Roberta Flack’s debut album First Take was initially a commercial disappointment. But like most things in life it just took some time– two years after the album was released her song “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” was included in the soundtrack for the 1971 film Play Misty For Me, and the album eventually soared to the top of the charts. It was the boost her career needed, kicking off a string of hits during the 70’s that made her name.
First Take is a much subtler affair than some of her more recognizable work. Flack’s vocal approach on this album is warm and inviting, which makes each phrase uttered from her lips sound meaningful and poignant. The thing I heard most on this album was a feeling of vulnerability. Whether it be the sparse arrangements or Flack’s delicate delivery, there seems to be a rich backstory to each song she sings.
Standout Songs: “Compared To What”, “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”
