Tony Peluso was an incredibly talented musician who was vastly underappreciated in his own time.... his solo on Goodbye to Love was revolutionary, and the song served as the prototype for the Power Ballad, now a staple of popular music for decades. May be rest Softly and Safely, and in Peace.
On the surface the lyrics seem to be about giving up, but on a deeper level they're about taking back control. Instead of being controlled by the idea that you have to be in love, letting go of that is the best way to have control over your own destiny.
But there's that line, "There may come a time when I will see that I've been wrong. But for now this is my song." I think it's saying that there's still hope, but until then...
While I love almost every song the Carpenters have done, there are a handful that are so special. This is one of them. It still gets me that after all these years, now that I am in the closing years of my life, this woman's voice still moves me to tears. It affects me more now than even when I adored her music in the 70s, when I first heard her. I often ask myself why, why does her voice over any other in my lifetime, touch me in so many ways. And I go back to the first time I heard her.. It was summer of 1970 on a steamy late Carolina July evening. A bunch of us teenages were hanging out in a friend's car, outside another friend's house, waiting to get the OK we could go inside and party. The AM radio, then a top 40 station out of Raleigh, WKIX, was playing the popular tunes of the moment. And it happened, the song Close To You came on and it was my first time I hearing the Carpenters or Karen's voice. My friends wanted to change the channel..this type of music, not being Dylan or hard rock was considered sissy music. I emplored them not to change the channel even though I knew I would be lampooned later. Somehow, they let it play. And I would never be the same. My soul, my very essence was touched that late Carolina evening and for the first time, I knew what an angel sounded like. I still do, all these years later. And it sounds like Karen Carpenter. Thank you God for letting me be alive during her time and blessing us all with her voice. There will never be another one like hers.❤❤❤❤❤❤
When I look at Karen …I can’t help but be sad and reminded of what a senseless loss her illness and death were …so I completely understand when you say it’s easier when you’re not watching her sing . ❤
My favorite of theirs and a highly influential recording. The fuzz guitar solo was the first mega-introduction into a pop song and the rest is history. It's not as if it hadn't been done or that it was new, but being on a Carpenter's hit took it to a much different level when it comes to exposure. Tony Peluso basically improvised the solo and did it in one take.
FYI: CARPENTERS literally Invented the Soft Rock Genre "POWER BALLADS" with this Song "Goodbye to Love" > many Bands were Birthed & made it Big as a result! TONY PELUSO Lead Guitar created that Sound & started careers for many Bands > then Tony became a PRODUCER for "MO TOWN" in L.A. > they got nasty Fan mail because of it > but that did not last Long!
@@stevenburger7158 as I pointed out, it was monumental in it's reach through the pop charts but Stairway to Heaven is big daddy and was recorded in late 70, released in late 71. It would be a stretch to say it didn't influence Peluso or either of the Carpenters, regardless of what they say. The only reason it wasn't on the charts was because LZ's manager didn't want it released as a single so everyone would buy the album (which worked very well). People need to understand that the masses got their music from the radio back then and were hearing all sorts of genres on top 40 radio stations. The kids were hearing Paranoid in 71 along with Yes's Roundabout. Roundabout was in rotation with Donny Osmond's Puppy Love. As we both pointed out, Goodbye To Love brought the power ballad with distorted solo to the forefront in pop music but it was coming from the album oriented rock genre.
@@randybaker6042 EXCELLENT RANDY! Thanks ;-) The timing of Power Ballad bands coming out in force was following the Carpenters massive Popularity and Record Sales above everyone! They had 16 hits & 20M sales in just their first 3.5 yrs. INFLUENCE came to Carpenters from all over but they had the Anointing of God in a Raging Acid Rock era > touched America big time! Thanks again Randy GodBless
@@stevenburger7158 I was a young teenager and Carpenters/Bread were a couple of my main groups. But I was also very into Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Yes along with The Eagles and outlaw country.
Takes us older folks back to a different time, 1972, summer....too many people today only listen to this song for the guitar and not it's full romantic lyrical content. And the Carpenter Choir is beautiful, it's all Karen and Richard in layers. What guitar solo and choir offers is a musical new hope of new love someday.
Remember the days well. But that Tony Peluso's solo is pure brilliance as was Richard's decision to construct the song that way. Sadly the fact that he (Tony) is no longer with us is also overlooked. It's a shame there is no definitive live version of this with both solos, I think the Japan one is the best but even that is loaded with overdubs.
There was a Bing Crosby movie (whose name escapes me for the moment) in which he plays a songwriter whose most famous song is called Goodbye To Love, but you never hear the song throughout the film. Richard Carpenter watched it one day and wondered how a song with that title would sound. So, he wrote one.
Always loved this song. I used to drink in a Bikers Pub, in England in the 70's , and one minute it was Hendrix and Zeppelin on the jjuke box, then this would come on...the whole Pub loved it.
