfunkel (Bridge Over Troubled Water). Quite an accomplishment for the young siblings. Who at that point in time, were frustrated and teetering on obscurity. The hit songs came hard and fast over the next several years. Making the Carpenters one of the most respected and loved artists of all time. Great reaction Asia and BJ. Cheers, RNB

[@normandavidtidiman9918]

Dionne Warwick's version was a album track in 1964 and a b side to 'Here I Am' in 1965

[@ricknbacker5626]

@@normandavidtidiman9918 Thanks Norman, I tidied up my OP. Cheers, RNB

[@jimpaquette8007]

Their songs are always wholesome ok to take home to mother songs!

[@saraturner8657]

Her brother Richard was a genius at arrangement. He started playing with sound. It's during the same time of the Beach boys, Brian was the same. Richard layered their voices hundreds of times with different parts and instruments for this sound. He went through his own demons during this time. Still playing music. He is a master on keys.

[@cassandracampbell3424]

I used to sing this to my son when he was a baby. Sweet memories.

[@Sixwheelin]

Songs like these are not classified as Ballads they're actually Love Songs. This was the most memorable song from The Carpenters that I always remember growing up back then. Thanks for reacting to this GOAT group from my days.

[@ColKurtzknew]

Brother Richard's compositions and arrangements were genius level and perfectly suited for Karen's vocal gift.

[@frankdamiano8523]

I use to sing this song to my daughter when I was putting her to bed when she was a baby…so sweet. Thanks for the memories!

[@punkydoodle4774]

Aww. I used to sing it to my infant son when I was rocking him!

[@missd9785]

Ok, this may sound strange but when I hear Karen sing I feel like I'm walking through a blooming garden in a summer shower with her. Warm, not forced, personal, fragrant.

[@ginger22ly]

Yes of course

[@Cyndi7021]

Oh, you’ve gone down the rabbit hole of greatness.

[@tvc184]

Such a beautiful talent lost too soon.

[@tvc184]

… and y’alls description sounds more like just a straight up love song than a ballad.

[@donnabannister793]

Karen Carpenter's voice❤ omggg I LOVE hearing her sing and I def love this song😍 thanks for the trip down memory lane guy's, love it❤ and you both💞💞

[@ericmcavoy1108]

Such an amazing God given voice. If you had a bad day, put on some Carpenters close your eyes and float away.

[@scotties.3414]

I think that's why my memories of the 70s are so honey tinged with good feeling. The radio waves were constantly carrying this kind of easy going melodic perfection that just made your day better

[@darrylsmith1471]

This song came out in the summer of 1970, but many young people today don't remember Karen Carpenter and how her voice changed music, but music appreciation is something that anyone should value.

[@tomschmitz261]

The carpenter's first hit, first number #1 hit, with Karen Carpenter only being 20 years old at the time with that otherworldly voice.... The most pure, intimate, warm, rich, beautiful perfect tone and inflection of any female singer... the ultimate vocalist not just great singer and storyteller, who sang TO YOU NOT AT YOU. THEE perfect voice for love, romance songs. THis song totally slow dance with your love perfection....

[@BV-nx6vq]

What a voice ...one of the great female vocalists of the last 122 years...right up there, qualitatively with Billie, Ella, Whitney, & Linda Ronstadt IMO...

[@jackiegoodspeed1849]

Great reactors. I hope listening to these songs have changed your life.

[@michelleheimbuch6322]

I love the clean crisp way she enunciate's each and every word!! Perfection!

[@cdcotr]

Perfect example of feel good music.

[@danclifford2868]

Written by the great Burt Bacharach....and composed by Richard Carpenter.... American composer

[@michaeldavis5610]

Such a great voice,haunting after she passed on.There is a song called I Got The Music in Me sung by Kiki Dee you would probably enjoy.Thanks for these reactions.Be well

[@glennb2227]

One of the earliest songs I can remember as a child. It holds a special place in my heart.

[@jonathanlocke6404]

I love the production they had on their singles. It was lush but not overwhelming. It was big, but still had a lot of space for little things like an English horn, and her vocals were still really intimate...

