Roberta Flack’s 11 Essential Songs
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| Roberta Flack |
Roberta Flack, one of the most iconic voices of the 1970s, left behind a legacy of soulful ballads, evocative storytelling, and masterful vocal performances. A true pioneer of interpretive pop-soul, Flack transformed songs into deeply emotional experiences that resonated across generations. With a career spanning decades, she won numerous accolades, including back-to-back Grammy Awards for Record of the Year—a feat no other artist had achieved before.
Flack’s ability to reimagine and elevate existing compositions made her an unparalleled force in the music industry. From her mesmerizing take on folk ballads to her groundbreaking duets, she crafted songs that remain timeless classics. Here, we explore 11 essential tracks that define her enduring artistry.
1. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (1969)
Originally written by Ewan MacColl, this folk ballad found its true soul in Roberta Flack’s hauntingly beautiful rendition. Featured in Clint Eastwood’s film “Play Misty for Me”, her version became a No. 1 hit in 1972. Flack’s slow, sensual delivery transforms the song into an intimate and powerful expression of love, earning her the Grammy Award for Record of the Year.
2. Compared to What (1969)
Flack’s debut single, “Compared to What”, is a politically charged anthem penned by Gene McDaniels. Featuring a soul-jazz groove, the song critiques social injustices and political turmoil. Her impassioned delivery and intricate phrasing set the stage for her reputation as a vocalist of remarkable depth and expression.
3. Let It Be Me (1970)
A staple in the American songbook, “Let It Be Me” had been recorded by numerous artists, including The Everly Brothers. Flack’s version, however, is a masterclass in interpretation, adding blue notes and dynamic phrasing that elevate it beyond a simple love song. Her nuanced performance makes it one of the most moving renditions of this classic tune.
4. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow (1971)
Originally recorded by The Shirelles and penned by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, Flack’s take on “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” slows the tempo, bringing out the song’s melancholic undertones. Accompanied by her delicate piano arrangement, Flack delivers a deeply reflective and soul-stirring performance.
5. Freedom Song (1971)
During a historic concert in Ghana, Flack performed “Freedom Song”, a stirring a cappella rendition of the spiritual “Oh Freedom”. Her vocal control and emotive phrasing turn the song into a profoundly moving experience, showcasing her ability to convey raw emotion through minimal instrumentation.
6. Where Is the Love (1972) – Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway
Flack’s collaboration with Donny Hathaway produced some of the most unforgettable duets in R&B history. “Where Is the Love”, a No. 1 R&B hit, remains a quintessential romantic ballad. Their voices blend seamlessly, creating an effortlessly soulful and tender listening experience.
7. Killing Me Softly With His Song (1973)
Few songs define Roberta Flack’s career as much as “Killing Me Softly With His Song”. Originally performed by Lori Lieberman, Flack rearranged the chord structure and introduced a hypnotic interlude, turning it into an intensely emotional narrative. The song topped the Billboard charts and won Flack her second consecutive Grammy Award for Record of the Year.
8. Feel Like Makin’ Love (1974)
Flack took creative control on her sixth studio album, producing it under the pseudonym Rubina Flake. The title track, “Feel Like Makin’ Love”, became her third No. 1 hit. With its sensuous melody and smooth production, the song remains one of the most evocative expressions of romantic longing in popular music.
9. The Closer I Get to You (1977) – Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway
Initially not conceived as a duet, “The Closer I Get to You” evolved into one of Flack and Hathaway’s most beloved collaborations. Their harmonies, coupled with the song’s dreamy orchestration, made it an instant classic, reaching No. 1 on the R&B charts and No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
10. Tonight, I Celebrate My Love (1983) – Roberta Flack & Peabo Bryson
In the 1980s, Flack found a new musical partner in Peabo Bryson. Their duet “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love” became a wedding staple, thanks to its soaring vocals and sentimental lyrics. Although some critics found Bryson’s style overly polished, the song remains a testament to Flack’s ability to capture romance in song.
11. Angel Eyes (1994)
On her jazz-infused album “Roberta”, Flack delivered a stunning rendition of “Angel Eyes”, a timeless standard closely associated with Ella Fitzgerald. With moody phrasing and expressive delivery, she reinvents the song, proving her versatility across genres.
Roberta Flack’s Lasting Legacy
Roberta Flack’s ability to transform songs into deeply personal and evocative experiences cemented her place as one of the greatest vocalists of all time. Her music continues to inspire artists across R&B, jazz, and pop, influencing generations with its soulful depth and emotional honesty.