The Carpenters - Top of the World *DayOne Reacts*

[@hongfang2508]

We always remember women who can hit the high notes with perfection, but women who hit the low notes make us feel their hearts.

[@lepantoslim7058]

Amen

[@fratello561]

Spot on with that comment! Singing loud and high isn’t always the best and Karen’s voice has always had a calming and uplifting effect on me.

[@friedemannkemm63]

Concerning high and low notes: Karen and Richard did all vocals on the recordings themselves, meaning Richard had to do the bass as well as the tenor and Karen everything from low contralto to high soprano. She had an incredible range.

[@perrymalcolm3802]

Good point

[@2A-Bear-Arms]

Love her low notes. It's so warm.

[@davidhapka5410]

Karen and Richard were a staple of seventies pop music. An era when artists could actually sing and play musical instruments. What passes for music today is obscene.

[@timwoody3835]

If an artist can bring you to tears, that’s the ultimate compliment to their talent.

[@discobobentertainmentmore]

Karen Carpenter had one of the prettiest singing voices ever. She was amazing at the drums too. Very good drummer

[@michaelasay6140]

The #1 prettiest

[@joes2514]

Karen actually described herself as a drummer who could sing a little. It's hard to imagine her singing took a backseat to drumming in her mind.

[@thanksmr.obvious6427]

@@michaelasay6140 well female probably but of all time from man/woman was Freddie Mercury

[@spybug3267]

No runs... exaggerated vibrato... just pure vocals

[@glennvanzandt3011]

Cheesy? I'd would say intelligent, insightful, sensitive, caring and articulate. You are doing a great job. I love your positive attitude.

[@sheayankee]

I agree with you, Glenn, 100%. All those attributes you mentioned are spot on. Let me just add adorable to that list.

[@dalefleming6427]

Well said Glenn....when your right your right

[@giovannifunaro5408]

i AGREE

[@hongfang2508]

I believe that's a steel guitar. It's played laying flat on a stand or table. The instrument is popular in country music and it gives a country feel to this song.

[@jdwelborn]

also known as a Pedal Steel

[@mikimike]

I think it's the same instrument used in a lot of Hawaiian music.

[@charlesf2804]

Yes, it's called pedal steel and I've heard it in Hawaiian music too. I think (not sure) that Hawaiian music is where it came from. Being from Nashville, I heard it plenty.

[@Chriscinthedmv]

Yep, pedal steel for sure.

[@jbs256]

I was coming to also say Steel Guitar. It’s a classic Country instrument with that distinctive twang sound.

[@georgesnow3985]

Karen had the voice of an Angel

[@boofuls]

Like a 45 degree or a 90 degree one 😂

[@LadyGator1983]

I am so blessed to have lived during the time that Karen & Richard Carpenter’s music came out. There were so many love songs and then they had other songs that were upbeat and fun. Her death was a tragedy not only for her and her family, but for all the world who will no longer listen to her beautiful voice, except for recordings. She had a rare, unique beautiful voice that could not and will not ever be duplicated. RIP Karen Carpenter

[@michaelasay6140]

Same with me

[@alexanderj.mendez3815]

Same here

[@kennyhuskisson2684]

You nailed it! I totally agree!👍✌️

[@StanleyKuo184]

Top of the World is my favorite Carpenters song, which is tough to pick given how many masterpieces they have. I love the positive vibe it gives.

[@eddie195777]

Karen had a heavenly voice. An angel must have come down from heaven and blessed her with that amazing voice.

[@lymanmedeiros903]

thank you for your loving reaction to "her voice". Angelic so beautiful, truly miss Karen.

[@magneto7930]

It's always nice to see Karen smiling and singing a happy song. She was beautiful inside and out.

[@pjimmbojimmbo1990]

I still remember the 1st Time I heard this song, riding in my Dad's Car in the fall of 73. As you said, "That Voice"...

[@rxs20]

Hi there! The instrument you are asking about is called a Steel Guitar.

[@phantomrockerr]

Seeing Karen smile warms heart.

[@123dacat]

You seem to be a lovely person. keep smiling.

[@briancastleberry2788]

You are adorable! I am so happy to see a young person discovering Karen Carpenter and her velvety voice. That twangy sound is a steel guitar which is played sitting down. It’s widely used in country music as well as in traditional Hawaiian music.

[@brendaluebbe3091]

The Carpenters were my very first concert when I was in 7th-8th grade in Jamestown North Dakota. I have to say it was the best concert I’ve ever been to. They were one of my favorites and she did have an incredible voice! Along with her brothers talent they were the best! We had some incredible music in the 70’s when I was growing up and I wouldn’t trade that time for anything.

[@skinmeister1]

Agree....her voice is just incomparable! Another happy song by The Carpeneters: "Sweet Sweet Smile" or "Close To you" ....check'em out!!