Glad you are doing more of the Carpenter's music. Love Karen's voice. They had so many great songs such as "We've Only Just Begun", "For All We Know", "Top Of The World", "Sing", "Yesterday Once More", "I Won't Last A Day Without You", "Please Mr. Postman", "Only Yesterday", "There's A Kind Of Hush (All Over the World)", "I Need To Be In Love", "A Song For You" & so many more.
The way it was "harder" than their usual stuff, was a welcomed change that shows how more diverse than just the softer music they were known for. Richard was/is a musical genius that could not only write and arrange music, but also innovative with recording. You can really hear the over-dubbing recording that was first used by Les Paul (of guitar fame) to record his wife Mary Ford years before. And what can you say about Karen, it's Karen Carpenter!
this one rally hits close to home right now. i'm 61 and recently widowed. the idea of saying "goodbye to love" seems what it will take to get through. whatever it is that touches you in this song, i wish you well. just wanted to drop a little encouragement your way. peace.
Her marriage didn’t work out and sadly she was taken in the end by anorexia nervosa as I understand it and died far too young. But what an impact The Carpenters made!
@@juliafox7904 yes, I remember the day she passed. It was really difficult to watch her change over time and I think everyone knew what was going on. Her love life was very sad as well. She is still missed, for sure.
Another song that's on the darker side from them that is one of my favorites is called Hurting Each Other. I highly recommend it. This one is great too, and the guitar solo just give it even more depth. And you don't need to explain your emotions. You're a sensitive guy, and that's a good thing.
What makes this song so devasting is the resignation with which she sings it. I always liked the guitar solo, as it gives a nice spice to the song, but seriously (yes, I was around when this was a hit in 1972), I don't think anyone would ever confuse the Carpenters with Steppenwolf.
When first hearing this back then on the radio I couldn’t believe when it went into the guitar solo. I thought it was awesome and couldn’t believe anyone had a problem with it. It gave the Carpenters an edge they didn’t have. As far as singing, why is everyone today looking for range, waiting for the scream. Singers today can’t get through a song without having to hit high notes. That doesn’t determine a great singer. Karen had depth to her voice, perfect diction, perfect pitch, unmatched clarity and a tone in her voice that was remarkable. You know it’s her from the first note. Her breath control is unmatched too. And imagine, playing the drums, and still perfect pitch, diction and clarity. She was amazing.
Lyricist John Bettis was a longtime close friend of both Richard and Karen, having been part of their pre-Capenters group Spectrum. When he wrote for the Carpenters, he usually imagined what Karen would say if she could compose, though he never told her so. Karen never had a successful longterm relationship, and that's what he was addressing in this song. If he had revealed that, Karen would probably have been too self-conscious and embarrassed to perform the song; at the same time, her experience no doubt helped her give such a committed performance
my favorite carpenters song. that fuzz guitar solo is what opened my ears to rock music in general. my dad had this album on reel-to-reel tape and i would play the heck out of this song just to hear that chorus of "aahhhs" going into that fuzz guitar solo.
It was my mom playing it on the 8 track in our VW Bug on the way to and from school. I love this song but "Top of the World" was my mom's favorite. Karen passed a couple of weeks before my 20th birthday and I cried for days it seemed like. Oh, the music that she could/would still be making, with Richard of course. May she continue to R.I.P. ❤
The guitar stuff is perfect. Saying goodbye to love conjures up all kinds of emotions, and the guitar work is so expressive and contrasts the much more subdued/melancholy vocal and instrumentation. One of my favorites by the Carpenters.
I liked your reaction! I love this Carpenter's song. It was Richard's idea to let Tony Peluso just play and I think the sound fits so well with the lyrics & emotion of it all.
I LOVE the rock/guitar solos in the song…..It speaks volumes…..She’s saying not really “Goodbye to Love”, but goodbye to the pursuit of it since it has always evaded her and left her devastated….It’s freeing to cease the pursuit, and the guitar is exclaiming the freedom. I love it.
I remember this song came out on the radio when I was 20.....I had just broke up with my lover and I had decided that this is it......I am not cut out for Love.....so i said Goodbye to Love.....and Karen sung it and presented it so well.....and now in my 60's I am saying it again!!!! Great song!!! Great reaction!!!!
The Carpenters had some albums with 8 to 10 great songs. They couldn't all be singles. They did a song from 1977 called "Two Sides". Gotta hear it . . . Amazing albums.
Man, don't you ever give up on yourself. The passion you have with this amazing music tells the world you have a huge heart and amazing soul, and you are adorable, truth.
few people talk about the incredible breath control this song commands. there are some long passages where it never seems like she never takes a breath, this song is a benchmark in talent and breath control. the song had its critics back in the day, now we look at it as if it were a work of art.
Very influential recording with the rock guitar stuck in the middle of a ballad. Richard was a top level songwriter, composer, and arranger. I'm not sure if this is what you're referring to when it comes to listening to the Carpenters, but listening to their music knowing Karen's tragic story and ending, often makes me very melancholy
The Carpenters could do any genre of music. I think you next selection to listen to of theirs should be Masquerade. It is a smooth jazz song with an incredible vocal by Karen, great jazz piano by Richard and a wonderful jazz flute solo by Bob Messenger. And did I mention that Karen plays the drums on this track? Wonderful playing.
the lyrics are an admission from a tortured soul... and the distorted guitar captures that assertiveness, especially juxtaposed against the lush, angelic harmonies of richard and karen..
