The GOAT!! She had perfect pitch and that unbelievable conta alto voice. John Lennon said she had the best voice he had ever heard. She thought he was kidding. He wasn't. RIP Karen.❤❤❤
Paul McCartney said she had the greatest female voice. "pure, melodic, instinctive"... Lennon came up to her at a restaurant in L.A. and said "I just want to tell you luv, you have a fabulous voice".... Justin Haywood of the Moody Blues, also said she had the greatest female voice, Streisand told her that she had a "marvelous instrument", K.D. Lang stated that she was a female Nat King Cole and his equal. Others like Sinatra, Humperdinck, dionne warwick, shania twain, petula clark and Madonna among others have praised her...
@tomschmitz-dj1fg sorry for the easy and cheap yoko punch. I've liked some of her songs ie. Double fantasy. However couldn't resist bringing up bag ism, still haven't properly digested its meaning, thinking something to do the the ego and the womb and rebirth.. it's just so freaking funny. Unfortunately Karen carpenter could of really used that bag to hide from the fame monsters
Karen was a very accomplished drummer, and that is what she loved. She did not want to be upfront as a lead singer. Her brother Richard had to convince her that she had to emphasize her beautiful voice for them to be successful, but she was always happiest behind the drum kit, and you can tell when you watch videos where she is drumming and singing. He is a master at arranging music and vocals. On record, they layer their own background vocals. There is a great video of her doing an epic drumming session from one of their TV specials on UA-cam. They have so many incredible songs you can't really miss, but "Superstar" is a standout, as is "Goodbye to Love", "For All We Know", a more upbeat song, "Top of the World", "Close To You" "We've Only Just Begun"...all classics that you will still hear at weddings and Bar Mitzvahs.
Karen Carpenter was the same age has me, born 1950. She tragically died of anorexia at 32 years old in early 1983. She grew up in Southern California as I did. I have suffered severe depression in my life. I was devastated when she died as well. She had perhaps the best female voices ever. I actually visited her crypt when she was entombed at Forest Lawn Cemetery Cyprus, CA years ago. Her brother Richard has since had her moved to a family Mausoleum elsewhere. I just turned 74 this week, and I still listen to and remember her so fondly. This song is perfection. Your reaction is so welcome Saeed. Thank you.
She would have been happier if she had remained behind her drum kit. She was a pioneer of female drummers. But the record industry (and Richard) knew she was also eye-candy, and pushed her into the limelight as a vocalist, which both made her doubt her drumming skills and made her focus on her physical appearance. It was a recipe for self-destruction.
RC was a fine composer and pianist, but a real genius at arranging and song selection...many Carpenters hits were covers, in many cases covers that became far more celebrated than the original recordings of the same songs.
No argument. Karen Carpenter is one of greatest vocalists, female or male of all time. The purity, clarity, range, and breath control in her vocals and her interpretation of lyrics are on another level. Richard Carpenter was a genius as an arranger and musician. The Carpenters' impressive body of work stands the test of time.
I know where I was when Kennedy died, when men first walked on the moon, and when I heard on my car radio that this beautiful soul had died. I literally had to pull my car over and cry in downtown Augusta, Georgia. It was a very bad day for so many.
Karen Carpenter has one of the all time greatest voices. It’s completely effortless. I really love her lower register as well. So many people can do the high notes but the lower register she has is incredible. Singing and drumming simultaneously as well. I’d recommend ‘We’ve Only Just Begun’ and ‘For All We Know.’
What a voice and an amazing drummer, too! The late, great drummer Buddy Rich once said she was the greatest female drummer. She was happiest when she was drumming, and I think when she was coerced to come away from the drums and stand up front, she felt something was missing. To see her at what looks like her happiest, please check out "Karen Carpenter drum solo 1976 First Television Special." It's on UA-cam. Video quality isn't great, but you can see her brilliant smile.
There is a reactor named "Wings of Pegasus" who just did a pitch analysis of Karen's voice on his channel. He uses pitch analysis software and he took a song of hers that she performed live, three years apart and looked at her pitch on a side-by-side screen - amazing! If you want to see natural pitch control, check out his reaction with that analysis!
@billboyd9028 Yes! I just watched that! And it was fantastic! I was 10 yrs old when "Close To You" came out. I saw them in concert in 1973, then was blessed to meet and hang out for about an hour or so three different times with Richard & his wife, Mary with my tour group. He's such a sweetheart. Very nice, very kind, and has plenty of wonderful stories to share about Karen & when they were on the road together. The last time I saw him and his wife was at the 55th Celebration in Downey, CA this last April. I love the Carpenters, Richard and Mary are very kind, and Karen? I can only imagine. She's my idol throughout my life. I still get chills when I hear her singing voice. I so loved Fil's reaction to Karen's pitch. Just amazing! She's, wow!!! The best!!!
