Is I'm the One a good place to start with Roberta Flack?

Yes, I'm the One is recommended as a starting point for new Roberta Flack listeners. Smooth, soulful melodies intertwine with heartfelt lyrics, creating an intimate atmosphere of love and reflection. By 1982, Roberta Flack was a well-established artist, known for her emotive vocals and hits like 'Killing Me Softly'. 'I'm the One' marked her return after a brief hiatus since 1979's 'Blue Lights in the Basement', showcasing her continued relevance in the adult contemporary genre during a time of changing musical landscapes.

Who is I'm the One for?

I'm the One works well if you're into steady mid-tempo soothing flow, smooth vocal melodies for relaxation and for intimate gatherings.

How many songs are on I'm the One?

I'm the One has 9 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

I'm the One

Roberta Flack · 1982

35 min · 9 tracks · jazz

Smooth, soulful melodies intertwine with heartfelt lyrics, creating an intimate atmosphere of love and reflection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I'm the One Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of commitment and connection, featuring Flack's signature vocal warmth that draws listeners into an emotional landscape.
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Never Loved Before — This track stands out due to its poignant lyrics about vulnerability in love, paired with a lush arrangement that highlights Flack's vocal prowess.
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Making Love — 'Making Love' became a significant hit, showcasing Flack's ability to convey deep emotion through her voice while addressing themes of intimacy and romance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases Flack's emotive vocals over smooth jazz arrangements, but lacks standout compositions.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of smooth jazz instrumentation, with piano and soft percussion dominating the arrangements.
Flack's vocal delivery is prominent throughout, often layered with harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
Each track maintains a mid-tempo pace, creating a relaxed atmosphere that persists across the entire album.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo soothing flow
smooth vocal melodies for relaxation
for intimate gatherings
ideal for reflective moments

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced excitement
seek standalone anthems

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Strong release after a hiatus, showcasing her continued vocal prowess.
Career context: By 1982, Roberta Flack was a well-established artist, known for her emotive vocals and hits like 'Killing Me Softly'. 'I'm the One' marked her return after a brief hiatus since 1979's 'Blue Lights in the Basement', showcasing her continued relevance in the adult contemporary genre during a time of changing musical landscapes.
Stylistic neighbors: Nina Simone· Bill Withers· Aretha Franklin