Reacting to Carpenters - Close to You

[@StevePaty]

Someone once said "Listening to Karen Carpenter sing is like being hugged by everyone you have ever loved." This is a rather remarkable statement! Is it not true that the Carpenters' music and Karen's voice evokes love and that this love is rather pure and innocent? This has a lot to do with why I have made numerous Carpenters' song requests. Their music shares something with us all that is priceless and deeply meaningful --- love that is simple, pure, and innocent. Maddy's reactions beautifully reflect this. Thank you!

[@greenwave819]

you might have nailed it!

[@MarissaM312]

The Carpenters never made a bad song. Karen and Richard were so multi talented. Great reaction, Maddy! ❤️🙏😊

[@BobG127]

Listening to Karen Carpenter sing was like listening to an angel. She had a beautiful voice and perfect pitch, perfectly evoking the emotions behind the lyrics. Richard was a talented musician in his own right, too, especially in his arrangements of their songs. I was lucky enough to be a young man during the Carpenters' heyday. We were -- and still are -- blessed to have been able to experience their music. This song has always been my favorite Carpenters song, but then, I guess I'm a hopeless romantic. What young man, upon hearing this, wouldn't wish Karen was singing this to him?

[@randallgamino2600]

The great Dionne Warwick once described Karen Carpenter's voice as a "piece of silk." Nothing has ever been more true. Great reaction. ❤

[@thomastimlin1724]

Dionne was on the same label as the Carpenters. A & M

[@robbiefrancis6255]

Richard was the entire brains behind the carpenters, an outstanding a ranger and composer. Karen and Richard were inseparable. He was not a troublemaker. He took his ability to know the perfect range for his sister to sing, which made them the hit along with their vocal harmonies.

[@marktizzard47]

Karen was a drummer who could sing drumming was her first love and what she really loved to do . Most don't understand how good Karen was .

[@VZ935]

Fantastic drummer and incredible singer.

[@derekhauffe7197]

This came out in 1970. I was born in 1971, and had the great fortune to have Mom sing this to me through my childhood, as well as hearing it played.

[@ButOneThingIsNeedful]

Beautiful comment (and memories, I'm sure).

[@jimhendricks88]

Wow--I haven't heard this song in a long time. Thanks for playing and reacting to it! Cheers.

[@abevillanueva1974]

Gosh, 1970...I first fell in love with her as an 8 year old!! God broke the mold for sure...

[@hongfang2348]

The sparse horn arrangement is a signature of Burt Bacharach. He wrote the music. His writing partner, Hal David, wrote the lyrics. This is the most famous and successful cover of the song.

[@lindaslater7782]

This is such a beautiful song, and The Carpenters were a very talented brother/sister duet. I had the joy of seeing them in person back in the late 1980's when they were an opening act for singer/actor John Davidson. Thanks for bringing back some good memories.

[@michaelschmidt1952]

Karen and I used to write each other when I was in Vietnam, I had written her on a dare she wouldn't write back. From the first letter, one of 22 I still have, I felt a connection, shared many times how out of place she felt without her drums. I fell in love with her but have always regretted not sharing my feelings with her. I have the letters in a safety deposit box along with my will, my wife of 48 years has always known about them and knows they are to be cremated with me.

[@golfr-kg9ss]

This is my favorite Carpenters song and I'm glad you got a video with Karen playing the drums.

[@markkairial]

Hi, Maddy. Thanks for this. That is one of those perfect songs. Burt really knew how to write 'em. And Karen is so good.💓

[@zigman8550]

Simply the best and most talented female "pop" vocalist and drummer in the world. Still to this day.

[@SnuSlavin]

Decades later, I still remember the lyrics.....

[@maggedo-x1s]

You bring our memories of Carpenter's "Close to You" close to us, Maddy! 🕊️

[@robertgartner1901]

Oh gosh Maddy, so many memories.... another great song and reaction... thanks Maddy

[@rayvanhorn1534]

God blessed Karen with a beautiful voice, shared with us for such a short time.

[@charlesparrott1689]

That is how I choose to look at it too. I sometimes get so freakin sad that she is still not here, but on most days am happy that we are privileged to have her videos and recordings to listen to. Feb 4 coming up soon, gonna be a sad day I fear. I love her so much.

[@charlesparrott1689]

That is how I choose to look at it too. I sometimes get so freakin sad that she is still not here, but on most days am happy that we are privileged to have her videos and recordings to listen to. Feb 4 coming up soon, gonna be a sad day I fear. I love her so much.

[@robt7199]

The Carpenters were a staple of AM radio in the 70s.... So special.

