British guitarist analyses Karen Carpenter's live vocals in 1974!

Tonight we're going back to 1974 to put a spotlight on the vocal ability of Karen Carpenter!
Original video - • GOOD BYE TO LOVE - JAP...
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[@Snickelfritz_]

I like the way this guy doesn't try to act "cool" and put down a lot of the older acts. A real genuine guy.

[@AbiNomac]

Snicklefritz - he is a beautiful soul genuine soul. I really like him too

[@BruceS1111]

I definitely agree. There seems to be a genuine love in his smile when he listens to her sing. You can see the admiration.

[@edd2771]

Yup he analyses music on its merits and of it’s time.

[@p.t.d.505]

Yes I totally agree, but to be honest, there is nothing to put down in this video, regardless of the time period. He’s wonderful and full of excellent information.

[@usermo]

That's because he knows exactly what he's talking about! And you can count on that.

[@Frankincensedjb123]

I'm a big burly guy, but this little angel could bring any man to his knees. Her singing and lyrics touched so many hearts and souls. True tragedy that she died so young.

[@davidsmith-jj4iq]

Same here.

[@lgempet2869]

Yes, my heart breaks for her.....clearly, she had some emotional &/or self-esteem issues that went unaddressed in early life- sadly, not unusual in the 1970s. She was SO talented but not sure she realized it within herself.

[@Prefabfan-q2q]

She died of a mental disease that pushes women harder than anyone has a right to demand, and a series of painful romantic failures.

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

Part of me also believes that she might still be here today if Richard hadn’t nudged her to go out front. She wanted to stay behind the drums.

[@mjt11860]

my eyes always well up w/tears when i hear her voice. i miss her.

[@jamesfaulkner4022]

Two things they don't get enough praise for - Richard's arrangements and production are pure genius AND Karen's ability to not just sustain, but to actually STRENGHTHEN a note as she carried it.

[@LATVERIAN1]

Karen was blessed with the voice of an angel. Female vocalists, of today, can't hold a candle to her. R.I.P. Karen

[@johnkolko5199]

Agreed. I always said her voice had an angelic quality. Nowadays I am a heavy metal / classic rock guy but Karen Carpenter was and will always be my all time favorite female vocalist Her voice has an almost mystical aura to it

[@Argelius1]

An incomparable voice. INCOMPARABLE. Brilliant. Effortless. Velvet.

[@stevenellers1939]

Herb Alpert said she was the only singer he ever knew who could walk in and in one take produce a perfect vocal track.

[@sailrdavej8336]

And he would no. He's a stellar musician and producer.

[@sailrdavej8336]

Know

[@SayItAintSo4real]

@Kaempfer M yes! It's a beautiful rendition and one of my favs of all their work. Karen was incredible.

[@oneputtsteven]

They called her "One track Karen" for just the reasons you mentioned.

[@tammybrecht7192]

They called her 1 take Karen!

[@vincentlem2534]

At a restaurant, in the 70's, as she was leaving, a man said to her, "Dear, I just want you to know I think you have a Great Voice." He was John Lennon!

[@Newzchspy]

Magical Entertainer Vincent! Truly? Never heard that one.

[@facedownchuck]

Yes, this is true.

[@tomschmitz5745]

paul mccartney stated she was the greatest female voice in the world and used plenty of adjectives as to why as did justin haywood of the moody blues..barbra streisand said she had a "marvelous instrument" and on and on as many greats singers in their own right state how great she was and how big of a fan they were of her..

[@GinMae]

Oh, yeah - this is the "anecdote" I just recounted above.. with a few changed details.. :)

[@bracita15]

I read that after John Lennon gave her that compliment and he was out of earshot she said something along the lines of “He couldn’t have meant that.” She could not accept that compliment. 😔

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

Another thing about Karen's vocals is her diction, it's flawlessly perfect! If you listen to her closely, especially with head phones you will hear every single word perfectly pronounced. Spot on!

[@davidsmith-jj4iq]

well put,yet retained such feel,and warmth

[@facedownchuck]

Great point! I never really thought of that, but it’s true!

[@tomschmitz5745]

exactly.. i've never heard any singer male or female have the diction and enunciation of karen carpenter for every single syllable to every single word to every single song she ever sang.. just this talent makes her stand apart from anyone ever..

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

@@tomschmitz5745 It was just natural for her. When one talks about a God given talent, THIS is what you're talking about. A voice and talent from the Heavens.

[@hiseagle]

Have you ever heard her acapella versions of some songs? They're on KZbin, and amazing to listen to. Here's an example: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHK2ZHebYqqebrs She usually only did one take of each song they recorded.

[@jdgolf499]

Karen sounded better live than most people sounded after all the studio magic was done.

[@lsrose]

Little late here but I love Fil’s face while he’s listening. The smile you give when you hear something special in the song. Karen Carpenter has the best voice most of us will ever hear. It’s sad she didn’t realize how loved she was and what a gift she had.

[@daveburns3886]

Fils smiles are fantastic telling and sincere, sometimes he duznt smile much for whole video.. but with her , he can’t help it.. I luv his analyses!!

[@KC-mn2mk]

I love watching Fil's face too, but most especially when he hears Tony's riff. OMG it's truly a spectacular part of this song. My favorite Carpenter's (other than this) is Solitare, and you can detect a small bit of Tony's magic if you listen for it. What a thrill. 🎵🎸

[@ushere5791]

yes! fil's genuine smile is one of the reasons i make a point to watch his videos. he is chef's kiss!

