Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway (remastered)

• Track Listing

Out of print in the U.S. UK pressing of this 1972 collaboration between these two Soul greats. Roberta Flack was arguably the era's greatest practitioner of soulful, reflective R&B and her first collaboration with keyboardist and vocalist Donny Hathaway is one of her finest efforts. The rich, elastic voices of the duo are perfectly matched-they sing in close-knit harmony throughout the set, and their chemistry is intimate and full of strong emotion. Moods range subtly but distinctly-a funky version of "Baby I Love You" simmers along in a mellow groove, while the opener, "I (Who Have Nothing)", is a stirring, romantic ballad. Though a near-definitive version of Carole King's "You've Got a Friend" is one of the highlights, the breezy "Where Is the Love", which became a runaway chart hit, steals the spotlight. This classic R&B record blends Soul, Folk, Jazz, and Blues with an earthy flair. Warner.