Roberta Flack
Roberta Flack · 1978
36 min · 9 tracks · jazz
A smooth blend of soulful melodies and rich jazz influences, showcasing Flack's emotive vocal prowess.
Top tracks — play these first
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What a Woman Really Means Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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You Are Everything — This track stands out for its lush orchestration and heartfelt lyrics, perfectly showcasing Flack's ability to convey deep emotion through her voice.
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Independent Man — The song's themes of self-empowerment resonate strongly within the context of the late 1970s women's movement, marking it as a progressive anthem for independence.
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If Ever I See You Again — With its poignant narrative about lost love and longing, this song encapsulates Flack's storytelling prowess and emotional depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends soulful melodies with jazz influences, showcasing Flack's emotive vocals and solid arrangements.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a mid-tempo track that establishes a smooth, soulful vibe, which is maintained through the first half.
- Flack's vocal delivery often features long, sustained notes that emphasize emotional expression, particularly in the ballads.
- Several tracks incorporate lush string arrangements that complement the jazz influences without overpowering the vocals.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 listening experience
- haunting vocals for emotional depth
- for intimate gatherings
- rich melodies for reflective moments
Maybe skip if you
- prefer faster-paced music
- looking for high-energy tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality after early successes, blending genres effectively.
- Career context
- Released in 1978, this album marked Roberta Flack's return to the studio after her successful run in the early '70s, which included hits like 'Killing Me Softly with His Song.' At this point in her career, she was transitioning towards a more contemporary sound while retaining her jazz roots, aiming to reach a broader audience.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nina Simone· Bill Withers· Aretha Franklin
Tracklist
- 1 What a Woman Really Means Start here 4:45
- 2 You Are Everything 4:35
- 3 Independent Man 4:53
- 4 If Ever I See You Again 3:40
- 5 And the Feeling's So Good 3:07
- 6 Know That We're Made for Each Other 3:33
- 7 Come Share My Love 3:46
- 8 Baby I Love You So 4:47
- 9 When It's Over 3:37
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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