What Is The Carpenters Greatest Song?

[@benjamindoverr3455]

Karen Carpenter's singing makes you happy and sad at the same time. Just magic.

[@HeartFeltGesture]

She knew the essence of bitter-sweet life.

[@jonathanstephens7462]

Magic and so tragic.

[@Ed-cs6kw]

Perfect description.

[@davidt3390]

I had a girlfriend back in the day who loved Karen, but, after she died, could only listen to about a minute of any song. Rainy days and Mondays would reduce her to tears within 30 seconds. I don't like AOC at all. Hate it. But like the bee gees with disco, I make an unqualified exception to Karen's work. Best Voice Ever

[@robertmason8774]

Perfect description of her voice!

[@timcoughlin4107]

Karen was 33 when she passed. The day she died I was driving between appointments, it was rainin, the announcer of the FM station interrupted a song to announce her death. He was choked up and said this song was so appropriate, and played Rainy Days and Mondays. I had to pull over as I started to cry. Such a great talent.

[@johnwilson2456]

i'm pretty sure many of us cried that day

[@johndardi1334]

It’s funny how you can cry for someone you’ve never met. I cried when Princess Diana died. I never followed her. I wasn’t into the whole Royal family thing but when I saw her casket and the funeral procession I cried. Strange huh?

[@4tun1]

Actually she was 32, about to be 33. Just missed it.

[@dwc0]

@@4tun1 Right, she was 4 weeks away from her 33rd. Will never forget that day, Feb 4, 1983, couldn't believe what the radio was telling me.

[@kwpres]

And those of us who studied about the phenomenon (they were a phenomenon), from all we can gather…she wasn’t perfect (who is) but was a truly nice person. A real tragedy.

[@timothyeaton6986]

Karen's voice makes me weep. Anyone else find her the voice of an angel?

[@darrelhoyt4205]

Absolutely.. angelical,her first husband was a $&-"

[@maetzchenmusik]

She often has got plenty of time as to her phrasing. Hadn't she been a jazz drummer first and foremost? A drummer who sang, according to her own definition. And there are so many long, long notes (reminiscing the cantus firmus of the Notre Dame epoch quite a bit) in many of the Carpenters' melodies … Karen thankfully and delightfully took the opportunity in bathing in them. The result makes melodies breathe, i.e. human: you can easily tune in to such an offer.

[@GaMeBoYDaN1]

Always have yes

[@armastat]

Her voice is the only voice I have heard sing that does high and lower notes at the same time.

[@maetzchenmusik]

@@armastat Try e.g. Cathy Berberian.

[@DanieltheTruebadour]

I'm a classically trained singer, sang all genres for decades. Knowing what goes into great vocals, listening to her sing is the most comfortable thing in the world. There is no other pop singer I'd rather listen to -- not even the incomparable Barbara Streisand. Her phrasing, her control, the smoothness, the sheer beauty of her voice ... It absolutely breaks my heart. RIP dearest Karen.

[@danaturner244]

Just curious, because I find them so similar, what do you think about Linda Ronstadt?

[@Harry-Storm]

@@danaturner244 Great, but not nearly as great as KC.

[@johnholliday5874]

​@@danaturner244Ronstadt is probably the most versatile vocalist of the late 20th Century. There is hardly a genre she has not tried and excelled at.

[@luizportes]

Have you listened to the brazilian singer Gal Costa?.

[@Harry-Storm]

@@luizportes I have a lot. SHe's a wonderful singer. But kc is in a league of her own, imo.

[@nancyedwards641]

I’ve always said that Karen Carpenter had the best female voice of all time…the richness of it is magical. The Carpenters harmonies were incredible. I miss her terribly. ❤️ 🎶

[@jackvonewegen7656]

Two others: Eva Cassidy & Judith Durham: All three are world class vocalists. To be enjoyed and never compared!

[@anthonyhengst2908]

And Karen's enunciation is impeccable

[@d.lamarelliott7370]

Karen to me is the best female singer because she could make you feel every emotion with her songs

[@Halcyon-12]

We all do😭

[@aaronarmstrongaa]

Her voice is amazingly beautiful but also sad

[@Seibling]

some dudes would refuse to talk about the carpenters but rick knows it better! and he is so right doing so. this duo deserves to be treated well. thank you rick. ❤️

[@zx7-rr486]

Not many on here mentioning what an excellent jazz drummer she was too. She could shred a drum kit whilst singing like an angel. She described herself as a drummer who could sing. She even polled above Jon Bonham in a "best drummer" magazine poll!

[@Seibling]

@ absolutely. i am stunned every time i see hear beating the sticks. what a universal genius in the world of music she was. we need more of her kind.🙏

[@marthageppert5865]

Props to Herb Alpert who gave them a recording contract and allowed us to fall in love with their music.

[@dr3putt62]

For sure…. He was a musical genius along with his partner Jerry Moss at A&M Records

[@RowlandGosling]

What a kind, insightful and generous comment! Well done!

[@ArbeiterInnenlieder]

Didn't he also play the flugelhorn himself on Close To You?

[@stevetournay6103]

I was a huge fan of Alpert as a kid. Happily he is still active, scared to perform in my hometown next spring, and I may try to go to that for old times' sake.

[@stevetournay6103]

@@ArbeiterInnenlieder It sounds like him but I think it's someone else. Herb does appear on Richard's 1987 solo album Time...

[@keithfaulk1354]

That woman just makes you want to cry listening to her beautiful perfect voice!! ❤

[@williamadams1349]

You never confuse her voice on the radio with another singer,so distinctive,so beautiful

[@kurtu5]

She is like the Kate Bush of Karen Carpenter of the Kate Bush of the....

[@kelvynification]

Rumer

[@ironwood9]

@William Adams That's SO true! When me and my wife go shopping every Tuesday at Walmart they pipe music through and it's the same thing the singing is just some person yelling and it all sounds the same

[@annademo]

100% correct. Nobody sounds like that.

[@Pugs365]

Just goosebumps!

[@trishgrant2715]

Purity. No fancy runs and vocal tricks, nothing gratuitous and show-offy just pure sustained control. Lovely vibrato and perfect pitch. No auto tune. Modern singers take note!

[@Tbone51]

I agree. So many pop singers are all over the place and can’t seem to just sing the melody and bring out the beauty of the line with the harmonies. It is tiring and tedious.

[@stephenhagen234]

She was a genuine singer, nothing artificial or put on! Truly one of a kind!

[@keithsmoult8886]

Karen had a beautiful voice, and Richard blended his talents with her perfectly. It was a rare combination ❤

[@Plisken65]

​@Tbone51 it started with Whitney "I only sing forte" Houston

[@solfly6]

Yeah. Purity. Such a pure comforting, heartbreaking voice. Good god what a loss and yes, she was an excellent drummer.

