REACTION TO Carpenters - Superstar | Recorded In ONE Take

[@keith6485]

I don't think anyone can adequately explain what Karen's voice meant to those of us who listened to her at that time. I cried when she died, and I often cry when I listen to her today. Truly a tragic and senseless loss. And without doubt, one of the greatest voices of the 20th century. Many of us still miss her.

[@soupdragonuk]

I also cried when she passed. When I was at work I always took the date off her passing off, so I could immerse myself in the Carpenters music. If you asked thirty people to describe her voice, you'd thirty different answers. She was simply amazingly good.

[@kingskidgirl2]

I agree. Me too 😢

[@richardbale3278]

Amy Winehouse, also lost too early, is the closest thing to her that I can think of, but close is not the same. There will never be another Karen.

[@OHW313]

Keith, you put into words those things about Karen I could not express; it is as elusive as trying to perfectly describe the rare/unique essence of her hauntingly warm and smooth voice.

[@annmcconnell2099]

I cried too. I listened to the brown album on headphones and cried.

[@RadCenter]

Oh, believe me, Karen was taking very deep breaths. She just had incredible breath control and command of phrasing, as well as pitch, intonation, and dynamics. She was a model singer. The histrionics of today's singers can't compare to her elegant simplicity.

[@MickeyGemini]

so well said

[@sheilaholmes8455]

As a singer I totally agree. Everyone takes breaths but good/great singers know when and how.

[@burraldo]

I totally agree with you! Karen's style of singing is the best IMO! I can listen to her all day! Very well said, guy! 👍👍🎸🍻

[@The-Fair-Dinkum-Mikki]

Absolutely! She was incredible at circular breathing. People think her songs are easy to sing.... til they run out of breath while she's still singing. Her songs take more skill than is realised.... & yes, I sung her songs often in my early days as a singer. She made it look effortless & understated.

[@carolhesterberg7526]

She was not only a fabulous singer, but a top notch drummer. That's why her rhythm was so good. She thought of herself as a drummer first and a singer second. An amazing talent, along with the musical genius Richard, who was her brother.

[@kel1294-j4i]

Her voice sends me to a different world. It’s magical, mystifying, enchanting…

[@umbertocalvini7429]

Our beloved Karen left us 40 years ago on February 4, 1983. 💔😢Greatest female vocalist ever! 👏🤗

[@leannlaplante3643]

Months after my pop's passed, the Carpenters came on the radio as my husband and I were driving. I started weeping. Everything I was holding back came tearing out. The Carpenters were all over 70s radio. My dad would take me with him to run errands on Saturday mornings. The Carpenters were a big part of those Saturday mornings. Music can heal.

[@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 "We've Only Just Begun", "For All We Know", "Rainy Days & Mondays", "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.

[@martinsmusic1724]

...Goodbye to Love.. please!

[@cocoboobenstein]

Hurting Each Other is also amazing

[@WinstonTjon-A-Meeuw]

I need to be in love pls Love Karen

[@beedeegee9374]

I love her cover of “This Masquerade”

[@sassytjw]

Notice all the songs were with her brother, Richard. Her solo album tanked.

[@evanhughes1510]

Karen is known for her lower register contralto, which is not extremely common among female singers, and that’s part of what made her so special.

[@samueltabo3390]

I believe she had a 3 octave range, but her lower register was where the money was, so to speak

[@patcurrie9888]

@@samueltabo3390 Karen said the $$ was in the basement

[@iainsan]

Her lower register was sublime; unmatched in my opinion.

[@jaengen]

Bea Arthur had a low register singing voice but it is on the other side of the spectrum of course.

[@sprezzatura8755]

I think that Cher is also a contralto.

[@crisbarber5404]

Back then there was no auto tune or vocal assistance. What you saw was what you got. And with Karen Carpenter you always saw perfection!

[@dianesaienni5466]

People in her circle said Karen sang just above a whisper but the microphone loved her. Yes what a voice.

[@OHW313]

Karen didn't actually 'master' various aspects of singing because all the intricate unique technical details of her voice came naturally, effortlessly-- that is called 'genius'. One could say the ESSENCE of her singing was so effortlessly brilliant that it is MAGICAL. We've never heard her unique brand of smoothness, warmth, timbre, range, emotion.....before or since her. It is a wonderful notion from those who described her voice as being just above a whisper when not using a microphone. Smooth, effortless magic.

