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 😊

Give credit to guitarist Tony Peluso for playing that iconic fuzz guitar solo, implementing Richard Carpenter's vision for the song

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.

Carpenters at the dawn of the Power Ballad.

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.

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 . ❤

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.

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.

Some music just gives you permission to cry.

This songs always made me think we were listening to Karen’s inner feelings. There’s such a sadness in it.

My absolute favorite carpenters song❤️✌️

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.

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.

One of the best Rock guitar solos of all-time.

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!

Probably my favorite Carpenter's song. I agree with your interpretation. And Karen's breath control on this song is incredible.

"Goodbye To Love" was the first power ballad and they did it so well.

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.

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.

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.

Thank you for reacting to this song. It brings me such joy to see a new generation discovering Karen and Richard’s beautiful art!

One of their very bast songs! Love the guitar solo!! All Karen in the background with Richard.

Best voice ever.

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.

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

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.

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!

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 was Karen's favorite song and I can see why - the melody is gorgeous and how can you not love that voice?

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

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.

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!

My wife that I had a beautiful relationship for 53 years passed 3 years ago. Without Karen, it would have been very difficult. ❤

Not really a fan of theirs, but this song transcends my own prejudice, what a voice! ✌

Killer guitar!

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.

This is my favorite Carpenters' song

My favorite song by the Carpenters.

Yes that's a real guitar solo.

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.

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.

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. ❤️

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.

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.

The music part balances out the dark lyrics.

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!!!!

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!

Thank you for sharing this! This is a Carpenters' song that I've never heard. I TOTALLY relate to the lyrics.

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.

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.

The guitar solo heralds a “breakthrough” in her thought process.

😊😮😊 JUST GREAT SOUNDS AND CREATIONS SALVO! YOU SHOULD DO : A SONG FOR YOU & THIS MASQUERADE

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..

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

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.

I like your take on the guitar solos. It gives the music an edge that matches the lyrics.

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 KZfaq. Not sure if I’m allowed to post links here. Some people delete posts with links.

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.

this song has so many layers that gave it depth and so relatable.

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.

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.

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

They are known for being able to do sad lyrics to music arrangements that are happier in tone.

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.

Great reaction to this classic Carpenters song which caused quite a stir when it was first released.

This was always my favorite Carpenters song exactly because of the dark lyrics and ripping guitar solo.

Salvo, try something lighter. Goodbye to Love is a little heavy. Please consider "This Masquerade" which is a phenomenal jazz classic, guaranteed to impress.

I love the kicker guitar solo. it just makes the song.

I Need To Be In Love (music video) & I Believe You are another 2 amazing song by the Carpenters.

this is my favorite song of theirs because for so long I related to it. I love the guitar part.

My favorite group of all time! Holy Christ, who can sing like her today?!? She doesn't need auto tuning, or vocal lessons. 😏

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!

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...

My favorite.

Great reaction and interpretation.

I soo LOVE this guitar solo…

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.

I love the solo!!! Gives an explation point to the lyrics.

A lot of people consider this to be the first power ballad.

Gets me every time.

My favorite Carpenter song.❤

They almost always recorded then mixed and layered their own background vocals.

Well, just musically speaking, Tony Peluso DID make the solo very melodic, unlike a lot of hard-rock guitar solos. Every iteration was new and unique.

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.

Such a beautiful song

One of their lesser known songs is "Bless The Beasts And The Children".

I totally Love the guitar solo.

You need to see Karens drumming vids too. Shes extremely talented.

I love all your Carpenters reactions!

Not necessarily the most well known Carpenters song but my personal favorite....This Masquerade. It has a hauntingly ethereal feel to it that draws you into it. As always, Richard's arrangement is stellar and keeps you immersed in the song. It's relatable to me in so many ways.

Great analysis..I loved watching your reaction when the guitar portion came on...great watching you

I've been watching your videos of the Carpenters. And, although like everybody else in the world, I truly love Karen's 3 octave range what it so underappreciated is Richard's arrangement of the songs. Only once did Karen record an album without Richard producing it. Interesting, Richard was in rehab for drug-addiction at the time and she recorded an album while he was admitted. It was only released to the public here recently and I listened to it. I can actually say that it barely sounded like the same Karen. I think what came out so perfectly with the two of them is Richard's love for his sister and making sure he properly showcased her vocals on every song they sang together. I don't know if you knew this but Karen didn't start out as the lead singer. She was just part of her brother's band as the drummer and then they realized her vocal talents. It took some encouragement for her to leave the drums behind and just sing but the results are pure magic. Also ironic, and sad, it is believed that her mother's criticism of her choice of one outfit that she performed in where she told Karen that it made her look fat that started Karen down the road to anorexia and her untimely death. As you can tell, like you, I am a very big fan of their music. Given the lack of strain on her voice, it is very safe to assume that she could still be giving her fans more music to enjoy even to this day. Keep up the good work, enjoy how you allow the music to move you. A suggestion of a "soulful" song by Bob Seger that I believe will move you as well is his live in Detroit version of Turn the Page. kd

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...

Please do a react on one of their not-so-famous but very beautiful song, Slow Dance.

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!

that used to be my favourite guitar out tros and karen has such a delicious voice

I love the guitar in this.