[@kathrynlayfield9599]

My heart still aches that Karen Carpenter left us too soon. Can you only imagine what else she would have brought to the world with her golden voice. She will forever live on for those who came of age in the 70's. Rest in Peace beautiful Lady.

[@Jeanie1107]

I can't listen to her voice without breaking into tears. Her death was a great loss.

[@GLADHARTS]

I was born in 1990, but my mother always played The Carpenters. Karen is my favorite singer of all time and my celebrity crush.

[@royjohnson6317]

I always believed Karen.s voice was The Best EVER, but LUCY THOMAS is better 22:24 22:25 22:25 22:25 22:27 22:39

[@bobwalsh84]

Its such a shame,, Cant understand anorexia.

[@stevegrow5349]

I don’t try to explain her, I just listen mesmerized.

[@lonnyjohnson2061]

Karen doesn't need autotune. She is nearly 100% dead on. There's a guy, think his channel is Wings of Pegasus, who does electronic analysis of singers' pitch control and Karen is one of the most accurate he has ever found. The best.

[@chrisladuke7706]

Yes, I saw that video. Worth the watch.

[@Mikevdog]

And, she nailed the songs and their feel with very few takes.

[@merryg6670]

Fil! He’s great. Love his channel, too

[@richman_music_inc]

Her timing and execution are second to none.

[@markcosta9665]

Superstar was one take

[@YavSDPics]

I went to the same HS as Karen and Richard though they graduated a few years before me, I still clearly remember the day they came into the band room to tell our/their band teacher, Bruce Gifford, that they had signed a record contract with A&M. I still tear up hearing Karen sing. As others have noted, we lost her way too soon.

[@tomwagner6334]

THAT is very cool!

[@maryvasquez5413]

A tale for the generations in your family ❤

[@notsure8338]

So did I and they were a few years ahead of me too! Kevin Horrell here, what's your name?

[@stevenburger7158]

AMAZING STORY & PIECE OF HISTORY! GOD BLESS YOU FOR SHARING THAT!

[@guitarsrcool4922]

They got a record contract with A and M while in High school?

[@thoughtstricken8579]

I think Karen Carpenter had a way of sounding emotive without sounding soppy or whiny. It’s emotional sounding yet authoritative at the same time. Truly rare.

[@EarlT357]

Interestingly, Ella Fitzgerald was much the same and yet, was excoriated for being "emotionless", when singing!

[@jjmorris1890]

Both Karen and Ella had supreme control of their instruments. It’s not common, it’s ethereal.

[@christo930]

The problem with the carpenters is they had a very distinct sound they did not deviate from. Even in Goodbye to Love, a song with an electric guitar solo, it is distinctly Carpenters. Even the cover of Jambalaya,a Hank Williams song has been thoroughly Carpenterized. It's possible they would have adopted to the changing musical preferences in the 80s, but I find that highly unlikely. You just don't change what propelled you into superstardom. Very few bands have been able to do that.

[@timothyeaton6986]

I very much hope that the multitrack tapes from their recording sessions still exist. No disrespect to Richard, but it's his instrumentation that dates their sound, not Karen's vocals. If there is a way to back Karen with more modern instrumentation, her legacy might grow.@@christo930

[@themotownboy1]

@@christo930 - And what is wrong with that????

[@deadbang241]

Brings tears to my eyes ! So good.

[@rosamcdonald1221]

Unmistakable. There's lots of great female singers, but she stands alone. The first word she sings you know it's her. So beautiful.

[@andysitton1703]

This is absolutely true. I played my brother a rather obscure album track I was sure he had never heard before and he identified her in like one second and I'm not exaggerating.

[@pinupdoll97]

Exactly! And not a word you have to question what it was she said. The purity was magic.❤

[@chrisjeffrey7570]

I’d put Anne Murray on the same level singing wise, but Karen was also an incredible musician,, rivalled the likes of Buddy Rich.

[@Thadmotor1044]

she is an Angel

[@markd8469]

@@chrisjeffrey7570Yes Anne was definitely tone and pitch perfect. Canadian Songbird

[@m.m.1508]

My dad passsed away a week ago, & while in the hospital days before he passed on, we would play the carpenters. Which was one of his all time favorite acts. While attached to a respirator, he would still respond by tapping his fingers along with the carpenters music.

[@evasenechal8735]

Deepest condolences. Music moves souls.

[@zaviwavi4900]

❤

[@5roundsrapid263]

I lost my dad 12 years ago now. It’s tough. I’m glad your dad still felt the music until the end.

[@LlyleHunter]

My deepest sympathies to you.

[@michaelloganirvin]

MY CONDOLENCES....... YOU WILL SEE HIM AGAIN .................. GOD BLESS YOU

[@alaningram515]

"Superstar" is my absolute favorite song from The Carpenters. This song makes my eyes well up with tears knowing she is no longer with us. Karen Carpenter is irreplaceable. There will never be another.

[@petesawchuk]

Written by Leon Russell.

[@juliejenkins799]

It is by far her most iconic song she had ever sung. It will always be my #1 from the Carpenters.

[@EmilyTienne]

@@petesawchuk Leon was an unmatched talent too.

[@petesawchuk]

@@EmilyTienne Without question - a rock & roll Renaissance man.

[@tallentjack]

Same

[@bessmahaneypilates8638]

I am 64 and I still listen to The Carpenters…Goodbye to Love is my favorite ❤

[@BlazinRiver1]

I am 65...metal head...I learned how to slow dance in jr high to the Carpenters and MJ.....if you have not heard this young girl you are in for a treat.....TORI HOLUB - WE'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN

[@70sleftover]

Goodbye to Love is a great marriage of classic Carpenters with "fuzz" guitar. Touch of the hard rock that everyone seemed to clamor for in the '70s, but just a touch.

[@jimpowers9553]

Me too.

[@RICHMOND94114]

In 1971 I was leaving for Vietnam and Superstar was being played everywhere. When I was returning back to The USA in 1972, Goodbye to Love was being played everywhere. The Carpenters and their music have had a place in my heart since the beginning.

[@futfut1]

Thank you for your service ,sir.

[@alberts2208]

Glad you made it back.

[@pinupdoll97]

Thank you for your service from this wounded warrior wife and niece. ❤❤

[@justtere]

Yes, thank you for service. Too little too late I know.

[@jeffmutch7640]

Thank you for your service seems so insufficient.

[@tonygiovingo6967]

Hey Rick, you have to get Richard Carpenter in for an interview! He is mostly responsible for those beautiful arrangements. Love the Channel.

[@jiveturkey8728]

The Carpenters were that one unique group that both hippies, hard rockers and our grandparents ALL LOVED. Can't think of another that ever accomplished that much crossover appeal.

