I don't think anyone can adequately explain what Karen's voice meant to those of us who listened to her at that time. I cried when she died, and I often cry when I listen to her today. Truly a tragic and senseless loss. And without doubt, one of the greatest voices of the 20th century. Many of us still miss her.

Oh, believe me, Karen was taking very deep breaths. She just had incredible breath control and command of phrasing, as well as pitch, intonation, and dynamics. She was a model singer. The histrionics of today's singers can't compare to her elegant simplicity.

Karen was one of a kind. There will never be another like her. She had such a pure calming voice. And she was a terrific drummer. That was her passion even more than singing. Sadly we lost her so young. Thankfully we have her legacy left in her music. The Carpenters had so many great songs such as "We've Only Just Begun", "For All We Know", "Rainy Days & Mondays", "Goodbye To Love", "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" & so many more.

Back then there was no auto tune or vocal assistance. What you saw was what you got. And with Karen Carpenter you always saw perfection!

Karen is known for her lower register contralto, which is not extremely common among female singers, and that’s part of what made her so special.

Karen is a contralto - a beautiful and pure vocal range which she mastered. Her singing voice was almost haunting at times - so clean and pure. We miss her very much!

Our beloved Karen left us 40 years ago on February 4, 1983. 💔😢Greatest female vocalist ever! 👏🤗

Her voice was pure gold. From the pop songs, to the Christmas albums. It’s NOT Christmas in my house till Karen sings!! Gone away too soon 😢

Months after my pop's passed, the Carpenters came on the radio as my husband and I were driving. I started weeping. Everything I was holding back came tearing out. The Carpenters were all over 70s radio. My dad would take me with him to run errands on Saturday mornings. The Carpenters were a big part of those Saturday mornings. Music can heal.

The absence of AutoTune enhances the spectacular range of Karen's vocal reach.

I grew up with the Carpenters and besides her incredible voice what I liked most is you could understand every single word she sang. Her enunciation was staggering. You never had to read the lyrics to figure out what that one or two words actually were.

Karen was one of the best female singers ever! She recorded songs with one take if you can believe it!

Superstar is my favorite Carpenter’s song.

Sometimes teased fondly about having a "third lung" Karen had extraordinary breath control - it can be heard at several places in the verses of this song, and especially in the verses of their song "Goodbye To Love" (not to mention a lot of other songs). Her diction was letter-perfect, her phrasing impeccable, her emotional expression masterful - and her famous low notes were mind-blowing and iconic. So, given all of that - and the most stunningly beautiful vocal tone or timbre that God ever created - we have the very best pop/rock singer to ever record or perform. Not too bad for a top notch jazz drummer who would just as soon play as sing...

Rainy Days and Mondays - you might find the video featuring her singing this while playing the drums. Great stuff. She had a one-of-a-kind voice for sure - a low contralto that still managed to sound feminine. She and her brother were well aware that her audiences LOVED to hear her drop for a low note. Though it's not a big hit, Solitaire really showcases her rich lower notes and her enormous lung capacity - she could sing longer lines than any other pop artist I can think of.

Her beautiful voice never needed auto tuned. Her natural ability was mind blowing!! Miss her!! A gift she was!

Karen's voice is like a gentle breeze that hits you at the right time on a beautiful spring day.

Karen had the rare distinction of having TWO world-class talents: the best female vocalist of all time, and the best female drummer of all time. Absolutely unsurpassed, and I've subbed to you just for more Carpenters reactions.

Karen's voice was pure and golden. She was a good drummer also.

It's not the technical perfection of her voice that resonates with us. It's what we were going through at the time that makes it so important to our lives. She touched us on a visceral level that can't be understood today.

So wonderful to watch someone discover and fall in love with Karen's voice. She was extraordinary.

Linda ronstadt was another extraordinary female vocalist from the 70s, along with Karen. They are often compared to one another.

Greatest female vocalist I've ever heard.

Music wise, Karen is considered to be a “Contralto.“ She has the most beautiful voice that I think I’ve ever heard and no one will be able to duplicate it. RIP Karen

That switch flipping you mentioned, she did that in a lot of songs which made them amazing. ♥️

This Masquerade is another great song. Richard's arrangement is really fantastic! As always.

Her voice is one of a kind. Her lower register is like rich, golden velvet. .... a true gift. Also an incredibly talented drummer, to boot.

The most beautiful part of this song - which imo is their best song, is when she sings the word "loneliness". You talked a little bit over it so not sure if you heard it, but the way she sings it is hard to describe, all I can think of is elegance. Sweetness, the way she draws out the Ls. It's just gorgeous. I've never heard anyone else who can sing like she could.

