Chocolate Soul Music Magazine

Roberta Flack’s Roberta (1994) is truly a gem, a testament to her ability to breathe new life into jazz and soul classics – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roberta_%28album%29). With her signature warmth and depth, she reimagined tracks like “The Thrill Is Gone”

and “It Might Be You”,

crafting an album that is both timeless and deeply moving, 1994 [r4481125] | Discogs](https://www.discogs.com/release/4481125-Roberta-Flack-Roberta). The collaboration with artists like Gwen Guthrie, Ivan Hampden, Tony Terry, and Andre Smith added layers of richness to the project, 1994 [r4481125] | Discogs](https://www.discogs.com/release/4481125-Roberta-Flack-Roberta).

It was also her final album for Atlantic Records, marking the end of a 25-year journey with the label – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roberta_%28album%29). The album even earned a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roberta_%28album%29).

Mesmerizing, enchanting, and pure soul. Roberta (1994) is a masterclass in soulful reinterpretation, and each track carries its own unique essence. Here’s a deeper dive into the album’s standout songs:

“Sweet Georgia Brown” – A playful, jazzy take on the 1925 standard, Flack injects warmth and sophistication into the track. The instrumentation is crisp, and her vocal delivery is effortlessly smooth.

“Looking for Another Pure Love” – A Stevie Wonder composition, this track is a standout moment on the album. Flack’s interpretation is tender yet powerful, with a dreamy arrangement that complements her voice beautifully.

“Prelude to a Kiss”

“Prelude to a Kiss” – A Duke Ellington classic, Flack’s version is pure elegance. She delivers it with a delicate touch, making it feel like a whispered confession of love.

Sweet Georgia Brown

“Sweet Georgia Brown” – A playful, jazzy take on the 1925 standard, Flack injects warmth and sophistication into the track. The instrumentation is crisp, and her vocal delivery is effortlessly smooth.

Track-by-Track Review of Roberta

1. “The Thrill Is Gone” – Flack’s rendition of this blues classic is hauntingly beautiful. She slows it down, adding layers of melancholy with her velvety vocals, making it feel like a lament rather than just a song about lost love.
   • “It Might Be You” – Originally a soft rock ballad, Flack transforms it into a lush, jazz-infused piece. Her phrasing is impeccable, and the arrangement allows the song to breathe, making it feel intimate and deeply personal.
2. “Sweet Georgia Brown” – A playful, jazzy take on the 1925 standard, Flack injects warmth and sophistication into the track. The instrumentation is crisp, and her vocal delivery is effortlessly smooth.
3. “Looking for Another Pure Love” – A Stevie Wonder composition, this track is a standout moment on the album. Flack’s interpretation is tender yet powerful, with a dreamy arrangement that complements her voice beautifully.
4. “I Can See the Sun in Late December” – This song is a hidden gem, showcasing Flack’s ability to tell a story through music. The orchestration is grand, yet her vocals remain the focal point, pulling the listener into a reflective, almost cinematic experience.
5. “Come Ye Disconsolate” – A deeply spiritual and moving track, Flack’s rendition is filled with emotion. The harmonies are rich, and the arrangement is minimal, allowing the raw power of the lyrics to shine through.
6. “Prelude to a Kiss” – A Duke Ellington classic, Flack’s version is pure elegance. She delivers it with a delicate touch, making it feel like a whispered confession of love.
7. “Angel Eyes” – This jazz standard is given a sultry, late-night feel. Flack’s voice glides effortlessly over the moody instrumentation, making it one of the most atmospheric tracks on the album.
8. “Tenderly” – A soft, romantic ballad, Flack’s interpretation is warm and inviting. The arrangement is simple yet effective, allowing her voice to take center stage.
9. “Cottage for Sale” – A heartbreaking song about lost love, Flack’s delivery is poignant and deeply emotional. The stripped-down arrangement enhances the sorrowful tone, making it one of the most affecting tracks on the album.

Final Thoughts

Roberta Flack’s Roberta is a testament to her ability to take well-known songs and make them entirely her own. The album is a blend of jazz, soul, and blues, all tied together by her unmistakable voice. It’s a mesmerizing listen, perfect for those who appreciate music that speaks to the soul.

Chocolate Soul Music Magazine—a publication that celebrates the richness of soul music.