[@TheMichelex20]

Her voice was just so pure. There’s something so clean about it like water running gently over rocks in a stream. The underlying sadness in her tone always moves me as well. She’s one of my top five favorite vocalist.

[@michaelogden5958]

I was a fan when it wasn't cool to be a fan. Her voice still gives me chills.

[@brucedillinger9448]

It wasn't cool, in many circles, to admit to liking The Carpenter's, that's for sure. They were basically considered too over-the-top sweet and innocent and their songs were judged as 'fluff' by many. I know. I was there. And there was no shortage of opinions when it came to music and artists and entertainers.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

@Randy White Because they were out of style by that point. A bit cheezy and syrupy and you can't really hear the drums.

[@Haramyst]

@@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823 speaking for myself, i never let the current styles or trends dictate my appreciation of art. Why can't one listen to Beethoven, improvisational jazz and metal all in the same day? Good music is never truly dated. If your here, thenKaren's exceptional voice must captivate you. Why discredit this treasure of a legacy over petty matters of fickle tastes of the masses?

[@CrashLandon1]

You and me, both, pal - on both scores!

[@albertschepis]

Yes that's another aspect of this. At the time it kinda wasn't "cool" to be a Carpenters fan, but we all secretly were... listening to them in private and crying our eyes out.

[@jettpeters3470]

This guy has SUCH a Depth of knowledge.

[@juliesadler6481]

Truly impressive!

[@StephBer1]

When you grow up listening to Karen Carpenter's voice you think the Beyonce's and the Aguilera's warbling just plain irritating. I keep shouting at them to just "hold the note!". I'm not stuck in the past. I like a lot of modern music, but KC just had "the voice". Perfection.

[@sign543]

StephBer1 - I just don’t understand why such great vocalists aren’t born anymore. I know that Beyoncé is considered a great female vocalist, but I just don’t hear it. There’s something off about her vibrato...it’s almost like it oscillates on the wrong beat or something...it’s just...off. It’s either a hair too slow or too fast or doesn’t happen at the right time. It sounds forced and awkward. When she did At Last at the Inaugural Ball...she ruined that song. It didn’t sound like a classic rendition at all. It sounded like a Karaoke singer who has a lot more polished voice. Her vocals bug me. Same with Christina Aguilera...her vocals bother me. I cannot listen to her. The one singer of late who has really touched me and shown me a true vocal talent is Rozzi. She seems to have a classically beautiful female vocal sound.

[@8-bitsteve500]

@@sign543 Beyoncé isn't fit to clean Karen's shoes imo. it's night and day difference. (I'm sure she's a nice person but her music is just ghastly)

[@sign543]

Yeolde GamerSteve - I know people who would crucify me for agreeing with you, but I can’t argue. I am not a fan. 😂

[@StephBer1]

@@8-bitsteve500 🤣

[@fayperry9530]

Amen!

[@peggyrogers7012]

For me, she was and is the finest female vocalist who ever sang a note. Her voice was silky smooth, pitch perfect, and richly toned. She never sang a bad note, ever! She left us all too soon. I thank you for introducing her to a whole new audience.

[@DAS1962]

As a fan, I think to suggest that Karen was the greatest vocalist ever is a stretch ...

[@peggyrogers7012]

@@DAS1962 you're entitled to your opinion. I was simply expressing mine. You don't need to be such a jerk when you comment.

[@robbiemurphy174]

8

[@albertschepis]

Indeed, her story and she needs to be showcased and introduced to people who hadn't heard of her, and explained just what a unique treasure she was.

[@kizzyvaines3410]

I totally agree !!

[@johannesbridges1341]

Karen's voice was a gift to humanity. A painfully brief sample of vocal perfection. I'm not sure the mind of the average person could even imagine a more perfectly beautiful voice. When Karen died, we lost a genuine treasure.

[@lyndafaye6748]

RIP Beautiful Karen. Much like John Prine 's feelings in the heart, transferred through the brain, and came out the mouth as SINCERE as it was created in, the heart.

[@suej3959]

I love this guy’s enthusiasm and his respect for musicians. He’s also very knowledgeable; I’m learning heaps from listening to these videos.

[@maninthewilderness3208]

No fancy runs, just an authentic beautiful tone. Sometimes less is more.

[@larrylindgren9484]

She was a very simple alto. Nothing special. But she was special. It just worked.

[@roywall8169]

Man in The Wilderness always, less is more. Runs cover up a singers inability to actually hit a note, and sustain it. The fancy flourishes of today, allow singers of zero skill, to be signed. A look, is more important than talent in today’s music world.

[@nickelvins8272]

roylynn wall I couldn't agree more. I guess we can ,in part, thank music videos for that.

[@roywall8169]

Andro mache a touch cynical, but very true. 🙂

[@dianemarie8873]

Amen! Karen was awesome!

[@kenhughes009]

As usual a great analysis. I went to high school with Karen at Downey High in California. She was a very good drummer, very technical and could play jazz or anything. The world lost one of the most beautiful voices when she left us. In addition to all the hits The Carpenters made one of the best Christmas albums ever.