[@ogenmatic]

Great point. Near universal appeal. Hard to accomplish in an industry where success is often measured by being different. Having obtained that broad appeal made them different which, in turn, brought them well deserved success.

[@DerekDominoes]

Except it was never "cool" to admit you liked them at the time.

[@tooties545]

The Beatles

[@ronaldowens1927]

John Denver has a tremendous amount of cross-over appeal.

[@stevenkoehler6018]

Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass also had major overlap appeal between demographics

[@sunshinedeli6399]

Her voice was pure magic. She is my favorite female singer. Such control ❤

[@Branner]

Superstar is one of the ten greatest ballads of the entire rock era. It's a hauntingly beautiful melody, wistful and aching, with its morose lyrics and perfect arrangement: Karen just merges into the song at every turn (and as many know she sang the verses' lyrics off a napkin in one take). Her rich alto and impeccable delivery make it seem as if Leon Russell wrote the song for her. To me it will always be the greatest Carpenters song: it holds up under every single hearing and gets you every time. A tour de force.

[@Our__Earth]

Agreed !

[@joycerichardson1810]

I agree.

[@ralphh.2200]

Yes her voice in those lower ranges in this. ...second show... just the radio...most sensual tone I've heard ever, as though it was meant to me personally...any guitarist in a band who was chased by a groupie type must think more softly about her after hearing these words

[@Our__Earth]

And her version of This Masquerade. And “solitaire” which was written by by Neil Sedaka.

[@leesbegley6231]

YES! Superstar is stunningly beautiful. Or perhaps, hauntingly beautiful!

[@mikekocik6825]

Never been my kind of music, but you CANNOT deny the mastery of her voice. Today? Too many celebrities in music, too few musicians.

[@ckl5822]

Too many celebrities in music, too few musicians….. Damn, you said a mouthful! Well done!

[@karencox3235]

And everything, EVERYTHING is autotuned now. Even TV performances get auto tuned before they hit the air - like Kelly Clarkson. Celine Dion was prerecorded at the Olympics. Karen was SO PURE!!

[@jimsweeney1473]

I avoided the Carpenters' music when I was young. When I finally grew up I finally realized what an incredible voice she had. Wow.

[@marinagallant1847]

Hey, me too!! I never connected when I was younger, but I really appreciate the Carpenters now.

[@elkalabaw7665]

we were "hip rockers" and we were ashamed to admit that we liked the carpenters.

[@tomguffey6313]

I was kinda hip (a jock) but loved A/M radio

[@d3pr0fundis]

It is definitely corny seeming and AM radio compared to something like “Sticky Fingers”. But their music was so well done that you have to respect that the Carpenters were the very best of their genre of music. As I’ve gotten older I definitely have come to appreciate that there is a time and place for everything, even over the top 70’s mellowness.

[@suelucey9621]

Same!

[@MrRandyv]

Paul Williams, one of the greatest and most underrated songwriters, of all time.

[@MrRandyv]

And a very distinctive voice.

[@richardpeetrinpeetrin9817]

"LITTLE ENIS"

[@JohnDavis-xk5fi]

I don't think he's underrated. He is very highly regarded as a lyricist. I just wonder why we have heard any of his lyrics in such a long time.

[@HockeyVictory66]

Richard was an unsung hero of the Carpenters. The combination of Karen’s soulful voice and his knowledge of instruments and how and why to use them, along with the layering of harmonies, was masterful.

[@SoCalGal1952]

I watched a documentary about the Carpenter’s and Richard became very jealous of Karen’s fame according to the doc. He is a master musician and did most of the mixing and instrumental’s. Their father got them started in music.

[@gregscupholm254]

His arrangements were pretty much perfect for elevating each song into all it could ever hope to be. Richard's a prodigy.

[@LisaHouserman]

Yes I don't think he gets enough accolades for his arrangements. Of course I live for Karen but Richard did the arrangements and should be praised for such. He is a musical genius for sure. @@gregscupholm254

[@debbiemeuser3778]

It was my understanding that Richard did their arraignments

[@LisaHouserman]

My understanding as well!@@debbiemeuser3778

[@michaelfox2256]

Ric I am 60 years old and I hope your younger audience will listen to more of Karen's singing she is up there with one of the most beautiful singing voices of all time

[@jeffoldknow]

Sooooo true

[@HighwayLand]

I am 43 years old and I have been listening to the Carpenters since I was a kid. My grandmother of course gets full credit.

[@mikewilliamson2899]

I saw a young singer on Tiktok who has a phenomenal voice covering We've Only Just Begun. Was encouraging to see the engagement. They won't be for everyone but those who understand and appreciate vocals and arrangements will hopefully pick it up.

[@poeticeclipse]

34 year old singer here and I feel so lucky I grew up listening to Karen

[@fatmavis]

❤❤❤

[@philbellmore9944]

Even a rock and roller like me would stop song surfing on the car radio when Karen's voice came on. Just pure magic. A rare rare gem. ❤️

[@jiujitsu344]

I played rock and metal most of my musical career, and now play R&B and jazz. But The Carpenters will always be one of my favourite groups of all time. Karen's voice is just sublime and so moving.

[@claybutler]

Same. I listen primarily to metal, progressive rock, grunge, classic rock stuff. But my deserted island playlist definitely includes Carpenters and Barry Manilo.

[@kencabeen7786]

Same here.

[@orionstar291]

We should mention that Paul Williams was one of the songwriters of many of these beautiful songs. Obviously, Karen had an amazing incomparablly beautiful voice and her brother was an excellent arraigner . It’s a beautiful compilation you have put together. Thank you for all the work you do in describing the music we grew up with.

[@Greenredfield]

Yea, I'm waiting for him to mention that. They didn't write any of their hits. Maybe co-wrote one or two. I agree their arrangements and performances were nice.

[@2paco]

ASCAP president and writer of many muppet bangers like Emmet Otters Christmas Jug Band

[@jtoves5734]

Rick, I found you by listening to my Favorite female singer, Karen Carpenter. I Am a Huge Fan of you now! Keep bringing Amazing Videos of my favorites Artists. IslsndJ

[@62aligirl]

Karen understood how her audience loved her deeper notes. She said, “The money’s in the basement.” Thank you, Rick, for highlighting the beauty of the Carpenter’s music.😍

[@lorrieprothero2175]

Richard's professor at long beach state, frank pooler helped karen with her voice. Karen was actually a soprano and frank helped her bring out the buzz in her lower voice. My mother was one of her backup singers. I used to sit in on rehearsals as a kid.

[@289hipo]

Richard's arrangements were the unsung heroes of these songs, absolutely phenomenal

[@daveyest]

Absolutely. The arrangements were excellent and really improved the songs big time. I think there was a touch of genius there. Richard really knew what made a good pop record. The vocal harmonies were one of the big attractions for me.