- "WOW! What a voice!" - Yup, just 'bout sums it up :) - Karen was special; one of a kind. - And, brother Richard was phenomenal - especially as an arranger (responsible for the 'Carpenter' "sound"). - Enjoy more :) ...
My musical awareness came about in the 80's; you would never catch me listening to Karen Carpenter. But the 50 year old me with my evolved ear totally gets it now. Her talent was truly special. ❤
Karen's voice feels like a warm hug, i love it, all the pitch correction and autotune available today can't replicate such soulfulness. She left way too soon, she didn't get to live in a world where she's retroactively getting so much love on the internet, her legacy is forever.
Once an angel fell from heaven. Though she was called home far too quickly she left us all with an amazing gift. Because of her, we know what angels sound like.
@@SaeedReacts. You might like this recent UA-cam video that scientifically analyzed Karen's vocals and shows how pitch perfect her voice was compared to all he has analyzed. If a human could have autotune, she comes close to it . ua-cam.com/video/qRIobV7CRks/v-deo.html
Liked your nice heartfelt reaction. Karen's singing always seemed to pull at my heartstrings. Often left me with goosebumps and a tear in my eye. To see the flip side of this, pull up and watch some of her drum solos and see how happy she was behind a kit. Big smile and full of joy, and was a superb drummer! Richard and Karen were both very talented. Please delve deeper into Carpenters collection. You'll be glad you did. Holidays are coming up and they have some great Christmas music also.
thanks for posting this song i grew up listening to the carpenters when i had paper route in the 70's i bought their records from my paper route their movie about the carpenters that Richard produced sorry i don't have money to donate but her last song she recorded called NOW
Karen Carpenter! My favorite female voice of all time. No auto tune with her! Her voice was like velvet! I was a teenager riding in a car and listening to the radio n taking to a friend the first time I heard her voice. I just stopped the conversation and said “Who Is That?” Her voice is so distinctive and hauntingly soft and soothing!
One of the great tragedies of the 70s, not only because of the loss of her unbelievable voice, but the confounding cause of her death. Anorexia is such a strange disease. At the time of her death, many reacted to the news with jeers and laughter, unable to comprehend the pain and self doubt that would cause someone to starve themselves to death. Shining the light on the disease and spurring research into it's causes and treatments.
Good of you to bring up this dark subject. I like to think of her at her best, but omg, the part about her using lots of that Ipecac syrup (to cause vomiting) at the end of her life was just tough to learn about. What took her out was “cardiotoxicity” caused by a drug in that syrup called emetine. The poor woman unknowingly poisoned herself to death.
The Carpenters has quite a big catalogue of great songs, perhaps "Close to You" is most used in TV and films, including literally in "There's Something About Mary", "The Simpsons" and covered by Lady Gaga in "Joker: Folie à Deux". Other great songs include "We've Only Just Begun", "Superstar", "Hurting Each Other", "Goodbye to Love", "Yesterday Once More", "Top of the World", "I Won't Last a Day Without You", "Only Yesterday", "I Need to Be In Love", "Love Me For What I Am".
Another great request but this one I play frequently along with my all time favorite Carpenters song "Goodbye to love"" I realize nobody would agree but the guitar solo makes it my favorite!!
I found them at 14-such a long time ago when you just didn't admit you listened to Carpenters music. But it was undeniably perfect. Such a voice. It will never come again so I am so glad it still survives and will forever. 'Happy' is my favorite song of theirs. It's a song of love and hope.
Karen had one of the all time great singing voices! This was my favorite song by them. Though I wasn't a fan of theirs I have long since come around. Thanks for the reaction.
She was an angel. Shared her love and pain. Had no idea what she meant to so many people. My daughter got a steady diet of Karen and Richard from an early age. She listens to this day. And I too. Devotion. Because they earned it
It's really interesting hearing your perspective on the songs I grew up on. I was born in 1960. You say it's surreal and mind blowing listening to all this great talent in a condensed way, so fast. Well, I think it was meant to be overwhelming sometimes...Keep it up Saeed!!!
I first discovered Karen and 1972 I had a pocket radio and I heard the song Superstar she has the most beautiful voice I have ever heard I'm 64 years old and I still love her
Saeed, thank you for reacting to the legendary Carpenters. Karen Carpenter is one of greatest vocalists, female or male of all time. The clarity, range, and technical perfection in her vocals are extraordinary. Her interpretation of lyrics is captivating. Richard Carpenter was a genius as an arranger and musician. The Carpenters' exceptional body of work is timeless.