As a Carpenters fan from the beginning, yes the addition of Tony's guitar solo was a surprise, in a great way. Richard enjoyed stretching tne Carpenters sound. I was working in small market radio when this came out. I remember my reaction upon first spinning it. Wow, this is nice, then WHOA! Where did that come from! Thanks for playing this. PS, look up Tori Holub. She is Karen reincarnate. Fantastic voice!
If you’re able hear her voice and you don’t get plunged into feeling a minuscule amount of what she went through internally, you’re heartless. I can’t listen to Karen when I’m out of the safety and comfort of my own home, because I just sit there and cry for the duration of the song. My favorite Carpenters song is “For All We Know,” and even that’s just too much to chance listening to it in public. It’s my hope (and partially my duty) that voices like hers don’t get forgotten by future generations.
Definitely my favourite Carpenters song. The guitar was so unexpected on first listen, and the playing inspired me to pick a damn guitar up for myself!
I like the fact that you research the song before listening. It gives a first-time listener more perspective than a blind listen. It was the first power-ballad, the first slow ballad with a heavy guitar solo, which became commonplace by the 80's. Richard wrote the song after watching a movie that referenced a song called Goodbye To Love. But Goodbye To Love was never played in the movie, so Richard thought it was a great title and wrote this song.
Uh oh, you've fallen for her. Oh, well. Welcome to the bittersweet club! On the bright side, we love listening to her but on the dark side, it hurts to think of her story. Some of us have been members since the 1970s and I'm beginning to suspect that it is impossible to resign...
The '70s was all about experimentation... I've always loved that guitar solo! I was already a rocker, and Carpenters was my guilty pleasure, so the surprise solo just made me happy! lol
FYI: CARPENTERS literally Invented the Soft Rock Genre "POWER BALLADS" with this Song "Goodbye to Love" > many Bands were Birthed & made it Big as a result! TONY PELUSO Lead Guitar created that Sound & started careers for many Bands > then Tony became a PRODUCER for "MO TOWN" in L.A. > they got nasty Fan mail because of it > but that did not last Long!
What I remember about this song is it's hard to listen to after a breakup. And I agree with you about the guitar. It's hardness goes along with the message of the song for me. I like your thoughts about it showing you're in control of saying goodbye for now.
I can't ever hear this song by Karen without crying. We were the same year (1950), but she left us over 40 years ago. Such a shocking, sad loss the way she tragically died so young. Karen Carpenter is maybe the very best natural female voice, ever ! Karen was a gift from God, and I still miss her. Thank you for presenting her again, ~ to a new generation.
The lyrics are about coming to terms with heartbreak and accepting a lot of disappointment, and the vocals sound very calm and serene about it. I think the guitar solo conveys all the pain the person is working through underneath the calm surface.
Always love your reactions. I agree this one is a bit dark but then at the same time, the guitar breaks in and morphs it into sort of an anthem (as you stated). Like a victory in gaining the insight to accept the situation and break free from the emotions in a positive way. I also agree that based on Karen’s struggles, it’s often hard to watch her sing. She was a kind and beautiful person and I think many of us will always wish we could have saved her
Oh God, Oh God, Oh God, I heard your introduction and that the last two songs hit you emotionally and I’m screaming at the TV DON’T PLAY THIS SONG RIGHT NOW! At my stage in life this song speaks to me, too. I first heard it at 15 or so. Carpenters songs can rip through you especially given what happened to Karen. John Bettis said this was his life at the time and commiserated with Karen’s troubles. Yes, the Tony Peluso guitar is magical. It kind of snaps you out of the depressing nature of the story. Yes I enjoyed the reaction. Sigh, I’m glad this hit you less hard. I love the song but it can rip your guts out, too. Tony became a permanent fixture of the Carpenters going forward from this record. He’s seen in a lot of their live performances. Have you done Top Of The World, yet? That is much happier and a Carpenter/Bettis song. Edit: I forgot to mention, Karen was 22 here. That’s not the time to say … I just left a request under the current first song. It’s much happier as is Top of the World, that I mentioned above.
I love your interpretation of the guitar..."harsh but you come to a place of acceptance". Acceptance leads to peace. Ps I love your reactions to all the music ❤
I love this song because of the guitar. It’s the one Carpenter’s hit to have more of a rock feel due to the guitar. There is a live version with the guitarist playing the solo on UA-cam. Not sure if I’m allowed to post links here. Some people delete posts with links.
One of the most relatable songs of theirs for me, personally. Karen and Richard were in top form here. You should see them sing this live. Karen often harmonizes with Tony's guitar riffs. Gods, that harmony......*chef's kiss*.