She sings so beutifully,so effortlessly

When she sang "Don't you remember you told me you loved me baby" it sounded like she had an entire orchestra and choir in her one voice. Amazing.

Recorded in 1 take, reading the lyrics off a napkin and only 21 years old at the time! OTHERWORLDLY! "Superstar" reached #2 on the charts in 1971 and while it has been recorded by a number of singers/vocalist, (the 2nd most well known version being luther vandross, who himself was a huge fan of karen carpenter, did his version as a homage to her and her brother and said himself the carpenters version was the best), the carpenters, karen and richard, version remains the best known and most successful. In closing, the actual writers of the song, said that the carpenters version was the best ever recorded...

Carpenters (not THE Carpenters) were extraordinary. Karen was a one in a millennium voice and those of us lucky enough to have enjoyed her singing (and drumming) when she was alive will never get over the loss but so grateful to see their music is still being listened to today. Remember that Karen's voice was ALL HER - no autotune, no technical machinations - just pure God-given talent. There is no one today that can even TOUCH her voice.

Karen will forever be a one of a kind. I grew up during their hay day and didn't appreciate them as much as I do now...what a loss to the music world by her early death. Everyone offers many of her songs to listen to and they are all great, you can't go wrong. One song that doesn't get mentioned much is Solitaire, maybe the best one she has ever done. Be for warned, it is a very slow song, but packed full of emotions...enough to take you to that place she's singing about in your heart and mind.

Growing up my buddys were all Zep and Van Halen guys but we all got in to the Carpenters. We didn't advertise it but we definitely liked them.

When you said she can go low that is why and is noticed in the music world as the Voice. It has been said their are famous singers and legends and then there is Karen Carpenter. Nobody can or will ever sound like her. Whoever coined the phrase Nobody's Perfect, never heard Karen Carpenter sing! I am from the 70's rock n roll era and I never followed them until I hit the rabbit hole 4 years ago. Now tears flow when I hear her. WOW. Other songs that will grab your heart is "Your The One" and "Goodbye to Love".

Karen began playing drums in her brother’s band. But when the studio execs heard her amazing alto voice they put her up front. Such a beautiful voice. She was one of the few who could sing perfectly on key live. ❤

I was a metal-head in high school and in a band, but me and a few others snuck around and listened to The Carpenters, until we all found out we were all listening to them. Although their image was too goody-goody (image was over-emphasized in youth), none of us could deny the musical greatness of The Carpenters. P.S. Karen was a bad-ass drummer also. P.P.S. Would love to see you (and other reactors) hear their song "Hurting Each Other"!

Karen was, in fact, a master of breathing impeccably in her songs. Just amazing. Especially as she originally was not trying to be a vocalist at all, but rather a drummer. And, of course, she was a phenomenal drummer, as well. She performed a wonderful medley with Ella Fitzgerald -- talk about making it look easy! Thanks for a great reaction!

Karen was the real deal. She could sing like crazy and was also a hell of a drummer

Karen is perfect. The best voice ever, a voice of an angel.

"THIS MASQUERADE" is their finest in my book. Karen and Richard were magic together. She's my all-time favorite female vocalist with the most beautiful tone in the galaxy. So soothing...

Her voice is so thick and rich. I loved The Carpenters since the early seventies when they were considered "square" and I was also listening to Boston, The Eagles, etc. Time tells, doesn't it? Her voice (one-take Karen) and Richard's compositional ear made them great.

She was not only a fabulous singer, but a top notch drummer. That's why her rhythm was so good. She thought of herself as a drummer first and a singer second. An amazing talent, along with the musical genius Richard, who was her brother.

Rod Stewart's "Maggie May" - Excellent song!

Love your reaction when you realize “she can go low!” You must listen to her sing “End of The World” (particularly the end) where she drops the last note not once, not twice, but three times.

"Only Yesterday" is another great song of theirs that often gets overlooked these days, although it was popular when released.

Hands down thee best voice!! No auto tune just a pure amazing one of a kind voice. It’s effortless. What she has can’t be taught. She just had it

You can hear how depressed she was, it’s like she has a tear in her voice, but definitely an outstanding singer

Analyze Solitaire, PLEASE! It is the best showcase of her voice ever, especially her lower register. Her voice was just pure, always pitch perfect and she didn’t do (or need to do) the vocal riffs that are so common. She just sang it, spot on and with great emotion.

"One take Karen" her nickname at the studio. Regarding her lows, she reportedly said "The money is in the basement." You picked up on something most reactors miss. Karen was actually a very soft singer. But because her tonality and pronunciation were so pure, it worked. Karen always regarded herself as a drummer who could sing. Next should be Rainy Days And Mondays (PjFoQxjgbrs) which really showcases both of these talents. There are also a couple of drum solos floating around.