[@johnboydTx]

💯 Percent Talent A True Gift for the World 🥲✌️🩵

[@raybernal6829]

At the time Carpenters were popular I was very young(around 7 to 10) but still knew I was listening to something special... Now it's just awesomeness...

[@anthonycornell8547]

Beautiful Maddie, always a great reaction. Karen carpenter was an amazing singer ,her neice is carrying on her tradition. She redid this song sounds amazing..

[@steveostrander5182]

As long as you play the Carpentars you can't ever go wrong. Her voice is impeccable as is your beauty

[@Sixwheelin]

A friend of mine met Richard backstage at a Leonid & Friends concert just a few weeks ago. He looks very old but was cheery and easy to talk to it appeared. always loved this song back in the old days. Thanks for this reaction.

[@ChrisFreund-rt8rf]

I remember hearing this song in the backseat of my mothers AMC Matador in the mid 70’s.Great tune! Great voice in Karen Carpenters delivery.

[@MaddyReactions]

❤️

[@MilanŠivec]

Wow. I hate to repeat myself but combination of the song and your reaction was perfect. Thank you Maddy.

[@MaddyReactions]

❤️

[@Balthazare69]

So clean & clear voice, relaxing 😊😊😊 Im sure this was in a 6:22 couple of movies from 70s & 80s, now I have to google it to see 😄😄😄

[@MaddyReactions]

Yesss

[@ColKurtzknew]

When you get into that left/right sway and the smile comes out..that says it all but yes its nice to hear the details. The video of their "Merry Christmas Baby" is a holiday season, beautifully romantic song and presentation. (Hint)

[@e-5ruben807]

Karen had such a beautiful unique voice. I believe she was only 32 when she passed on. The great ones always seem to pass on to soon. RIP karen you are truly missed.🌹🌹

[@billmckee1123]

I love The Carpenters too!! ❤

[@gazoontight]

Beautiful Maddy. This is a good one.

[@Sammylu-greenbeatsred]

I think this one is my favorite Carpenters' song. "We've Only Just Begun" is my favorite also. IDK, Great reaction Maddy!

[@bradsense7431]

Maddy if you notice at start of video is showing the Billboard Hot 100. These were based on best selling records for each week’s ranking. I believe it is for week of July 25,1970. The big thing for us back then was still listening to AM radio Top 40 as it was called. That full list from that date which can be found on internet reveals (especially the top 30 or 40) just great songs and variety which were the norm. You could literally work/react your way down list and not hit a bad song. As for “Close To You” by July 4,1970 it and only been on the charts for three weeks and already reached #14. Three weeks later it reached number one. But that July 4 week I was 12 years old at the time my family driving north on vacation to Illinois where we lived previously. The format of top 40 radio is the top songs get played frequently so a song even at number 14 position would be played every few hours….remember these songs were short. On that 16 hour trip it was played many times as we kept changing the channel to pick up clear signal. I kept waiting for this song to come on again and I would get quiet and listen so closely. It was magic. At that time they were a newer group but they made such an impression and everyone took notice.

[@FavoriteMovieDate]

I was just a kid when the Carpenters first appeared and loved them immediately. The Beatles, The Carpenters and The BeeGees were the main musical pop influences of my life. Little did I know how exceptional they all were. Heck, those were golden times when it comes to music. Oh, and don’t kid yourself - the Carpenters sound was mainly Richard. He is sold short because Karen is one of the greatest singers that ever lived.

[@b1bmsgt]

Hard to believe I first heard this 54 years ago, and I still remember exactly where I was and what I was doing! It made that much of an impression!

[@ThistleAndSea]

Loved hearing this one on the radio back in the day. So good! Thanks for sharing this one, Maddy. You look Lovely today. 😊

[@MaddyReactions]

❤️

[@kevinmonk8107]

MADDY, as soon as the song started a peaceful expression came over you. Her voice and their songs have a way of doing that. Great reaction ❤️

[@MaddyReactions]

❤️❤️❤️

[@GinMae]

Thanks, Maddy! Karen was not only an amazing vocalist, but a great drummer - her first love.. she was "pushed" to sing.. b/c obviously, how could you not use that incredible talent.. appreciate your reaction!

[@myownchannel247]

The Carpenters song you’re looking for is Superstar ✨ definitely top tier

[@gordonpatterson8615]

Karen loved her drums, she didn't want to be pushed to the front with a microphone.

[@osovagabundo1]

Such a timeless voice and song. Theres a new singer who shares a similar timbre and she has been releasing Carpenter songs. She is a recording engineer and also employs Karen's multi layer harmonies. Her name is Tori Holub. Such a warm and wonderful voice gives us another chance to hear it all live again.

