"Let Me Be The One" was written by Paul Williams and Roger Nichols, and released on the Carpenters album "Carpenters" on May 14, 1971. The final/shorter (yes, even shorter!) version can be seen at the following link with Karen lip synching it in a funky white dress for a TV special: ua-cam.com/video/1lvRTp5qRj8/v-deo.html . Karen was known to audio engineers as "one take Karen" because that's typically all she required to lay down a final track, but this promotional version was a dry-run and never intended for release (way too much reverb which Karen's voice didn't require, and Richard's piano isn't as soft as the final release) -- this beautiful song was short at just under two and a half minutes, so Richard and Karen were trying to see whether it needed other changes beyond Richard's arrangement, which is why at the very end she playfully sings, "Figure out where the rest of the melody is, I'll sing it. Bong!" The final 1971 pressing, however, was just as (disappointingly) brief as Williams and Nichols intended, with a run time of only 2:25, and eliminates Hal Blaine's drumstick countdown heard at the beginning of the promo and, unfortunately, fades without Joe Osborn's wicked bass line heard here towards the end. This working version was kept under wraps for 20 years until thankfully it was included in 1991's 4-disc "From The Top" box set of 67 songs covering the Carpenters career from 1965-1982. So glad this was requested since it's a rare peek into Karen's less serious studio side, and of course it's pitch perfect just like everything she ever sung. Your description of Karen's voice is spot-on Empress, it does give you a warm feeling inside, whether you''re hearing it for the first time today or whether your first time was 50 years ago. 🥰
This is just a really short song, at 2 and a half minutes, with the original album version having a typical fade out. This version was the full studio version, believe it or not, and Richard added it to a retrospective greatest hits album to show the sense of humor that Karen apparently had in the studio. It was a minor hit for them and it was recorded by an endless list of singers in the 70's and was never a hit for any of them. I just love the production of the Carpenters version. Karen, during the verses, almost sounds dare I say it...sexy!
![END OF THE WORLD (Versus Reaction) Who Sang It Better? KAREN CARPENTER vs SKEETER DAVIS [EP.5]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/CN1HOUcGfPo/mqdefault.jpg)
Great pick, a lesser-known Carpenters tune. Karen ...somehow she is stunning every time I come back and hear her. Few, very few, can do that for me.
Hi Ms. E., Ms. Karen has the most pure voice and is smooth as budder.. ♠W.G.
Anything by The Carpenters is Good Listening to. I Always Stop in My Tracks and just Listen. That Karen Carpenter Holds the Key to Your Heart.
I love the Carpenters!
One of my favorites, just needed to be longer..
"Let Me Be The One" was written by Paul Williams and Roger Nichols, and released on the Carpenters album "Carpenters" on May 14, 1971. The final/shorter (yes, even shorter!) version can be seen at the following link with Karen lip synching it in a funky white dress for a TV special: ua-cam.com/video/1lvRTp5qRj8/v-deo.html . Karen was known to audio engineers as "one take Karen" because that's typically all she required to lay down a final track, but this promotional version was a dry-run and never intended for release (way too much reverb which Karen's voice didn't require, and Richard's piano isn't as soft as the final release) -- this beautiful song was short at just under two and a half minutes, so Richard and Karen were trying to see whether it needed other changes beyond Richard's arrangement, which is why at the very end she playfully sings, "Figure out where the rest of the melody is, I'll sing it. Bong!" The final 1971 pressing, however, was just as (disappointingly) brief as Williams and Nichols intended, with a run time of only 2:25, and eliminates Hal Blaine's drumstick countdown heard at the beginning of the promo and, unfortunately, fades without Joe Osborn's wicked bass line heard here towards the end. This working version was kept under wraps for 20 years until thankfully it was included in 1991's 4-disc "From The Top" box set of 67 songs covering the Carpenters career from 1965-1982. So glad this was requested since it's a rare peek into Karen's less serious studio side, and of course it's pitch perfect just like everything she ever sung. Your description of Karen's voice is spot-on Empress, it does give you a warm feeling inside, whether you''re hearing it for the first time today or whether your first time was 50 years ago. 🥰
I wish she would do more of her!!🔥
Karen and Olivia Newton John were good friends
This is just a really short song, at 2 and a half minutes, with the original album version having a typical fade out. This version was the full studio version, believe it or not, and Richard added it to a retrospective greatest hits album to show the sense of humor that Karen apparently had in the studio. It was a minor hit for them and it was recorded by an endless list of singers in the 70's and was never a hit for any of them. I just love the production of the Carpenters version. Karen, during the verses, almost sounds dare I say it...sexy!
Omg you're doing Karen...do more!
how about carpenters goodbye to love
Empress...I know this is old and you'll prob never see my post...but wish you would do so much more of her!!
😂you know I do what the patrons request