[@waltevans4490]

sure was beautiful wasn't she I lived in Downey to oh, my wife took care of Karen Carpenter's mother my wife was a nurse, and Karen Carpenter's mother gave us a bunch of her records in and invited us to come to her house to see the Christmas lights, at her home oh, I'm so for several Christmas until she died we would go to her home to see the Christmas lights, strangely I was working at the Downey Community Hospital the day she died oh, and one of my jobs was to clean up the emergency room in the trauma center after somebody had gone through a difficulty oh, I went in to take care of Karen's body in around her, and a detective stop me and said she was going to go directly to the funeral parlor oh, so my last sight of Karen Carpenter was underneath that white sheet, I later talked to her doctor, and although he couldn't say anything about Karen oh, he did tell me the physiological reason for people dying like her oh, and I still play her records after all these years every Saturday morning at least once a month my daughter is all went to Downey High

[@kenhughes009]

@@waltevans4490 wow thanks for sharing that. I had several classes with her, and she was a very nice person as well as a great musician.

[@vanessapangkey8319]

A great drummer indeed. Perhaps the best female drummer the world has ever known.

[@SWLinPHX]

That Christmas album completes the holiday season for me every time I hear it!

[@christiangasior4244]

Her drumming skills are sorely overlooked.

[@GeoEstes]

Karen had possibly the smoothest, richest female voice I've ever heard. The only singer I can think of that compares is Julie Andrews.

[@kingskidgirl2]

I think of Julie Andrews as the Queen of Music, and Karen Carpenter as the Princess (only because she was younger 😊). Love, love, love them both. 💕🎵🎶💕🎼💕

[@martycech5844]

Helen Ready in that group too...

[@sherriebrand1771]

@@martycech5844 Perhaps Anne Murray, then... I guess it must be that Canadian association? But she was certainly in the 'smooth vocal' group.

[@troyanstone65]

And Eva Cassidy

[@roberthenleynola]

@@sherriebrand1771 Yeah, definitely Anne Murray!

[@juliajones1425]

As a contralto I have loved singing along with her since the 70s. Contraltos get that great rich, warmth in their chest voice. Sopranos might be able to shatter glass, but a great contralto can flow around you like warm honey. Those are the notes that make people shiver and melt. I love singing down there.

[@pattyneff4624]

❤

[@KarlaElaine100]

Karen Carpenter! One of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard! Pop isn’t my favorite genre usually. Karen Carpenter was special though! Thank you so much for reviewing her! Her voice was pure velvet!

[@Newzchspy]

KarlaElaine100 Pure velvet is a great term.....

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

If Karen had chosen to do jazz then I feel that she absolutely would have been one of the greatest ever jazz vocalists IMO. Just listen to her brilliant treatment of 'This Masquerade ' .

[@GinMae]

@@TheHumbuckerboy Ooh - she did "Masquerade"? I am about to go there now, b/c that is my favorite George Benson song... thank you!

[@sooz9433]

@@TheHumbuckerboy you are so right, hers is my favorite version of that song.

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

@ Susan Emmerich ... Mine too : )

[@jenniferlove4791]

Sobbing in 2019...her voice was a gift, her death a tragedy...timeless

[@markprange238]

You are right!

[@infomax4572]

I surely agree with you 100% .. a gift to all. sad to see her pass on so young Jennifer

[@pennythpmas5787]

Being a teen when she died, believe it or not, she brought major attention to eating disorders. She was the way we learned of this unspoken addiction. Even in death she touched so many. I just wish she knew how treasured she was.

[@steveleblanc7983]

I'm glad you went into detail about Karen's singing. The music of the Carpenters was nothing I would normally be attracted to but her voice always sucked me in.

[@daver7867]

Steve LeBlanc ...yes....the style of music from the carpenters ain’t my thing...I’m more a Metallica, led zep, black sabbath kinda guy...but much respect when you’ve got a singing voice like that...no vocalist training...natural...mesmerising.....hypnotic.....I’ve never heard a voice like hers to this day & I believe we never will again.

[@carlhopkinson]

The moments u realize that the music u are listening today in 2019 really, really sux.

[@SkemeKOS]

I dont listen to 2019 music. Maybe like 0.1%

[@waymanrosshurley3141]

really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, sux. Hard to believe how ridiculous awful , soulless and computer-generated it is. And we're forced to hear it in commercials, television, movies department stores etc. And what's up with all the stupid talking rhyming, everything does not need to rhyme. Life sux today

[@mannfan12]

Music? They played music in 2019?

[@brettsfav4]

Right, another reason why I cry listening to Karen, just a reminder of how good music used to be.

[@Haramyst]

From an older guy who's as aware as you of the shortfalls of today's commercial music, and of the untouchable majesty of Karen's voice, I urge you to search youtube for the many outstanding unknown to little known acts that may just change your mind. There are tons of talent and creativity out there once you look away from the big commercial labels. I'd be remiss if i failed to point you toward Floor Jansen. Yes she is the queen of symphonic metal and she had the power to bring down a stadium. But not enough people here in America are aware she can also sing so angelically that she WILL bring you to tears. I don't know how to link a video but search "Floor Jansen beste zangers shallow". Id be surprised if you didn't thank me later.

[@cyndianderson7056]

My mother was a huge Carpenters fan and so am I. This is my favorite song by her because it's so SAD. It describes my feelings so perfectly, and knowing what I do about her, it describes her, too. She felt so unloveable, despite all her gifts. It's heartbreaking. Such an immense talent.

[@terrietravis6780]

Very educational! Karen had the most beautiful voice of any woman I've ever heard!

