Roberta Flack is an icon of soul music, renowned for her nuanced voice and emotionally resonant songs. While many are familiar with her biggest hits, diving deeper into her catalog reveals a treasure trove of musical gems. This list explores six essential Roberta Flack Songs that showcase her incredible talent and lasting impact on music.
‘Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow’ (1971)
Even before Roberta Flack recorded her version in 1971, ‘Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow’ was already a classic, originally performed by The Shirelles and later reinterpreted by Carole King, who co-wrote it. Flack’s rendition, however, brings a unique haunting quality to the song. Her slowed-down tempo and delicate piano arrangement create an intimate and introspective atmosphere, highlighting the vulnerability in the lyrics and showcasing the breathtaking control and emotion in her voice. It’s a testament to her ability to make any song her own, imbuing it with a fresh layer of depth and feeling.
‘Freedom Song’ (1971)
Roberta Flack’s performance at the 1971 Independence Day festival in Ghana was a landmark event, sharing the stage with musical giants. Amidst this incredible lineup, her a cappella rendition of “Oh Freedom,” which she titled “Freedom Song,” stands out as a truly powerful moment. This performance transcends a simple song; it becomes a spiritual experience, a raw and heartfelt prayer that resonates with both sorrow and hope. While the soundtrack of this festival remains largely inaccessible today, “Freedom Song” is a crucial example of Flack’s ability to connect with her audience on a deeply human level through her voice alone.
Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway, ‘Where Is the Love’ (1972)
The collaboration between Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway is legendary, and “Where Is the Love” perfectly encapsulates their musical synergy. Featured on their joint album “Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway,” this song became a defining track of 70s romantic soul. Hathaway’s significant contributions as a writer and arranger in Flack’s early career solidified their partnership, and “Where Is the Love” is a testament to their combined genius. This duet, a No. 1 R&B hit, explores the complexities of lost romance with a bittersweet sweetness that continues to captivate listeners on the radio today.
‘Killing Me Softly With His Song’ (1973)
“Killing Me Softly With His Song” is perhaps the most iconic of all Roberta Flack songs. Interestingly, Flack’s version is a complete reimagining of Lori Lieberman’s original folk song. Inspired by Lieberman’s version she heard on a flight, Flack transformed the song, reworking the chords and adding a signature soaring interlude. The anecdote about Quincy Jones’s reaction – urging her to record it immediately after hearing it live – speaks volumes about the song’s immediate impact. Becoming her second No. 1 hit, and later experiencing renewed popularity through The Fugees’ remake, “Killing Me Softly With His Song” cemented its place as a timeless classic and a defining Roberta Flack song.
‘Feel Like Makin’ Love’ (1974)
Venturing into production herself under the pseudonym Rubina Flake, Roberta Flack showcased her multifaceted talent with “Feel Like Makin’ Love.” This sensuous title track from her sixth studio album became her third No. 1 hit, highlighting her smooth production style. Despite the album’s troubled recording process and lukewarm reception upon release, “Feel Like Makin’ Love” stands out as a testament to Flack’s artistic vision and her ability to create captivating and deeply emotive music.
Roberta Flack With Donny Hathaway, ‘The Closer I Get to You’ (1977)
Reuniting with Donny Hathaway, “The Closer I Get to You” marked another successful duet for Roberta Flack. Although not originally conceived as a duet, their voices blended seamlessly to create a gauzy and romantic hit, reaching No. 1 on the R&B charts and No. 2 on the Hot 100. This song is a poignant reminder of their extraordinary musical partnership, cut short by Hathaway’s untimely passing. Their final duets album, released posthumously, stands as a legacy to their incredible collaboration, with “The Closer I Get to You” being a standout track in Roberta Flack’s impressive discography.