[@teachone2261]

The perfect harmony and Interplay between the music and vocals and imagery of the lyrics ! Relaxing and seemingly perfect music

[@user-or1ye3iz6d]

I just adore both of you. God bless. ❤️

[@steve9199]

A reviewer in Rolling Stone magazine said "Karen Carpenter's voice is like the sound of a lover whispering in your ear." I can't think of a better description.

[@russgilbertson8689]

This is really a love song, , more one to one feelings in a song.

[@DJ-bj8ku]

Her voice is smooth as silk.

[@TheGreatGig73]

I absolutely love your appreciation for classic pop and rock music. It is not only your reactions but it is on your faces. Thank you for helping me relive my youth!

[@t.r.1708]

Thx so much! I was just 14 years old when this came out! They were accused of being too milk-toast (whatever that is) but they were like an oasis in a thirsty desert! They were like a calm island in a violent sea of chaos! Amazing siblings and talents!

[@deborahcornell171]

@T.R. "...like a calm island in a violent sea of chaos." Wonderful description! Exactly what they were. Btw, "milquetoast" is really old-timey, isn't it? Means bland & wimpy. People who thought of them that way either weren't really listening or simply couldn't appreciate real talent & good music. I remember people who had that attitude but maybe secretly enjoyed their songs.😉☮

[@debbiemccain5850]

This song as well as "We've Only Just Begun" were the ultimate wedding songs back in the day!! Karen's voice...perfection!!🎶🎸🎶🎶

[@michaellazzeri9439]

This is from that long ago, summer of 1970. Karen was 20 y/o, & Richard was my age, 23. -----------This song was #1 all over the world. ---------I still have my 45 .-----------MJL, 75 y/o

[@ZigRox702]

You really felt this one Asia, I could see joy on your face. Love you guys!

[@LOVE2BTHEONE]

By far, one of the greatest female singers of all times. That Karen Carpenter voice just takes you to a special place that just makes you feel good. Check out a song that highlights that beautiful voice that most people forgot about called " Bless the beast and the Children " it won't disappoint.

[@mac2920]

So sad their story-there were great-saw them in person in 1971 in Chicago and they were just awesome.

[@skinheadjon901]

That was lovely to see you both so happy 🎶🤩🙌👍

[@txrojas]

Yes, this is a ballad. Back on the 70s we called it a love ballad.

[@nathenism]

"we've only just begun" is my favorite carpenters

[@robertkees6048]

They had some huge hit songs in the 70's and so many people dismissed it as nerd music. But now all these years later we know, it's heaven, her voice, the lyrics, the chords, all of it, just a little corner of heaven on earth. And we're not trying to cool anymore so we can stop worrying about that shit, we just like it if it's good, that's it. This stands the test of time.

[@maryrichardson1318]

I sing this song to my grandbaby all the time. He loves it. He says "Ninny, sing close to me".

[@PocketAces2Start]

She can sing in low, med, and high notes, and transitions so smoothly between each you don't even really notice it. She has power too because she holds notes so long and effortless, you don't realize how long she has held the note either. The harmonies at the end of the song are so incredible, I listen to just those sometimes to calm me down and help me go into another dimension of calmness.

[@abevillanueva1974]

Sigh!! The song that started it all for the 20 year old Karen and 22 year old Richard...1970...many a weddings, baby showers played this...CLASSIC!!

[@street_cheeks]

playing the drums while singing this song

[@hungfao]

No autotune!!

[@alangriggs6355]

Asia has the best face for watching how good a song is

[@joesiano21]

This was was written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Originally recorded by Dionne Warwick in the early 60s. This cover is great. Karen has one of the purist voices ever.

[@amyharris2121]

Came out the year I was born, my mom would sing this to me throughout my life. Sometimes it depends on your angle or takeaway from the lyrics.

[@midnightblue6668]

Man...that voice mixed with a nice piano track...heaven!

[@davidminervino9230]

My sister would sing this to me, as a baby.

[@docbeck888]

This was played at our wedding reception in1975. 20 yrs later I played Roy Clark's Thank God and Greyhound She's Gone.

[@marvelharris9540]

harmonies on point!

[@williamgallucci9913]

Her voice his voice in my soul forever just what it does for me

[@dianedove1000]

This was one of her biggest hits that went on forever. I think her brother wrote most of their songs.