[@RobXHEphotosPs37.29]

Hi Angela, been binge watching all your Carpenters reactions just to hear you say "Her Voice!' 😊

[@k1hasard]

If you listen to the way Karen Carpenter sings, she changes the volume quite a lot adding interest to her singing. I always noticed how she does that, and it is a great way to make a song more interesting to the ear.

[@Steven-le4bc]

I love Caren Carpenter. I grew up hearing The Carpenters. Your reactions to The Carpenters are adorable.

[@chazrjr]

Charted on the COUNTRY Charts as well......That Steel Guitar..........

[@clivem.791]

Karen was so clear, precise and fantastic but also Richard was so good at backing her up in harmonies..

[@DavidBrown-bp4iq]

Richard pushed her upward.

[@donwilliams3078]

LOts of mixing on the big board. RC really got into that.

[@FreeDonaldTrump1]

I was already tearing up when she leaned in with Richard ❤. Her death at such a young age in 1983 definitely added a level of emotion to the live videos ❤😢.

[@jbass69goat84]

Pedal steel guitar. As you caught on to, it is a staple of traditional country music. (not the majority of noise that is currently called country)

[@billwoodruff9100]

You are a real doll and so insightful, not cheesy. You're my new favorite reactor. Keep them coming. You should hear Karen's rendition of Don't Cry for Me Argentina. Beautiful!

[@drumbelly]

Thanks for the great reaction. In keeping with the good vibes from the Carpenters give a listen to We’ve Only Just Begun, the ultimate wedding song that started out as a bank commercial.

[@joemacinnis1972]

I always say the same thing. That voice! Karen was a gift to the world, who unfortunately left way too soon

[@russ4862]

Oh what a fabulous song! And a wonderful, wonderful reaction by you! You cannot go wrong with the Carpenters and this is one of the greatest under-appreciated songs ever. Thank you for your reaction! Here's to your next one! 🙏🙂💜

[@dalefleming6427]

There is not really a video for it, but another fun Carpenters song is Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft. The song is available on KZbin

[@markgriffin5889]

Perfect voice, and a world-class drummer to boot. She left this earth in 1983, which is hard to believe. The Carpenters' best song.

[@joepangia4413]

God Bless you Karen! May the Lord be With You! Your influence on us all for your shared gifts are immeasurable! RIP

[@abevillanueva1974]

This song and "Merry Christmas Darling" are happiest you see Karen in a music video.

[@stevekaufmann4088]

I saw them in concert back in the early 70's in Duluth, MN.... incredible.

[@keepgrindingup7661]

""HER VOICE"" ❤ She is so good that every time you hear a song with her singing it's like the 1st time you ever heard her voice...

[@dennis2966]

Having grown up during the music of the 60s and 70s, that means that I'm nearing the end of my years here on Earth. But I wouldn't trade being there when such great music was new and fresh, to be a young man now.

[@k1hasard]

That country sounding sound with a sliding pitch is a pedal steel, or steel guitar, and a few other names. It is played laying flat and instead of pinching the strings under fingers, a steel bar is slid along the string giving the ability to slide up and down in pitch similar to a trombone (which I played for some years). They are really cool, somewhat common in country music, but also found in other genres.

[@PCTechPaul]

Her voice was awesome! I grew up listening to her.. I even played some of their song on the keyboard. LOLOL

[@imuawarriors]

her enunciation was impeccable.

[@waynegilbert1093]

I'm new to your videos and I just want to say please be CHESSY all the time it shows us all your true heart, and if most people in the world where CHESSY we would have a caring heart felt world thank you sweetie pie for your real true heart felt reaction!!!

[@boosuedon]

HER VOICE!!! Yes! On the recordings Karen is playing the drums, Richard on the keyboards.

[@danwatrud2498]

You hearing a pedal steel guitar which gives the song that country flavor. Richard's organ part is also very tasty and tasteful as the Carpenters were so excellent at doing.

[@tomh3652]

It's just tragic that we missed all the beautiful music from her since she passed away. That voice was truly amazing. Of all the celebrities that have passed I never got over her loss.

[@brookegoslin]

Those lyrics that stunning voice . Love it so much ♥️😊

[@johnmcaleer7099]

I knew you would like this one,its so pleasantly upbeat and brings a smile to your face

[@terpcj]

Karen actually preferred singing higher, but Richard recognized that her singing those rich low notes was the "hook" that people loved. As he said, "The money is in the basement."

[@hookstomper7322]

I've loved that song ever since I was a kid in the '70s. Her voice was so incredibly smooth & clear. Gorgeous. Hugely talented siblings.