[@ericzeichert511]

Coincidentally, she and her collaborator, Jim Wilkas aka jim midi Dr. just released a cover of this very song, A must see!

[@osovagabundo1]

@ it’s so good

[@pcl8993]

Hey GORGEOUS! Good one. I remember them when I was young.

[@dancartlidge5202]

Now you're hitting close....Karen Carpenter IS MY FAVORITE female vocalist of all time. I sadly remember exactly where I was when I heard of her passing. I tear up every time I hear her...every time.....

[@JoeSchmo-u1d]

Hi Maddy! Love the Carpenters! Have an awesome day, and week!

[@PistolRx]

Thank you Maddy. I really enjoyed their songs

[@philipmay3548]

The bass player you're hearing is Joe Osborn. Karen and Richard used the "Wrecking Crew", the top studio musicians in LA, for their recordings.

[@E.Kim_Style]

Karen had a beautiful voice. Her brother Richard was never really thought of as a "troublemaker". Later in their careers, He had an addiction to quaaludes from the drain of traveling & performing. It was a prescribed medication, that he admittedly depended on too much and became addicted. Got into rehab and luckily recovered. Problems...yes...but, not really a troublemaker as you say. Anyway, Karen`s voice is amazing. You can check out Many "hits" for them.

[@MaddyReactions]

❤️

[@ImBooX2]

Richard was a musical genius. He did all he could to nurture Karen's talents, and he did push her to be out front. He protected her the best he could, but she was an adult and had her own needs. He had to let her go on her own path at times, which proved to be destructive.

[@greenwave819]

come on... this girl clearly uses copious amounts of pert plus and she also sings? and she also plays drums???? my mind is blown

[@dalemcmillan7231]

Beautiful ❤❤❤

[@rah2287]

Now this is music.

[@bearmanz]

The late and legendary 'Wrecking Crew" drummer, Hal Blaine was the actual drummer during the recording sessions. I highly recommend checking out "The Wrecking Crew" documentary, available on DVD and Blu-Ray. It's the story of legendary American studio musicians back in the late 50s thru 70s, who were the backbone of thousands of chart hits, backing the featured star performers.

[@stevenmotchan2048]

"the angels got together and decided to create a dream come true" I think they were singing about Maddy!

[@MaddyReactions]

Hugs ❤️

[@TWX1138]

The husband in a couple we were friends with HATED The Carpenters. When he left his wife we speculated about putting one of their CDs in his car's stereo, turning the volume up, and super-gluing the buttons.

[@retiredmusiceducator3612]

Oh, her brother was a typical brother. He has to 'run the show' because he knew the talent she had. Can you imagine writing music for her - and hearing those songs - and then suddenly, she is gone! What a shock that had to be to him. If only she had listened to her brother - and so sad she didn't know how much she was loved by America.

[@RobertHolmes-d9c]

So sad she died so young. I loved her and her music. 4 Feb. 83 she was 32 years old.

[@eddiehunt6296]

Karen was a very accomplished drummer I know because I am a drummer have been all my life her brother co wrote with her and produced all their song's and besides WE ONLY JUST BEGUN my favorite is SUPERSTAR great story behind that song tragicly Karen died from an eating disorder and her amazing career cut short I've always just loved her as a person and tremendous talent

[@timothyburnside3229]

Funny thing, if you look at the chart that is on screen when record starts the band Bread is #2 with make it with you! I just saw it after recommending it earlier!

[@KanTexCali]

Hi Maddy, thank you for another great reaction. This is the song that really brought the Carpenters to the attention of the general public, so it was very early in their career, which is why Karen is still behind the drums, and doesn't project the underlying melancholy that would take over the longer their career progressed. At the time this song was put out, they were just taking off and everything looked so bright and promising for Karen. 💜 It was a joy to see and hear this today. ☮️ Steve in Dallas

[@MaddyReactions]

❤️

[@AnthonySmith-on3gw]

GOAT

[@mynameispaul0530]

Sounds like Olivia Newton John singing backup vocals for just a second in one part of song.

[@JohnLedger-g4i]

Karen was a truly accomplished drummer . She started drumming as a kid .RIP Karen

[@williamr9537]

If you look at the top song list in the video you see the band Bread. The lead singer David Gates is the male version of Karen's voice. You should check Bread out as their music has great lyrics and feeling like the Carpenters. Also the band Three Dog Night has some great singers and unique and fun songs too.

