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Top 10 Songs from Roberta Flack
# 10 – You’ve Got A Friend
Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway’s duet of “You’ve Got a Friend” brought new emotional depth to Carole King’s iconic song, emphasizing their extraordinary chemistry and vocal synergy. Recorded for their 1972 collaborative album Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway, the track showcased the duo’s effortless ability to breathe warmth and sincerity into every note. Their interpretation of the song, which was originally included on King’s Tapestry, maintained the reassuring message of unconditional friendship while elevating it with their signature soulful delivery.
The recording sessions for Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway took place at Atlantic Studios under the production of Joel Dorn and Arif Mardin, two key figures behind Flack and Hathaway’s most celebrated works. The album blended jazz, R&B, and soul, and their rendition of “You’ve Got a Friend” exemplified the depth of their collaboration. Flack’s smooth, classically influenced piano phrasing intertwined with Hathaway’s rich, gospel-tinged vocals, reinforcing the song’s heartfelt theme. Though James Taylor’s 1971 version was already a massive hit, Flack and Hathaway approached it as a deeply intimate conversation between two voices that complemented each other effortlessly.
Lyrically, “You’ve Got a Friend” is one of the most enduring expressions of companionship and support, a theme that Flack and Hathaway embodied both in their music and personal friendship. Their version resonated strongly, particularly within the broader context of their artistic partnership, which tragically ended with Hathaway’s passing in 1979. Among the greatest duets in soul music history, their recording of “You’ve Got a Friend” reinforced the song’s universal appeal while highlighting their mutual ability to translate emotion into sound. As part of this list of Roberta Flack’s most defining songs, it stands as a testament to her talent for turning a well-known composition into something uniquely moving.
# 9 – Set the Night to Music
Roberta Flack’s “Set the Night to Music” became one of the defining duets of her later career, pairing her with reggae-pop singer Maxi Priest for a soaring ballad about love’s transformative power. Released in 1991 as the title track of Flack’s album Set the Night to Music, the song originally came from the songwriting duo Diane Warren and Jim Steinman, whose compositions often carried grand emotional weight. With Flack’s effortlessly elegant vocal delivery and Priest’s smooth phrasing, the song struck a balance between soul and pop, resonating with audiences who had followed Flack’s career through decades of genre-spanning successes.
The song was recorded as part of Flack’s continued work with Atlantic Records, the label that had been her home since the early 1970s. Produced by Arif Mardin, the track maintained the polished, sophisticated production that characterized much of Flack’s work, while Maxi Priest’s presence added a contemporary R&B and pop appeal. “Set the Night to Music” peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Flack’s return to the upper reaches of the chart nearly two decades after her initial success. The single also reached No. 2 on the Adult Contemporary chart, reinforcing her reputation as a master interpreter of emotionally charged ballads.
Lyrically, the song conveyed themes of devotion and intimacy, describing a love so powerful that it turns the world into a private symphony. The imagery of music as a metaphor for romance aligned with Flack’s signature ability to infuse tenderness and depth into her performances. Within the context of her career, “Set the Night to Music” reaffirmed her adaptability and enduring appeal, proving that her voice remained a vital force well into the 1990s. As part of this collection of Roberta Flack’s greatest songs, it highlights her ability to make any composition her own, transforming lyrics and melody into something deeply personal and universally affecting.
# 8 – Making Love
Roberta Flack’s “Making Love” captured the depth of human emotion with a stirring vocal performance and a melody that carried both tenderness and sorrow. Written by Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager, and Bruce Roberts, the song was recorded by Flack for the 1982 film Making Love, a drama that explored themes of identity, relationships, and self-discovery. The film’s subject matter was groundbreaking for its time, and Flack’s performance added an emotional weight that resonated with audiences beyond the context of the movie. The song served as the film’s theme and was released as a single from Flack’s album I’m the One.
Recorded with Bacharach’s signature lush arrangements, “Making Love” featured sweeping orchestration and a delicate yet impassioned vocal from Flack. The song peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to No. 7 on the Adult Contemporary chart, proving that Flack’s ability to deliver emotionally charged ballads remained as potent in the 1980s as it had been in the 1970s. Her nuanced interpretation of the lyrics elevated the song beyond a standard love ballad, conveying both the warmth of devotion and the ache of inevitable change.
Lyrically, “Making Love” told the story of a relationship on the brink of dissolution, yet it was delivered with a sense of grace rather than despair. Lines such as “Here, close to our love, we will be alright” suggested an intimacy that persisted even as the future became uncertain. This ability to convey vulnerability and resilience simultaneously was a hallmark of Flack’s artistry. Within the framework of her greatest songs, “Making Love” stands as a testament to her skill in transforming a film soundtrack into a lasting and deeply affecting piece of music.