For those who haven't heard of her, there is a young singer named Tori Holub who sounds so much like Karen it is just freaky. She does other songs, but mostly she has posted Carpenters covers. Full length videos of Close To You and We've Only Just Begun are on YT. It's hysterical watching some people do reactions and after the opening notes, their eyes get wide and their jaws drop. Showed it to my brother in law and, within seconds, he said "What?"
It was mentioned in an earlier reply that there is a UA-cam channel called Wings of Pegasus that did a pitch analysis on Karen Carpenter. He actually did one on Tori Holub Side by side against Karen Carpenter as well. Tori Holub does not use pitch correction or auto tune and she's so close to Karen Carpenter sometimes it's hard to tell the difference.
I consider myself blessed to have been able to grow up listening to them. absolute pure perfection. A true gift that can never be duplicated. you need to dig further into their music.
Fueron a finales de los 60 y toda la decada de los 70 el mejor duo 🎶 musical de aquella época todo gracias a las melodías y la increible voz de Karen Carpenter muy pocas voces han habido en el mundo de música ta bella como la de Karen Carpenter gracias Saeed muy buena reaccion. Una recomendación un dueto de karen Carpenter con la gran leyenda del Jazz 🎺 Ella Ficherald increíble un Medley a dueto sensaciónal 💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💢💥💥💢💢💥💢💢💥💥💢
Carpenters are awesome, despite a short career. Karen Carpenter, one of the best female voices ever, so special and unique. And she's also a drummer. I love all their songs but, "Close to you", is so sweet, beautiful and special, that I have a couple of very good friends, that after being grandparent only of girls, finally the prince arrived last August, and I send a message of congratulations and send a link to close to you by carpenters, dedicated to the newborn boy. Kiss. Ana
Her voice is iconic. People in the music industry revere her and the Carpenters sound stands the test of time. You have to listen to the song “Close to You” next. 👍
To see Karen playing the drums too is amazing. She really did have a unique voice & very special. Ofcourse they were all brilliant, yet sorry she died so young
Carpenters were a hit machine in the 70's with Richard's arrangements and productions and younger sister Karen on drums and her hauntingly beautiful voice. Karen was a world-class drummer, check out one of her drum solos on YT. Any song from the carpenters is beautiful, but here are a few to start with. Superstar This Masquerade Goodbye to love A song for you (Audio version) the video was from a TV appearance and cuts out a good portion of the song. Close to you
Yes, and we in our 60s grew up with these artists. They were all over the radio and we took them for granted, didn't realize we were living in the Golden age of popular music. We do now.
Thanks for another great review. For me, one of their greatest songs was not their most popular, but it was the last song Karen recorded, called “Now”. I’d love to get your reaction. Thanks. 😊
Hello, Saeed: It's me again. Nice reaction to a wonderful voice. A Carpenters song was playing on the radio at work and I mentioned to the guy working in the row beside me that I had four 45s of The Carpenters, Close To You, We've Only Just Begun, For All We Know and Merry Christmas, Darling. This guy really had a wonderful personality. He asked me why I would want to tell him about my garbage and then proceeded to inform me that I was the most boring person he had ever met. I guess one man's garbage is another man's treasure. Merry Christmas Darling would be a good one to do in a month's time or so.
Speaking of rainy days…Gordon Lightfoot has a song called “Rainy Day People” that I know you’d appreciate. Love Karen, truly a once-in-a-lifetime voice. Great reaction!
Karen’s gorgeous voice is so emotional and unique. Extraordinary voice and her drumming skills along with Richard’s compositions and musical talent….they were amazing. Karen’s voice is dark and rich and evokes emotion. The emotion is deep inside of her. Richards arrangements were glorious. Karen and Richard did a benefit concert for Vietnam Vets at Walter Reed Hospital of Burt Bacharach songs. ❤❤
Hi, Saeed😊. These siblings were very much loved, as you can see by the other comments here. All these comments are very accurate. Karen never wanted to come away from the drums. She considered herself a drummer who just happened to sing. Her Anorexia was brought on by a newspaper article when they were first becoming popular. The statement was something like" Richard and his chubby little sister," which devastated Karen, who was young when they started out. It also didn't help that Richard got more attention from their parents when they were growing up. Richard had his demons, too. Karen was starting to get control over the illness, but her heart was already damaged too much. She was only 32, I believe, when she passed. There will never be another Karen. She was very special with a voice that wasxsmooth as velvet. Thank you for your sincere and very heartfelt reaction. BY THE WAY (just catching your attention there😊) there is a movie out called "The Karen Carpenter Story" I think it was here on UA-cam, or it used to be. It gives you an in-depth look into both of them and their music as well as their demons. And yes there is a video of her on the drums on one of their specials, both are worth watching. Much love to you and your family ❤️ 🫂
@SaeedReacts. ...A very heartfelt reaction....been a Carpenters fan since '70...first saw them perform in '71....recommend you experience their recording of Ordinary Fool...just Karen singing..no other vocals
Karen can actually sweep you up and take you to a place you've not experienced before. Her voice is like putting on a cozy, warm blanket. Her life was so tragic, but she brought all of us so much pleasure. I've never heard another person who can come close to her perfectionism
This is my pity party song! A voice which defines a generation and half! Miss you Karen Carpenter! What you didn't realize is that you were perfectly imperfect!
