By Jacob Clavijo | Editor-in-Chief
Roberta Flack passed away on Feb. 24 at the age of 88. She was a gifted singer and pianist who was a pillar in the soul music genre. She grew up in Arlington, Virginia, and graduated from Howard University when she was 19. Her music is an elegant blend of folk, soul, and jazz. Here are some of my favorite Roberta Flack songs and others I have enjoyed this past week.
Roberta Flack, “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” (1969)
From Flack’s debut album First Take, this song explores the raw and untethered emotions of love. I was maybe 14 or 15 when I first heard this song, and it was one of the first songs that actually made me cry. Not only did the song help me realize how much I loved soul ballads, but it helped me realize what true love felt like.
“I felt your heart so close to mine, And I knew our joy would fill the earth, And last ’til the end of time my love”
Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway, “Where Is The Love?” (1972)
Flack and Hathaway frequently collaborated together throughout their careers, creating some of the most popular songs of their time, such as this record. With their well-complementing voices, the duo created a classic record that reflects the anguish of unreciprocated love.
“I guess it must have been my fate to fall in love with someone else’s love. Now, all I can do is wait.”
Al Wilson, “Show and Tell” (1973)
Numerous songs find themselves going in and out of my weekly song rotation. Sometimes, it takes years to rediscover a song and remember its value. I had not heard this song in about six or seven years until I stumbled across the record at a record store in Virginia Beach.
“Here is the soul of which you’ve taken control. Can’t you see I’m tryin’ to show love is right?”
The McCharmlys, “Break My Heart” (2025)
The McCharmlys take inspiration from the doo-wop and soul music of the 1960s. Based in Southern California, the group released this record right before Valentine’s Day, which is just the right time for those experiencing heartbreak during the holiday. With its backing vocals, the song is reminiscent of The Beach Boys’ music, and upon first listening, I knew I had to buy the record.
“Let me walk into the pouring rain, so that these tears will disappear. And you won’t have to feel anyway, when you go ahead and break my heart.”
Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway, “The Closer I Get to You” (1977)
Another classic ballad by Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway, this song is a true testament to the effect that love has on people. Released one year before Hathaway died in 1979, the record earned the duo a Grammy nomination. Although they did not win, Flack dedicated this song in Hathaway’s memory and donated all the earnings from this song to his family.
“Sweeter than sweeter love grows, and heaven’s there for those who fool the tricks of time. With the hearts in love they find true love in a special way.”
I hope you all enjoyed the songs on this week’s Hi-Fi Five. To see past selections, check out the Hi-Five Five playlist on Spotify.
