First Take
Roberta Flack · 1969
46 min · 8 tracks · jazz · R&B · soul
A blend of soulful melodies and jazz-inflected arrangements that evoke deep emotional resonance.
Why this album works
- Best for
- long, immersive listening sessions dynamic emotional journeys late-night contemplative moods
- Context
- Released on June 20, 1969, 'First Take' marked Roberta Flack's debut album, introducing her unique fusion of jazz, soul, and folk to the music scene. At this point in her career, Flack was emerging from her background as a session musician and gaining recognition for her distinctive voice and songwriting talents.
- If you like
- jazz, R&B, soul
First Take is an album by Roberta Flack, released in 1969. A blend of soulful melodies and jazz-inflected arrangements that evoke deep emotional resonance. 'First Take' features the timeless classic 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face', which won a Grammy Award and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972. Its critical acclaim helped establish Flack as a formidable artist in adult contemporary and soul music, influencing future generations of musicians. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does First Take sound like?
A blend of soulful melodies and jazz-inflected arrangements that evoke deep emotional resonance. Rooted in jazz and R&B.
What makes First Take by Roberta Flack notable?
'First Take' features the timeless classic 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face', which won a Grammy Award and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972. Its critical acclaim helped establish Flack as a formidable artist in adult contemporary and soul music, influencing future generations of musicians. Released on June 20, 1969, 'First Take' marked Roberta Flack's debut album, introducing her unique fusion of jazz, soul, and folk to the music scene. At this point in her career, Flack was emerging from her background as a session musician and gaining recognition for her distinctive voice and songwriting talents.
Who is First Take for?
First Take works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and late-night contemplative moods.
How many songs are on First Take?
First Take has 8 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Compared to What Standout 5:16
- 2 Angelitos Negros Standout 6:56
- 3 Our Ages or Our Hearts 6:09
- 4 I Told Jesus 6:09
- 5 Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye 4:08
- 6 The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face Standout 5:22
- 7 Tryin' Times 5:08
- 8 Ballad of the Sad Young Men 7:00
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