Search - Roberta Flack :: Friends: Roberta Flack Sings Mariko Taka

Interesting concept, but not for the uninitiated listener

Alexander C. Paige | Blackheath, NSW Australia | 10/18/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is quite an unusual album for Western listeners - American pop/jazz/soul singer Roberta Flack does an album of covers of a well known Japanese artist. Flack sings the lyrics in English but the songs, both lyrically and musically, sound very "Japanese pop". The chord progressions are typically western-influenced Japanese pop and the songs are occasionally unintentionally amusing unless you listen with an awareness that it's translated material. Nevertheless there are some very appealing cuts here - "Flower" and "New York" are standouts. This album will appeal to Flack completists (recorded in 1999 and never released outside of Japan) but the uninitiated listener may find little of interest."

Great songs, great voice - listen and love

A.S.T. | San Francisco, CA United States | 06/09/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This wonderful CD was arranged and produced by Jerry and Katrese Barnes, the team responsible for about half the tracks on the 1994 Grammy-winning CD, "Roberta". As with their earlier collaboration, the songs/arrangements here are first rate; lovely melodies and poetic lyrics worthy of the quiet passion of Roberta Flack. (The sound/feel of this CD is somewhat reminiscent of the "Feel Like Makin Love" album). While nothing compares with her early albums ("First Take" through "Roberta Flack and Donnie Hathaway", "Roberta Flack sings Mariko Takashi" is another of her truly special gifts to us. Get this CD for yourself and someone you love. You won't be disappointed."