This single just clicks on every front: as always, a great vocal by Karen (with unparalleled breath control), great backing vocals by the siblings, haunting lyrics, and a guitar solo that pleasingly jolts the listener. SalvoG, your reaction is most appreciated. The fact that you find the song "relatable" is endearing and illuminating. Best wishes for happier days ahead, Friend...
The breath control in this song is AMAZING… they caught a lot of flack for the “rock” guitar solo..I mean to start with an oboe (which is in alot of their songs) to a fuzz guitar is quite the twist
Salvo, try something lighter. Goodbye to Love is a little heavy. Please consider "This Masquerade" which is a phenomenal jazz classic, guaranteed to impress.
@@HozelRocket George Benson's version is undeniably awesome, but I don't pit artists against one another. The Carpenter's version is simply different than his. The tone of Karen's voice is unique beyond measure, with notes coming out "pearled." The richness, clarity and enunciation are just not found elsewhere. Richard's piano and flute solos are beautiful as well. Again, it's an entirely different version than Benson's, deserving of equal appreciation.
Karen was one of my idols. She became anorexic because the record company said she was fat. She lost too much weight starving herself but we thought she’d be ok after she began to eat again. We were wrong. The strain on her heart was too much and her brilliant voice was silenced forever. She and her brother Richard were a brilliant team and I still sing there songs. They are timeless. ❤️
Remove the guitar solo and you’ve lost an integral part of the song that really makes it interesting. Plenty of Carpenters songs are melancholy harmonies with a “waaa-waaa” part, but this one stands out due to the powerful melody amplified by those guitar parts.
My best friend, my “brother from another mother”, was a HUGE Carpenters fan. Me? Not so much. But we could always listen to this one and both be smiling. I adored the fuzz solo, I was the rock & roller. My friend passed away 3 years ago, this reaction brought back such wonderful memories of the past. Thank you for reacting.
Carpenters ended up losing some fans over this!! Some people thought they were going "all heavy metal" all of a sudden! :-) Carpenter albums were often wonderful cry-fests. As a meloncholy teen of 14-15, that fit perfectly into my world!
Before you tell us why you don't mind the guitar solo at the end, l stopped the video so that I can tell you my opinion of what I think it does: it balances or energises or compensates for the dark and somewhat depressing lyrics, imho.
The guitarist ..Tony Peluso was my cousin ..there was a big controversy about how this song was way to “rock” for the Carpenters… I loved it 😊
Super cool sounding and talented guitar solo!
Tony truly was a world class talent. And by all accounts a very nice person. Sorry for your loss. ❤️🎶
Tony Peluso was an incredibly talented musician who was vastly underappreciated in his own time.... his solo on Goodbye to Love was revolutionary, and the song served as the prototype for the Power Ballad, now a staple of popular music for decades.
May be rest Softly and Safely, and in Peace.
Tony Peloso was the perfect guitarist for the Carpenters. He played with such warmth and emotion. May he reunite with you in the Afterlife with Karen.
Yes, they are harmonizing and they were perfect at it, make me think of the BeeGees
On the surface the lyrics seem to be about giving up, but on a deeper level they're about taking back control. Instead of being controlled by the idea that you have to be in love, letting go of that is the best way to have control over your own destiny.
🎯
Brad ,.they were all about her sad life...her mother plays a role in her death...tell her not to eat so many cookies!!
But there's that line, "There may come a time when I will see that I've been wrong. But for now this is my song."
I think it's saying that there's still hope, but until then...
@@michaelasay8587 Remember also that Karen did not write this song. John Bettis was the lyricist.
This song sold me with the guitar when I was a kid. Karen's vocals were the icing on the top.
Give credit to guitarist Tony Peluso for playing that iconic fuzz guitar solo, implementing Richard Carpenter's vision for the song
Knocked it all the way downtown.
While I love almost every song the Carpenters have done, there are a handful that are so special. This is one of them. It still gets me that after all these years, now that I am in the closing years of my life, this woman's voice still moves me to tears. It affects me more now than even when I adored her music in the 70s, when I first heard her. I often ask myself why, why does her voice over any other in my lifetime, touch me in so many ways. And I go back to the first time I heard her..
It was summer of 1970 on a steamy late Carolina July evening. A bunch of us teenages were hanging out in a friend's car, outside another friend's house, waiting to get the OK we could go inside and party. The AM radio, then a top 40 station out of Raleigh, WKIX, was playing the popular tunes of the moment. And it happened, the song Close To You came on and it was my first time I hearing the Carpenters or Karen's voice. My friends wanted to change the channel..this type of music, not being Dylan or hard rock was considered sissy music. I emplored them not to change the channel even though I knew I would be lampooned later. Somehow, they let it play. And I would never be the same. My soul, my very essence was touched that late Carolina evening and for the first time, I knew what an angel sounded like. I still do, all these years later. And it sounds like Karen Carpenter. Thank you God for letting me be alive during her time and blessing us all with her voice. There will never be another one like hers.❤❤❤❤❤❤
yes i am glad there is someone who feels the same as i do
@@500enfield Exactly the same!!!!!
Me, too!!
You don't realise how dark until you are old(er) and realise your ship has sailed.
