I’ll say it again, best female vocalist of all time. Richard is a musical genius.

@richardwhite2344

Ай бұрын

They were both Genius

"and when my life is over, remember when we were together, we were alone and I was singing a song for you" A heartbreaking and poignant ending to this song considering how Karen's life ended all too soon. One of her vocal masterpieces

@corgiluver9718

5 ай бұрын

Could not agree more with this comment.

@lilamuzik3385

5 ай бұрын

Leon Russell wrote this beauty.

@stevetournay6103

3 ай бұрын

If you've heard the album of which this was the title track, that line is reprised after Road Ode at the very end of the album, fading in under harps, ghostly, angelic, agonizingly sad and eerily prophetic.

@colty7764

Ай бұрын

my mother passed away 6 years ago. This song randomly came on the radio later that night. I know it was her..

@ricmotta2495

Ай бұрын

I always thought those words were meant personally for me, which is why I try to spend some time letting her sing this song for me often and remember as she requested.

The lyrics :"And when my life is over, remember when we were together" hits me in the gut now even after all of these years since her passing. We will always remember Karen singing these words and how she made us feel.

41 years ago today, we lost this angel. The best female singer ever!! And, a pretty damned good drummer!

Omg. She was amazing. I saw her in 78. Brilliant. What a loss for the music world when she died

What can you say? A song they couldnt release as a single as too long....used to be 3 minutes to 3 1/2 minutes in length to make radio play. Her voice, sublime. Intimate. Her lows, perfect. Wrecking crew playing instruments behind her. The siblings vocals stacked in the background. Just an intimate performance. The melancholy in her voice just draws you in. Such talent. Gone too soon but their is such a library of songs they have left, not just the hits, but their regular songs which just show their talent.

@gerib4234

5 ай бұрын

Yes, absolutely! Well said.

Note Richard’s arrangement…When Karen sings “Listen to the melody ‘cause my love is in there hiding” Richard layers in harmony parts, literally hiding Karen. Brilliant.

Richard Carpenter was asked “What’s the lowest note Karen sang on a song?” He answered, “D, below middle C, on A Song For You. Only Yesterday starts on a low E flat, below middle C. As a rule, I wouldn’t take her any lower than that.”

@nirmalsuki

4 ай бұрын

Richard has an understanding of music that is beyond the comprehension of mere mortals. He is one of the best arrangers of all time, right up there with Brian Wilson and George Martin.

@frankofva8803

4 ай бұрын

@@nirmalsuki I agree, and sadly, Richard rarely is recognized on the reaction videos across KZread simply because reactors are blown away by Karen’s vocals. Understandable, but Richard deserves his due. He is a genius.

@SayItAintSo4real

4 ай бұрын

​@frankofva8803 so agree. Richard is absolutely one of the most gifted producers, arrangers, songwriters ("tunes" as he calls them) ever. Definitely one of the greats.

Once in a lifetime voice. ❤

@nirmalsuki

4 ай бұрын

Once in a universe.

Best. Singer. Ever.

This is one of the albums that is so special to me. I’ve owned it in every format. The whole album is FANTASTIC!

This song like every Carpenters song is a absolute Masterpiece and two Genius people doing what they were meant to do on earth. Music. Two Genius people.

Another Carpenter song was a Beatle song called Ticket to Ride. John Lennon complimented Karen personally about this song and was highly impressed by their version

Love the Carpenters I miss Karen, she had one of the best voices ever, loved your reaction you need to listen to more of them, so relaxing

This song has always been my favorite. That sax solo just kills it!

@goldilox369

12 күн бұрын

I don't even LIKE most sax solos (there are a few exceptions), and I love this so much! (and all the Carpenters arrangements). ❤

I became old long before I realized how much I love the Carpenters

A wonderful cover of this Leon Russell song.I adore his version though I must say.

@ohfour-seven6228

5 ай бұрын

Leon's version and Rita Coolidge's version as well have much more emotion and are both much more soulful.

@ericanderson8886

5 ай бұрын

Agreed, Karen usually owns her covers but I really love the rawness of Leon Russells original.

I was a big fan of the Carpenters in the 70's, still am. Karen's voice reaches down and pierces your heart.

Karen will leave you speechless everytime but, full of emotions. I love the Carpenters! ❤❤

Thanks so much for playing the full version, with the incredible saxophone solo from Bob Messenger...not just whaling, but a composition in itself.

Another incredible song that needs to have more reactions is Karen Carpenter singing "I Can Dream, Can't I". So beautiful!