[@teresasmith4446]

Thank you for reacting to my very favorite Carpenter song ever and for me this is my favorite Carpenter song because I guess you could say this is the song they're kind of introduced me to The Carpenters I remember this song from when I was about 5 or 6 years old I remember hearing it on a cartoon and I remember the lyrics but I never knew who sung the song well about 3 years ago I downloaded groups from the 70s Carpenters came up a title came up and I played it and I was like oh my God that is my song I remember oh I started listening to that song and then other songs of their so yes that is my absolute favorite thank you for reacting God bless have a nice day bye

[@DavidBrown-bp4iq]

Thank you for appreciating.

[@Muckylittleme]

Karen looked so lovely and happy here, bless.

[@IAMCAVE]

Not all the songs they did were melancholy. Karen put her heart into every song she sang.

[@rockeryhudpeck3390]

I wish she would have found a love like this song talks about.

[@jimwillride]

I love that you are really listening. Thanks for being there. Cheesy is okay ;)

[@thegorn68]

You're not cheesy! You're a ROMANTIC and don't ever apologize for that.

[@davidphillips4476]

Lovely reaction and yes it is good to see her smile.

[@beeseewill2407]

I just love this song.So upbeat. Karen sounds so happy when she sings it.I think that country sound is a steel guitar.

[@sharoninglima1217]

Such a beautiful and charming song from Karen and Richard. You see the love for each other between them. ❤❤

[@mandymcinerney2816]

The instrument Richard is playing is a Fender Rhodes Piano. And the other sound you asked about is known as a steel guitar or pedal steel. Very country sound

[@tonycapuccidj2652]

The best voice of all time...I Love you Karen...

[@christopherleodaniels7203]

Subscribed. You should hear, “I Can Dream Can’t I”. Her voice is bananas on that one. Or “Solitaire”. Or “This Masquerade”. Actually, you can’t go wrong with them.

[@KNPrince]

Hell.. Karen could have sang the "A" section of the phone book.. set it to music and it would have been a massive hit!

[@iliketowatchvideos47]

Little alter boy

[@earlcollinsworth4914]

It was a steel guitar. That really gave this song kind of a country feel to it...Great song!

[@betsydaggett1545]

I had this 45 as a kid and wore it out - I am glad you like it - also you should hear "Calling Occupants" - that one was GROUNDBREAKING and totally COOL

[@weehubbyable]

Young lady your beautiful and your love of this music is beautiful too.

[@thegman8968]

Really enjoyed this reaction! "We've Only Just begun" is another one by The Carpenters I'm sure you will find enjoyable.☮☮☮

[@t.r.1708]

Thx! So fun to see someone enjoying a song with me! Glad you are discovering! My favorite Carpenters song is “For all we know.” The steel guitar is a popular Hawaiian instrument! -Terry

[@wilshade]

"We've Only Just Begun" was/is THE WEDDING SONG of our generation. It was the Carpenter's 3rd single and released all the way back in 1970.

[@johneldridge8678]

Excellent reaction. I'm glad I found your channel!!!

[@justafreethinker]

If she only could have ACTUALLY been this happy for real and had found that TRUE LOVE she wanted but never had. If she only knew how much we LOVED her!

[@markprince1205]

Thank you for the smile 😊

[@bopep1368]

ur reviews r awesome

[@BAW12547]

Im on the top of the world after seeing your reaction to this classic song 🙂

[@robertorossi521]

this song is one that is so wonderful and catchy and once you hear this song it just makes your day better and karens voice is spectacular and high and low and rich and perfect and I wish that she had not passed away and had made so many more beautiful songs

[@louisdaniello2580]

I had the great fortune to attend my local catholic high school. My relationship went my classmates endures to this day . My whole class still has a bond that hasn't changed very much in nearly 50 years. At one point during our graduation ceremony this song was played and all these years later still resonates a relevance in our lives. Love you RCH '77

[@jodyspan5836]

Besides their incredible voices, their songs, it's always like you're having a conversation with them and the lyrics are very natural,, yes, the words make sense

[@DayneReedy]

“Her voice’!! Yes! : )

[@BAW12547]

She had such a unique voice a lot of people said it had a haunting quality about it

[@manolitoenales3363]

I love your reaction. Love the carpenters ❤️ kindly react to Please Mr. Postman.

[@chrisdonnelly3577]

Really cool. Best wishes from Dublin, Ireland!

[@jgamb914]

Hey,just got on board with your channel. Enjoying your reactions. Thank you,james

[@MrSmartAlec]

The story I heard about this song is the Carpenters were on tour sometime around 1971 or 72 and as they were boarding a charter flight someone asked either Richard or John Bettis how they were doing. One of them answered "I'm on top of the world". That reply Richard and John to compose the song. It was also a huge country hit as a Lynn Anderson cover.