# 7 – If I Ever See You Again
Roberta Flack’s “If Ever I See You Again” embodied the refined elegance and emotional depth that defined her career. Released in 1978 as the title track for her album If Ever I See You Again, the song was written by Joe Brooks, who also composed the score for the film of the same name. Flack’s recording captured the wistful, longing sentiment of the lyrics, using her signature understated vocal delivery to heighten the song’s introspective quality. Though the accompanying film was not a major success, Flack’s song managed to outshine its cinematic counterpart, securing its place as a significant entry in her discography.
Recorded with a polished, orchestral arrangement that complemented Flack’s smooth phrasing, the song reached No. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart, reaffirming her ability to connect with audiences through ballads of longing and romance. While it did not match the commercial heights of her earlier hits like “Killing Me Softly with His Song”, its reception on the Adult Contemporary charts reflected the ongoing appreciation for Flack’s ability to convey deep emotion through subtlety rather than vocal pyrotechnics.
Lyrically, “If Ever I See You Again” explored themes of love lost and the uncertainty of rekindling a connection. Lines such as “If ever I see you again, will your arms still open wide?” captured the hesitation and yearning embedded in the narrative. This reflective and melancholy quality aligned with many of Flack’s most celebrated recordings, reinforcing her reputation for delivering emotionally rich performances. As part of her extensive catalog, the song stands as a testament to Flack’s artistry, offering a delicate yet profound meditation on love and time.
# 6 – The Closer I Get To You
Released in 1978 as part of Flack’s album Blue Lights in the Basement, the song was originally conceived as a solo track before Atlantic Records suggested it be turned into a duet with Hathaway. The result was a timeless ballad that blended Flack’s velvety smooth vocal delivery with Hathaway’s rich, emotive tones, creating one of the most celebrated duets in R&B and pop history. Written by James Mtume and Reggie Lucas, the song was a delicate, jazz-inflected love song that resonated with audiences immediately upon its release.
Musically, “The Closer I Get to You” was built around a gentle, swaying melody and a lush arrangement that allowed both singers to trade lines and harmonize seamlessly. The romantic interplay between Flack and Hathaway elevated the song’s impact, emphasizing themes of growing affection and deep emotional connection. The lyrics, with lines like “The closer I get to you, the more you make me see”, captured the essence of love’s slow burn, making it a staple for couples and a defining moment in Flack’s career. The chemistry between the two vocalists was undeniable, made all the more poignant by the fact that this would be one of their final collaborations before Hathaway’s tragic passing in 1979.
The song became a massive success, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the R&B chart, marking yet another chart triumph for Flack. It also earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group, further solidifying its place as a classic. Within the context of Flack’s catalog, “The Closer I Get to You” stood alongside her other duets with Hathaway, such as “Where Is the Love”, as some of the most beloved recordings in soul music. Even after decades, the song remained a defining example of how two artists, with distinct yet complementary voices, could create something truly spellbinding.
# 5 – Tonight, I Celebrate My Love
Roberta Flack had long been known for her ability to deliver intimate, heartfelt ballads, and “Tonight I Celebrate My Love” was no exception. Released in 1983 as part of her album Born to Love, this duet with Peabo Bryson became one of the most beloved love songs of its era. Written by Gerry Goffin and Michael Masser, the song featured an elegant arrangement that allowed both singers to shine, blending Flack’s refined, emotive delivery with Bryson’s velvety smooth tenor. Their chemistry transformed the track into a timeless anthem of romance, one that resonated deeply with audiences.
Lyrically, the song captured the anticipation and vulnerability of two lovers coming together. The lines “Tonight there’ll be no distance between us” emphasized the theme of closeness and emotional connection, making it a natural choice for weddings and anniversaries. The instrumentation, featuring Masser’s signature sweeping orchestration, heightened the song’s dramatic impact, while Flack and Bryson’s vocal interplay brought an authenticity that elevated it beyond a standard ballad.
“Tonight I Celebrate My Love” performed well on the charts, peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and reaching No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also became a staple of adult contemporary radio, reaffirming Flack’s status as a masterful interpreter of love songs. Within the scope of her career, this duet stood alongside “The Closer I Get to You” as one of her most memorable collaborations, demonstrating her rare ability to create music that remained deeply meaningful decades after its release.
# 4 – Where Is the Love
Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway created a lasting moment in soul music history with “Where Is the Love,” a duet that captured both the elegance of their vocal chemistry and the heartbreak embedded in its lyrics. Released in 1972 as part of their collaborative album Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway, the song was written by Ralph MacDonald and William Salter and produced by Arif Mardin. Its smooth yet poignant delivery resonated with audiences, elevating it to No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Easy Listening chart, marking one of the most commercially successful moments in Flack and Hathaway’s partnership.
The song’s lyrics explored the disillusionment of unfulfilled love, as Flack and Hathaway exchanged verses questioning why a relationship had fallen apart despite earlier promises. The simplicity of lines like “Where is the love you said was mine all mine, till the end of time?” made the message universally relatable, while the lush instrumentation and gentle groove softened the heartache with a sense of resignation. Their harmonies, both warm and sorrowful, gave the song an emotional weight that set it apart from other duets of the era.
