Robert Flack | Quiet Fire

Have you ever seen anything more marvelous? The afro, which like an angels halo hovers perfectly around mountain high cheekbones and a radiant smile. That bright smile which illuminates and compliments the contrast the mahogany of her skin, which also permeates a subtle radiance on it's own. I can dig deep within myself to poeticize the beauty that is Roberta Flack, but it simply shines on its own. This cover to her 1971 album "Quiet Fire" is one of those visuals that has never escaped my memory. When I rediscovered this album a few years ago, I gasped as I flipped through a bin of records and there she was, beaming back at me.

Esthetics aside, the album is a soothing one. One that most critics gave less than mediocre critiques of. Eh, what do those guys know. Roberta is everything. Gospel infused soul, thats not overbearing- almost as if she's singing lullabies. I dug this one out recently and had a good listen and the last track on side B I what sent me over the edge. "Sweet Bitter Love"- oooo weee. Filled with so much emotion and sang with the lilt of an angel Roberta struck a nerve. Her lyrics cut deep and her vocals nursed my wounds simultaneously. When the strings accompany her, it's a sweeping moment of grace. I've never experienced a 6 minute song that finished so quickly.

Thank you Ms Flack.