[@_MusicLover896]

Amen to that!

[@bruschmidt9943]

Many parts of her songs, she sang out with power & at times, near a whisper. You can hear the difference.

[@jimbishop2801]

Karen is a contralto - a beautiful and pure vocal range which she mastered. Her singing voice was almost haunting at times - so clean and pure. We miss her very much!

[@MrKlm820]

Well-said

[@bruschmidt9943]

Absolutely haunting without a doubt.

[@lisahood1389]

Her voice was pure gold. From the pop songs, to the Christmas albums. It’s NOT Christmas in my house till Karen sings!! Gone away too soon 😢

[@larrymead151]

I grew up with the Carpenters and besides her incredible voice what I liked most is you could understand every single word she sang. Her enunciation was staggering. You never had to read the lyrics to figure out what that one or two words actually were.

[@pollynicklas5220]

Karen was one of the best female singers ever! She recorded songs with one take if you can believe it!

[@gerib4234]

Yes, she was called "One Take Karen" by producers and colleagues.

[@michaelasay8587]

The best!

[@ronchoptovy9627]

And perfect pitch.

[@execatty]

one of the goats

[@michaelasay8587]

@@execatty well she's the best female goat!!!!

[@lilsuzq32]

The absence of AutoTune enhances the spectacular range of Karen's vocal reach.

[@adoptgdx651]

I so agree. The sign of a true musician is the purity of tone and none reliance on auto tune which has falsified sound. Karen easy hit the C below middle C.

[@gregorysmall9284]

It's not the technical perfection of her voice that resonates with us. It's what we were going through at the time that makes it so important to our lives. She touched us on a visceral level that can't be understood today.

[@johnb.2518]

Sometimes teased fondly about having a "third lung" Karen had extraordinary breath control - it can be heard at several places in the verses of this song, and especially in the verses of their song "Goodbye To Love" (not to mention a lot of other songs). Her diction was letter-perfect, her phrasing impeccable, her emotional expression masterful - and her famous low notes were mind-blowing and iconic. So, given all of that - and the most stunningly beautiful vocal tone or timbre that God ever created - we have the very best pop/rock singer to ever record or perform. Not too bad for a top notch jazz drummer who would just as soon play as sing...

[@bruschmidt9943]

Very well said. 👏👏👏 Bravo!!!

[@OHW313]

Phew !! Well said John B ! On another note, it is no wonder the Carpenters were the best selling pop music band of the 70's. Apparently their albums are still selling well !!

[@susanhughes1800]

Her beautiful voice never needed auto tuned. Her natural ability was mind blowing!! Miss her!! A gift she was!

[@eclconsulting]

So wonderful to watch someone discover and fall in love with Karen's voice. She was extraordinary.

[@slashdisco]

Karen had the rare distinction of having TWO world-class talents: the best female vocalist of all time, and the best female drummer of all time. Absolutely unsurpassed, and I've subbed to you just for more Carpenters reactions.

[@Tevoro1962]

Rainy Days and Mondays - you might find the video featuring her singing this while playing the drums. Great stuff. She had a one-of-a-kind voice for sure - a low contralto that still managed to sound feminine. She and her brother were well aware that her audiences LOVED to hear her drop for a low note. Though it's not a big hit, Solitaire really showcases her rich lower notes and her enormous lung capacity - she could sing longer lines than any other pop artist I can think of.

[@corgiluver9718]

I agree, her vocal on Solitaire is great!

[@MoMoMyPup10]

And she never needed to 'belt' to wow her audience. Though I'd love to hear her give it her best effort.

[@Tevoro1962]

@@MoMoMyPup10 Try listening to their song "Another Song" from the Close to You album. I think that's probably her belt-iest. ;-)

[@sunnyseacat6857]

Sinatra.

[@ProximaCentauri88]

I super agree that Solitaire was her greatest vocal performance. It showcased her rich, crystal clear, sophisticated, and melancholic voice.

[@rodneyreiter4026]

Yesterday Once More is the song that always jerks a tear out of me. The nostalgia just builds and turns to grief in the end.