I am so looking forward to this, Saeed. I apologize I haven't been on as much, life is busy. I already know how much you're going to love this song. It's on of my favorites and Karen's voice is one of THE BEST ever! Have a wonderful weekend, David : )
I stand to be corrected, but to the best of my knowledge, while many people refer to them as "The Carpenters" the official name of the band is and always was, simply "Carpenters".
One of the most beautiful, distinctive voices of all time.
She is the most beautiful 'sitting next to you' female voice.
Absolutely!
She was called One take Karren. She ould walk into the studio and sing and wrap a song in one take. purfect pitch
Let's talk about how that is her voice. No fancy recording trick or software. Voice of an angel, we lost way too soon.
@@scottshipman2702
Yep, the only thing Richard did is to layer her voice. No software tricks, because they didn't exist back then.
Greatest female singer of my lifetime!
Greatest female "pop" vocalist and drummer to ever walk on the face of the planet.
The GOAT!! She had perfect pitch and that unbelievable conta alto voice. John Lennon said she had the best voice he had ever heard. She thought he was kidding. He wasn't. RIP Karen.❤❤❤
I thought John Lennon's favorite was Yoko. O no I forgot, she had to sing inside a bag😂
Paul McCartney said she had the greatest female voice. "pure, melodic, instinctive"... Lennon came up to her at a restaurant in L.A. and said "I just want to tell you luv, you have a fabulous voice".... Justin Haywood of the Moody Blues, also said she had the greatest female voice, Streisand told her that she had a "marvelous instrument", K.D. Lang stated that she was a female Nat King Cole and his equal. Others like Sinatra, Humperdinck, dionne warwick, shania twain, petula clark and Madonna among others have praised her...
@tomschmitz-dj1fg sorry for the easy and cheap yoko punch. I've liked some of her songs ie. Double fantasy. However couldn't resist bringing up bag ism, still haven't properly digested its meaning, thinking something to do the the ego and the womb and rebirth.. it's just so freaking funny. Unfortunately Karen carpenter could of really used that bag to hide from the fame monsters
@@tomschmitz-dj1fg oh thought you talking bout yoko, sorry me a dummy
I went with my parents to see her at a small place called the Warwick musical tent in RI. She was amazing and she is a really good drummer
She had a voice that could make a grown man cry!
Every time I hear her Friend
Karen's beautiful contralto voice always hits like a warm hug. The richness and warmth are amazing! I hope you'll react to more of their music.
Karen Carpenter could just recite the Icelandic dictionary under water and still sound amazing. Best female vocalist in pop ever.
Reciting the Icelandic dictionary under water sounds like something Bjork might actually do...😁
Karen was a very accomplished drummer, and that is what she loved. She did not want to be upfront as a lead singer. Her brother Richard had to convince her that she had to emphasize her beautiful voice for them to be successful, but she was always happiest behind the drum kit, and you can tell when you watch videos where she is drumming and singing. He is a master at arranging music and vocals. On record, they layer their own background vocals. There is a great video of her doing an epic drumming session from one of their TV specials on UA-cam. They have so many incredible songs you can't really miss, but "Superstar" is a standout, as is "Goodbye to Love", "For All We Know", a more upbeat song, "Top of the World", "Close To You" "We've Only Just Begun"...all classics that you will still hear at weddings and Bar Mitzvahs.
Karen Carpenter was the same age has me, born 1950. She tragically died of anorexia at 32 years old in early 1983. She grew up in Southern California as I did. I have suffered severe depression in my life. I was devastated when she died as well. She had perhaps the best female voices ever. I actually visited her crypt when she was entombed at Forest Lawn Cemetery Cyprus, CA years ago. Her brother Richard has since had her moved to a family Mausoleum elsewhere. I just turned 74 this week, and I still listen to and remember her so fondly. This song is perfection. Your reaction is so welcome Saeed. Thank you.
