Etta James was a legendary American singer and songwriter who rose to fame during the 1950s and 1960s. She was known for her powerful and soulful voice, which earned her the title of the “Queen of Soul.” James’ music transcended genres, blending elements of blues, R&B, jazz, and rock to create a unique sound that captivated audiences around the world. Her music has stood the test of time and continues to inspire and influence musicians to this day.
In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 best Etta James songs of all time. From her early hits like “The Wallflower” to her later ballads like “I’d Rather Go Blind,” we will explore the songs that made James a music icon. We’ll delve into the stories behind the songs, their impact on popular culture, and why they continue to resonate with listeners today. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the magic of Etta James for the first time, this article is sure to take you on a journey through some of the greatest music ever recorded.
1. Something’s Got a Hold On Me
“Something’s Got a Hold On Me” is a soulful and energetic song that showcases Etta James’ incredible vocal range and power. Released in 1962, the song combines elements of rhythm and blues, gospel, and rock and roll to create a unique and unforgettable sound. The song opens with a catchy and upbeat piano riff, and James’ vocals immediately take center stage, delivering a passionate and emotionally charged performance. The chorus is a showstopper, with James belting out the lyrics “Oh, sometimes I get a good feeling, yeah / I get a feeling that I never, never, never, never had before, no no” with a raw intensity that leaves listeners spellbound. “Something’s Got a Hold On Me” is a timeless classic that has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but Etta James’ version remains the definitive and most beloved rendition.
2. I Just Want to Make Love to You
“I Just Want to Make Love to You” is a bluesy and sultry song that showcases Etta James’ powerful and expressive vocals. Originally written by Willie Dixon, the song was made famous by James in 1961 and became a staple of her live performances. The song opens with a gritty guitar riff and James’ vocals immediately set the tone, delivering a sassy and confident performance. The lyrics are straightforward and unapologetically sexual, with James singing “I don’t want you to be no slave / I just want you to love me, baby / Love me when I’m down, baby / Love me when I’m up, oh yeah”. James’ rendition of the song is widely regarded as one of the greatest versions ever recorded, and it remains a timeless classic that continues to inspire and influence musicians to this day.
3. All I Could Do Is Cry
“All I Could Do Is Cry” is a heartbreaking ballad that showcases Etta James’ incredible vocal range and emotional depth. Released in 1960, the song tells the story of a woman who watches the love of her life marry someone else, and all she can do is cry. The song opens with a melancholy piano riff, and James’ vocals immediately set the tone, delivering a soulful and heart-wrenching performance. The chorus is a stunning showcase of James’ vocal power, with her singing “All I could do, all I could do was cry (cry, cry, cry) / All I could do was cry (cry, cry, cry)”. The song’s raw emotion and relatable lyrics have made it a fan favorite and a staple of James’ live performances. “All I Could Do Is Cry” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today.
4. At Last
“At Last” is perhaps Etta James’ most famous and beloved song, and for good reason. Released in 1960, the song is a romantic ballad that showcases James’ incredible vocal range and emotional depth. The song opens with a soft and dreamy trumpet solo, and James’ vocals immediately take center stage, delivering a heartfelt and soulful performance. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who has finally found the love of her life, and the joy and relief she feels are palpable in James’ delivery. The chorus is a soaring showcase of James’ vocal power, with her singing “At last, my love has come along / My lonely days are over / And life is like a song”. “At Last” has become an iconic love song that continues to be played at weddings and romantic events around the world. James’ rendition of the song is widely regarded as the definitive version and is a testament to her incredible talent as a singer and performer.
5. Sunday Kind of Love
“Sunday Kind of Love” is a beautiful and romantic song that showcases Etta James’ sultry and soulful voice. Originally released in 1946, the song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but James’ version is widely regarded as the definitive rendition. The song opens with a slow and sultry saxophone riff, and James’ vocals immediately set the mood, delivering a passionate and emotionally charged performance. The lyrics are a testament to the power of love, with James singing “I want a Sunday kind of love / A love to last past Saturday night / And I’d like to know it’s more than love at first sight”. James’ rendition of the song is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and influence musicians today. “Sunday Kind of Love” is a testament to James’ incredible talent as a singer and her ability to convey deep emotions through her music.
6. I’d Rather Go Blind
“I’d Rather Go Blind” is a soulful and emotional song that showcases Etta James’ incredible vocal range and power. Released in 1968, the song tells the story of a woman who would rather lose her sight than see her lover leave her. The song opens with a slow and mournful guitar riff, and James’ vocals immediately set the tone, delivering a passionate and heart-wrenching performance. The chorus is a stunning showcase of James’ vocal power, with her singing “I’d rather be a blind girl, baby / Than to see you walk away from me, child, no”. The song’s raw emotion and relatable lyrics have made it a fan favorite and a staple of James’ live performances. “I’d Rather Go Blind” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today and is a testament to James’ incredible talent as a singer and performer.
7. Tell Mama
“Tell Mama” is a lively and upbeat song that showcases Etta James’ powerful and soulful voice. Released in 1967, the song is a classic example of James’ unique blend of blues, R&B, and rock and roll. The song opens with a catchy and upbeat guitar riff, and James’ vocals immediately take center stage, delivering a sassy and confident performance. The lyrics are a playful and flirtatious take on the classic “mama” blues, with James singing “Tell mama all about it / Tell mama what you need / Tell mama what you want / And we’ll make everything alright”. The chorus is a showstopper, with James belting out the lyrics with a raw intensity that leaves listeners spellbound. “Tell Mama” is a timeless classic that remains a fan favorite and a staple of James’ live performances.
8. My Dearest Darling
“My Dearest Darling” is a beautiful and soulful ballad that showcases Etta James’ incredible vocal range and emotional depth. Released in 1960, the song tells the story of a woman who is deeply in love with her partner and expresses her devotion through heartfelt lyrics. The song opens with a soft and romantic piano riff, and James’ vocals immediately take center stage, delivering a passionate and emotional performance. The chorus is a stunning showcase of James’ vocal power, with her singing “My dearest darling, I’m so in love with you / My dearest darling, I’ll be true”. The song’s raw emotion and heartfelt lyrics have made it a fan favorite and a staple of James’ live performances. “My Dearest Darling” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today and is a testament to James’ incredible talent as a singer and performer.
9. Trust in Me
“Trust in Me” is a slow and sultry song that showcases Etta James’ incredible vocal range and seductive tone. Originally released in 1961, the song has become a fan favorite and a staple of James’ live performances. The song opens with a haunting and mysterious saxophone riff, and James’ vocals immediately set the mood, delivering a passionate and seductive performance. The lyrics are a plea to a lover to trust in the singer’s love and devotion, with James singing “Trust in me in all you do / Have the faith I have in you / Love will see us through if only you trust in me”. James’ rendition of the song is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and influence musicians today. “Trust in Me” is a testament to James’ incredible talent as a singer and her ability to convey deep emotions through her music.
10. Stormy Weather
“Stormy Weather” is a classic and haunting ballad that showcases Etta James’ incredible vocal range and emotional depth. Originally written in 1933, the song has become a staple of jazz and blues singers over the years, and James’ version is widely regarded as one of the best. The song opens with a mournful and melancholy piano riff, and James’ vocals immediately set the mood, delivering a passionate and heart-wrenching performance. The lyrics are a lament for a lost love and the emotional turmoil that comes with it, with James singing “Stormy weather, since my man and I ain’t together / It keeps raining all the time”. James’ rendition of the song is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today and is a testament to her incredible talent as a singer and performer.
Darren Jamison is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