[@scottjeune154]

The Carpenters were secretly goth

[@carolcarol3938]

Her voice is one of a kind. Her lower register is like rich, golden velvet. .... a true gift. Also an incredibly talented drummer, to boot.

[@johnmcaleer7099]

She sings so beutifully,so effortlessly

[@thejoyofthemusicinmylife7897]

Karen's voice is like a gentle breeze that hits you at the right time on a beautiful spring day.

[@archiethegardener5732]

that is one perfect way to describe it ❤️

[@JohnT-ii5od]

your so right ... and you keep on looking for it time after time. It is such a great voice

[@johnbutler136]

I feel so sorry for you guys. You missed this era in American Music and are just discovering it now. Oh God was it so GOOD! No one did it better that she did. Take your hat off and stay a while, and let us boomers show you children how the masters did it.

[@maryannkom299]

That switch flipping you mentioned, she did that in a lot of songs which made them amazing. ♥️

[@jpinhead]

Yap. Karen had perfect pitch and she overdubbed her voice singing the same notes 3 times. This is how you got the ''flip the switch'' sound.

[@kimmarievan-ever6599]

This is my favourite Carpenters song by far .that deep vibrato is just magnificent definitely the GOAT

[@AgathaG1692]

The most beautiful part of this song - which imo is their best song, is when she sings the word "loneliness". You talked a little bit over it so not sure if you heard it, but the way she sings it is hard to describe, all I can think of is elegance. Sweetness, the way she draws out the Ls. It's just gorgeous. I've never heard anyone else who can sing like she could.

[@bobb9541]

Karen's voice was pure and golden. She was a good drummer also.

[@lilpoohbear653]

indeed...a fantastic jazz drummer!!

[@pbettselectric134]

A very good drummer

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

This Masquerade is another great song. Richard's arrangement is really fantastic! As always.

[@denisej4813]

And "A Song for You", all three of them written by Leon Russell.

[@evanhughes1510]

Linda ronstadt was another extraordinary female vocalist from the 70s, along with Karen. They are often compared to one another.

[@JoeK-q6q]

No studio tricks. Just pure talent. Karen sounds amazing even without any musical accompaniment.

[@melliehobson8299]

Her voice is so thick and rich. I loved The Carpenters since the early seventies when they were considered "square" and I was also listening to Boston, The Eagles, etc. Time tells, doesn't it? Her voice (one-take Karen) and Richard's compositional ear made them great.

[@LadyGator1983]

Music wise, Karen is considered to be a “Contralto.“ She has the most beautiful voice that I think I’ve ever heard and no one will be able to duplicate it. RIP Karen

[@bonester50]

When you said she can go low that is why and is noticed in the music world as the Voice. It has been said their are famous singers and legends and then there is Karen Carpenter. Nobody can or will ever sound like her. Whoever coined the phrase Nobody's Perfect, never heard Karen Carpenter sing! I am from the 70's rock n roll era and I never followed them until I hit the rabbit hole 4 years ago. Now tears flow when I hear her. WOW. Other songs that will grab your heart is "Your The One" and "Goodbye to Love".

[@kendallneason3645]

Karen began playing drums in her brother’s band. But when the studio execs heard her amazing alto voice they put her up front. Such a beautiful voice. She was one of the few who could sing perfectly on key live. ❤

[@raybrensike42]

When she sang "Don't you remember you told me you loved me baby" it sounded like she had an entire orchestra and choir in her one voice. Amazing.

[@jessemellingeriii5244]

Karen will forever be a one of a kind. I grew up during their hay day and didn't appreciate them as much as I do now...what a loss to the music world by her early death. Everyone offers many of her songs to listen to and they are all great, you can't go wrong. One song that doesn't get mentioned much is Solitaire, maybe the best one she has ever done. Be for warned, it is a very slow song, but packed full of emotions...enough to take you to that place she's singing about in your heart and mind.

[@Slipknot-fm8zl]

Hands down thee best voice!! No auto tune just a pure amazing one of a kind voice. It’s effortless. What she has can’t be taught. She just had it

[@SPohl-zy4rz]

"THIS MASQUERADE" is their finest in my book. Karen and Richard were magic together. She's my all-time favorite female vocalist with the most beautiful tone in the galaxy. So soothing...