She would have been happier if she had remained behind her drum kit. She was a pioneer of female drummers. But the record industry (and Richard) knew she was also eye-candy, and pushed her into the limelight as a vocalist, which both made her doubt her drumming skills and made her focus on her physical appearance. It was a recipe for self-destruction.
The subtle way Richard incorporates harmonicas and oboes is outstanding.
RC was a fine composer and pianist, but a real genius at arranging and song selection...many Carpenters hits were covers, in many cases covers that became far more celebrated than the original recordings of the same songs.
@@stevetournay6103 Exactly, pretty much every song they covered. They owned it!
This woman had such an emotional voice. What a great sound.
Arguably one of the finest female voices of all time. Superstar (live), or any of their performances are well worth the listen.
No argument. Karen Carpenter is one of greatest vocalists, female or male of all time. The purity, clarity, range, and breath control in her vocals and her interpretation of lyrics are on another level. Richard Carpenter was a genius as an arranger and musician. The Carpenters' impressive body of work stands the test of time.
No 'arguable' about it. Female GOAT.
Thank you Saeed, for your sincerity, and openness. I grew up with this great music, when it was brand new. Loved it then, as a kid, and still do. 😊
The Carpenters: "Close to You", "We've Only Just Begun", "Top of the World", "Sing", "Super Star"
I know where I was when Kennedy died, when men first walked on the moon, and when I heard on my car radio that this beautiful soul had died. I literally had to pull my car over and cry in downtown Augusta, Georgia. It was a very bad day for so many.
@@duke2651 Indeed.
Karen Carpenter has one of the all time greatest voices. It’s completely effortless. I really love her lower register as well. So many people can do the high notes but the lower register she has is incredible. Singing and drumming simultaneously as well. I’d recommend ‘We’ve Only Just Begun’ and ‘For All We Know.’
THE best female voice.
If you have not already, you need to hear their optimistic "We've Only Just Begun."
She used to call herself a drummer who sang.
What a voice and an amazing drummer, too! The late, great drummer Buddy Rich once said she was the greatest female drummer. She was happiest when she was drumming, and I think when she was coerced to come away from the drums and stand up front, she felt something was missing. To see her at what looks like her happiest, please check out "Karen Carpenter drum solo 1976 First Television Special." It's on UA-cam. Video quality isn't great, but you can see her brilliant smile.
Karen was only 21 here - that voice of hers was mature beyond her years.
There is a reactor named "Wings of Pegasus" who just did a pitch analysis of Karen's voice on his channel. He uses pitch analysis software and he took a song of hers that she performed live, three years apart and looked at her pitch on a side-by-side screen - amazing! If you want to see natural pitch control, check out his reaction with that analysis!
@billboyd9028 Yes! I just watched that! And it was fantastic! I was 10 yrs old when "Close To You" came out. I saw them in concert in 1973, then was blessed to meet and hang out for about an hour or so three different times with Richard & his wife, Mary with my tour group. He's such a sweetheart. Very nice, very kind, and has plenty of wonderful stories to share about Karen & when they were on the road together. The last time I saw him and his wife was at the 55th Celebration in Downey, CA this last April. I love the Carpenters, Richard and Mary are very kind, and Karen? I can only imagine. She's my idol throughout my life. I still get chills when I hear her singing voice. I so loved Fil's reaction to Karen's pitch. Just amazing! She's, wow!!! The best!!!
@@billboyd9028 I saw this too. She really is pitch perfect. No wonder she was referred to as one-take Karen. 😊
I watched Fil's analysis of Karen's voice. It was really interesting.
I love Fil!
One of the great voices of the last century.
Their song Hurting Each Other is a really good one. It's still very timely in this day and age.
I can't even express how huge this song was on the radio. I loved it so much. It brings me right back to that time and place in my young life.
- "WOW! What a voice!"
- Yup, just 'bout sums it up :)
- Karen was special; one of a kind.
- And, brother Richard was phenomenal - especially as an arranger (responsible for the 'Carpenter' "sound").
- Enjoy more :) ...
Nobody had better pitch control than Karen.
Paul Williams wrote this song and the line "What I've got they used to call the blues" was genius.
My musical awareness came about in the 80's; you would never catch me listening to Karen Carpenter.
But the 50 year old me with my evolved ear totally gets it now. Her talent was truly special. ❤
The Carpenters had so many hits you really need to go down this rabbit hole you really won't be disappointed!
Karen's voice feels like a warm hug, i love it, all the pitch correction and autotune available today can't replicate such soulfulness. She left way too soon, she didn't get to live in a world where she's retroactively getting so much love on the internet, her legacy is forever.