[@nickmariotti4241]

@@daveyest Richard was brilliant. But when you are in a duo with Karen, there is only the possibility of second place. I think even Richard would admit this. Karen was one of the most perfect voices ever to move air.

[@daveyest]

@@nickmariotti4241 No second place for either. They were definitely a duo. A lot of the appeal was her great singing, but without Richard the songs wouldn’t have cut. I love her voice, but her solo album was pretty mediocre and dull as there was none of Richard’s genius in the arrangements and production.

[@nickmariotti4241]

@@daveyest No intention of denigrating Richard. As a keyboard player of far lesser talent myself, I have enormous respect for his abilities. In my opinion there was no "Carpenters" without them BOTH. It just seems to me that the gap between Karen and practically all other singers was even greater than that separating Richard from other composer/arrangers. I mean, if I might mention Richard in the same general ballpark with a Brian Wilson or a Burt Bacharach or a Jimmy Webb, I can't think of any singers anywhere nearly as close to Karen. There's really no one else in her ballpark; she's actually in a whole league, all by herself. I don't mean to say she was the "best" because that is too subjective and I don't get into saying one artist is "better" than another--we all have those we like and some more than others. I am just trying to express how extraordinary Karen was. I really can't think of anyone like her. It was not JUST her low range, her phenomenally accurate pitch, always nailing the tonal center, her immaculate phrasing, her smoothness--any ONE of those things would have made her a great talent. She had ALL of them. I know there's no way to express how apart from the rest I believe she was without it sounding like I'm putting Richard down, but that is not my intent. There was definitely a synergy there as neither was really successful without the other. You rightly mention Karen's solo album but it is also true of Richard's post-Karen career. It might be fairly said that Richard, understanding her abilities, and also being her brother, got more out of her than anyone else could have. He used her brilliantly as the primary instrument in creating the unique Carpenters sound. Karen's loss was deeply tragic, for all of us who loved the Carpenters' art and inexpressibly more so for Richard, as he lost his blood sister and musical partner and collaborator. She was irreplaceable. I feel certain he understood this which is why he never tried to.

[@RodolfoUBRS]

he cruelly exploited karen, even many years after her death, he profited from his sister's record which he did not allow to release while she lived.

[@huffpappy]

"Goodbye to Love" is another song that is right up there at the top for me.

[@jameskirk9996]

Oh ya. That guitar solo raps up the song powerfully..

[@robinbaylor2672]

And “Sing a Song”. Written for Sesame Street, but she made it her own.

[@stevetournay6103]

Goodbye To Love is near the top of the list for me too. And it truly is a Carpenters song, written by Carpenter and Bettis, not a cover. The inclusion of the "fuzz guitar" (by Instant Joy's Tony Peluso) made that 1972 classic the very first power ballad, too.

[@thomasluby1754]

"For All We Know" was another hit they had that Rick did not mention.

[@Sraheens1]

@@thomasluby1754 One of my favorites.

[@steveb4248]

Heads and tails best voice I've ever heard. Clear and crisp and smooth at the ssme time. Tears flow every time I hear her incredible voice done so effortlessly. I wonder if she realized just how unique she was. Im glad to see others feel as I do about this phenomenonaly gifted human.

[@audiophileman7047]

Don't forget Richard, her brother. He wrote, arranged, and led the music. They were a terrific team. 😻

[@martycee55]

"Close To You" by The Carpenters.

[@hamishreid8791]

@@martycee55 I agree. Easily the most emotional love song that they wrote.

[@bootlebeats6331]

I heard them live when they performed at my college. I was stunned that they sounded like their records. They played through Kustom amps and P.A.. That was it Their success was just taking off. After the performance, they were breaking down their own gear...no road crew. I just walked up on the stage and started talking to Karen while she was tearing down her kit. I asked her how they were able to nail the blend of those complex harmonies. She said while they were playing gigs at Disneyland, they took individual voice lessons (with the same vocal coach) on one day of the week then the whole band would have a group vocal lesson with the same coach for blending work. The result was they nailed their harmonies as polished and beautiful as the records. I learned later that Karen and Richard did all the background vocals on the records. There were six members in the live band and they all sang so I just assumed it was all of them recording the vocal background... it was that good. She was such genuinely kind musician to take the time to explain their process. A memory I'll always treasure. P.S. She was a great drummer too!

[@Janestjohns]

Fabulous memory 💖

[@Fuzcapp]

Great story. A wonderful moment you'll always cherish. I'm a bit jealous! 🙂

[@jazzpunk]

The good ol' daze...Kustom amps and walking right up to the musicians for a chat. Wonderful!

[@jrb123able]

❤

[@1mann1chor]

I remember Hearing her say in an Interview she was annoyed of being asked about her Hair and her dresses and never about the music. So apparently You touched the right string with Your question! Thank you for sharing that memory.

[@sx0lx012]

Carpenter's harmony was unbelievably rich and under rated. Man, her voice always touched my heart and gave me goose bumps. All my childhood sentiments.

[@cattymajiv]

Please STOP using the incredibly overused word underated ! ! !

[@shadowselfCA]

@@cattymajiv THANK YOU, it drives me bonkers. NO ONE is underrating the Carpenters' harmonies. Holy christ.

[@majordudette]

Her voice always brings tears to my eyes immediately. Superstar kills me every time.

[@darrelhoyt4205]

Me too..😢

[@janasorensen2556]

I'm glad I'm not the only weepy one. Born in 1961, Karen was definitely my first influence.

[@tradnyxx]

I have always thought that Karen was perhaps the greatest female vocalist in my lifetime. Glad to see that Rick loved her voice as well. This is what is GREAT about Rick. While I know good music, and great vocals, when I hear them, I don't know really WHY they are great. Rick has the experience, knowledge, and vocabulary to explain it to me. I LOVE THIS CHANNEL!

[@mollyb4541]

Her voice is so angelic. The best way to explain her voice is pure silk, velvety, controlled, smooth, and so light and soothing. No other singer can replicate her angelic voice.

[@rsimpson69]

Alison Krauss is pretty special too, tho from a different style and era

[@Marcos5pb]

But believe me, there's a cover called "Tori Holub" on KZbin that sings almost the same, without imitating, because it's her natural voice! Many people get emotional when they hear it, just check it out!

[@steveoros6805]

THE purest most perfect female voice of ALL time. Perfect pitch, soothing warm tone, perfect use of vibrato. Perfection!!! Never mind the incredible production, arrangements, orchestration, and some of the most beautiful songs ever written. Absolute musical perfection overload. It does not get any better than this.

[@ratroute8238]

Take a look at Eva Cassidy(lost to cancer at 33) is someone not well known when she passed but could sing with anyone!

