Review
"First Take" marked the stunning debut of Roberta Flack, entering the music scene on June 20, 1969, with a beautiful convergence of soul, jazz, and folk influences. Recorded by Atlantic Records, this album offers a vivid showcase of Flack’s incredible vocal range and her skill in delivering songs with profound emotional depth. The album kicks off with "Compared to What," a powerful track filled with socially conscious lyrics, aligning it with the upheavals of the early '70s and the evolving soul and protest music scene.
Roberta Flack's classical training and her past as a music teacher shine through in her expert handling of the album’s diverse material. Her rendition of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" transforms the simple folk tune into a breathtakingly haunting ballad that soared to the top of the charts after being featured in Clint Eastwood’s film "Play Misty for Me." The album benefits greatly from Joel Dorn’s understated production, which perfectly frames Flack's voice and piano with minimal interference, capturing the clarity of her expressions and the intimacy of her performances. The choice of songs like Leonard Cohen's "Hey, That’s No Way To Say Goodbye" only further exemplifies her ability to connect and communicate through music, making "First Take" a timeless debut that continues to influence a wide range of artists even today. - Zaria