[@mrpoquah]

Always good to watch the younger generations enjoying the music I grew up with. I remember getting each of their albums when they came out. I mowed and raked a LOT of lawns to afford them. Worked out a deal with my father to pay him half of whatever I made until the mower was paid off, and then it would be mine and after that when I mowed our lawn, I'd finally get paid for it. Until then it was just part of my chores. That sound is a Steel Guitar. Nothing sounds like one.

[@robhoover495]

I enjoy your reactions. You do a great job.

[@nancye.8352]

Her voice and those strings...magic.

[@mmichaeldonavon]

Angela, I love your reactions to "these old songs." :-) Yes, as a "certified old person," I remember when ALL of these songs first came out. Loved them then - love them now. They make my brain "light up," and I can see that reaction in you also. I'm glad you love the old songs too .

[@richr2716]

Great Reaction do Merry Christmas Darling !

[@gabrielofficial7859]

I love The Carpenters 💓💓

[@jensen220]

If you listen closely you'll find that they did all the backup vocals on their music, too.

[@nirmalsuki]

If I ever get a time machine, I am going back to save Karen Carpenter. This is the third-best known English song in the world, next to "Happy Birthday to You" and "Country Roads" by John Denver. It's a universal constant. I can't believe anyone, especially in the English-speaking world, has never heard it. I must have heard it 10,000 times before I turned 20 (I am 40 now). They sing it EVERYWHERE in my country even today.

[@markprange4386]

I've heard that many girls in the Philippines know this song.

[@timothyparsons8327]

My favourite by them…always reminds me of a day out to Liverpool with a college friend in 1973.

[@astrofabio68]

the beauty are in the simply things...🎇🎇

[@bobr4987]

Rita Coolidge also had a contralto voice like Karen. Rita had a song in the 70's, "We're All Alone". Would love to hear that.

[@markprange4386]

Karen's cover of "Superstar" follows Rita's interpretation.

[@lovewalruss]

what a voice, great reaction

[@interactiveillusionist]

I genuinely wish I had been born 15 years sooner and had the fortune to have met her. She was far more than a great vocalist and drummer. She was a very beautiful soul and had a depth to her that most people could never understand. I know and feel all the words she sang and felt. She was real and openly told the world who she was through her songs. To spend even a moment with such a glorious person would be a blessing. I am so disgusted with the few men that she gave her love to and that did her wrongly. She was in need of a soul like her own to cherish her and she never found such a man. The world is such a horrible and nasty place, we would all be far better off if we had even 10% of her spiritual wealth and love.

[@staceybrooks9349]

Just a bit of trivia....many times the background vocals were mostly multiple versions of Richard and Karen. Rarely did they ever use backup singers.

[@raymondlong3024]

That's ok hun, I like a tender heart, you're not cheesy

[@dalefleming6427]

I SO agree with you Raymond

[@StevesFunhouse]

Not only are you beautiful, but you have a great personality to go with it !!! Thank you for that !!! That sound you were referring to is a Pedal Steel ("Slide") Guitar, which is actually a "table-top" sort of device that is laid flat in front of the player, and it is played by strumming it with a thimble-like pick with 1 hand, and using a piece of metal to "slide" up and down the string with the other, and that's what is giving it that awesome but strange sound. I would LOVE 😍 to hear & see you react to them doing, They Long To Be (Close To You). It is probably their most iconic and defining song and loving/lovely 🤩😍🥰.

[@a.l.rockliffe]

0:51 That's how I feel every time.

[@shannonwittman950]

I just subscribed because I love your "DayOne Reacts" intro music which has a cool mid-1970's disco vibe to it. And your hair which looks terriff! Also that you react to Carpenters music. I hope you do a lot more of it. This video of "Top of the World" is great because they both seem to be at their best for a country-twang happy love song. When they're doing a melancholy song, it's like a cloudy, damp day with fog setting in -- and then Karen's soft beam of vocal light pierces through to tell the story.

[@KNPrince]

Lynn Anderson (country singer) heard this song in 1971 early 72 and recorded it for her album "Top Of The World" Richard Carpenter called Anderson's cover a "carbon copy" of The Carpenters version (it was written by R. Carpenter and J. Bettis...) Anderson's cover had started to cross over onto the pop charts in 1972 but stalled at #78 when the Carpenters released it as a single and he shot to #1 on the pop charts. The interesting fact about this song is that Karen and Richard failed to see the chart potential for "Top Of The World" they both considered it a nice "album" track.. even "filler" material.. But fans started to call radio stations asking for them to play the song from the album... Kids started showing up at Karen and Richard's parents house asking when this song would be made into "a little record"... so they rushed into the studio to re cut the song for single release in November of 72 and by January of 73 it hit the top of the charts... Not bad for a song that was never meant be a single!