Roberta Flack - Killing Me Softly

CD Version Of A 1973 Atlantic LP

When this album came out in August 1973 as Atlantic 19154 it quickly became a best-seller, containing two songs that were also hit singles, albeit slightly different from the LP versions heard here.

The first was Killing Me Softly With His Song, inspired by the effect a Don McLean performance had on singer/songwriter Lori Lieberman (although it was written by Norman Gimbel and Charles Fox), which peaked at # 1 Billboard Pop Hot 100 and # 2 on each of the R&B and Adult Contemporary (AC) charts early in 1973. The other is Jesse, written by Janis Ian, which finished at # 3 AC/# 19 R&B/# 30 Hot 100 in October 1973 b/w No Tears (In The End), which is also included here.

In 1995, at the dawning of the CD age, it was common for the big U.S. distributors such as Sony and Universal to digitally remaster many of the top vinyl albums and, as a consequence, the market was flooded with 8- to 12-track CDs, which also carried a hefty price at the time. Most have dropped considerably in that regard (including this one) as competition from distributors in the U.K. and other parts of Europe (where they have different copyright laws) entered the market. These, invariably, often have upwards of 28 tracks with vastly-improved sound reproduction techniques employed, AND copious liner notes and discographies.

This one has absolutely nothing in the way of informative notes but, if what you're looking for is merely a quality replacement for that old LP then by all means this will fill the bill, and at a reasonable cost. Otherwise, search around for more recent Roberta Flack compilations that will give you these and many more of her biggest numbers.

July 14, 2008

Roberta won't receive any flack from me! 3 1/2 stars

Roberta Flack. A name I have heard several times in my life but, unfortunately, I was never familiarized with much of her music. I heard The Fugees' version of her song, "Killing Me Softly." I never really liked the song, but one day, I took a very close listen and realized just how profound the lyrics were, and that's when I took an interest in Roberta Flack. I was impressed after listening to this album. I looked at some of her photos as the album played, and discovered that she plays the piano; that's one quality in a singer that I always appreciate and respect. I really enjoyed the sound and quality of her voice. She never over-sang, she was on key throughout. Her lyrics are great, too. This album is pretty cohesive.

I love the song, "Killing Me Softly." As I mentioned previously, the lyrics are profound. The song is about a woman who is at a concert, and the man performing is singing things that are seemingly directed towards her. The production is quite eerie for an added effect. "Jesse" is a ballad that is about a couple that is no longer together, and Roberta is letting Jesse know how different their home is without him. It's a decent offering, but one of the weaker moments on the album due to its blandness. I really enjoyed "No Tears (In the End) and "River." Roberta's delivery is magnificent, so are the musical arrangements and lyrics. Simply outstanding. Very memorable.

I know more about Roberta Flack and am looking forward to hearing more of her music very soon. She's an underrated talent and more people need to mention her when they are conversing about music's greats.

Mikeisha's Top 5

1. "River"
2. "Killing Me Softly"
3. "No Tears (In the End)"
4. "I'm the Girl"
5. "Suzanne"
February 25, 2008

Smooth Music

Right out of High School "Killing Me Softly" was a huge hit. And the album of the same title has equally fantastic numbers. Along with the title song, my other favorites are "Jesse", "I'm the Girl" and the final track "Suzanne". Just make yourself comfortable, put on your headphones and enjoy a great listen. And when you get to "Suzanne", turn the volume up a bit and let the beautiful string arrangements carry you away. A great CD from one of Roberta's best efforts. June 15, 2007

UNDERRATED GEM

Why doesn't Roberta Flack get the same attention as so many other singers of the 1970s? Is it because she never wrote many of her songs? This is a lovely album from start to finish. The title track, for Don McLean (although not written by Flack) takes on a more powerful lustre in its proper context. 'Jesse' is tear-jerkingly glorious, and 'Suzanne' an unexpected treat. April 3, 2007

My best advice...

I can only say on thing about Roberta: there's you and there's Aretha. I'm not kidding, and on this set, her most soulful album ever, you'll see what I mean. Roberta Flack is an artist, period. Her voice is truly amazing, so strong and yet so soft, and always on key...and this voice comes from a former piano player and elementary school teacher. One of the highlights here is "Jesse," which is not available elsewhere - it's one of her best vocals ever. April 3, 2004

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