Once an angel fell from heaven. Though she was called home far too quickly she left us all with an amazing gift. Because of her, we know what angels sound like.
Dude, you are in for a ride.
Now you've heard the voice of perfection! Karen's voice is so rich, dynamic and pitch perfect. The Eagles and the Band also have drummers who sing.
Incredible voice!
@@SaeedReacts.this is a good rabbit hole to jump in !
Phil Collins was a drummer who sang. Frankie Valli has a drummer who sings, Grand Funk Railroad, Ringo Starr, even Mickey Dolenz of The Monkees!
@@SaeedReacts. You might like this recent UA-cam video that scientifically analyzed Karen's vocals and shows how pitch perfect her voice was compared to all he has analyzed. If a human could have autotune, she comes close to it . ua-cam.com/video/qRIobV7CRks/v-deo.html
Liked your nice heartfelt reaction. Karen's singing always seemed to pull at my heartstrings. Often left me with goosebumps and a tear in my eye. To see the flip side of this, pull up and watch some of her drum solos and see how happy she was behind a kit. Big smile and full of joy, and was a superb drummer! Richard and Karen were both very talented. Please delve deeper into Carpenters collection. You'll be glad you did. Holidays are coming up and they have some great Christmas music also.
Considered by many to be the greatest female voice of all time.
Such a beautiful, golden voice, so sad that she was taken so young.
Karen’s talent was truly a gift from god. This was my mother’s favorite song.
3 of my favourite things...Rainy days, Mondays, and Carpenters.
thanks for posting this song i grew up listening to the carpenters when i had paper route in the 70's i bought their records from my paper route their movie about the carpenters that Richard produced sorry i don't have money to donate but her last song she recorded called NOW
I bought ELO records with my paper route money. Every day, in the rain, in the snow, delivering the daily news.
Karen Carpenter! My favorite female voice of all time. No auto tune with her! Her voice was like velvet! I was a teenager riding in a car and listening to the radio n taking to a friend the first time I heard her voice. I just stopped the conversation and said “Who Is That?” Her voice is so distinctive and hauntingly soft and soothing!
Awesome singer. One of the best. So sad she never found true love. Rest in peace karen
Thank you for reacting to this. Karen Carpenter was my favorite singer when I was 5, and their music hits the airwaves.
One of the great tragedies of the 70s, not only because of the loss of her unbelievable voice, but the confounding cause of her death. Anorexia is such a strange disease. At the time of her death, many reacted to the news with jeers and laughter, unable to comprehend the pain and self doubt that would cause someone to starve themselves to death. Shining the light on the disease and spurring research into it's causes and treatments.
Good of you to bring up this dark subject. I like to think of her at her best, but omg, the part about her using lots of that Ipecac syrup (to cause vomiting) at the end of her life was just tough to learn about. What took her out was “cardiotoxicity” caused by a drug in that syrup called emetine. The poor woman unknowingly poisoned herself to death.
The Carpenters has quite a big catalogue of great songs, perhaps "Close to You" is most used in TV and films, including literally in "There's Something About Mary", "The Simpsons" and covered by Lady Gaga in "Joker: Folie à Deux". Other great songs include "We've Only Just Begun", "Superstar", "Hurting Each Other", "Goodbye to Love", "Yesterday Once More", "Top of the World", "I Won't Last a Day Without You", "Only Yesterday", "I Need to Be In Love", "Love Me For What I Am".
My bucket list wish for you is to react to the live version of The Carpenters, "Goodbye to Love."
A sad loss. She was amazingly talented and beautiful.
Another great request but this one I play frequently along with my all time favorite Carpenters song "Goodbye to love"" I realize nobody would agree but the guitar solo makes it my favorite!!
Will add that song to my list. Thanks!
This is by the great Paul Williams who was covered a lot by the Carpenters. Check him out. He looks and sounds different than anyone else.
Thanks for letting me know! Will add his name to my list.
I found them at 14-such a long time ago when you just didn't admit you listened to Carpenters music. But it was undeniably perfect. Such a voice. It will never come again so I am so glad it still survives and will forever. 'Happy' is my favorite song of theirs. It's a song of love and hope.
I grew up with her voice. She one of a kind.❤
Karen had one of the all time great singing voices! This was my favorite song by them. Though I wasn't a fan of theirs I have long since come around. Thanks for the reaction.
Karen's voice was sublime.Also one of the most gifted drummers and the music those siblings produced was nothing short of exquisite.Rest in peace.
She was the greatest female singer to me. Passed too early at 32. Anorexia was so unknown in 1982 at that time.