[@larryputnam9864]

@@ratroute8238 Yes indeed.. Eva was a prodigy. I have all her recordings.

[@p4our587]

… and Anne Murray?

[@MaguireGuitar]

I am not really crazy about some of her songs but she did some songs as well as anyone could. There is a video of her and Ella Fitzgerald doing “this masquerade”. Very few People could sing on the same stage with Ella. Karen Carpenter did it well

[@scottydog62]

I agree,also Anne Murray is right up there

[@marcusbrown3880]

Karen had one of those clear, precise and melodic voices, kind of like John Denver had, very rare these days, So beautiful, so pure.

[@debbieosborn9464]

I love Superstar! Her voice and range is unmatched!

[@scottstegall6315]

As I'm sure many have already mentioned below, she was just 32 when she died. I can't imagine my childhood without her voice. So beautiful yet so melancholy. If you were a bit of a sad kid growing up in the seventies, chances are, her voice spoke directly to your heart. It sure did mine.

[@Jill_SmokeandMirrors]

There was a time at high school when a few of us all flew in the face of fashion and 'came out' as Carpenters- lovers. Looking back now I realise we were all a bit broken in our own ways. Think we all heard that in Karen's voice and Richard's melodies. A clarion call for the damaged.

[@ironwood9]

It's so crazy to think how when Richard and Karen started as a duo, I believe it was to promote his piano playing....him....I could be wrong, but I know the focus was not her AMAZING voice.... I love how Rick gets into music theory...."oh, there's the dominant 11..."

[@MrSwanley]

@@Jill_SmokeandMirrors Yes, for some reason the Carpenters in their day were seen as not cool. I guess they didn't fit the guitar band rock mold of the time, nor were they R&B, nor any other easy category. Even worse, I guess they were the sort of band your mom and grandma would like. But for me at least they were a guilty pleasure, and I now suspect for most others too. There was just no denying that voice.

[@cindylutz7442]

Truth.

[@TheHitsJustKeepComin]

The best part of these videos is watching Rick's absolute love of the music he is listening too. Its infectious.

[@godden62]

YES! Loving watching his absolute joy listening to these fab songs

[@MichaelMcCawley]

Karen's dynamics set her apart. Not only does she swell in volume at the end of a phrase, she opens her mouth during the crescendo to alter timbre at the same time. It's engaging. It feels like she's turning her head and singing to you, personally. Not been replicated or equaled.

[@joesuhrada5615]

Oh man, that is EXACTLY what I have always said about her delivery. Like she is talking to YOU, and you intimately. It’s a combination of her timbre, the way she adjusts it, and the feeling she puts into her phrasing and timing (her dynamics.) So you have said this perfectly and analysed from the most learned perspective. I have explained this before to rubes who said she wasn’t special. The closest others came include Matt Monroe in a simple way. On a small handful of numbers, Sinatra conveyed this, to wit: “I Have Dreamed” and “The Way You Look Tonight” and a few others and he has a body of work that may be the greatest overall next to Ella’s for a vocalist in the 20th century. Do you agree? I would think we could talk about this for hours, because you are the first guy I saw define this the way I do and I am certain about it!

[@usaskjock]

Eva Cassidy was the only other singer with as clear a voice or as masterfully skilled at dynamic phrasing

[@oliviaedralin1436]

Wow very well mentioned,,,

[@spenguinfan2967]

Yes! The dynamic changes in We've Only Just Begun" are what make it mind and soul shaking.

[@susankitchin325]

I always loved The Carpenters. Their music was a large part of my teen years. I loved their music because I am also an alto, and could sing all their songs!

[@suzettetaylor6803]

Yes! Celebrate all the gorgeous Altos! Bass Clef Divas!

[@Clothahump1]

I grew up with Carpenters music, and learned to play several of their songs. I cried when Karen died. I have never heard a female singer before or after her even come close to the beauty of her voice. Rick, thank you for this tribute. I got to hear my first love again.

[@joerumler6190]

First love indeed....great years....

[@dorland3]

Barbara Streisand couldn’t tie KC’s shoes…

[@freemenofengland2880]

Her and Minnie Riperton. Both taken much too soon.

[@tonyb9735]

@@dorland3 "Barbara Streisand couldn’t tie KC’s shoes…" Do we really have to turn this into a competition? How old are you?

[@dorland3]

@@tonyb9735 Lol. I’m 56. I’m sorry my comment upset you.

[@tomnanD3]

Glad to see The Carpenters getting the recognition they deserve from you. I always liked "Superstar."

[@jonstreng7850]

These ladies are tremendous. You really need to devote a video like this to the latest terrific vocalist we just lost: Olivia Newton - John.

[@esthereley6808]

Karen Carpenter’s annunciation of lyrics is incredible. Every word is heard without the ‘t’s and ‘s’ getting in the way and she’s able to emphasise words, whilst doing all her other incredible dynamics.

[@ArmpitStudios]

Unlike today’s pop stars who tend to sing as they’re trying to prevent themselves from vomiting.

[@oldgriff8559]

So many beautiful songs..I say goodbye to love…always brings a lump in my throat..

[@rhondawilkins_]

My Uncle D worked at A&M RECORDS HOLLYWOOD from 1969-1999. Beginning at age 7, I would be allowed to go to work with him during my summer school breaks. I literally witnessed music history being made behind those gates and the kindness of Herb Alpert. My own music journey playing piano and flute was heavily influenced by watching Richard and Karen LIVE at A&M. Almost 40 years after Karen's tragic death, she is still the BEST FEMALE SINGER and nobody else can touch her vocals. Richard is still the master of composition. " SING" 1973 is my favorite Carpenters song. Also, every song on their "Christmas Album."

[@dragonflySummer09]

Wow! What an amazing experience!!! I would have absolutely loved to be there 💜🎶🎹

[@JoniSare]

Please share more! Rhonda, you were that fly on the wall that I had wished to be. Amazing. I want to know- did they sing the songs as the composer wrote them or did they make any changes during the recording sessions? Did they laugh and joke around …or more serious? Can you give more scene setting description?

[@greggoreo6738]

What a beautiful life , and boy hood, and Muse 0f talent for music that you have had. If you're ever discouraged. Just reflect on those wonderful days. Those gifts are still you. God bless you. Gregg Oreo long Beach Ca

[@thequeendt]

What an honor! ❤

[@VocalEdgeTV]

Absolutely. Their two Christmas albums occupy the number one spot for me.

[@scottblackwell1215]

Karen's vocals were hauntingly beautiful. Her ability to sing the low octaves is unparalleled. I would have loved hearing her cover Patsy Cline's "Crazy". I remember driving by her and Richard's apartments in Downey, CA as a kid. Thank you for doing the in depth review. In the 70s, especially in LA, it was a love/hate thing. Many of the "music personalities" of the day labeled them as too "bubble gum". They were nothing short of myopic. These were ELITE level musicians. Our music today isn't even worthy of being called music in comparison to this. Thank you for finally being the one that mentioned the influence of music greats "Bacharach, Albert, Moss, etc." What a huge loss! Great review, your efforts are appreciated.