[@Pait728]

Growing up my buddys were all Zep and Van Halen guys but we all got in to the Carpenters. We didn't advertise it but we definitely liked them.

[@MDElam]

I was a metal-head in high school and in a band, but me and a few others snuck around and listened to The Carpenters, until we all found out we were all listening to them. Although their image was too goody-goody (image was over-emphasized in youth), none of us could deny the musical greatness of The Carpenters. P.S. Karen was a bad-ass drummer also. P.P.S. Would love to see you (and other reactors) hear their song "Hurting Each Other"!

[@Vegasshakenandstirred]

That's an awesome story 🥰

[@stephaniecarmichael5941]

Gotta Stop!

[@douglaso6428]

I love your memory of covert fandom, and I've heard similar things from friends about John Denver as well. I think the really mellow, lyrical singers were not considered "cool", but their voices were so beautiful that they had an impact on all kinds of music fans, which is as it should be!

[@tektoniks_architects]

Greatest female vocalist I've ever heard.

[@eggy1962]

Same here, agree 100%

[@robinnnnnnnnnnnn]

Agreed.

[@JulieAiken]

Karen was, in fact, a master of breathing impeccably in her songs. Just amazing. Especially as she originally was not trying to be a vocalist at all, but rather a drummer. And, of course, she was a phenomenal drummer, as well. She performed a wonderful medley with Ella Fitzgerald -- talk about making it look easy! Thanks for a great reaction!

[@ZebraDazzle66]

There are so many incredible Carpenters’ songs: Rainy Days and Mondays Hurting Each Other I Won’t Last a Day Without You This Masquerade Yesterday Once More ❤❤❤❤❤

[@brucemorrow5271]

Welcome to the magical brilliance of Karen Carpenter ❤

[@ocheltree1]

Her tone and breath control were perfection...SMOOTH.

[@jeffcobb2734]

This is like two songs combined into one. The melancholy of the verses juxtaposition against the upbeat chorus is just so refreshing. So many of the best songs have that variety within them. The ideas of two or three songs that the artist figures out how to blend into one cohesive piece of music.

[@donnagrandinetti9001]

She's a GREAT drummer also! And her brother Richard is an excellent pianist!

[@gloriagaddy]

"Only Yesterday" is another great song of theirs that often gets overlooked these days, although it was popular when released.

[@ramonaalvarez7559]

Always loved singing along to her songs. Gone too soon & missed very much. Blessed we have her legacy of music left here for everyone to cherish. RIP Karen Carpenter. Thnx for ur great reactions Salvog.

[@jamesbartley6964]

Analyze Solitaire, PLEASE! It is the best showcase of her voice ever, especially her lower register. Her voice was just pure, always pitch perfect and she didn’t do (or need to do) the vocal riffs that are so common. She just sang it, spot on and with great emotion.

[@christopheryochum3602]

You're a good listener; you hit upon two points for which Karen is noted: Breath control and her rich contralto low-register. A lot of people miss this, but, where other singers will divide a phrase with a breath, she does the whole phrase. And, when you listen to other selections, you'll hear her go even lower. Early on they found out her low register was incredible, so Richard would do the songs in a key that would allow her to hit those low notes. Wow, you really pay attention!

[@prestonnorris9822]

I had to pull my car off to the side of the road when they announced on radio that she had passed, I couldn't stop crying. She had the voice of an Earth Angel, her brother just as talented. I know Heaven has had beautiful Angelic music since her arrival 💜🕊️💜🌿

[@suzanneprock7286]

Carpenters were my favorite group when I was a young girl, they had so many great songs in the late 60's and early 70's, you identify with their music and associate it with your childhood. She's one of my favorites.

[@26shedan]

not sure if I said this on the previous video, but her voice was magical and unforced. It's like she was talking musically. No effort to hit notes or harmonize-just beautiful. Had to edit this as you just picked up on this-so impressed. Most reactors don't seem to realize how she just doesn't seem to have to put forth physical effort to sing so beautifully.

[@darrinlindsey]

The duo utilized the "Wrecking Crew" which was a group of seasoned musicians out of L.A. that played sessions with various artists that needed their services.