Also that solo is what really sold it.
When I look at Karen …I can’t help but be sad and reminded of what a senseless loss her illness and death were …so I completely understand when you say it’s easier when you’re not watching her sing . ❤
I agree. She had so much talent, but she didn't have a supportive mother, people took advantage of her.
My favorite of theirs and a highly influential recording. The fuzz guitar solo was the first mega-introduction into a pop song and the rest is history. It's not as if it hadn't been done or that it was new, but being on a Carpenter's hit took it to a much different level when it comes to exposure. Tony Peluso basically improvised the solo and did it in one take.
FYI: CARPENTERS literally Invented the Soft Rock Genre "POWER BALLADS" with this Song "Goodbye to Love" > many Bands were Birthed & made it Big as a result! TONY PELUSO Lead Guitar created that Sound & started careers for many Bands > then Tony became a PRODUCER for "MO TOWN" in L.A. > they got nasty Fan mail because of it > but that did not last Long!
@@stevenburger7158 as I pointed out, it was monumental in it's reach through the pop charts but Stairway to Heaven is big daddy and was recorded in late 70, released in late 71. It would be a stretch to say it didn't influence Peluso or either of the Carpenters, regardless of what they say. The only reason it wasn't on the charts was because LZ's manager didn't want it released as a single so everyone would buy the album (which worked very well).
People need to understand that the masses got their music from the radio back then and were hearing all sorts of genres on top 40 radio stations. The kids were hearing Paranoid in 71 along with Yes's Roundabout. Roundabout was in rotation with Donny Osmond's Puppy Love.
As we both pointed out, Goodbye To Love brought the power ballad with distorted solo to the forefront in pop music but it was coming from the album oriented rock genre.
@@randybaker6042 EXCELLENT RANDY! Thanks ;-) The timing of Power Ballad bands coming out in force was following the Carpenters massive Popularity and Record Sales above everyone! They had 16 hits & 20M sales in just their first 3.5 yrs. INFLUENCE came to Carpenters from all over but they had the Anointing of God in a Raging Acid Rock era > touched America big time! Thanks again Randy GodBless
@@stevenburger7158 I was a young teenager and Carpenters/Bread were a couple of my main groups.
But I was also very into Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Yes along with The Eagles and outlaw country.
Takes us older folks back to a different time, 1972, summer....too many people today only listen to this song for the guitar and not it's full romantic lyrical content. And the Carpenter Choir is beautiful, it's all Karen and Richard in layers. What guitar solo and choir offers is a musical new hope of new love someday.
Remember the days well. But that Tony Peluso's solo is pure brilliance as was Richard's decision to construct the song that way. Sadly the fact that he (Tony) is no longer with us is also overlooked. It's a shame there is no definitive live version of this with both solos, I think the Japan one is the best but even that is loaded with overdubs.
Carpenters at the dawn of the Power Ballad.
There was a Bing Crosby movie (whose name escapes me for the moment) in which he plays a songwriter whose most famous song is called Goodbye To Love, but you never hear the song throughout the film. Richard Carpenter watched it one day and wondered how a song with that title would sound. So, he wrote one.
Rhythm On The River (1940)
Richard Carpenter and John Bettis wrote this song.
Always loved this song. I used to drink in a Bikers Pub, in England in the 70's , and one minute it was Hendrix and Zeppelin on the jjuke box, then this would come on...the whole Pub loved it.
Glad you are doing more of the Carpenter's music. Love Karen's voice. They had so many great songs such as "We've Only Just Begun", "For All We Know", "Top Of The World", "Sing", "Yesterday Once More", "I Won't Last A Day Without You", "Please Mr. Postman", "Only Yesterday", "There's A Kind Of Hush (All Over the World)", "I Need To Be In Love", "A Song For You" & so many more.
And This Masquerade.
Probably my favorite Carpenter's song. I agree with your interpretation. And Karen's breath control on this song is incredible.
The way it was "harder" than their usual stuff, was a welcomed change that shows how more diverse than just the softer music they were known for. Richard was/is a musical genius that could not only write and arrange music, but also innovative with recording. You can really hear the over-dubbing recording that was first used by Les Paul (of guitar fame) to record his wife Mary Ford years before. And what can you say about Karen, it's Karen Carpenter!
this one rally hits close to home right now. i'm 61 and recently widowed. the idea of saying "goodbye to love" seems what it will take to get through. whatever it is that touches you in this song, i wish you well. just wanted to drop a little encouragement your way. peace.
God bless you Mr. Greer.
❤
❤ condolences David.
thank you all. you're kind.
David...just look forward to heaven...we will see them all.
My absolute favorite carpenters song❤️✌️
So hard to pick one, but this is definitely up there for me.
Mine, too.
Same here. This one and “This Masquerade.”
Mine, as well.
Thank you for reacting to this song. It brings me such joy to see a new generation discovering Karen and Richard’s beautiful art!
This songs always made me think we were listening to Karen’s inner feelings. There’s such a sadness in it.