[@JUMBOs-RC]

🎵 🕊️ 💫 🎶 great song

[@Collin-k1i]

You really need to listen to the cover of "The Sound of Silence" by David Draiman, the lead singer of Disturbed!

[@ScooterOnHisWay2024]

Karen Carpenter had one of the prettiest voices ever recorded.

[@MaddyReactions]

Yesss

[@larencegagland506]

So beautiful.... 👍👍💕💕

[@hokiedoo]

You have to do "We Have Only Just Begun" by the Carpenters!!! Great song!

[@timothyburnside3229]

Great song by fantastic artist that brings joy and happiness every time you listen! Great job, listen to the band Bread similar heart felt music that is timeless!

[@MaddyReactions]

Rock on!

[@steve4562]

Nobody I hung out with admitted they liked the Carpenters but we all did 🤣

[@MaddyReactions]

Really?!?

[@kidpoker007]

My first dance with a girl was this to this song when it came out..I was probably 10 or 11

[@stornowayscotland]

Maddy ❤❤❤❤

[@kevincaulder96]

Hey, Maddy. You asked for it, here it is. Nostalgia. Nat Cole is a legendary musician and singer. His daughter, Natalie, followed in his footsteps after trying to live her life out of her father's ever looming shadow. She became an established singer, in her own right, and made her own music. But the fans always wondered when she would record her father's material. Eventually, she felt the time was right and dedicated an album to his recordings. Which was a giant commercial success. To fully appreciate the effort she put into honoring her father's music legacy, you must watch both versions of UNFORGETTABLE. The first is from his television show in 1956. Nat "King" Cole was the first black entertainer to have a television show. He was also the first to have a number one record on the Billboard charts. Natalie made her album in 1991. She was able to assemble musicians who recorded with her father to recreate the magic of his songs. She also made a video to accompany them singing together to promote the album. It is a beautiful thing to see. As through the barrier between time and space had been temporarily suspended to allow the two of them to exist in the same moment for a short time. You could probably do both videos at once or separately. It is your channel. But the reaction from you is all I want for you. And your fans. The smile on your face is what we want for Christmas. That leaves Nat Cole to sing THE CHRISTMAS SONG for you to play for the holiday season. Keep going and enjoy the music.

[@michaelanderson1476]

When I hear this song it reminds me of The Simpsons episode!!!!❤

[@richpardey766]

👍✌️💜

[@KennyRansom-l5k]

"If Honey Could Sing , It Would Sound Just Like Karen Carpenter." ~ anon

[@retiredmusiceducator3612]

I think Richard was so good in his own right, that he had those drums quietly tuned to match the key she was singing in - it all blended so well - so it wasn't just banging - it was "blendedly" accompanying her voice.

[@thomasmcdonough6642]

During those days,karen was quenn of the radio

[@Jeff_Lichtman]

"Close to You" is a Burt Bacharach/Hal David song. The Carpenters sang some of their songs, but Dionne Warwick sang many of their hits. Some other Bacharach/David songs, and who had the biggest hit with each: Alfie: Dionne Warwick Always Something There to Remind Me: Dionne Warwick Arthur's Theme: Christopher Cross Do You Know the Way to an Jose?: Dionne Warwick I'll Never Fall in Love Again: Dionne Warwick I Say a Little Prayer: Dionne Warwick or Aretha Franklin The Look of Love: Dusty Springfield Make it Easy on Yourself: Dionne Warwick One Less Bell to Answer: The 5th Dimension Promises, Promises: Dionne Warwick Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head: B.J. Thomas That's What Friends Are For: Dionne Warwick This Guy's in Love with You: Herb Alpert Walk on By: Dionne Warwick What's New, Pussycat?: Tom Jones What the World Needs Now Is Love: Jackie DeShannon Wishin' and Hopin': Dusty Springfield Maybe it's time for some Dionne Warwick reactions.

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

Carpenters were not the first to record this song just the best. "(They Long to Be) Close to You" is a song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David with sections of the early version written by Cathy Steeves. It first recorded by Richard Chamberlain and released as a single in 1963 his version would make your ears bleed. Then a demo by Dionne Warwick in 1963, was re-recorded with a Burt Bacharach arrangement for her album Make Way for Dionne Warwick (1964), and was released as the B-side of her 1965 single "Here I Am". Dusty Springfield recorded the song in August 1964. Bacharach released his own version in 1971. But the version recorded by Carpenters with instrumental backing by L.A. studio musicians from the Wrecking Crew, which became a hit in 1970, was the most successful.