@evanhughes1510

5 ай бұрын

That’s on their album Horizon. Another great one Salvo will have to hear sometime

@stevetournay6103

3 ай бұрын

One of the great injustices in pop music history is that there was never a Carpenters standards album. I Can Dream, Can't I is a 1938 Sammy Fain song; the version by Carpenters was orchestrated by 1950s bandleader Billy May, and it is celestial...

I saw The Carpenters once so very long ago at the Ohio State Fair. I’ll never forget it. Just sitting there and losing myself in her glorious voice. She was amazing.

This is just a masterpiece pure and simple. Love you Salvo. Love the way you always put your heart on your sleeve without reservation.

"And when my life is over... remember when we were together." That line gets me every time. 🥺💔

41 years ago today (Feb 4, 1983) an angel went to heaven. She is sorely missed. Her etheric pitch perfect voice is timeless and will live forever. ❤

oh why can we not have music like this again

@stevetournay6103

3 ай бұрын

We can. We just have to hunt for it...

Great song! Was never released as a single. Got airplay off the album.

Your reaction is exactly how I’ve felt for decades now. ❤

The thing that gets gets me is while Karen Carpenter found love to evaded her ,she makes the whole world feel like their in love.

I Love The Carpenters!

@React2This

5 ай бұрын

Me too. When they were making hits, I was a teenager who thought they were a corny brother-sister act. Every bride walked down the aisle to “Close to You,” and inspired teen contempt. It wasn’t until years after her death that I began to listen to Karen as a serious artist (singer and drummer) and to appreciate Richard’s talent as an arranger.

I enjoyed your reaction buddy! That's what the Carpenters do to you! 😊

god she was beautiful i wish i could jump in a time machine and take care of her and be so good to her and never let her feel pain she was gods angel

One of my very favorite Carpenter songs is ONLY YESTERDAY. I tell my husband all the time that I dedicate that song to him.

there is a video of Leon, Willie and Ray Charles preforming this on a tv special for Willie's birthday.....it will bring you to tears!!

I started sobbing at the end

@stevetournay6103

3 ай бұрын

That last line reappears, in a ghostly fade-in reprise, at the end of the album, too...wrenchingly beautiful.

@goldilox369

12 күн бұрын

I started in the first 1/3. I just realized THIS is the song for me & my husband.❤😭

This was a great album by them.. u react with passion, thanks for that

Such a brilliant recording by the Carpenters from 1972.Bought that album on vinyl back in the day.Sublime,inimitable and the saxophone interlude with Richards exquisite arrangements and Karens voice is magical.Perfect.

she touches your soul. peace from oregon

Bob Messenger on the sax. To go along with that voice of hers. Y'all be safe.

One of my favorites by them. Karen's vocals seem like she's right in the room with me singing just for me. The haunting lyrics, "And when my life is over, remember when we were together..."

I love the original version too. Leon wasn't as good a singer but he had soul. I suggest watching Leon live on piano 1971

One of my all-time favorite songs from The Carpenters. Written by Leon Russell. "Song For You." Ray Charles. Carpenters. Rita Coolidge. Amy Winehouse....are the best covers to this song. 😊😊😊😊 Great reaction.

@glenndespres5317

5 ай бұрын

I’ve always been partial to Leon’s and and Rays versions.

@j.k.1963

3 ай бұрын

I do have to mention Donny Hathaway's live version. To me the best one of all, wiith respect to the artists mentioned above.

Thank you, SalvoG. The Carpenters brought out the beauty and shine in this song. Karen still takes my breath away after all these years.

Leon Russell sang this when he got inducted into the the Rock And Roll Hall of fame. It was extremely emotional.

This was the song on my wishlist for you specifically to react to. I love you in a place where there is no space or time....Is my favorite line from this song. You are now my fave reaction guy.

A classic.

Seeing her in concert was one of the top highlights of my life. I have everything they ever put out. That voice! Perfect. I teared up just hearing this, watching you react. When she died I cried so hard, miss her to this day. So thankful for her music and talent. Hope you do more of the Carpenters, especially Superstar, my absolute favorite. Thank you! 🎤♥️🇺🇸

A gorgeous song… self revealing song. Precious.

What an incredible voice!

You felt it, Salvo g: That special magic that comes with a Richard Carpenter arrangement while Karen Carpenter bears her soul with an amazing voice. Thank you, for always making us feel that special feeling we had the first time we heard one of their songs, too. Love it! 🥰

Great reaction. Karen had a beautiful voice. My favorite cover of this Leon Russell song was done by Donny Hathaway.