[@iliketowatchvideos47]

Yes definitely agree👍

[@caroltaylor3414]

I do agree that she had a beautiful voice... I wish the songs were not so hokey... maybe they just overplayed them on the radio. But check out Eva Cassidy... also a great voice. Effortless, like Karen's.

[@KindCountsDeb3773]

Let's not forget Richard. Didn't have the excellence of voice like Karen, but he arranged songs, played piano, wrote songs and was def part of the svy.

[@helces2476]

Karen, Linda, Melissa, & Carly greatest voices in the 70’s in that order

[@tedwerre1132]

Love her. But she is no Whitney Houston

[@atis9061]

The only reason she's not the all-time best singer for everyone is that younger people don't know her. Thanks for making this video about her.

[@jubalcalif9100]

I agree 100 per cent !!

[@lvelez1999]

Alot of younger people these days are enjoying older music and coming to know Richard and Karen. Rip baby

[@onlyme574]

Wrong...my son is 27....he likes rock...but loves her music.

[@stevetournay3731]

It's a lot of fun watching "reaction" videos (and I don't mean Fil's analyses, though they're fun too; they're another animal entirely) from young music fans. You see an awful lot of "OMG! How have I never heard of Karen Carpenter!" and the like. It's downright cute. You're right...the younger set have just as much taste as we oldsters...they just haven't found what they truly like yet...

[@bcaye]

Can't 100% agree. Her voice is ethereally beautiful, hits notes perfectly and I love her music, but I can't place her over Lady Day, Janis or Patsy. Supernaturally hypertalented women with massive abilities in very different genres. All worthy of equal respect. And none of them took it for granted. I could expand the list but these are just my top most unique and extraordinary female vocalists.

[@capismama2922]

Very few female singers had a voice like Karen did, but for me, Karen was the BEST.

[@kristiannapavlova4430]

That she did. And she didn't sing AT you, but she sang TO you.

[@marvinmartian7281]

Yes! indeed.

[@dontworrybehappy8080]

I'll take it a step further....none have ever even tried to emulate Karen because they cant.

[@judithwilson3561]

I was lucky to see her sing live in 1976 at Blackpool Opera House. Her vocals were stunning, her voice as clear as a bell, to hear her follow Rainy Days and Mondays with Goodbye to Love is something I will never ever forget.

[@ragilgembul8477]

Waoooww lucky you…

[@irhonda31]

How lucky are you?!?!

[@ColoradoHiker]

Best lower register tone i have ever heard on a female. Just melts me. Been watching some of the reaction videos of some of the younger crowd discovering her for the first time. Its always...WOW.

[@albertschepis]

That's nice to know.

[@lsimmons3086]

I’ve been doing that myself - so cool to see younger people appreciate her extraordinary gift.

[@HeavyMetalGamer45]

I'm a metal fan and Karen's beautiful vocals would always make me stop and listen.

[@TripleEEEhits]

I believe that Karen touched her audience because they could hear the sadness in her voice...This was due to the sadness she honestly felt in her life...Everything she sang had her sense of longing in it...Even We've Only Just Begun has true hurt and loneliness in it...

[@jonyG1991]

Brilliant analysis I learnt a lot great job Karen was incredible

[@jorgedepando3162]

You got it !!!!....Totally agree...I have the same idea...

[@quicktastic]

Rainy Days and Mondays starts with her sounding like she's talking to you and telling you what's got her down and it immediately pulls you in. Her singing in the rest of that song is perhaps her best IMO.

[@buckjohnson1119]

quicktastic Yes, thAt is true. Super star, and Bless the Beasts and the Children for me . Much emotion in Superstar, to the guitar Player, that leaves her behind. And God’s innocents; “keep them safe-keep them warm,” deep protecting, love, in Bless the beasts and children. Should be rereleased into days world.

[@quicktastic]

@@buckjohnson1119 Agreed. Good examples as well of what Fil was mentioning about her voice and intimate style of delivery that made her unique and so very good.

[@caesarmtnmama]

Karen said, "I didn't know I could do anything." Parents, nurture ALL your children. Thank you, Richard, for helping your kid sister's voice to come alive. The world couldn't have done without her.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

She would have lived had she just told them how it was gonna be. What were they gonna do, dump her? Lol. Richard is a good pianist and a very good arranger for THEIR sound (maybe not anyone else's sound, who knows) but a good engineer/producer could copy him. At some point, you have to grow up, and let the chips fall.

[@lancelittrell369]

@@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823 You completely missed the point of his comment. 🙄

[@TheEricthefruitbat]

@@lancelittrell369 I don't know that he has missed the point. If Karen had been left behind the drums, where she wanted to be, I believe she would have lived much longer. Being out front, in the spotlight, caused the stress that triggered (or exacerbated, maybe) her anorexia.

[@vincentlem2534]

@@TheEricthefruitbat Yes. Very possible. She did feel pressured about her looks. Too bad. She had a great voice.

[@amazinggrace5692]

My understanding was that the record label recognized Karen was the voice that sold and that Richard resented this. Her low register was where my voice turned out to be and I was crushed like many by her death.

[@frankabler]

Karen had one of the most perfect music voices that ever existed. No affectations, no little things that an impersonator could ever do. It was and is just pure joy the way Karen sang. Karen's singing voice was an instrument all by itself.

