In 1977, Roberta Flack was at the top of her game. A half decade into her Imperial Period as one of the most popular singers in the world, she was riding high yet again with Blue Lights In The Basement, a collection of Gene McDaniels-produced gems led by the chart-topping duet with Donny Hathaway, “The Closer I Get To You.”
But buried at the back end of that album was one of Flack’s most haunting and pleasing ballads ever. The David McHugh composition “Where I’ll Find You” is the tale of a woman who has her plans for her life, but who is mystically drawn to a love she has trouble resisting.
Like a light on a ship, in a storm you’ll call to me
Though my course is my own, I’m afraid it leads to you
To you and you alone, And I can’t change it
McDaniels’ production is lightly orchestral with a soft march-like beat, and he lets Flack’s soft, almost mournful vocals express the duality of emotions that the lyrics express.
“Where I’ll Find You” was not a single, nor was it one of Roberta Flack’s most celebrated songs, but nearly a half century later it stands as yet another triumph that lies deep in her catalog.
“Where I’ll Find You” is our latest SoulTracks Lost Gem. Listen below and marvel at this glorious moment.
By Chris Rizik