Her marriage didn’t work out and sadly she was taken in the end by anorexia nervosa as I understand it and died far too young. But what an impact The Carpenters made!
@@juliafox7904 yes, I remember the day she passed. It was really difficult to watch her change over time and I think everyone knew what was going on. Her love life was very sad as well. She is still missed, for sure.
Some music just gives you permission to cry.
Another song that's on the darker side from them that is one of my favorites is called Hurting Each Other. I highly recommend it. This one is great too, and the guitar solo just give it even more depth. And you don't need to explain your emotions. You're a sensitive guy, and that's a good thing.
What makes this song so devasting is the resignation with which she sings it. I always liked the guitar solo, as it gives a nice spice to the song, but seriously (yes, I was around when this was a hit in 1972), I don't think anyone would ever confuse the Carpenters with Steppenwolf.
When first hearing this back then on the radio I couldn’t believe when it went into the guitar solo. I thought it was awesome and couldn’t believe anyone had a problem with it. It gave the Carpenters an edge they didn’t have. As far as singing, why is everyone today looking for range, waiting for the scream. Singers today can’t get through a song without having to hit high notes. That doesn’t determine a great singer. Karen had depth to her voice, perfect diction, perfect pitch, unmatched clarity and a tone in her voice that was remarkable. You know it’s her from the first note. Her breath control is unmatched too. And imagine, playing the drums, and still perfect pitch, diction and clarity. She was amazing.
Lyricist John Bettis was a longtime close friend of both Richard and Karen, having been part of their pre-Capenters group Spectrum. When he wrote for the Carpenters, he usually imagined what Karen would say if she could compose, though he never told her so. Karen never had a successful longterm relationship, and that's what he was addressing in this song. If he had revealed that, Karen would probably have been too self-conscious and embarrassed to perform the song; at the same time, her experience no doubt helped her give such a committed performance
my favorite carpenters song. that fuzz guitar solo is what opened my ears to rock music in general. my dad had this album on reel-to-reel tape and i would play the heck out of this song just to hear that chorus of "aahhhs" going into that fuzz guitar solo.
It was my mom playing it on the 8 track in our VW Bug on the way to and from school. I love this song but "Top of the World" was my mom's favorite. Karen passed a couple of weeks before my 20th birthday and I cried for days it seemed like. Oh, the music that she could/would still be making, with Richard of course. May she continue to R.I.P. ❤
The guitar stuff is perfect. Saying goodbye to love conjures up all kinds of emotions, and the guitar work is so expressive and contrasts the much more subdued/melancholy vocal and instrumentation. One of my favorites by the Carpenters.
I liked your reaction! I love this Carpenter's song. It was Richard's idea to let Tony Peluso just play and I think the sound fits so well with the lyrics & emotion of it all.
"Goodbye To Love" was the first power ballad and they did it so well.
I LOVE the rock/guitar solos in the song…..It speaks volumes…..She’s saying not really “Goodbye to Love”, but goodbye to the pursuit of it since it has always evaded her and left her devastated….It’s freeing to cease the pursuit, and the guitar is exclaiming the freedom. I love it.
One of their very bast songs! Love the guitar solo!! All Karen in the background with Richard.
I remember this song came out on the radio when I was 20.....I had just broke up with my lover and I had decided that this is it......I am not cut out for Love.....so i said Goodbye to Love.....and Karen sung it and presented it so well.....and now in my 60's I am saying it again!!!! Great song!!! Great reaction!!!!
The Carpenters had some albums with 8 to 10 great songs. They couldn't all be singles. They did a song from 1977 called "Two Sides". Gotta hear it
. . . Amazing albums.
😊😮😊 JUST GREAT SOUNDS AND CREATIONS SALVO! YOU SHOULD DO : A SONG FOR YOU & THIS MASQUERADE
They are known for being able to do sad lyrics to music arrangements that are happier in tone.
Man, don't you ever give up on yourself. The passion you have with this amazing music tells the world you have a huge heart and amazing soul, and you are adorable, truth.
Not really a fan of theirs, but this song transcends my own prejudice, what a voice! ✌
few people talk about the incredible breath control this song commands. there are some long passages where it never seems like she never takes a breath, this song is a benchmark in talent and breath control. the song had its critics back in the day, now we look at it as if it were a work of art.
The guitar solo heralds a “breakthrough” in her thought process.
Very influential recording with the rock guitar stuck in the middle of a ballad. Richard was a top level songwriter, composer, and arranger.
I'm not sure if this is what you're referring to when it comes to listening to the Carpenters, but listening to their music knowing Karen's tragic story and ending, often makes me very melancholy
This was Karen's favorite song and I can see why - the melody is gorgeous and how can you not love that voice?
I think "I Need to be in Love" was her favorite.... perhaps it replaced this one...
I didnt know this was Karen's fav song. That's interesting. So many of her songs were so personal.
It wasn't her favourite
One of the best Rock guitar solos of all-time.