“Where Is the Love” went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1973, further cementing its place in soul and pop history. The song became a defining moment for both artists, reaffirming Flack’s ability to blend jazz, soul, and pop into a seamless narrative and highlighting Hathaway’s remarkable talent for conveying deep emotion. Within the broader landscape of their careers, this duet stood alongside “The Closer I Get to You” as one of their most enduring collaborations, a testament to the timeless quality of their musical connection.
# 3 – Killing Me Softly with His Song
Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly with His Song” became one of the most iconic recordings of the 1970s, transforming an already evocative composition into a moment of pure emotional resonance. Originally written by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel, with inspiration from Lori Lieberman’s experience at a Don McLean concert, the song was first recorded by Lieberman in 1972. However, it was Flack’s rendition, released on January 21, 1973, that turned it into a cultural landmark. Her version, produced by Joel Dorn, was recorded at Atlantic Studios in New York City and featured a sparse yet deeply expressive arrangement that emphasized the depth of her vocal delivery.
The song’s lyrics painted an intimate portrait of a listener overwhelmed by the emotional power of a singer’s performance, as Flack sang, “Strumming my pain with his fingers / Singing my life with his words.” Her voice, controlled yet deeply evocative, carried the weight of the song’s narrative, making it feel both personal and universal. The lush, slow-building orchestration supported her vocal phrasing, reinforcing the sense of vulnerability and quiet devastation that defined the song’s mood.
“Killing Me Softly with His Song” quickly rose to the top of the charts, spending five weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Flack the Grammy Award for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1974. The song’s success reaffirmed her ability to interpret lyrics with unmatched depth, much like her earlier hit “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” Decades later, the Fugees revitalized the song with their 1996 hip-hop-infused version, bringing it to a new generation, yet Flack’s interpretation remained the definitive take, unmatched in its emotional power.
# 2 – Feel Like Makin’ Love
Roberta Flack’s “Feel Like Makin’ Love” captured a moment of intimate vulnerability and sensual warmth, setting a new standard for quiet storm R&B in the 1970s. Written by Gene McDaniels and recorded for her 1975 album of the same name, the song became one of Flack’s most enduring hits. It was recorded at Atlantic Studios in New York City and produced by Flack herself, marking a significant milestone in her career as she took full creative control over the album’s production. Her delicate yet commanding vocal approach gave the song an effortless sensuality, supported by a smooth instrumental arrangement that highlighted the understated elegance of her delivery.
Released as a single in May 1974, “Feel Like Makin’ Love” soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Flack’s third and final chart-topping hit. It also dominated the R&B and Adult Contemporary charts, showcasing her crossover appeal and the song’s universal resonance. Unlike the dramatic, deeply melancholic themes of “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” this track embraced a gentler, more comforting expression of love and passion. Its success reinforced Flack’s reputation for crafting sophisticated, emotionally nuanced performances that transcended genre boundaries.
Lyrically, the song reflected the tenderness of newfound intimacy, as Flack’s voice wrapped around lines like “Strollin’ in the park, watching winter turn to spring” with a quiet intensity. The track’s minimalist arrangement—featuring warm electric piano, subtle guitar flourishes, and an unobtrusive rhythm section—enhanced its dreamy, meditative quality. Over the years, “Feel Like Makin’ Love” has been covered by numerous artists, but Flack’s version remains definitive, a testament to her ability to elevate a song with sheer vocal artistry and interpretive depth.
# 1 – The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face
Roberta Flack’s “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” defined a new era of quiet, emotive soul when it was released in 1969 on her debut album, First Take. Originally written by folk artist Ewan MacColl in 1957 for Peggy Seeger, the song took on an entirely new dimension in Flack’s hands. Her interpretation transformed the sparse folk melody into a slow-burning, deeply intimate ballad, stretched to nearly five and a half minutes of delicate vocal phrasing and lush instrumentation. Recorded at Atlantic Studios in New York and produced by Joel Dorn, the song highlighted Flack’s ability to turn a simple love song into an otherworldly experience through subtlety and restraint.
Though initially released without fanfare, “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” gained mainstream recognition when Clint Eastwood used it in his 1971 film Play Misty for Me. This exposure led Atlantic Records to release it as a single in 1972, where it quickly became a massive hit. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks, making it Flack’s first No. 1 single. It also reached No. 1 on the Easy Listening chart and No. 4 on the R&B chart, proving its crossover appeal. The song went on to win both Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the 1973 Grammy Awards, cementing its place as one of the most celebrated ballads of all time.
Lyrically, “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” captures the overwhelming power of love at first sight, with lines like “I thought the sun rose in your eyes, and the moon and the stars were the gifts you gave” evoking a sense of celestial wonder. Flack’s rendition slows the tempo dramatically compared to earlier versions, allowing her voice to float over the soft, warm piano and orchestral backing. The song’s meditative, dreamlike quality set a precedent for Flack’s later work and positioned her as one of the most sophisticated vocalists of her generation. Even decades later, it remains one of the most hauntingly beautiful love songs ever recorded.
Top 10 Roberta Flack Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2025