[@gerrybaker7155]

Patsy, cline had the with Crazy, but it was written by Willie Nelson

[@davidscott129]

One thing I loved about Karen was that you could hear every word she sang. She reminds me of those British singers like Petula Clark and Vera Lynn, who enunciated every word clearly.

[@davidmintzer3743]

EXACTLY! It's a song---music and Words!

[@scottmacdowall527]

She is in the top 5 all time female singer, she lived a tragic life not understanding her own awesome worth… she had a dominating mother and a poor body image, very sad 😢

[@sail2byzantium]

This is a great point. I never fully appreciated this before, at least not in any articulated sense (if maybe a fuzzy intuition), but it is absolutely true!

[@robin61832]

Karen and Petula Clark were each other's fans and personal friends. Petula sang at Karen's funeral.

[@wejpasadena1]

Frank Sinatra did this as well…enunciation was important to him.

[@JerseyStyle7]

❤️🎶 Karen Carpenter is an angel, my mother used to listen to her all the time when I was younger, and I told her to shut the radio off. Not realizing how much talent she had. Now my parents are gone I find myself listening to the carpenters every morning.🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@JosieN-ns8rm]

Karen’s voice strikes you in your soul. So listening to her sing while thinking of your late Mom is a wonderful way to keep your connection with your Mom going strong. 👍❤

[@JerseyStyle7]

@@JosieN-ns8rmyes thank you very much🙏🏽🎶👍🏽

[@skyone3106]

Her voice evokes the exact emotion of the song she is singing. She never pushes…everything sounds natural and perfect.

[@mosart7025]

Yes! Never is showing off or trying to hit the diva notes. Eva Cassidy was like that. It just seems effortless.

[@MusicByWinston]

Richard Carpenter wrote all the arrangements, both the vocal/band and orchestral parts. He was the genius that painted the backdrop to Karen's phenomenal vocals.

[@thelouisejust]

Richard Carpenter needs to be interviewed on this show. Get him now.

[@donde2k]

@@thelouisejustYes, Yes, and YES! Richard is still very much alive and well and Rick needs to do a full show with him.

[@RodolfoUBRS]

he cruelly exploited karen, even many years after her death, he profited from his sister's record which he did not allow to release while she lived.

[@michelsstorage]

​@@RodolfoUBRSWho told you? The media lead you into this?

[@amybethhurst]

@@RodolfoUBRS That is completely false. I hope he sues you.

[@NameWitheldByRequest]

Everyone always talks about how absolutely amazing Karen’s singing is, which it is SPECTACULAR! But one of my favorite parts of these songs is Richard carpenters background vocals! The ways the brother and sisters voices merge is so good

[@larrytate4586]

The were multi dubbing their voices to get that sound. Richard was a genius in the studio, while Karen could sing what he was trying to convey.

[@GrasshopperNotes]

Perhaps, you can invite Richard Carpenter in for an interview and discuss his incredible arrangements.

[@dryroasted5599]

In 1973 I had the opportunity to sing with the Carpenters as one of a group of grade-school kids doing the backing vocal on their hit "Sing" at a show in my hometown. It was a huge thrill for me and my first and only touch with stardom. Of course I became a huge fan. Their music was so melodic and beautiful. Even my classical-leaning parents enjoyed it. My heart was broken when I heard Karen had passed away. Their music will always have a special place in my heart.

[@ChipsAplentyBand]

So glad you had the experience of performing with Rich and Karen!

[@ghaus1961]

Cool ,what a thrill that must have been.

[@michelenolastname]

How cool. You must have been in a kids' choir to get that opportunity. Sing is one of my favorite Carpenters songs because of the lyrics, tune and the children's voices. "Don't worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear" gives me goosebumps.

[@LarryTheLobsterVHS]

“Merry Christmas Darling” is an absolute masterpiece. “but I can dream, and in my dreams I’m Christmasing with you” - the chord changes and melodies are so beautiful and unique, great to play on guitar 🎸

[@MichaelSmith-ig8bw]

Merry Christmas Darling absolutely destroys me!

[@secolerice]

Not only did Karen have a fantastic voice, but she was a phenomenal drummer. I saw the carpenters in 1972 or 73. It was amazing. I had never seen a woman drummer before.

[@thomasfisher5742]

I wonder if later being more to the FOREFRONT PHYSICALY.. added to her FRAGILITY...such a loss

[@SomewhereInTime5059]

Yes! She was phenomenal! And was a catalyst to more women picking up the sticks and learning how to play the drums. Thank you, Karen!

[@SomewhereInTime5059]

​@@thomasfisher5742I've wondered the same. According to those who knew her well, she was painfully shy. But, she could deal with being on stage better playing her drums. She was an excellent drummer & ultimately it was a huge mistake to pull her off of the kit & push her to front the band. It's sad.

[@FPS1200]

Taylor Swift WISHES she could sing and write like this. Send this to a "Swifty" so that they can hear what actual talent sounds like.

[@cdcicaro]

@@FPS1200apples and oranges… taylor swift is not and never was a singer (better writer than the carpenters in my opinion tho)

[@christibbotts4410]

Probably the purest clear voice of our times. She made it look so effortless.

[@robertsmith1543]

One of the greatest natural voices of the last 60 years and she died at age 32. She would have been considered a legend by all, not just some, if she had lived another 20 years. Her voice is a master class study, at most music schools. To have such spot on pitch without the effort that many singers try to imbue today is phenomenal. She knew what her voice could do in all of its aspects, and she did it for the 12 years she was a popular recording artist before her untimely death. May God's mercy be on Karen Carpenter.

[@Musiclover-bg2nn]

One of my favorite songs by far is "For All We Know"...her low voice in this tune is spectacular.

[@donwilliams3078]

Sung at our wedding in 1987 by a great baritone Phil Hodges.

[@Musiclover-bg2nn]

@@donwilliams3078 Great choice

[@robertodavalos5430]

Karen originally was a soprano. Her voice was accidentally discovered to be fabulous when she started to sing at lower key

[@gunsguitarsandgambling3614]

Yes, I was expecting Rick to include that…and perhaps “It’s going to take some time.”