The Carpenters could do any genre of music. I think you next selection to listen to of theirs should be Masquerade. It is a smooth jazz song with an incredible vocal by Karen, great jazz piano by Richard and a wonderful jazz flute solo by Bob Messenger. And did I mention that Karen plays the drums on this track? Wonderful playing.
the lyrics are an admission from a tortured soul... and the distorted guitar captures that assertiveness, especially juxtaposed against the lush, angelic harmonies of richard and karen..
As a Carpenters fan from the beginning, yes the addition of Tony's guitar solo was a surprise, in a great way. Richard enjoyed stretching tne Carpenters sound.
I was working in small market radio when this came out. I remember my reaction upon first spinning it. Wow, this is nice, then WHOA! Where did that come from!
Thanks for playing this.
PS, look up Tori Holub. She is Karen reincarnate. Fantastic voice!
Best voice ever.
If you’re able hear her voice and you don’t get plunged into feeling a minuscule amount of what she went through internally, you’re heartless. I can’t listen to Karen when I’m out of the safety and comfort of my own home, because I just sit there and cry for the duration of the song. My favorite Carpenters song is “For All We Know,” and even that’s just too much to chance listening to it in public. It’s my hope (and partially my duty) that voices like hers don’t get forgotten by future generations.
this song has so many layers that gave it depth and so relatable.
Definitely my favourite Carpenters song. The guitar was so unexpected on first listen, and the playing inspired me to pick a damn guitar up for myself!
I like the fact that you research the song before listening. It gives a first-time listener more perspective than a blind listen. It was the first power-ballad, the first slow ballad with a heavy guitar solo, which became commonplace by the 80's. Richard wrote the song after watching a movie that referenced a song called Goodbye To Love. But Goodbye To Love was never played in the movie, so Richard thought it was a great title and wrote this song.
Uh oh, you've fallen for her. Oh, well. Welcome to the bittersweet club! On the bright side, we love listening to her but on the dark side, it hurts to think of her story. Some of us have been members since the 1970s and I'm beginning to suspect that it is impossible to resign...
The '70s was all about experimentation... I've always loved that guitar solo!
I was already a rocker, and Carpenters was my guilty pleasure, so the surprise solo just made me happy! lol
Oh, and as for the guitar solos, they totally added an upbeat power to the narrative of the song. One of my all time favorites.
Killer guitar!
this is my favorite song of theirs because for so long I related to it. I love the guitar part.
FYI: CARPENTERS literally Invented the Soft Rock Genre "POWER BALLADS" with this Song "Goodbye to Love" > many Bands were Birthed & made it Big as a result! TONY PELUSO Lead Guitar created that Sound & started careers for many Bands > then Tony became a PRODUCER for "MO TOWN" in L.A. > they got nasty Fan mail because of it > but that did not last Long!
My wife that I had a beautiful relationship for 53 years passed 3 years ago. Without Karen, it would have been very difficult. ❤
What I remember about this song is it's hard to listen to after a breakup. And I agree with you about the guitar. It's hardness goes along with the message of the song for me. I like your thoughts about it showing you're in control of saying goodbye for now.
I can't ever hear this song by Karen without crying. We were the same year (1950), but she left us over 40 years ago. Such a shocking, sad loss the way she tragically died so young. Karen Carpenter is maybe the very best natural female voice, ever ! Karen was a gift from God, and I still miss her. Thank you for presenting her again, ~ to a new generation.
I like your take on the guitar solos. It gives the music an edge that matches the lyrics.
The lyrics are about coming to terms with heartbreak and accepting a lot of disappointment, and the vocals sound very calm and serene about it. I think the guitar solo conveys all the pain the person is working through underneath the calm surface.
Always love your reactions. I agree this one is a bit dark but then at the same time, the guitar breaks in and morphs it into sort of an anthem (as you stated). Like a victory in gaining the insight to accept the situation and break free from the emotions in a positive way. I also agree that based on Karen’s struggles, it’s often hard to watch her sing. She was a kind and beautiful person and I think many of us will always wish we could have saved her
Oh God, Oh God, Oh God, I heard your introduction and that the last two songs hit you emotionally and I’m screaming at the TV DON’T PLAY THIS SONG RIGHT NOW! At my stage in life this song speaks to me, too. I first heard it at 15 or so. Carpenters songs can rip through you especially given what happened to Karen. John Bettis said this was his life at the time and commiserated with Karen’s troubles. Yes, the Tony Peluso guitar is magical. It kind of snaps you out of the depressing nature of the story. Yes I enjoyed the reaction. Sigh, I’m glad this hit you less hard. I love the song but it can rip your guts out, too. Tony became a permanent fixture of the Carpenters going forward from this record. He’s seen in a lot of their live performances. Have you done Top Of The World, yet? That is much happier and a Carpenter/Bettis song.
Edit:
I forgot to mention, Karen was 22 here. That’s not the time to say …
I just left a request under the current first song. It’s much happier as is Top of the World, that I mentioned above.
I love your interpretation of the guitar..."harsh but you come to a place of acceptance". Acceptance leads to peace. Ps I love your reactions to all the music ❤
I love this song because of the guitar. It’s the one Carpenter’s hit to have more of a rock feel due to the guitar. There is a live version with the guitarist playing the solo on UA-cam. Not sure if I’m allowed to post links here. Some people delete posts with links.