[@CFWhitman]

Oddly, though the Carpenters version of the song was by far the biggest hit, it was not the first version of the song. The first release of it as a single was by Richard Chamberlain in 1963. However, it failed to chart while the B side of the record became a hit instead. It was also recorded by Dionne Warwick and Dusty Springfield, but though it appeared on albums by those singers, there was no single release. Finally, the Carpenters version was released and became a hit in 1970.

[@ianmcinnis7747]

Good job thank you

[@martyemmons3100]

It was her mother that traumatized Karen. Agnes was envious of Karen being the more famous Carpenter. Agnes wanted Richard to get the 'spotlight' and attention. "(They Long to Be) Close To You" is a beautiful song. Gwen Guthrie's version is a wonderful song also.

[@scottski51]

This is, of course, their recorded version to which they lip-synced as they did often, as well as most artists appearing on television in the 60s and 70s. The pair did all their own harmonizing, which gave their songs such a wonderful, luxurious sound. I've always marveled at how well Karen and Richard did it. The on-screen emotions seem to match her vocals very well.

[@goodguy6271]

One of the very best was Karen Carpenter. Such an angelic voice. Sounds as though you play the bass guitar.

[@nickrizzi4927]

Maddy, always looking great. Great reaction. Hearing Karen sing chokes ke everytime. Wish i had been close to her back then in order to save her. I love so voices, but the only one for me to come close (not power or range, just pure quality) is Ella. Many greats, but Karen was an angelic voice and dear soul. Loved reading all the great comments. Best to All!

[@SEANBANOG4]

Written by Bacharach and David for Dionne Warwick, who was the original singer of most of their hits...love this version though

[@RZK1966]

Effortless perfection. This is why Karen is on my top ten vocal and drummer lists.

[@BillyJames8880]

Hello Maddy!!!!

[@tonycapuccidj2652]

The voice...LOVE Karen...

[@Joe-w9h]

Back to 10/11/12/13 years old....❤❤

[@johnsimon2988]

This was the 70's. I would guess that Richard was the "golden child" of their (Karen' & Richards parents) traditional family dynamics. I read, who knows what's truly the truth, that Karens' mom as well as Richard didn't appreciate Karen garnering the spotlight (as if it were a choice she made). Karen was supposedly shy, friendly, and naive. That jives with the times. But she had that voice that was breathtaking and I feel she deserved to have credit for that. Us, the public, will never know what is or isn't the truth of what we hear online, I'm a boomer and was 28 when she died, meaning I experienced those times myself, and women were delegated to be 2nd class citizens and credit for most anything they did was directed to the men in their lives. Fortunately no one could claim credit for her voice except her. Anorexia is a nasty disease and little was understood about it in 70's. Wasn't even recognized as a disease back then. As for how she developed it? She was shy, impressionable, worshipped her brother, and combined with all the negativity that was probably directed toward her, as well as being pushed into the spotlight by fate, she was overwhelmed by it all? I've read that she was criticized by well, a music critic, and that triggered her anorexia. It's doubtful that it was one thing. Maddy, you take care of yourself, don't trust men any farther than you can throw them, and please remember that men in general, are jerks at their best. Yeah, I'm a 69 year old man who has never cared much for other guys. Wow this turned out to be quite the epic saga didn't it. Peace.

[@Charlesbaker3017]

I used to do singing Telegrams..and sang this for embarrassment purposes. Of course I long to be close to. ....MADDY.

[@MaddyReactions]

❤️

[@cliftonparago4547]

Richard wasn't trouble. He chose which songs to record and he then added The Carpenter MAGIC. Towards the death of Karen she tried making an album without Richard. It flopped

[@bruschmidt9943]

Truth. There were many things wrong with her Solo Album. Richard told her NOT to do Disco, and she did. He also said, "and where is your basement voice?" Her song selections had none of her gorgeous Contralto vocals. Finally, if it was released then, it wouldn't have taken her or them out of the slump they were in musically. They hadn't had a Hit in 5 years. Times had changed & people were into other current styles/trends/Artists..

[@LOVE2BTHEONE]

The great Karen Carpenter aka one take Karen. Rest In Peace 1983

[@DocRock1965]

If you haven’t gotten the chance, listen to their version of “Please Mr. Postman”

[@kendallcarstens9194]

If you like The Carpenters and their music, check out Tori Holub. Tori does an excellent job of covering a lot of Karen's songs.

[@catfishingjones]

Joe Osborn played the bass.

[@richardwhite2344]

I loved your reaction. So many people accuse Richard of this and that and I think that is very unfair. None of us are perfect and he was only looking out for his sister and wanted only the very best for her, so what can be wrong with that. May I suggest you listen to I'm Caught Between Goodbye And I Love You by the Carpenters or Solitaire