[@womanbread]

That song was written by James Griffin, founding member of bread, along with Robb Royer (the other founding member of bread), and they both won Academy Awards for 'Best Song in the Motion Picture' in 1970, but because they were under contract, they were forbidden from using their real names as the songwriters, so the songwriting credits went to their nom de plumes - Arthur James and Robb Wilson. James Griffin (RIP) was a fantastic singer and songwriter, but sadly, if not tragically, has never received the recognition and well deserved credit for either of those musical gifts he had, because Elektra pushed David Gates' love songs ('Make It With You,' 'Baby I'm a Want You,' 'Everything I Own,' 'Diary,' etc.) as A sides (which did top the charts), and James Griffin's songs were pushed aside and pushed away, onto the B sides of the singles and the deep cuts of their albums. Although he did receive an Oscar for this beautiful love song that the Carpenters made so famous, even then, Griffin (and Royer) still did not receive the credit they deserved, by having to use fake names, rather than their own names.

[@ItsFinished]

Her lower tones and the control of her vibrato have always been so captivating. The opening notes in Rainy days and Mondays sound like she's right in your ear. Top 5 female singers of all time... Maybe #1

[@jackarmstrong1838]

Yep. Ann Wilson, Linda Ronstadt, MAYBE Pat Benatar. Karen just tugs at your heart every time she opens her mouth. I SUPPOSE you could throw Joni Mitchell in there, but everybody has their favorites. Its just amazing the Carpenters received such abuse from the "music industry". Kinda reminds me of what they did to John Denver.

[@thedys70]

@@jackarmstrong1838 with you here jack, but i've got Karen behind Streisand, but only just. Maybe Olivia Newton John in third place. Perhaps Diana Ross, Aretha etc, then Ann, Linda, Pat etc.

[@KenBreadbox]

@@jackarmstrong1838 For me yes Joni. Also Tori Amos and one I wish Rick would feature: Anne Murray.

[@robertpolnicky7702]

@@jackarmstrong1838 right exactly. And very ironic. Billy Squier

[@robertpolnicky7702]

The carpenters were always my favorite all the way throught the seventies. I don't like to reveal this but the carpenters were always my salvation when I wasn't enough of a man in high school. But in all defense of my self I was a year too young for my grade. I'm surprised so many people liked the carpenters.

[@jeanlanz2344]

Yes, Close to You is amazing. We sang it as fifth graders with dear Mrs Clark. When I hear it, I think of my precious children.

[@markusdaxamouli5196]

I hear her voice when Every one of her songs begins and I start blubbering like a family member or favorite Animal died...then by end of every song I'm left in shock of how much feeling she could manage to project and how utterly sweet her voice IS. We are blessed to have what we do..but I'd love to hear her singing today live 💜

[@darrellskinner5263]

Top Of The World gets me that way. I absolutely long the song with her incredibly rich vocal and the wonderful arrangement, but that’s juxtaposed with me thinking about her struggles and how tragically she died. Makes for a crazy mixed bag of emotions.

[@timogriffith]

We’ve Only Just Begun. Hands down. Perfection. Lyrically, harmony and her flawless voice.🧡

[@ronmurphy5042]

Rick does say there is little difference among their top 5 songs he mentions...its just that Close To You is the one that does it for him if he had to pick one....

[@mrsherwood2599]

Yeah with you 100%. I consider the moment where Karen sings "...and when the evening comes..." when the harmonies come in on "...smile...", I just consider that a high point of 20th century music.

[@eldajackson1]

Close to you is the one for me. I have trouble listening to their Christmas songs as it saddens me that she left us when she was so young.

[@francishuhghes5229]

I agree.

[@suzannemcmaken4648]

My wedding song. ❤

[@davidlutz139]

Those were truly the BEST DAYS in music history!! Songwriting, Musicianship, Vocal/Vocal Harmony, Producing, Engineering and Technology all came together!!

[@MaestroChasquiya]

Agree. One of the best voices ever. Flexible, deep, clear, full of light and colours, strong low, power high. Vibrant if needed, soft and flat also. All singing options made to look easy. Miss her.

[@TheSwiftMagician]

I got to see her in concert once. And she was pure perfection. Perfect pitch, perfect control, perfect look. She was incredibly beautiful in person, and everyone knew it. But her voice!! That was the true star of the show! It was so melodic and full. Best female voice of all time!

[@colinkulowcreative]

Wow! What an experience that must have been. So happy you were able to experience that. 💕

[@mce1939]

Thank you thank you for giving The Carpenters attention. I've always loved The Carpenters. Heard them all through my childhood and never stopped listening. Karen's voice, Richard's piano and arrangements. Love it all! I used to sing The Carpenters to my son when he was a baby :)

[@tonydilliott2255]

You hear Karen and you KNOW who it is. A voice that is timeless.

[@drblaney22]

My heart aches hearing this. She and Richard had it all. She slipped through our hands - The Carpenter's were so unique and they left such an impression on me and our family......RIP Karen. Peace to Richard - Rick I love what you do and how you do it......all I can say is thank you

[@timmcgregor9914]

❤🙏

[@lynnedelacy2841]

Dad chose Top of the World for his funeral as a tribute to my mum Not a dry eye in the house 10 years on it still brings tears to my eyes

[@karenpoe6345]

My Daddys favorite too! It's still so hard to hear♥️

[@glennwallace9203]

It really is a brilliant song, and so lovely to hear her sing it live, and she adds a "yee haw" at the end.

[@oliviaedralin1436]

Her low registry was the bomb! She has a very soothing yet haunting at the same time ,,,classic voice,,, her delivery and phrasing was the best , she’s always telling a story ❤ Classic!!!!

[@sedonarose7563]

Yes!!! Omg I remember as a young girl trying to achieve the notes she could hit and really working at expanding my range to hit those low notes! I was born in ‘81 and my mom had Karen’s records playing all the time.

[@cynthiagraven3343]

There’s something so powerful and simultaneously so soothing about Karen Carpenter’s voice. What a gift. Thank you for reminding us.

[@ratroute8238]

@Tessmage Tessera Take a look at Eva Cassidy(lost to cancer at 33) is someone not well known when she passed but could sing with anyone!

[@F16_viper_pilot]

Some of the most beautiful music ever created. Her voice was truly that of an angel, and Richard’s arrangements were beyond reproach. I never realized how much I listened to them as a kid, but I know the lyrics to nearly every song she sang. I miss her so much and am so sad that we will never hear the other lovely treasures she could have provided the world. That being said, she bestowed a rare beauty on the world and I feel blessed to have witnessed it.🙏🏼❤

[@bluetsunami4005]

People don't mention how good Richard is with harmonies. And he arranged all their music

[@Meower68]

Wings of Pegasus did a lovely analysis of her voice, showing how even live performances and TV specials were spot-on. Auto tune didn't exist back then and she wouldn't have need it anyways. Her voice was truly amazing.

[@63Baggies]

ALL great singers from Caruso to Billie Holiday and everyone in between including Karen Carpenter had their own auto tune; I believe it is called 'TALENT'.