All those backing vocals are Karen and her brother Richard. They practically invented track layering, and they definitely perfected it. I forget which song it is, but on one of their songs, there are 29 vocal layers at points within it.

Karen was a reluctant star. She really didn't like being out front singing. She preferred sitting behind her drum kit. I remember seeing them on TV many times as a kid. You should check out some of her videos where she's drumming. The smile on her face tells it all.

You're a good listener; you hit upon two points for which Karen is noted: Breath control and her rich contralto low-register. A lot of people miss this, but, where other singers will divide a phrase with a breath, she does the whole phrase. And, when you listen to other selections, you'll hear her go even lower. Early on they found out her low register was incredible, so Richard would do the songs in a key that would allow her to hit those low notes. Wow, you really pay attention!

Karen Carpenter was an Angel 😇 sent from Heaven and left us way too soon! One of the most beautiful voices ever heard! The compositions are the direct result of her brother Richard Carpenter who really played to Karen’s strengths as a singer! I LOVE ❤️ the music of The Carpenters! RIP Karen!

There are so many incredible Carpenters’ songs: Rainy Days and Mondays Hurting Each Other I Won’t Last a Day Without You This Masquerade Yesterday Once More ❤❤❤❤❤

No studio tricks. Just pure talent. Karen sounds amazing even without any musical accompaniment.

Her voice sends me to a different world. It’s magical, mystifying, enchanting…

This is like two songs combined into one. The melancholy of the verses juxtaposition against the upbeat chorus is just so refreshing. So many of the best songs have that variety within them. The ideas of two or three songs that the artist figures out how to blend into one cohesive piece of music.

Her tone and breath control were perfection...SMOOTH.

*The Disgruntled Groupie Anthem* All jokes a side it's such a beautiful song and Karen....OMG That voice!!!!! Her range, breath control, and tonal shifts are off the charts!!!! The way she and shift gears with such ease is astounding. Keep going it just gets better and better. By the way she can also play the drums on par with most professionals. I think the song you're thinking of is "Rainy Days and Mondays" kzfaq.info/get/bejne/htB2orSpz83Goqc.html ENJOY!!!! Her drumming skills kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qcp4rN14vaeugJs.html (Sorry for the video quality, hey it's from the 70's wadda ya want LOL) Peace

She continues to make the whole world a little bit more cheerful for everyone.

Saw them in 1975. She did a good portion of their set playing drums. It was amazing how she could do both and still have that quality in her voice.

Welcome to the magical brilliance of Karen Carpenter ❤

Where to start with the absolute beauty of Karen Carpenter. Her voice lived in minor chords and she vocally embodied such joy and such sadness and melancholy. Combine that with Richard’s backup vocals and arrangements and you get music that grabs you by the heart and soul. I was 19 when she died and I was really sad for so many reasons: not the least of which is the world losing such a beautifully pristine talent so young. ❤

She's a GREAT drummer also! And her brother Richard is an excellent pianist!

Like an angel... I see that "The Wrecking Crew" played on this song, and I would recommend watching a documentary by the same name when you have time. It'll give you a good background on the beginnings of rock, and how TWC helped influence the sound. Hal Blaine, the drummer here, recorded nearly 35,000 tracks as a primary drummer for countless bands while w/TWC. Yes... Rainy Days and Mondays! Enjoyed this!

If you haven't heard Rod Stewart, OMG! that is another rabbit hole to go down. I suggest the song mentioned, Maggie May

This is my favourite Carpenters song by far .that deep vibrato is just magnificent definitely the GOAT

Sing a song was one of my childhood favorites. Her voice was like an angel

not sure if I said this on the previous video, but her voice was magical and unforced. It's like she was talking musically. No effort to hit notes or harmonize-just beautiful. Had to edit this as you just picked up on this-so impressed. Most reactors don't seem to realize how she just doesn't seem to have to put forth physical effort to sing so beautifully.

A song that really shows Karen's range is "A Song For You." She had a heavenly voice.

I remember listening to the Carpenters early 70s ! i was 15 back in 71 ! Always good to hear that even at 66 years old ! thanks !

That's what makes a great singer, they can go high, midrange and low with a flick of a switch. She's just unbelievable and she's truly missed. 😢

Always loved singing along to her songs. Gone too soon & missed very much. Blessed we have her legacy of music left here for everyone to cherish. RIP Karen Carpenter. Thnx for ur great reactions Salvog.

She was just fabulous, her voice is like a breath of fresh air I could listen to her everyday of the week, I miss her and her amazing voice, REST EASY karen and God bless your beautiful soul.

Innocence is the word that she sings with! Rainy days and Monday is the song you're thinking of !