[@trojanmoondoggie4582]

Not sappy, just full of love....you nailed it. Great review. Wholesome and warm.....indeed.

[@onelove1968]

Listening to The Carpenters is like eating the most delicious, freshly-baked chocolate chip cookie, that you've ever tasted.

[@tomschmitz261]

like the warmest hug, sweetest kiss, fresh breeze, smelling the most beautiful burning wood, etc....

[@scottvanhille5688]

Karen's drum solo is something you both need to experience. It's been said that she was a great drummer. Please react to it sometime. You will be surprised. The biopic film is great too.

[@davidmcconnell8005]

There's a moment toward the end of the song when you both seem to feel it, you look at each other, and smile...........Awwwww, we love it, so nice to see the love between you.

[@bradkoski]

It’s the sweetest song I’ve ever heard…….Carpenter’s were just amazing!!!!

[@jillsample1846]

She was perfect in recordings. Sadly she passed tragically. one of the best voices ever. I felt sorry for her brother losing her.

[@williamweiss6128]

❤ Karen. Her brother with those arrangements. Legend!!

[@carmodyrowing]

Your best reaction so far... What a song...

[@mrockefeller10mr]

Asia so good at describing things with her emotions.... just like BJ, always on target and dead-on. You guys are a fantastic team! Love the adjectives you guys use to describe the songs. So spot on.

[@michaelparsons5299]

Karen Carpenter was a beautiful singer and along with her brother had so many lovely songs. Very sad when she left us at such a young age. It's hard to believe it everytime you hear her sing x

[@metalmark1214]

All the woman wanted to be "close to him" because "on the day he was born the angels got together and decided to create a dream come true, so they sprinkled moon dust in his hair of gold and starlight in his eyes if blue"

[@ICTS22]

I'm obsessed with The Carpenters. Karen was such a good drummer and her brother wrote the most iconic arrangements ever. But nah, their music was sappy and IMO emotionally manipulative. Their music can cause joy but also sadness.

[@sirrobin4394]

If I want to get to "instant feel good" I'm putting something like this on, every single time.

[@netzahuacoyotl]

That’s Herb Alpert on trumpet. He was the A in A&M records which released this record. Alpert made records with the Tijuana Brass which were a big part of the sound of the 1960s. Well worth checking out. I recommend What Now My Love, Whipped Cream, Mexican Shuffle, and A Taste Of Honey.

[@carolhesterberg7526]

Their first #1 hit! Fell in love with my husband when we heard this in 1970.

[@moonstone1159]

The Carpenters took this tune from an insurance commercial and made it into a hit song. They were a wholesome duo in stark contast to the rock image of other bands.

[@kennystone51]

Her voice could NEVER be replaced or imitated!!!!!!! It was so sad how she died.

[@rayzerbone4197]

Echoing on of your other supporters Karen was a great jazz drummer and sang at the same time. The record company made her move to the front and brought another drummer ✌️

[@moonstone1159]

This first tune was a commercial for an insrance company (I think), but RIchard Carpenter heard it and loved it, and so extended it for radio play. The Carpenters was known for stacking the vocals, a technique which became a signiature element in their music.

[@Nicovertime]

They were musical geniuses and pop music was never better. RIP Karen Carpenter 😢

[@garyblevins3532]

We really need more music like this today

[@kensommers1646]

The greatest female voice ever ! I highly recommend their live version of " I know I need to be in love" , great video of them performing live.

[@kenpaden]

This was the first album I bought , decades ago and I still have it!! I fondly recall slow dancing to this song, in our church activity hall in the 8th grade. Great memories!! Asia, I believe you said you were in the band, so was I, check out the movie Mr Holland's Opus about a high school band teacher, you will love it!!

[@canaguy]

The voice so pure, rich and full. Karen was a natural angel. The closest voice of the time to a close match was Anne Murray. Have a listen to Anne soon to compare.

[@tomschmitz261]

hmm, i like anne murray, but i don't think she really compares to karen except for the occassional moments of the low register, karen had more of a octave range, could sing higher and "lighter", and had better diction and enunciation than anne.. Just saying....