Thank you for sharing this! This is a Carpenters' song that I've never heard. I TOTALLY relate to the lyrics.
All the background vocals on basically ALL their songs were Karen and Richard using overdubbing. They were truly amazingly talented ❤️🎶❤️🎶
One of the most relatable songs of theirs for me, personally. Karen and Richard were in top form here. You should see them sing this live. Karen often harmonizes with Tony's guitar riffs. Gods, that harmony......*chef's kiss*.
A lot of people consider this to be the first power ballad.
One of my most favorite songs of the Carpenter especially the electric guitar part.
This single just clicks on every front: as always, a great vocal by Karen (with unparalleled breath control), great backing vocals by the siblings, haunting lyrics, and a guitar solo that pleasingly jolts the listener. SalvoG, your reaction is most appreciated. The fact that you find the song "relatable" is endearing and illuminating. Best wishes for happier days ahead, Friend...
I love the solo!!! Gives an explation point to the lyrics.
The caliber of the recording is amazing. That solo has such an incredibly clear tone.
This is my fave Carpenters song. There's a youtube vid by the lead guitarist telling about how the lead solo was developed. Worth watching.
The breath control in this song is AMAZING… they caught a lot of flack for the “rock” guitar solo..I mean to start with an oboe (which is in alot of their songs) to a fuzz guitar is quite the twist
if you want to add a Christmas Carpenters song to your list for later, Little Altar Boy will give you major chills. her voice just soars, haunting.
This is my favorite Carpenters' song
My favorite song by the Carpenters.
Yes that's a real guitar solo.
Goodbye to Love, Guitar Man and Let it Be (album version) were the earliest "power ballads" with heavy guitar.
I agree as to the anthem application. I think the guitar gives it a depth and strength to the facing life alone declaration and acceptance.
Great analysis..I loved watching your reaction when the guitar portion came on...great watching you
The music part balances out the dark lyrics.
Salvo, try something lighter. Goodbye to Love is a little heavy. Please consider "This Masquerade" which is a phenomenal jazz classic, guaranteed to impress.
S pohl is correct. Most of us react and feel the songs and Karen's songs just like you do -- I promise -- you're just doing it in front of us.
I love the Carpenters but, THAT choice 'This Masquerade'... I'd have to go with George Benson.
@@HozelRocket George Benson's version is undeniably awesome, but I don't pit artists against one another. The Carpenter's version is simply different than his. The tone of Karen's voice is unique beyond measure, with notes coming out "pearled." The richness, clarity and enunciation are just not found elsewhere. Richard's piano and flute solos are beautiful as well. Again, it's an entirely different version than Benson's, deserving of equal appreciation.
@@SPohl-zy4rz Not pitting anyone against anyone else. Just stating a personal preference. I like BOTH musicians very much.
Karen was one of my idols. She became anorexic because the record company said she was fat. She lost too much weight starving herself but we thought she’d be ok after she began to eat again. We were wrong. The strain on her heart was too much and her brilliant voice was silenced forever. She and her brother Richard were a brilliant team and I still sing there songs. They are timeless. ❤️
Such a beautiful song
They almost always recorded then mixed and layered their own background vocals.
Remove the guitar solo and you’ve lost an integral part of the song that really makes it interesting. Plenty of Carpenters songs are melancholy harmonies with a “waaa-waaa” part, but this one stands out due to the powerful melody amplified by those guitar parts.
Great reaction to this classic Carpenters song which caused quite a stir when it was first released.
My favorite Carpenter song.❤
My best friend, my “brother from another mother”, was a HUGE Carpenters fan. Me? Not so much. But we could always listen to this one and both be smiling. I adored the fuzz solo, I was the rock & roller. My friend passed away 3 years ago, this reaction brought back such wonderful memories of the past. Thank you for reacting.
Gets me every time.
I love all your Carpenters reactions!
around 3:55 when you here the lyrics heart of mine. then it followed by a stream of piano keys.
that used to be my favourite guitar out tros and karen has such a delicious voice
This was always my favorite Carpenters song exactly because of the dark lyrics and ripping guitar solo.
Carpenters ended up losing some fans over this!! Some people thought they were going "all heavy metal" all of a sudden! :-) Carpenter albums were often wonderful cry-fests. As a meloncholy teen of 14-15, that fit perfectly into my world!
Before you tell us why you don't mind the guitar solo at the end, l stopped the video so that I can tell you my opinion of what I think it does: it balances or energises or compensates for the dark and somewhat depressing lyrics, imho.
I think the hook of this song is the chorus part at the end of the song. It's perfect. Clean, but not sterile.
My favorite group of all time! Holy Christ, who can sing like her today?!? She doesn't need auto tuning, or vocal lessons. 😏
This was popular during my early teenage angst years. It takes right back, but now it's bittersweet. BTW, the fuzz guitar solo is my favorite part!
Great reaction and interpretation.