Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway (remastered)

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.