I will always always love a song for you. I just think it’s an incredible album.

Leon Russell’s masterpiece. He was one hell of a songwriter. I love Karen’s cover, but Leon’s crackly voice conveys the pain of his lyrics like nobody else’s except maybe Ray Charles.

Interesting you said that....when I first heard this song I was on a date in small piano bar in La Mirada, CA. 😊😊😊

One of the finest voices, male or female of the 20th century. A bottom register to die for and that luscious tone throughout. Pair that with the incomparable Leon Russell song and what can you say!

My ALL TIME favorite! I wore my album out....over and over and over. 😭

I love your reaction to this masterpiece. You let the beauty pierce your soul.

What a wonderful arrangement of a song as well from Richard Carpenter, Karen's voice was pitch perfect.

In my opinion her very best song was I'm Caught Between Goodbye and I Love You. Her range was incredible.

This is a full range Karen vocal, But Cause, The Basement, short and sweet visit but down there. This is the best version, there’s a beautiful video but it’s truncated with no sax solo. It is painfully mussing. So I will recommend the audio only version. You got it! Not sure if you did This Masquerade but that’s another Leon song. BTW Leon was a member of The Wrecking Crew at the beginning on piano. As he started doing his own thing that ended. He also co-wrote with Bonnie Bramlett; Groupie (Superstar) which you reacted to Carpenters, Superstar version. This is a top 5 Carpenters song for me, just awesome. My definition of Top 5 is any of them can be #1 on any given day based on my mood.

@brenthancock7118

5 ай бұрын

I agree. They interpreted Leon Russel's songs so well. This song, Superstar and This Masquerade, they made their own. Her voice had a sadness in it, she had these little vocal fries near the end of phrases which made her sound more human. Never a belter, just perfect phrasing, breath control and diction on every word. She just had a way of drawing you in to any song she sang. No theatrics or many vocal tricks. She told a story and you were pulled in,

@jbs256

5 ай бұрын

@@brenthancock7118just so you know. I bought Close To You in 1970, I was 14. Been through the entire ride. You got it right on.

@jbs256

5 ай бұрын

@@brenthancock7118 on a second thought. Maybe the best cover ever of a Carp. song. kzread.info/dash/bejne/nq57o8p7hJDghMo.htmlsi=B42IuiZPc1ILjitC

And this wasn't even a _single._ They had talent just pouring out of them.

Velvet

Masterful !

I am fairly new to the Carpenters music which I discovered by mistake when I heard a reactor play this song. I was sitting by the window with a heavy thought and this song was playing. I instantly fell in love with this amazing song, sung with so much emotion. The lyrics, AMAZING. I decided to hear songs from their catalog and its nonstop GOLD. If you enjoyed this song, then it's MUST that you listen and react to the song " Ordinary Fool". I am like a kid at a candy store. I can stop listening to the magic of her voice and lyrically "Ordinary Fool" is one of her best. " Another beautiful jazzy style song (a different side of Karen) is "This Masquerade". By the way, your style of reacting to music is the best. I enjoy when you go into the story of the song. EXCELLENT!!!

@franciscoserrano7313

4 ай бұрын

@@Nighthawk-mc6zd Whoa...I listened to One More Try as you recommended. I had to hear it 3 times in order to digest every word and sound. MASTERPIECE!!!! Karen has the most beautiful and nuanced vocals ever. This song is now definitely one of my personal favorites. Thank you also for sharing the story of The Carpenters beginnings. How exciting. I am trying to imagine who on that day believed that the girl singing in that auditorium would achieve great success. I read that Karen died very young, gosh how tragic. I am 25. I am totally bored with today's music. Too much auto-tone, they all sound the same. Again, thank you for taking your time to share with me.... Frankie

My second favourite Carpenters song (Supertar being the first!) But, you should have played "Intermission", now that's a classic! 😆

I grew up with the Carpenters, Bee Gees, Guess Who, James Taylor, I could go on and on. Incredible music, thanks for the reactions. Another of my favorites that I haven’t seen on your channel yet (and they truly are outstanding) is Ambrosia. Some of my favorites are Biggest Part of me, You’re the Only Woman, and How much I Feel. My guess (I should have checked before I started this comment) is that David Pack (the phenomenal lead singer) wrote them all. He definitely did write Biggest Part of Me, I did check on that one. Anyway, you cannot love music from this time (as you seem to) and not include Ambrosia. There’s absolutely no chance that you’ll be disappointed. Thanks again for the reactions. I’ll be waiting.