[@souljamom1]

God gave us this Angel on earth for a short time. No female artist can duplicate her beautiful sound. I always tear up listening to her sing. I had read that she ran into John Lennon walking out of a L.A. restaurant he stopped her and said "I want to tell you love, I think you've got a fabulous voice". Karen couldn't believe it! Thank you so much for analyzing Karen! So many of us miss her!

[@No1KCfan6]

many musicians have complimented karen's voice.

[@pbohearn]

It’s like rock stars wearing ABBA T shirts. They were dismissed as so much saccharine sweet pop; But any musician worth his guitar string will speak of them and their music in highly respectfull terms. Such is the Carpenters. I’m glad that John Lennon gave her props

[@davidsmith-jj4iq]

John Lennon,class act.

[@frankanderson5012]

Dana Davison I believe it was her parents who brought her the first drum kit that started off her musical career. No cheap thing to do.

[@scotv5099]

Buried in my hard rock and metal albums in 1983 were albums by Tom Jones, Barry Manilow and the Carpenters. When a college dorm mate found these and realized that I truly enjoyed this music, he admitted to enjoying it, also! Word got out and my pop albums were being passed around and I could hear them playing as I walked the halls! The metal heads, the Dead heads, the punks, prog rockers, etc.. All were borrowing those albums from me. I could tell it was relieving the stress of beginning college and trying to hard to fit in the expected musical tastes. It reminded us of our youth enjoying our parents music and that special feeling 60's and 70's pop music had.

[@juliesadler6481]

The good old days.

[@mchlwilson1]

The "Nod and Smile of Fil" is the Seal of Approval all performing artists should strive to earn.

[@kathyflorcruz552]

Agreed. He's a joy to watch.

[@SoulfulTruth]

I want that nod and smile beaming in my direction

[@JPageRocks]

I'm 62. The two best singers I've ever heard in my life were Karen Carpenter and Eva Cassidy. Both tragically died early at 32. When I hear their music, I think of how many more songs they would have sung had they lived longer. Sad.

[@troyanstone65]

Totally agree on both! X

[@debrajean9432]

Karen Carpenter's Superstar and Eva Cassidy's Stormy Monday are two of my all-time favorite songs.

[@mbeyer4256]

Totally agree. Poor Eva was just starting. I love that Kelly Clarkson is also a fan and has brought her name up several times on the Voice

[@Prefabfan-q2q]

Laura Nyro

[@jerrytaylor4078]

JPageRocks Ah, Eva Cassidy. Another very talented singer and guitarist. Such a haunting sound because we have no more new material, only what she gave us. Her stubbornness about not singing pop songs kept record company execs away, but her versions of Fields of Gold (Sting) and Somewhere Over the Rainbow(Judy Garland) are very powerful. RIP, Karen and Eva.

[@blkjakk]

There’s never gonna be any voice close to the magical, angelic voice of Karen. They should have left her alone & let her sing and play drums like she wanted to do. RIP, KC

[@RickMason-yj7pv]

"Rainy Days and Mondays". Put it on repeat and it's the best cure for insomnia. Not boring, just calming and soothing, with vocals that carry you away.

[@KindCountsDeb3773]

Her songs are so perfectly executed, I think she must have been a perfectionist and wanted to do the best she could, even if it was not her first choice to be a singer. She seemed to sing to YOU and it was beautiful. I read that she helped Tina Turner when she left Ike after being abused. She helped her financially and became a friend. Such a kindness.

[@lisacraft9929]

She was the BEST female singer of this generation.

[@six-pack1332]

You misspelled EVER.

[@dtennow]

any generation

[@davepeterschmidt5818]

Her voice was silky smooth and deceptively powerful. She could bring out that power without ever sounding stressed. Just a uniquely beautiful voice.

[@kehaulani1140]

I actually still listen to the Carpenters. Her voice couldn’t be compared to anyone even today. I was at her funeral in Downey, California. I was so heartbroken when she died. A life wasted and we didn’t really know anything about anorexia at that time.

[@paulrjohns]

@ Yeah, but then he directed The Dark Tower, so maybe his parents DIDN'T do such a good job.

[@paulrjohns]

@ Yeah, I was just playin'. But I thought he DID direct it! He's been redeemed then!

[@DAS1962]

Sorry, but can you realise how offensive "A life wasted" is to anyone who is actually connected to Karen? I strongly think you need to think about the language you use.

[@kehaulani1140]

@@DAS1962 seriously? Get a life!! Yes, she wasted her life. 🙄🙄🙄

[@cak4539]

Actually the Doctor who was in the Reelz Autopsy show said she didn't die from anorexia. It was all the drugs she took.

[@barryt6047]

Another great attribute of Karen’s voice here is the length of her vocals under one breath. Goodbye ro Love has some of the longer phrases in any song. Yet - on record and live - she manages to deliver the same quality with those long phrases. Beautiful.

[@ralphschon1100]

Another stunning example - suiting the time of the year :-) kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaKag6pmaN6bopY

[@Cyberplayer5]

Great breath control!

[@GirlWithAnOpinion]

"Look, Ma! No Autotune!!!"