[@scotabot7826]

Yes, she had "auto-tune", Her voice was always automatically in perfect tune every single time she opened her mouth!!

[@dianayount2122]

she could sing the phone book and it would sound great, right?

[@GeorgeSmiley77]

Wings of Pegasus also says that one thing that makes vocal performances "special" is the LACK of autotune. Meanwhile, record companies have begun re-issuing older recording WITH pitch correction because they wrongly assume they must "compete for perfection". They are wrong about that, and are now removing that "specialness" from their repertoire. Infuriating that record companies can be so short-sighted - and so self-destructive AND so destructive of their artists' oeuvres. In reality they just want everyone to think they now have to go out and purchase replacements of all their favorite recordings.

[@kevinb3812]

Rock solid, steady. Back then I didn't quite realize that Karen Carpenter was so unique and so excellent. Over four decades later and it's clear to so many of us now!

[@davidnovakovich5583]

Karen is my favorite female vocalist of all time, but gotta give Richard credit for the arrangements, and the orchestrations are always awesome. Full package listening bliss!

[@paul756uk2]

Absolutely right. For me, the arrangement is the one thing that can make or break a song. Don't forget that close to you was a bit of a flop for Burt Bacharach, unusually but Richard's arrangement put it back where it should have been.

[@chrisb8655]

@@paul756uk2 Exactly right. His outro arrangement with the layered vocals is unbelievably good & creative.

[@marinagallant1847]

Richard was the genius behind his sister's talent.

[@markruffner9143]

It was tough as a young teen to try to act macho then listening to a Carpenter's song and weeping like a baby. I don't recall getting caught thankfully. She held and played my heart strings.

[@0010Kev]

Thank you so much for doing this Rick! As a teenage boy in the 70s one of the MOST uncool things you could do is admit to liking the Carpenters. However, like me I'm sure there were a lot of closet Carpenter fans out there. I have always absolutely loved Karen. To me her voice is like velvet. It just caresses my soul every time I hear her. So soft and smooth and yet powerful at the same time. It breaks my heart that she died so young. We were robbed of so much when we lost her. By the way, if you want to concentrate on female led bands you couldn't do much better than ABBA. Like the Carpenters they were so uncool and under appreciated in the 70s but now they are epic! Great work as always Rick!

[@steveparish9210]

Actually all my black Sabbath loving friends would not screw with me for loving the Carpenters!

[@senenjosecestipona]

...their songs are top of my karaoke playlists...love Karen

[@stephenkennedy9322]

Same here 8 years old early 70s sneak and listen to moms Carpenters record on the huge RCA Council Record player and 8 track and AM FM stereo System in between These Eyes Guess who , 3 Dog Night, The Monkees & The Archie's 😆 🤣 🎶 Honey......ahhhh Sugar Sugar....You are My Candy Girl and got me wanting You

[@0010Kev]

@Tessmage Tessera Ya, no one seemed to realize that someone could like Led Zep, Kiss etc AND the Carpenters! Liking them was definitely guaranteed wedgy territory :)

[@steveturner3999]

I took a lot of ribbing for being a fan of The Carpenters & Bread as a teenage guy in the ‘70’s. I liked pure rock as well but I always appreciated the sound of Karen’s voice. I played Cornet in the Middle School band and always loved their use of horns.

[@PaulLeBlanc4u]

Not many vocalists can make me cry with the very sound of their voice. She is at the top of a very very short list.

[@catburglar82]

I'm a huge metalhead, I grew up with grunge and nu metal of the 90s and as soon as I discovered the Carpenters I was done. They're one of my lifelong favorite bands of all time. Absolutely timeless music that will never get boring. I'd shower them in praise any second of the day.

[@eggy1962]

You would be surprised at just how many metalheads out there like the carpenters

[@meponder]

Check out the cover album from the 90’s “If I Were A Carpenter”. Sonic Youth’s cover of Superstar is incredible. Shonen Knife’s Top Of The World is pretty wild too.

[@ulrichw.6374]

There's noone out there like her today - 100% perfection and at the same time so effortless on spot and soothing, always brings a tear to my eye anytime I hear her, what a sad sad loss 😞

[@debbieschmidling8158]

I grew up with the Carpenters! I love their music to this day! Karen's voice is like no other. ❤❤

[@karenkatz9850]

Walked down the aisle to it❣️

[@tweeglaister4885]

What a star - a shy drummer who transformed into one of the most beautiful voices ever - RIP Karen C.

[@luv2fly745]

And she referred to herself as a drummer who sings..😉

[@walkerandkays8336]

As a j azz singer, I can truly say this voice is beyond magnificent. Control, vibratto, pitch all combined into the angelic beauty we get to hear. Her voice sometimes makes me cry with joy. And their harmonies - wow!

[@juliechristoff107]

Goodbye to love. Epic guitar solo gives me chills.

[@jeffduckworth4375]

My first concert was the Carpenters. I was in 1st grade and this was about 1973. Mom told me we were going to see the Carpenters at Univ. of Illinois and I thought we were going to see a house being built. Great show for a 6 year old and Karen won my heart. I was crushed when she died. True story.

[@drumsnbass]

My alma mater!

[@bruceboome]

Richard Carpenter was the arranger for The Carpenters. To my ear, their records are timeless. I still love listening to them.

[@fresh50]

She had an incredible voice! Superstar does it for me! I am so happy you have praised her as a great singer!

[@stacimchugh1374]

An incredible one! Love it! Definitely top ten

[@ddc7668]

Yes finally! Superstar is the clear winner as it is Karen singing about herself 😢💙

[@tomtke7351]

From my ages old ears and mind but with no music theory... I find the music of the 70's beyond incredible. And you, sir, make this oh so sweet.

[@snowman7070]

Karen is missed so much. She should be alive today. Her beautiful legendary voice and singing 🎶 will live forever. We miss you Karen. 😔

[@vinnyfalcone]

"Close to you" gives me goosebumps every time.

[@LMacNeill]

Karen Carpenter had probably the most *pure* voice ever. So beautiful and melodic. Every single one of these songs reminds me of when I was a kid, riding around in my Mom's '68 Ford LTD, listening to the AM radio -- this was back when WSB-AM actually had *music,* instead of news 24/7. Good memories. 🙂

[@valogden]

My first concert at 12 yrs old was the Carpenters. I have always loved Karen's voice. It was so beautiful and clear. You always understood every word and the feeling of the song. Over the years I have seen many singers and bands and I have seen many several times. It's crazy but it wasn't until recently that I have noticed Adam Lambert. To me he also has the clearest voice and what control. With him it's been years of training, but to me he's my male Karen Carpenter equivalent. It took 50 years to find someone I liked as much as her.

[@dragonmummy1]

Yes. I hadn’t thought about it before but Adam’s voice has that same quality. Such depth and feeling.