[@wen-nz3sk]

She was a one in a million and we little girls adored her, sadly lost her way too early. 🥺 Yet here we are, with you SalvoG, remembering, cherishing, adoring...again. ❤ A gift to be shared, I would love to hear "Rainy Days and Mondays" next please.

[@sergebrunet4218]

I remember listening to the Carpenters early 70s ! i was 15 back in 71 ! Always good to hear that even at 66 years old ! thanks !

[@scottchapin2323]

Karen is perfect. The best voice ever, a voice of an angel.

[@georgeditzel3504]

Saw them in 1975. She did a good portion of their set playing drums. It was amazing how she could do both and still have that quality in her voice.

[@JosephPetrizzojr-v4p]

She was just fabulous, her voice is like a breath of fresh air I could listen to her everyday of the week, I miss her and her amazing voice, REST EASY karen and God bless your beautiful soul.

[@chrisphillips6249]

Rod Stewart's "Maggie May" - Excellent song!

[@danielleshay1972]

The Carpenters were so amazing, She really did have a magical voice and she is very missed. All for their songs were memorable. The one you thought about was Rainy Days and Mondays. AMAZING!

[@F16_viper_pilot]

6:47 “OH, she can go low”. Yeah, those were her money makin’ notes! Three octave range and always pitch perfect in or out of the studio; a true legend. She was also a fantastic drummer.

[@garylagstrom3864]

Karen Carpenter was an Angel 😇 sent from Heaven and left us way too soon! One of the most beautiful voices ever heard! The compositions are the direct result of her brother Richard Carpenter who really played to Karen’s strengths as a singer! I LOVE ❤️ the music of The Carpenters! RIP Karen!

[@tomschmitz261]

Recorded in 1 take, reading the lyrics off a napkin and only 21 years old at the time! OTHERWORLDLY! "Superstar" reached #2 on the charts in 1971 and while it has been recorded by a number of singers/vocalist, (the 2nd most well known version being luther vandross, who himself was a huge fan of karen carpenter, did his version as a homage to her and her brother and said himself the carpenters version was the best), the carpenters, karen and richard, version remains the best known and most successful. In closing, the actual writers of the song, said that the carpenters version was the best ever recorded...

[@robertallen5210]

So much more to her singing than vocal range. Ok, contralto. It's the purity of her voice; the precision of her pitch / intonation; incredible sense of time and timing; phrasing that is so beautifully done - coupled with that her breath control. The ease at which she performed. Sublime professionalism. Such an amazing performer and musician.

[@johnthegreek5836]

You can hear how depressed she was, it’s like she has a tear in her voice, but definitely an outstanding singer

[@ennsma]

Love your reaction when you realize “she can go low!” You must listen to her sing “End of The World” (particularly the end) where she drops the last note not once, not twice, but three times.

[@cletusmorraies9370]

That's what makes a great singer, they can go high, midrange and low with a flick of a switch. She's just unbelievable and she's truly missed. 😢

[@marlachristensen2076]

I like your approach at showing people what you are reading as facts on your computer. You are unique in this way.

[@donwilliams3078]

Considered the best breather ever. Some of her work you can hear her breathing into the mic. It's like she's right there with you.

[@rickwalker6400]

Sal you are the best reactionary guy on KZbin. My sister's in love with you and so am I. Thanks so much for the videos from heavy metal to Karen Carpenter we love ya ❤

[@ConnieKWONG-lw4zl]

Unforgettable silky angelic cozy great voice 🎉❤ timeless sweet beautiful voice 🎉😊❤

[@michaeldistefano7027]

Absolutely the BEST female singer ever to grace this planet. I've been singing my whole life. I do it for a living. I know what I'm talking about

[@sunnyseacat6857]

Remarkably fluid and heartfelt in her delivery. Utterly a gift from the gods of music. Thank you Karen Carpenter and Richard Carpenter for recording this song. Luther Vandross is smiling still...

[@StevePhil-qw4ep]

Best singer of all time...I fall in love with this woman everytime I hear her voice...goodness

[@SnowmanN49]

One of a kind indeed. Incredible voice, fantastic range and effortless delivery. She loved playing drums and was darned good at that too.