This has always been my favorite song of theirs. Thanks as always for your comments.
She was an angel. Shared her love and pain. Had no idea what she meant to so many people. My daughter got a steady diet of Karen and Richard from an early age. She listens to this day. And I too. Devotion. Because they earned it
Not to mention she’s also playing the drums!
They are one of my favorites🥰🥰
It's really interesting hearing your perspective on the songs I grew up on. I was born in 1960. You say it's surreal and mind blowing listening to all this great talent in a condensed way, so fast. Well, I think it was meant to be overwhelming sometimes...Keep it up Saeed!!!
1960 here, too!
I first discovered Karen and 1972 I had a pocket radio and I heard the song Superstar she has the most beautiful voice I have ever heard I'm 64 years old and I still love her
My favorite from her is "A Song For You." She was a beautiful soul with such an amazing voice. But no one could save her. 😢
Saeed, thank you for reacting to the legendary Carpenters. Karen Carpenter is one of greatest vocalists, female or male of all time. The clarity, range, and technical perfection in her vocals are extraordinary. Her interpretation of lyrics is captivating. Richard Carpenter was a genius as an arranger and musician. The Carpenters' exceptional body of work is timeless.
My favorite female singer.
Karen had a great voice and she was a great drummer too!
Kiss Me the Way You Did Last Night is a Beautiful Song by the Carpenters! So underrated.
One of the most beautiful sounds in the musical universe - Karen Carpenter singing a song. Any song.
She was the master of restraint.
It was great growing up in the 1970’s with music like this.
She hit your soul head on when she sang
Karen's voice is like that of an angel. It gives me goosebumps every time I hear this. She was gone too soon. Love your reaction!
Beautiful voice! Thanks so much for watching.
For those who haven't heard of her, there is a young singer named Tori Holub who sounds so much like Karen it is just freaky. She does other songs, but mostly she has posted Carpenters covers. Full length videos of Close To You and We've Only Just Begun are on YT. It's hysterical watching some people do reactions and after the opening notes, their eyes get wide and their jaws drop. Showed it to my brother in law and, within seconds, he said "What?"
It was mentioned in an earlier reply that there is a UA-cam channel called Wings of Pegasus that did a pitch analysis on Karen Carpenter. He actually did one on Tori Holub Side by side against Karen Carpenter as well. Tori Holub does not use pitch correction or auto tune and she's so close to Karen Carpenter sometimes it's hard to tell the difference.
I loved this song so much! 🙂I still quote it. LOL My other favorite was "Superstar". Karen Carpenter left way too soon. R.I.P.
Hi tim...I had been waiting to see if anyone had suggested them, but I just couldn't wait any longer😊.
- Karen: a drum who happens to sing (HER characterization).
- Seek out vids on her drumming... also phenomenal! :)
I consider myself blessed to have been able to grow up listening to them. absolute pure perfection. A true gift that can never be duplicated. you need to dig further into their music.
Fueron a finales de los 60 y toda la decada de los 70 el mejor duo 🎶 musical de aquella época todo gracias a las melodías y la increible voz de Karen Carpenter muy pocas voces han habido en el mundo de música ta bella como la de Karen Carpenter gracias Saeed muy buena reaccion. Una recomendación un dueto de karen Carpenter con la gran leyenda del Jazz 🎺 Ella Ficherald increíble un Medley a dueto sensaciónal 💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💢💥💥💢💢💥💢💢💥💥💢
@@vicentesoler9266 Estoy de acuerdo ☝️ Bien dicho!
Richard’s brilliance with the harmonies and orchestrations often get overlooked, but it’s one of the first things you commented on :-)
Carpenters are awesome, despite a short career. Karen Carpenter, one of the best female voices ever, so special and unique. And she's also a drummer. I love all their songs but, "Close to you", is so sweet, beautiful and special, that I have a couple of very good friends, that after being grandparent only of girls, finally the prince arrived last August, and I send a message of congratulations and send a link to close to you by carpenters, dedicated to the newborn boy. Kiss. Ana
Amazing voice! Thanks for watching and the recommendation. Much love from Belgium.
The Carpenters were huge back in the 70’s when I was growing up. Karen had perfect pitch…
Her voice is iconic. People in the music industry revere her and the Carpenters sound stands the test of time. You have to listen to the song “Close to You” next. 👍
To see Karen playing the drums too is amazing. She really did have a unique voice & very special. Ofcourse they were all brilliant, yet sorry she died so young
Beautiful, heartfelt reaction. And the song warrants that.