I wonder if Richard listens to this when he especially misses his sister?

@brucemorrow5271

5 ай бұрын

He doesn’t ….

This song cuts to the ❤ - brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. 😢 I’m so glad you “get it” and understand just how truly special Karen was. ❤

Damn, that was so so good. Wow. Thx Salvo.

I was fortunate to grow up in fantastic musical age of which Leon Russell was a huge part of. He wrote some great tunes that the Carpenters had hits with. " Superstar ", love it. " This Masquerade ", possibly my favorite. I'm not sure Mr. Russell gets the recognition he deserves. Great artist. Great lyricist. " I love you in a place where there's no space or time. I love you for my life, you are a friend of mine." " And when my life is over, remember when we were together, we were alone and I was singing this song for you! ". Karen sings these powerful and passionate words to perfection! Rest in peace beautiful Karen.

Leon Russell's original version is by far my favorite but the Carpenters' version is so sweet... I love Donny Hathaway's too. Not to mention Ray Charles, Simply Red... So many beautiful artists singing one of the most beautiful songs in the world!❤

Best female singer ever

I've listened to other covers and none compare to this one!

The Carpenters greatest album.

The most emotional rendition of "A Song for You" is Leon Russell with John Mayer at the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame - when Leon's voice cracks after John's guitar solo kzread.info/dash/bejne/f2Rkk6yph6XFfdY.html

@lindadenton7407

5 ай бұрын

Oh, man. The crying I just did. Thanks for that link. ❤

❤❤❤❤❤

You should listen to the songwriter Leon Russell’s version but moreso, Donny Hathaway’s versión. The best.

Crystal Lullaby is great too

Leon Russell's "Lady Blue",studio version is one of my most favorite songs of all time. Donny Hathaway covered "A Song for you",beautifully.

There's a live performance of Leon Russell's version that I cannot recommend enough. He brings a level of nuance only the author can provide.

In related news, my daughter is in LA right now and gets to attend the Grammys tonight! Pretty excited for her. Great reaction, as usual. :)

@evanhughes1510

5 ай бұрын

How is that related?

@dranet47

5 ай бұрын

Because he mentions the Grammys.@@evanhughes1510

Karen's voice, wow!!She just owns any song she sings. Listen to her sing "Don"t Cry For Me Argentina".

It was bugging me, so I did check; and yes, David Pack did write all three of the songs I mentioned. Have a good weekend.

Check out A Song For You | Leon Russell & Friends 1971.

This is my favorite version of this song with Donny Hathaway’s version a close second. That’s saying something when you think how many great artists have recorded it. A masterpiece.

Wow❤

yup my favorite KC song. FYI you never have anyone covering carpenters on the voice, america's gottalent. i always wonder you have chloe foston (england), shane erics (usa) an keiko toge (japan). but i just found tori holub ":we only just begun" OMG it is so close even does the four part harmonies

SalvoG, please react to the Carpenters…last recording before Karen’s death…”Now” . It is Amazing ! Thank you for your channel 🩵

Leon Russel (original); The Carpenters and Donny Hathaway had the best versions

Don't get me wrong, I've always loved The Carpenters, but the person who did this song the best was Donny Hathaway! What an amazing singer and performer.🎉❤🎉

Must hear songs for any karen carpenter fan. This masquerade, Solitaire, All you get from Love is a love song, Touch me when we're dancing, Those good old dreams, Now. Couple of these are from terrorism solo album.

Kodi Lee the blind guy on AGT plays piano and sings this one ! he s good !😎

Excellent, but check out the earlier Donny Hathaway version.... that's all I'll say about it

This entire album is the high watermark of Carpenters albums. I can't listen to just one song without playing the entire album.

Even though Karen's singing voice was so very special, it still was what she did with her instrument that created the magic. ❤ Dear Salvo, I so want to suggest Donny Hathaway's live version of this song. A true gem. I know you will acknowledge his contribution to music history.

A poignant day to post. We lost Karen on this day in 1983. She is unparalleled.

You need to listen to LOTS of Kansas! The finest progressive rock band of the USA.

The Leon Russell version is well worth listening to. This to me is the ultimate love song.

Check out _A song for You_ by Gram Parsons. 🥰

Listen to the Leon Russell version it will bring tears to your eyes