Karen Carpenter and Ella Fitzgerald. The two silkiest female voices we will ever hear

Yesterday Once More is the song that always jerks a tear out of me. The nostalgia just builds and turns to grief in the end.

The duo utilized the "Wrecking Crew" which was a group of seasoned musicians out of L.A. that played sessions with various artists that needed their services.

Karen has the warmest, smoothest voice. It's just remarkable. And she was a drummer too. Yeah, Rainy Days and Mondays is pretty awesome. I would also recommend Hurting Each Other and Goodbye to Love.

Haunting vocals from Karen. She left us way too soon.

I was so sad when she died at 33. Her voice was so clear and unique, so sweet!

Thank you for covering "Superstar." This is one of my 20 most liked songs. I saw the Carpenters in 1974. BTW. I'm 70 yrs old and love their music. ❤

I’ll be 61 in less than a month-so my coming of age was the 70s. We had the absolute best music of any generation. And Karen Carpenter was a huge part of that. After all these years she can still stop me in my tracks when I hear her stunningly beautiful voice. Richard and Karen were near perfection together. She left us way too soon. Listening to her still brings me to tears sometimes-even though I have listened my whole life. And you’re correct/she does ‘flip a switch’ her range is incredible. You owe it to yourself to listen to her entire catalogue. And don’t miss Superstar set to The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra under Richard’s impeccable arrangement.

Her voice was like that of an Angel. A distinct 3-octave contralto, from higher octaves to low octaves with ease and clarity and tone/voice control. She was known as "one take Karen" -many of the recordings were done in one take. Her voice is mesmerizing. She also played drums on many of the original recordings - quite a very good drummer. She was doing an audition as a drummer for The Wrecking Crew when she was singing along with some others and her voice was discovered - the rest is history. Her brother, Richard, did the song arrangements - very under-rated talent, as well as an accomplished pianist. Their first hits were awesome - "Close to You" and "We've only just Begun". Many other hits there after. Oh yea, no auto tune or voice enhancements with their music - just the talent and beauty of her voice.

One of the greatest vocal performances of all time.

My sister and and our friends spent a whole lot of time as little girls listening to mom and dads Karen Carpenter record in the mid 70s.

She has a perfect voice that nobody can duplicate! She's an awesome drummer also so I have to recommend Rainy Days and Mondays!

So much gentleness in her voice even when she pushed it was never harsh, always like a warm blanket sitting around the fire.

April 29 th I will be going to a Carpenters tribute at The Maryland Theater , where I live....Happy Birthday to me 😄

The Carpenters were so amazing, She really did have a magical voice and she is very missed. All for their songs were memorable. The one you thought about was Rainy Days and Mondays. AMAZING!

Karen Carpenter. Great Voice gone way too soon. PS. Maggie May by Rod Stewart is Absolutely worth checking out

We all fell in love with Karen's voice and the entire group on the release of their first song. Enjoy!

To my ears, her voice sounded like rich, sweet chocolate or creamy caramel. In technical jargon, she had a 3 octave range and was a true contralto, the lowest and rarest of female voice types, but she ranged into mezzosoprano in her head voice, which is the "switch" you noticed during the faster parts of the song. Karen was an amazing artist who's death from Anorexia came way too young and too soon for her to get the help she needed because no one knew how serious it was back then. Girls were supposed to be "skinny" to be attractive, and I'm sure Karen witnessed the stigma surrounding Mama Cass Elliott death when she died of a heart attack and everyone believed she "choked to death on a ham sandwich" - especially since Cass was also a famous contralto.

Their album called “A Song for You” I have owned in about every format that it has been released in. Vinyl, 8-track, cassette, CD, digital… it is one of my favorite albums of all times. Her voice is phenomenal and she also plays the drum. Lol “Bless The Beasts And Children” is on this album. Fantastic song. Seems like it was in a movie’s soundtrack from back then but I don’t remember clearly. Anyone else remember?

The carpenters always get me in the feels. You should check out her drum solos The song you want is rainy days and Mondays. It's a fav of mine. Rip Karen a special soul ⭐

You can't go wrong with any of their music!

6:47 “OH, she can go low”. Yeah, those were her money makin’ notes! Three octave range and always pitch perfect in or out of the studio; a true legend. She was also a fantastic drummer.

I feel so sorry for you guys. You missed this era in American Music and are just discovering it now. Oh God was it so GOOD! No one did it better that she did. Take your hat off and stay a while, and let us boomers show you children how the masters did it.

Sal you are the best reactionary guy on KZfaq. My sister's in love with you and so am I. Thanks so much for the videos from heavy metal to Karen Carpenter we love ya ❤