[@stevetournay3731]

Yep. Probably hadn't even been thought of yet, much less developed...One of the bands my brother works with puts a little "NO AUTOTUNE" logo on their CDs. I designed one of their covers and wondered what autotune was; have since found out. Plenty of musicians will still have nothing to do with that...I agree. An autotune should be a song about a car. :-)

[@miamidolphinsfan]

True, pure artistry

[@iansing5278]

@@stevetournay3731 ..should be a song abput a car... 👍

[@pjesf]

Phil mentions the Tony Peluso guitar solo and the subsequent "hate mail". I was always SUCH a huge Carpenters fan and admittedly the first time I heard this track I thought, "Hmm - that doesn't seem to fit" but that all changed when that guitar came back in at the end with those harmonized vocals. I absolutely LOVED how they were harmonizing the chords while his melody sat on top. To this day I think that was absolute genius and I never tire of listening to the song.

[@thornbird6768]

The kind of voice I don’t think we will ever hear again !! Nobody comes close ! Beautiful effortless singing ♥️

[@byzinski]

This is a true story and not an anecdote: Frank Sinatra said (in an interview) that the only singer he would pay money to hear sing was Karen Carpenter 🎤🎶🙌🏽💕

[@D-FensDogG]

Wow! Great comment! I'd never run across that Sinatra comment before.

[@haywoodjablome234]

Yeah, because Sinatra sucked and Karen was great......

[@OZRIC1985]

@@haywoodjablome234 Oh...come on...that's a rotten comment. Frank Sinatra and Karen Carpenter were both very talented one-of-a-kind singers. :)

[@haywoodjablome234]

John J Frank one of a kind?? There have been many crooners better than Sinatra, but only one Karen Carpenter. Dean Martin was better than Sinatra.

[@jamespennington9719]

Something in the girls voice that was magic! Rare gift but for a few!

[@markt5493]

Please don’t apologize for all of the technical aspects of Karen’s singing. I found it fascinating and leaned a lot. Too many You Tube commentators just say that they like a performance but don’t expound on why. Great content!

[@patsmith9192]

The most beautiful female voice ever. As you said, no straining for higher notes made it so warm and so honest. A voice that often brings a small tear to my eye.

[@johnc6440]

Pat Smith Judith Durham is, in my opinion, as good

[@highpath4776]

She could sing high really well, Richard made her sing in the lower register to sell more records

[@georgewodicka4839]

Karen Carpenter, recognized by so many to have the most beautiful female voice in all of music, STILL in some ways underrated.

[@xyz2121]

Alison Krauss for me.

[@Newzchspy]

If I were ranking , I'd give the nod to Carpenter and then Streisand. Krause isn't in the same class.

[@skroy8671]

@@Newzchspy Those are EXACTLY my two favorite female vocalists of all time!! :)

[@Wombat32]

@@xyz2121 So Long So Wrong still slays me every time

[@facedownchuck]

Krauss isn’t close to Karen.

[@DeidreL9]

The day she passed, my mother and l just held each other and cried. She was such a beautiful lady and so talented. I wish she could have seen it, and l hope, where she is now, she knows how many women truly love her. Thank you for this. (I’m crying now too, but maybe the world needs more emo, not less )

[@robertbeckham3091]

I appreciate his level of respect for the music that prevents him from interrupting, knowing the only way to fully appreciate the song is to listen to it through and through without interruption. Brilliant

[@soupdragonuk]

Karen, to me is probably one of the top female vocalists of all time. Her voice is pure gold, and the way she sings and her emotions flow through certain songs making them that much more memorable. The day she passed my heart broke. After that I always took that day off work, and would play her songs to cherish her memory.

[@scottyg9167]

WhicH is why she was known as “the Voice.” An incredibly astute representation as always, Fil!

[@lastone783]

Such a beautiful voice, tragic loss. Thanks, Fil, for analyzing her great talent❣️

[@E-BikingAdventures]

If Mama Cass had shared her ham sandwich with Karen Carpenter, they would both be alive.

[@lastone783]

Robert Tomkinson, I know you mean that as a joke, but it is really not amusing. Anorexia is no laughing matter. I had an acquaintance die from it.

[@GinMae]

@@E-BikingAdventures Yeah - heard that 20 yrs. ago - at the time I chuckled, but it's gotten old, and so have I.. I now realize how cheap a joke it was and is...

[@markmcgehee118]

Fil, I have been on the outskirts of the music business for 35+ years. I've been a DJ, a sound engineer, and critic. I really appreciate the way you research the material you show. I have a vast music knowledge and I still learn more from you. Keep up the great work!!!

[@ushere5791]

karen's voice was like liquid honey--incredibly sweet, rich, and warm. my mom told me she sang one of her now-best known songs for a recording literally off the back of the envelope i think her brother had written it on, sight unseen, and they got it in one take because it was just that perfect.

[@drewpall2598]

With a subject as Karen Carpenter, this and her drumming are some of your best analysis. you don't have to be a fan of the Carpenters music to appreciate Karen voice and vocal ability. thanks for back to back analysis on the one and only Karen Anne Carpenter.

[@spaert]

Perfect followup to last night's analysis. Excellently well done. Thanks!

[@mikelucey5035]

From her lowest to her highest register, it was always her natural voice. Not forced or pinched. Never resorted to vocal tricks.

[@gloriarider9688]

*"Karen Carpenter!!- She'll ALWAYS be a Legend!!- ALWAYS WILL LOVE her sweet BEAUTIFUL VOICE- & music- that'll live on & on!!"*

[@martcichocki5571]

As a young boy in 4th grade in 1971, I first heard Karen Carpenter & I was 10 years old. I was dumbstruck! I was in awe! I was completely mesmerised! At the superannuated age of 58, I have a better understanding of why I reacted that way, after the analysis! thank you very much! Karen Carpenter: one of the very purest voices ever born to sing!