Carpenters were a hit machine in the 70's with Richard's arrangements and productions and younger sister Karen on drums and her hauntingly beautiful voice. Karen was a world-class drummer, check out one of her drum solos on YT. Any song from the carpenters is beautiful, but here are a few to start with.
Superstar
This Masquerade
Goodbye to love
A song for you (Audio version) the video was from a TV appearance and cuts out a good portion of the song.
Close to you
Yes, and we in our 60s grew up with these artists. They were all over the radio and we took them for granted, didn't realize we were living in the Golden age of popular music. We do now.
Thanks for another great review. For me, one of their greatest songs was not their most popular, but it was the last song Karen recorded, called “Now”. I’d love to get your reaction. Thanks. 😊
Definitely want to explore more of their music. Thanks for watching and the recommendation.
Hello, Saeed: It's me again. Nice reaction to a wonderful voice. A Carpenters song was playing on the radio at work and I mentioned to the guy working in the row beside me that I had four 45s of The Carpenters, Close To You, We've Only Just Begun, For All We Know and Merry Christmas, Darling. This guy really had a wonderful personality. He asked me why I would want to tell him about my garbage and then proceeded to inform me that I was the most boring person he had ever met. I guess one man's garbage is another man's treasure. Merry Christmas Darling would be a good one to do in a month's time or so.
There is no other voice that can touch my heart and soul, like Karen's voice. She makes you feel the words she is singing. RIP Karen.
I grew up with the Carpenters. I was lucky.
Speaking of rainy days…Gordon Lightfoot has a song
called “Rainy Day People” that I know you’d appreciate.
Love Karen, truly a once-in-a-lifetime voice. Great reaction!
THAT VOICE!
Karen’s gorgeous voice is so emotional and unique. Extraordinary voice and her drumming skills along with Richard’s compositions and musical talent….they were amazing.
Karen’s voice is dark and rich and evokes emotion. The emotion is deep inside of her.
Richards arrangements were glorious.
Karen and Richard did a benefit concert for Vietnam Vets at Walter Reed Hospital of Burt Bacharach songs. ❤❤
Hi, Saeed😊. These siblings were very much loved, as you can see by the other comments here. All these comments are very accurate. Karen never wanted to come away from the drums. She considered herself a drummer who just happened to sing. Her Anorexia was brought on by a newspaper article when they were first becoming popular. The statement was something like" Richard and his chubby little sister," which devastated Karen, who was young when they started out. It also didn't help that Richard got more attention from their parents when they were growing up. Richard had his demons, too. Karen was starting to get control over the illness, but her heart was already damaged too much. She was only 32, I believe, when she passed. There will never be another Karen. She was very special with a voice that wasxsmooth as velvet. Thank you for your sincere and very heartfelt reaction.
BY THE WAY (just catching your attention there😊) there is a movie out called "The Karen Carpenter Story" I think it was here on UA-cam, or it used to be. It gives you an in-depth look into both of them and their music as well as their demons. And yes there is a video of her on the drums on one of their specials, both are worth watching. Much love to you and your family ❤️ 🫂
Yes ... Saeed .... yes, yes, yes, yes ... and more yes !! There is nothing like Karen's voice.. nothing. Thank you for this one. 🤍
What a voice! Thanks so much for watching.
@SaeedReacts. ...A very heartfelt reaction....been a Carpenters fan since '70...first saw them perform in '71....recommend you experience their recording of Ordinary Fool...just Karen singing..no other vocals
Paul Williams writes phenomenal music. My personal favorite is The Rainbow Connection from The Muppet Movie.
Her Ave Maria is off the charts. Fun sentimental one, Bless the Beasts and the Children (movie soundtrack)
Karen can actually sweep you up and take you to a place you've not experienced before. Her voice is like putting on a cozy, warm blanket. Her life was so tragic, but she brought all of us so much pleasure. I've never heard another person who can come close to her perfectionism
You're too young to remember many of these artists so it's great to see you discover them! The Carpenters are always a great choice.
This is my pity party song! A voice which defines a generation and half! Miss you Karen Carpenter! What you didn't realize is that you were perfectly imperfect!
1 in a lifetime voice. I think you described it well.
I am so looking forward to this, Saeed. I apologize I haven't been on as much, life is busy. I already know how much you're going to love this song. It's on of my favorites and Karen's voice is one of THE BEST ever! Have a wonderful weekend, David : )
I stand to be corrected, but to the best of my knowledge, while many people refer to them as "The Carpenters" the official name of the band is and always was, simply "Carpenters".
I always like the reactors who get half to two-thirds through the song and say, "Hey, she's playing the drums!"😄
Singing so beautiful and playing the drums. Just incredible! 😄