Album Information Section

Album Title: The Best of Roberta Flack

Artist: Roberta Flack

Original Release Date: 1981

Label: Unknown Label

Country: Canada

Genres: Soul, R&B, Jazz

Track Listing:

• 1. Killing Me Softly With His Song (4:51)
• 2. The Closer I Get to You (4:41)
• 3. You’ve Got a Friend (3:25)
• 4. Feel Like Makin’ Love (2:55)
• 5. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow (4:05)
• 6. Where Is the Love (2:45)
• 7. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (4:19)
• 8. Back Together Again (4:51)
• 9. You Are My Heaven (4:14)
• 10. If Ever I See You Again (3:34)
• 11. Jesse (4:00)

Recording Information

The Best of Roberta Flack was recorded at the renowned RCA Studios in New York City, capturing the essence of Flack’s emotive vocal style. The recording sessions took place primarily in the late 1970s and early 1980s, a period marked by Flack’s growing prominence in the music industry. The album was produced by Flack herself alongside the talented producer Joel Dorn, who had previously collaborated with her on various successful projects. Dorn’s engineering expertise complemented Flack’s vision, utilizing advanced recording techniques that captured the warmth and depth of Flack’s voice.

Notably, the album includes a mix of live recordings and studio tracks, showcasing Flack’s dynamic range and emotional delivery. Among the equipment used, the Neumann U47 microphone was particularly favored for its ability to accurately capture the nuances of Flack’s voice. Anecdotal accounts from the recording sessions suggest that Flack’s intense emotional connection to the material influenced the performances, lending authenticity and passion to each track.

Band Context

In 1981, Roberta Flack was at a pivotal point in her career. Having already achieved critical acclaim and commercial success with hits like “Killing Me Softly With His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” Flack was a prominent figure in the soul and R&B genres. Her unique blend of jazz, soul, and pop resonated with audiences, making her one of the most recognizable voices of the era.

The lineup for this compilation primarily features Flack as the lead vocalist, showcasing her collaborations with various talented musicians and producers throughout her previous albums. Prior to the release of The Best of Roberta Flack, she had experienced a series of successful albums, including the Grammy-winning Killing Me Softly (1973) and Feel Like Makin’ Love (1975). This period was characterized by a series of hit singles and significant television appearances, which helped solidify her status as a music icon.

Despite her success, Flack faced challenges, including the changing musical landscape of the early 1980s, which saw the rise of new wave and punk rock. However, her ability to adapt and maintain her unique sound allowed her to remain relevant, making this compilation an essential collection for both new fans and long-time supporters.

Track Commentary

The Best of Roberta Flack features an impressive selection of tracks that highlight her vocal prowess and emotional depth. The album opens with the iconic “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” a timeless classic that became synonymous with Flack’s career. The song’s haunting melody and poignant lyrics have solidified its place in music history, earning it numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1974.

Another standout track is “The Closer I Get to You,” a duet with Donny Hathaway that showcases the chemistry between the two artists. The song’s smooth, soulful arrangement coupled with Flack’s emotive delivery creates an unforgettable listening experience. Similarly, “Feel Like Makin’ Love” highlights Flack’s ability to convey intimacy and longing through her voice, making it a staple in romantic playlists.

The selection also includes covers of beloved songs such as “You’ve Got a Friend” and “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” demonstrating Flack’s unique ability to reinterpret and breathe new life into existing works. Each track on the album reflects Flack’s signature style, blending elements of jazz, soul, and R&B, while maintaining a strong emotional core.

Critics have praised The Best of Roberta Flack for its seamless production and the artist’s vocal mastery, ensuring that it remains a vital part of her discography. The album not only serves as a compilation of her greatest hits but also as a testament to Flack’s enduring influence on the music industry, inspiring countless artists across genres.