[@MrBKuv]

I was a hard rock fan who secretly listened to the Carpenters.

[@folkme3042]

Same here.I only heard them when my father played his Carpenters albums.As a teenager in the seventies who was only focused on metal and hard rock,I thought his musical taste was terrible. It's sadly only in later life that I've come to appreciate various genres of music.Their music is still a bit cheesy for me but there's no doubting their talent or Karen's amazing voice.

[@TheJoshA]

Maybe you're gay?

[@hiseagle]

@@TheJoshA Well then there are a hell of a lot of men who are gay. Karen was phenomenal.

[@folkme3042]

@@TheJoshA Maybe you're a prick.

[@AmethystDew]

A voice of silk wrapped in chocolate. Gorgeous!!!

[@moonbubbles3046]

Her voice was unlike any other. Listening to her sing now is such a bittersweet but beautiful feeling. I don’t know how to explain but I’m transported back to the time when their music was new and I was young, had no worries and every day was an adventure. Your analysis and your narrative as always was brilliant and informative. You’re really enjoyable to watch, Fil.

[@martybreeden6116]

HEY AGAIN FIL!! Great job and thank you for doing this. No one EVER sang like Karen Carpenter! My own 15 year old is a very accomplished vocalist and I raised her listening to Karen Carpenter! Great job!!!

[@joealbert7773]

I saw the Carpenters at SIU in Carbondale, IL back in maybe 72. One of the best concerts I have ever attended. Karen's vocal were fantastic. They were in the round on a large moving stage. Whoever did the sound had it spot on. I don't think I've ever attended a live event with sound that good. The day after Karen and Richard stopped at a friend's Dodge dealership and bought a new Dodge Charger.

[@Gemini530]

It’s amazing how much oxygen this woman could store in her lungs to be able to sing through several phrases without taking a breath in between. And oh yes, one of the most beautiful voices of all time.

[@Newzchspy]

Wow Fil, unexpected. The most mellifluous voice I've ever heard. There's so many adjectives that can describe her voice . Yes, the songs are sappy , but oh that voice. Soft, yet strong. Wonderful range. Beautiful tone. The only singer that is even close is Streisand, but the nod still goes to Carpenter. " Long ago, and oh so far away, I fell in love with you. " Perhaps one of the most haunting vocal intros ever. To this day, 50 years later there is nothing like Karen's voice.

[@pbohearn]

Newzchspy I love that song...”I fell in love with you, before the 2nd show...” you can just picture her at a little table in a small club, As she waits for the band to come out.

[@jamesstuart4037]

You have no idea how many fights I've gotten into because I shushed my wife during a Carpenters song.

[@kargs5krun]

🤘🤓🤘

[@Newzchspy]

Yeah, shush exceeds Carpenters voice. One has to bow to the General, aka, the wife.

[@robertbennett5192]

🤫🤫🤫🤧🤧🤧🤫🤫🤫

[@JamesAllen-hn7zb]

"There is a kind of sHush, all over the world, tonight"

[@GinMae]

Really? You wife talked over Karen??? she deserved to be "shushed" - :)

[@painterdood2484]

Karen had a voice of LIQUID GOLD! She was a unique talent. Her perfect pitch and heartfelt vocal passion for the music she gave us was always evident. It’s incredibly gratifying to see that Her brilliance still shines for future generations. Thank you for the tribute

[@scottyg9167]

And curse her evIl mother, who thought she was “imperfect”; “fat” aNd all the rest. Karen Carpenter was on the level of Billie Holliday, in my humble opinion

[@suzannerobbins6293]

I came from a musical family, and it was Karen Carpenter who I wanted to sound like. I came close, but not close enough to even claim I had a voice close to hers! Lucky for me I had two children that as adults were two of the best musicians in their field. My daughter had the honor of first chair playing flute, and my sons on drums. I still remember the head of the Indianapolis Children’s Choir looking at me, and told me I was the singer! I had never told her, but her music knowledge had her aware I could sing! I just know you came from a musical background too. I am glad I found you, and can share my life too! Thanks for listening! My daughter is now over the state with her knowledge of not only music, but degree in psychology! Finding you just has given me such joy. Thanks for allowing a 73 lady ramble...you have such nice friends who are kind to me! Wanted to share! Giving you a Mamaw hug!

[@itchyscratchy1768]

I feel so fortunate to have been a third grader when I learned every word to that album I was first introduced to the Carpenter's. Talent cannot be matched to this day!! I give much props to Richard! You are great! What vision, thank you for perusing your dream. You gave me many hours of pure joy... I cannot say thank you enough!

[@tomroach6275]

Dude! Great job breaking down and analyzing Karen Carpenter's vocals! I really appreciate your pure, sincere enthusiasm for a voice that was pure talent! No Auto Tune necessary!

[@chuckknight]

Karen was unique. Her style was unique. And it all came down to actual talent, she had the voice of an angel. Oversampling was the only trick played, and it actually enhanced her perfection. It was a match made in heaven. This is my childhood. These songs shaped me. And if you could see me, you'd notice our smiles matched. Karen was beauty, personified.

