I love THE CARPENTERS. Any recommendations for similar bands/vocalists?

[DerekG]

I just discovered The Carpenters, and the experience has stirred my soul. Karen's voice is transcendent, and the orchestral work breathtaking.

Could you recommend anyone who comes close to capturing this magic?

[dixiegrrrrl]

1. You could try these

http://www.allmusic.com/artist/carpenters-mn0000051909/related

This site has been my go to any time I want to find out anything about music.

check out a group called Bread, it was similar back in the day.


Linda Ronstandt's earlier stuff was good..her "Blue Bayou" was a huge hit.

[Iggo]

4. Wow. Cool site. (allmusic.com)

Just spent what felt like five minutes there, but was closer to forty.

That's how I know.

[femmocrat]

2. How about Anne Murray?

Same period, similar songs.

[oregonjen]

3. John Denver

Although this link is only audio from one of his last concerts before he died, his voice is beautiful!

[mainstreetonce]

6. Thank you

Thank you for that. I saw John in NJ aug. 1997.
He told a joke about Princess Diana. Three weeks later she was dead. Six weeks later he was dead.

[Mnpaul]

5. Rumer

many think she sounds just like Karen Carpenter

[bettyellen]

7. EvaCassidy?

[Ilsa]

17. Yes... "Songbird" nt

[pokerfan]

8. Starland Vocal Band

[oasis]

9. Keely Smith nt

[Rhiannon12866]

10. My Dad (who was a musician) always said Anne Murray had a good voice:

[malthaussen]

11. Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan...

... if you want female vocalists with transcendent voices, female jazz vocalists are the place to go.

Or Joni Mitchell, of course.

-- Mal

[mainstreetonce]

12. Good voices

Trisha Yearwood and Lea Michele

[Orrex]

13. Tom Waits.

It's almost startling how similar his voice is to Ms. Carpenter's.

[Recursion]

23. She covered Downtown Train once I think?

Or maybe that was Mary Chapin Carpenter. One of them did.

[Orrex]

24. I had to check the dates

Downtown Train was released in 1985, while Karen Carpenter died in 1983. I didn't know either of those dates until I looked them up.

Haven't heard Mary Chapin Carpenter's cover, though I'll seek it out. However, Patti Smyth released a generally forgettable but harmless version, while Rod Stewart's effort was one of the most soulless covers in the history of music.

I also just found out that Bob Seger of all people did a cover as well. I'll have to give it a listen.


I should also disclaim that I was making a joke at Ms. Carpenter's expense, since she had such a famously smooth voice in stark contract to Tom Wait's magnificent gravelly rattle.

[TuxedoKat]

14. Jane Olivor

I really like her Stay the Night album. My favorite song on it is probably "Song for my Father". Funny about the Carpenters. I didn't really appreciate them when they were popular but heard a show about them on NPR and I have newfound respect for their music now.

[hamsterjill]

15. I grew up on the Carpenters.

Phenomenal voice and such a tragic end.

My favorite is "Bless The Beasts and the Children".

[Arugula Latte]

16. A few more suggestions: Carly Simon, Carole King, Bread, Art Garfunkel

[Ilsa]

18. Ann Hampton Calloway is a platinum-selling artist,

Songwriter, knows the American songbook. Gorgeous, luscious, rich voice for contemporary, pop, jazz.

[Zorro]

19. Judy Collins

Here's a poignant one for you.

[Zorro]

20. And here's another stunner

[6000eliot]

21. The Captain and Tennille. Jennifer Warnes.

[IcyPeas]

22. Here is a song that samples Karen's voice ...

I love this song. It might not be to your tastes though. It's from an album called "Excursions in Ambience"

?list=PLP2SvLHHJGJlfeTwPHy2PhC7E6KgK6R3l