[@bobdelp2023]

FLIPPED A SWITCH??? LMAO 😊 THAT WAS GREAT, I LOVE THAT SALVO! 😊YEAH SHE 3 OCTAVE RANGES MY FRIEND, SHE WAS A ( CONTRALTO ) JUST INSANE AND BEAUTIFUL OF COURSE! THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF HER PASSING WAS ON SATURDAY, STILL SO SAD EVENNNN NOW!

[@risperdude]

So much gentleness in her voice even when she pushed it was never harsh, always like a warm blanket sitting around the fire.

[@richardhamilton9936]

I get chills every time I listen to this.

[@meditationlifeskills]

She continues to make the whole world a little bit more cheerful for everyone.

[@k_salter]

Like an angel... I see that "The Wrecking Crew" played on this song, and I would recommend watching a documentary by the same name when you have time. It'll give you a good background on the beginnings of rock, and how TWC helped influence the sound. Hal Blaine, the drummer here, recorded nearly 35,000 tracks as a primary drummer for countless bands while w/TWC. Yes... Rainy Days and Mondays! Enjoyed this!

[@garysteinert8040]

The Wrecking Crew does not get enough credit.

[@sanpaku6869]

With Joe Osborn on bass..

[@karenblaine7266]

Love the Wrecking Crew

[@jacksaintjack2844]

She had the absolute most perfect vibrato. Unreal. Textbook.

[@gdenny1748]

Sing a song was one of my childhood favorites. Her voice was like an angel

[@trevortamboline279]

One of the greatest vocal performances of all time.

[@johnm506]

This is simply one of the greatest female vocalists of all time no questions no arguments no discussion. If you can’t either see or hear the perfection of her voice then give it up because you simply no nothing about music. That Bert Bacharach trumpet influence in the background simply beautiful

[@donnamoskowitz4978]

Innocence is the word that she sings with! Rainy days and Monday is the song you're thinking of !

[@UberDurable]

What an angelic and puur voice she had.

[@christinecamarillo135]

She was a force😢 one of the most important and beautiful voice ❤️

[@nicebunsmagoo5346]

It took me many years to appreciate the Carpenters music, not that I am older I now see how great they were. So dark and bright at the same time.

[@maryannarep]

This old bag 63 year old lady harmonized with all her songs on the radio in highschool and college. She was my mentor. I'm a mezzo soprano and will never forget her. I celebrate her birthday every March 2. BTW Rod Stewart is a British rocker. Look him up!! Rainy Days and Mondays. Leon Russell wrote aLOT of songs for the Carpenters.

[@canadamoose]

Guy fell in love after she first said I Love You. The deep inhale was the giveaway. Great taste.

[@seanlynch3804]

I love the Carpenter’s, so talented and so so satisfying. It has been a huge part of my life and after 50 years, I never get tired of it. And I love this channel 😊

[@billc.5861]

Karen was the real deal. She could sing like crazy and was also a hell of a drummer

[@GinMae]

Thanks, Salvo.. Karen.. her voice so hauntingly beautiful... (yep, this was a cover, but the Carpenters made the biggest hit.. I think Dooney & Bonnie wrote it.. also known as "Groupie") and all she ever wanted to be was a drummer! appreciate your reactions...

[@mrtmchenry]

Part of what you were listening to is the application of a studio technique called doubling when the song transitioned into the chorus. Doubling is done in a multi-track session when the lead singer, in this case, will re-sing over the top of themselves on an additional track. Thereby, making it sound like two people are singing. Also, keep in mind, Karen was 20 to 21 years old when she recorded this and she did it in one take. There's not a singer of that age in our time that can remotely approach the skill level that Karen Carpenter exhibits in this song. The music, The Carpenters produced, while not presently recognized as such, is amongst the most sophisticated music ever created in the American Pop Music industry. I would encourage you to explore more of their music. Superstar is one of the best songs they ever recorded, but they did even better productions. Enjoy.

[@larynanntapp6333]

She has a perfect voice that nobody can duplicate! She's an awesome drummer also so I have to recommend Rainy Days and Mondays!

[@randycable3806]

Her voice was perfection. No other words needed