Roberta Flack Quiz: Can You Name These Roberta Flack Classics?
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Which Roberta Flack song made Lauryn Hill’s cover famous decades later?
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The Closer I Get to You
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Feel Like Makin’ Love
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Killing Me Softly with His Song
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Back Together Again
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You were vibing through your old-school playlist, and "Killing Me Softly" started playing. You sang along—only to pause midway, blanking on the next line. It hit you: How well do you really know Roberta Flack’s catalog? The Roberta Flack Quiz: Can You Name These Roberta Flack Classics? isn’t just a memory test—it’s your lyrical redemption.
This quiz blends melody with memory, challenging you to recall her chart-toppers, deep cuts, and everything in between. Whether you're a nostalgic soul lover or just getting into her groove, this is your moment to prove you actually paid attention to the soundtrack of a generation.
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- 2.
Roberta Flack’s breakthrough came with which soul ballad?
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First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
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Tryin' Times
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You Are My Heaven
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Gone Away
Correct Answer
A. First Time Ever I Saw Your FaceExplanation
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face catapulted Roberta Flack to fame after it was featured in Clint Eastwood’s 1971 film Play Misty for Me. Though originally written by Ewan MacColl, Roberta’s slow, heartfelt delivery turned the song into a massive hit, topping the Billboard charts and winning her a Grammy. It’s significant not only as her breakthrough but as an early 70s ballad that redefined slow-burning romance in soul music. Her careful timing and minimal instrumentation turned a simple love song into something hauntingly powerful.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which duet with Donny Hathaway became a romantic anthem?
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Set the Night to Music
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Where Is the Love
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Angelitos Negros
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Compared to What
Correct Answer
A. Where Is the LoveExplanation
Where Is the Love is one of the most celebrated Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway duets. Released in 1972, it became an instant classic, winning a Grammy and symbolizing the peak of romantic R&B duets in that era. Its success lies in the lyrical simplicity, conversational phrasing, and perfect vocal harmony between the two artists. This song helped define the modern soul duet structure and remains a timeless example of musical chemistry. Its impact goes beyond genre—it’s used today to benchmark the sincerity and purity of vocal collaboration.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What song did Roberta Flack write about the emotional power of love?
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Jesse
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Sweet Georgia Brown
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Mr. Magic
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Be Real Black for Me
Correct Answer
A. JesseExplanation
Jesse is a deeply personal and emotional track written by Janis Ian but made widely known through Roberta Flack’s rendition. The song touches on longing and vulnerability, themes Roberta interprets with subtlety and restraint. Her nuanced vocal delivery and piano-driven arrangement lend a quiet power that resonates with anyone who has experienced unspoken love or separation. The choice of this song reflects her mastery of storytelling—not just through lyrics but through vocal tone and timing. It shows how Roberta connects emotionally without over-performing the sentiment.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which Roberta Flack track samples soft jazz and sensual vocals?
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No Tears (In the End)
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Feel Like Makin’ Love
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Reverend Lee
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Suzanne
Correct Answer
A. Feel Like Makin’ LoveExplanation
Feel Like Makin’ Love showcases Roberta Flack’s sensual vocal style merged with a jazz-inspired arrangement. It was written by Eugene McDaniels and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1974. This track stands out for its relaxed tempo and intimate production style, using layered instruments and breathy vocals to create a laid-back but emotionally rich experience. The song is often referenced for its influence on the quiet storm genre—a blend of soul, R&B, and jazz ideal for romantic listening. Roberta’s interpretation elevated it from flirtatious to timeless.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which track opens with haunting piano and reflective lyrics?
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Ballad of the Sad Young Men
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Gone Away
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The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
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Trade Winds
Correct Answer
A. Trade WindsExplanation
Trade Winds opens with a smooth, haunting piano line and dives into reflective lyrics that evoke images of escape, memory, and spiritual yearning. Unlike more commercial hits, this track demonstrates Roberta Flack’s artistry in using minimalist instrumentation to create mood and depth. The emotional tone of the song is rich with melancholic reflection, a signature of her balladry. Listeners are drawn in by the quiet storm ambiance—each note feels intentional. It’s a masterclass in holding back just enough to let the message breathe.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What song featured a flawless blend of soul and political message?
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Freedom Song
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Compared to What
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Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye
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To Love Somebody
Correct Answer
A. Compared to WhatExplanation
Compared to What stands out as one of the earliest examples of jazz-soul fusion with a strong political message. Originally recorded live at the Village Gate, Roberta’s version (often in collaboration with Les McCann and Eddie Harris) emphasizes themes like social injustice and war with biting lyrics. Its groove-heavy rhythm and charged tone made it a favorite during the civil rights era. The reason this is the correct answer lies in its historical context—it wasn’t just a song, it was protest in musical form, wrapped in funky, accessible instrumentation.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which hit reflects Roberta’s gift for storytelling through melody?
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Jesse
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Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow
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And So It Goes
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Do What You Gotta Do
Correct Answer
A. JesseExplanation
Jesse appears again here but in a new context—storytelling through melody. It’s a track where every word feels like a diary entry, delivered with restraint and fragility. This time the focus is on Roberta’s ability to turn a sparse composition into a narrative experience. She allows pauses and inflection to carry emotional weight, making listeners feel like they’re eavesdropping on a private thought. It’s more than a love song; it’s a window into grief, memory, and unspoken hope. The strength lies in its gentle clarity, not dramatic flair.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What cover became a major chart success for Roberta in the 70s?
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Bridge Over Troubled Water
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Killing Me Softly with His Song
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Yesterday Once More
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Midnight Train to Georgia
Correct Answer
A. Killing Me Softly with His SongExplanation
Killing Me Softly with His Song is not just a cover—it was originally inspired by Lori Lieberman’s poem and first recorded by her, but Flack’s 1973 version brought it mainstream success. Her subtle modulation and careful pacing make every verse feel like a personal confession. It became a No. 1 hit and earned multiple Grammy awards. It represents the gold standard for how a cover can outshine the original by emotional execution alone. Its staying power lies in its minimalist accompaniment and universal theme of feeling seen—and undone—by a song.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What duet redefined romantic chemistry in soul music history?
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You’ve Got a Friend
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Endless Love
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The Closer I Get to You
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Islands in the Stream
Correct Answer
A. The Closer I Get to YouExplanation
The Closer I Get to You was another hit duet with Donny Hathaway, released in 1978. Unlike “Where Is the Love,” this one is slower and more intimate, focusing on the growing emotional intensity between two people. It was a chart-topping success and became one of their most enduring collaborations. The vocal blend between Hathaway and Flack is flawless—there’s a call-and-response structure that mimics genuine conversation. Its appeal lies in how it balances romantic vulnerability with musical sophistication. This song set the template for emotional realism in soul duets.Rate this question:
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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Jun 9, 2025 +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Jun 09, 2025Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Jun 01, 2025Quiz Created by
Anam Khan
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