Review
Roberta Flack's 1973 album, "Killing Me Softly," is a timeless masterpiece that beautifully portrays her exceptional vocal style and interpretative skills. Released on August 1, 1973, by Atlantic Records, this 18-month production was dedicated to the late Rahsaan Roland Kirk.
The album is distinguished by its title track, "Killing Me Softly with His Song," which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and won Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1974. Other tracks, such as Janis Ian's "Jesse" and Leonard Cohen's "Suzanne," highlight Flack's ability to turn songs into deeply emotional and personal performances.
Musically, the album is marked by its delicate and introspective nature, skillfully blending sophisticated pop with elements of soul and blues. The meticulous production steers clear of the pitfalls of overproduction, even with its extended creation timeline. A talented group of musicians, including Eric Gale on guitars, Ron Carter on bass, and Grady Tate on drums, contributed to the album's success.
Critically, "Killing Me Softly" received positive reviews for its intricate and exceptional interpretations. Clarence Page of the *Chicago Tribune* praised it as one of Flack's stronger albums, while *Billboard* applauded its "delicate, introspective work" and recognized Flack's role as a "masterful interpreter of clear lyrics."
Commercially, "Killing Me Softly" was a success, reaching number three on the Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart and number two on the Soul LPs chart. Shortly after its release, it was certified gold and later achieved double platinum status in 2006, indicating shipments of two million copies in the United States.
In summary, "Killing Me Softly" is a testament to Roberta Flack's vocal prowess and her capacity to create soulful, lasting music that resonates with listeners. This classic album from the era showcases Flack's hushed intensity and quietly seductive phrasing, setting her apart from other soul singers of the time. - Noelle
