Roberta Flack – Chapter Two

Roberta Flack – Chapter Two

Roberta Flack – Chapter Two is the acclaimed second studio album from the pioneering American singer and pianist, originally released in 1970 on Atlantic Records. Following the success of her breakthrough debut First Take, the album further established Flack's distinctive style, combining sophisticated soul and R&B with jazz, folk and beautifully restrained piano-led arrangements.

The album opens with the striking "Reverend Lee", a dramatic and rhythmically engaging composition written by Gene McDaniels. Flack's expressive vocal delivery and understated piano playing give the song a powerful intensity, while "Do What You Gotta Do" brings a more intimate and soulful atmosphere.

Her interpretation of Bob Dylan's "Just Like A Woman" is one of the album's highlights, transforming the familiar song into a deeply expressive soul ballad. "Let It Be Me", meanwhile, showcases Flack's ability to find warmth and emotional depth in classic material.

Side two continues with "Gone Away" and "Until It's Time For You To Go", before building towards the inspirational "The Impossible Dream". The album closes with "Business Goes On As Usual", completing a sophisticated collection that demonstrates why Flack quickly became one of the most respected vocalists of her generation.

Produced by Joel Dorn, Chapter Two features a distinguished group of musicians and arrangements that allow Flack's voice and piano to remain at the centre of the recordings. Her combination of classical technique, jazz sensibility and soul phrasing helped establish a sound that would influence generations of contemporary R&B and adult pop artists.

For collectors of Roberta Flack, Atlantic Records, soul, jazz, R&B, singer-songwriters and sophisticated 1970s pop, Chapter Two is an essential early album and a beautiful example of Flack's understated but remarkably powerful musical style.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Reverend Lee – 4:31
2. Do What You Gotta Do – 4:09
3. Just Like A Woman – 6:14
4. Let It Be Me – 5:00

Side B

1. Gone Away – 5:16
2. Until It's Time For You To Go – 4:57
3. The Impossible Dream – 4:42
4. Business Goes On As Usual – 3:30