What is the best Roberta Flack album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Killing Me Softly" (1973). It's the most representative of what makes Roberta Flack worth hearing.

What are the best Roberta Flack albums?

The essential Roberta Flack albums include "Softly with These Songs: The Best of Roberta Flack", "First Take" (1969), "Chapter Two" (1970), "Quiet Fire" (1971) and "Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway" (1972).

How many albums does Roberta Flack have?

Roberta Flack has 32 releases in their discography, including 22 albums.

Photo: Atlantic Records · Public domain

Roberta Flack

Q: Who is Roberta Flack for?

If you're into jazz and R&B, Roberta Flack is worth your time. Flack's music pulses with a warm richness, where gentle piano motifs intertwine with her soulful voice, creating a spacious yet intimate atmosphere that invites quiet contemplation.

Flack's music pulses with a warm richness, where gentle piano motifs intertwine with her soulful voice, creating a spacious yet intimate atmosphere that invites quiet contemplation.

jazz · soul · traditional folk music

United States

Read about Roberta Flack on Bookshop

Start here

The album

Killing Me Softly album by Roberta Flack

Killing Me Softly (1973)

Showcases Flack's signature blend of soul and jazz, featuring smooth production and a cohesive sound that invites listeners in.

The song

“Feel Like Makin' Love” from Feel Like Makin' Love

Immediate hook with soulful delivery, this track encapsulates her style and emotional depth, making it a strong introduction.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Feelin’ That Glow" — from Feel Like Makin' Love (1975)

establishes the sonic palette early
2

"Reverend Lee" — from Chapter Two (1970)

establishes the sonic palette early
3

"Why Don't You Move in With Me" — from Blue Lights in the Basement (1977)

establishes the sonic palette early
4

"I'm the One" — from I'm the One (1982)

establishes the sonic palette early
5

"Killing Me Softly With His Song" — from Killing Me Softly (1973)

accessible entry with immediate hook
6

"Compared to What" — from First Take (1969)

establishes the sonic palette early

About Roberta Flack

Roberta Flack reshaped the landscape of adult contemporary music, infusing it with an emotional depth that resonates across generations.

Her ability to seamlessly blend jazz nuances with soul-driven narratives led to a new appreciation for lyrical storytelling, elevating the genre beyond mere background sound to a space where introspection and connection thrive. Flack's approach to music is characterized by her meticulous attention to vocal phrasing and rich harmonic structures. Rather than adhering strictly to traditional pop formats, she embraces improvisation and subtle dynamics, allowing each song to breathe and evolve organically. This intentionality creates a listening experience that draws audiences in, encouraging them to linger on each note and lyric. In her songwriting, Flack often explores themes of love, longing, and personal reflection, weaving heartfelt anecdotes with an introspective tone. Her voice carries an authenticity that balances sincerity with moments of vulnerability, inviting listeners into her world while leaving room for their interpretations. The interplay between her emotive delivery and intricate arrangements generates a narrative quality that feels both personal and universal.

22 studio albums· 32 total releases· 4 decades· United States