[@jaynebrown693]

I was very fortunate at the age of 17 to see them in Concert and my seat was on the floor about 12-13 rows back! What an amazing, amazing concert and how I loved Karen. I would play their music so loud and sing along.... I was so heartbroken when I heard of her passing. It still does not seem real that she is gone. She sounded the same live as she did in a recording studio. Perfection ❤️❤️❤️

[@imuawarriors]

My older sister took me to a Carpenters concert when I was 10 (?) years old... my first concert! her voice makes me feel loved...

[@tjwash2]

I’ve commented on a couple of your videos. The reverence and appreciation of the material is so genuine on your face. It would be a joy for anyone to break out some vinyl and listen to some tunes with you.

[@micheleshelley6156]

You need to be on television. What you do here is so important, in an odd sort of way. Your enthusiasm for music, and understanding of its workings is just so charming. And...RIP, Karen! You were so loved!

[@tomsikes9064]

Beautiful honey alto voice, so well modulated, so naturally sweet. Richard wrote such great music, for his Sister. Dynamic duo and oh we miss her so

[@MIKE-ej6ud]

finally!!! Fil says what I've told my old music buddies way back in the days....we speak in musical notes! Awesome, Fil

[@venderstrat]

That guitar solo is pure gold. Karen is mirroring the guitar with her beautiful voice. It's all too much.

[@mshell1959]

I gotta say that I love the way you smile while listening to her sing. My reaction is exactly the same.

[@ecneb]

Thank you so much for doing this video on Karen Carpenter. She was an incredibly talented and accomplished woman, and it seems that just recently people are rediscovering what a special talent she was. And I might add that she was a groundbreaker as well. I don't know of any female drummers of her era, and she was quite good and could hold her own with any male drummer. If only she could have seen how special she was through her own eyes, maybe she would still be with us today.

[@sarty23]

Gotta hand it to you Fil! Your musical expertise and background work is astonishing! No other channel like this!

[@enoughcorruption5975]

The best!!! Pure Natural and effortless and She and Richard really were extraordinary!!! So talented and so many great hits! Great analysis Fil !!!

[@catherinelw9365]

Wow, what a fantastic analysis! I’m no musician but I simply enjoy music of all kinds. This analysis helps me appreciate her voice more and that means you’re a good teacher as well as a true musician!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@wannabetowasabe]

Karen's brother Richard is immensely talented. He led from behind, out of the picture, but his arrangements and writing was dedicated to making her a star. He knew how talented she was and never inserted his ego. His sister's death was so devastating for him. I admire him. I heard them perform before they had their first big hit, "Close to You." I was surprised and delighted with their success. I wish she had a chance in life to continue her work, so much potential was lost!

[@Pettinatoficial]

For me there has never been and never will be a voice as wonderful as Karen Carpenter's voice. Its greatness is eternal!

[@darlatidwell9995]

I loved your analysis. It totally explained a lot about vocals and auto note expression...really interesting Fil. You made a lot of sense and did well describing it to us novices. 👍👍 ! RIP Karen Carpenter,God bless.

[@sallynielsen8150]

Superb job analyzing Karen's voice, Fil!! Her range was unbelievable to me. Loved hearing her sing, and you knew, without a doubt, it was her!!!

[@Morticia1313]

Just beautiful! Karen's voice is one of the top of the list of female singers. And I've always loved that guitar solo by Tony. I was surprised when I first heard this but I absolutely love it.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

Tony's fuzz solos were a good contrast to the lighter, fluffier Carpenter's sound that many thought to be a bit square. So to grab the interest of those people Richard came up with this heavier fuzz guitar idea. And it worked! The 1980s were the beginning of the "Power Ballad", pioneered by the Carpenters!

[@realcoolbreeze]

Great explanation of my all time favorite singers voice. I enjoy almost every song she ever made tremendously.That sweet blend of soft angelic voice gradually transferring to a sweet mello deeper tone always gets me.She was 24 here and a huge star already.There are never ... in my lifetime enough words to describe the greatness of the one and only wonderful Karen Carpenter.

[@zafnatpaneaj4992]

Karen Carpenter The Voice ! Im learning english and your accent and pronunciation helps me a lot. Thank you so much...! Greetings from Buenos Aires...!

[@joytotheworld6804]

I agree, she had such a beautiful tone, lovely to see your love and passion for music shine in your smile, nothing else comes close to the magic music does for the soul. I remember singing along to a tape of The Carpenters in the family Kingswood, lol, still know the words.

[@beatnick92]

Her voice was smooth as velvet, and she did not lose any femininity by going to the lower register singing those low notes in fact it was just beautiful. Your explanation about the resonance chamber and encouraging singers to tap into what each individual singer has going for themselves is such great advice. I do remember that they recorded a song which had a hard rock guitar sound & fans protested, but didn't know that this was the one (!!) so interesting to to hear it & also your commentary on everything. Thank you☺

[@Prefabfan-q2q]

A GREAT TREAT is to hear the Carpenters in surround sound. Unfortunately, Richard keeps monkeying with the tapes but they are still wonderful to listen to; you can hear the saliva in her mouth clicking on some songs

[@amcasanave]

A good contralto is both mother and seductress in her sound. Completely enchanting.

[@elizabethlinsay9193]

The smoothness and richness of her voice is unequaled. There are other great female singers but she is a stand-alone.

[@chrislabinjo3317]

Thank you for your in depth analysis of Karen's voice. I learned so much and understood what makes a voice unique. The secret of working with what you have will stay with me. Excellent stuff.

[@Digits-nf9fo]

Best reaction video I have ever seen, thank you.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!