Anita Baker is a celebrated American singer-songwriter known for her soulful, emotive voice and smooth jazz style. Rising to fame in the 1980s, Baker became a key figure in the quiet storm and contemporary R&B genres. Her breakthrough album, “Rapture” (1986), featured the Grammy-winning hit “Sweet Love” and established her as a leading artist. Known for her rich contralto voice, she blends elements of jazz, soul, and R&B in her music. Throughout her career, Baker has received numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards, and is revered for her contribution to modern R&B and soul music.
1. I Apologize
“I Apologize” is a hit single by Anita Baker from her 1994 album “Rhythm of Love.” The song showcases Baker’s powerful vocal delivery and emotive interpretation, expressing heartfelt remorse and a plea for forgiveness. Written by Anita Baker, Barry J. Eastmond, and Gordon Chambers, it became one of her signature songs, earning her the Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 1996. The track’s smooth production, soulful melody, and Baker’s rich, contralto voice combine to create a compelling and timeless piece that resonates deeply with listeners.
2. You Bring Me Joy
“You Bring Me Joy” is a song by American singer Anita Baker, featured on her critically acclaimed 1986 album “Rapture.” Known for its smooth, soulful melody and Baker’s rich, emotive vocal performance, the song is a testament to the joy and fulfillment brought by a loving relationship. With its lush instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics, “You Bring Me Joy” showcases Baker’s signature blend of jazz, R&B, and soul. Although not released as a single, the song remains a fan favorite and a highlight of Baker’s live performances, exemplifying her ability to convey deep emotion through her music.
3. Fairy Tales
“Fairy Tales” is a soulful ballad by Anita Baker from her 1990 album “Compositions.” Written by Baker herself, the song delves into themes of disillusionment and the end of romantic illusions, likening the breakdown of a relationship to the end of a fairy tale. Baker’s rich, emotive contralto voice brings a deep sense of melancholy and introspection to the lyrics. Known for its sophisticated jazz influences and intricate musical arrangements, “Fairy Tales” stands out as a poignant and reflective piece in Baker’s discography, highlighting her ability to convey profound emotional depth through her music.
4. Sweet Love
“Sweet Love” is one of Anita Baker’s most iconic songs, released in 1986 as part of her breakthrough album “Rapture.” Written by Baker, Louis A. Johnson, and Gary Bias, the song is a smooth, romantic ballad that showcases Baker’s rich, emotive contralto voice. “Sweet Love” was a major commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Baker a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female. With its lush production, heartfelt lyrics, and Baker’s soulful delivery, “Sweet Love” remains a timeless classic and a defining track in her illustrious career.
5. Giving You the Best That I Got
“Giving You the Best That I Got” is a song by Anita Baker, released in 1988 as the title track of her third studio album. Written by Baker, Randy Holland, and Skip Scarborough, the song is celebrated for its smooth, sophisticated blend of R&B and jazz. Baker’s powerful, soulful vocals convey a deep sense of commitment and love, making it a standout track in her career. The song was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard R&B chart and number three on the Billboard Hot 100. It also earned Baker two Grammy Awards, including Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. “Giving You the Best That I Got” remains one of Anita Baker’s most iconic and beloved songs.
6. Body and Soul
“Body and Soul” is a jazz standard composed by Johnny Green with lyrics by Edward Heyman, Robert Sour, and Frank Eyton. Written in 1930, it has become one of the most recorded jazz songs of all time. The song’s poignant melody and heartfelt lyrics explore themes of longing and unrequited love. Over the decades, “Body and Soul” has been interpreted by numerous artists across various genres. Iconic recordings include those by Billie Holiday, Coleman Hawkins, and more recently, Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse. Each rendition showcases the song’s timeless appeal and its capacity for emotional depth and musical expression.
7. Same Ole Love (365 Days a Year)
“Same Ole Love (365 Days a Year)” is a beloved song by Anita Baker from her 1986 album “Rapture.” Written by Marilyn McLeod and Darryl K. Roberts, the track features Baker’s signature smooth and soulful vocals. The song’s lyrics celebrate the enduring nature of a long-lasting love, emphasizing commitment and consistency throughout the year. With its catchy melody, laid-back groove, and Baker’s emotive delivery, “Same Ole Love (365 Days a Year)” became a hit, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard R&B chart. It remains a favorite among fans and a testament to Baker’s talent for creating timeless R&B classics.
8. Caught Up in the Rapture
“Caught Up in the Rapture” is a song by Anita Baker from her 1986 album “Rapture.” Written by Garry Glenn and Dianne Quander, this smooth R&B track highlights Baker’s velvety voice and impeccable phrasing. The song’s lyrics celebrate the blissful, intoxicating feeling of being in love. It became one of Baker’s signature songs, reaching number nine on the Billboard R&B chart and contributing to the album’s success. “Rapture” earned Baker two Grammy Awards and solidified her status as a leading figure in contemporary R&B. “Caught Up in the Rapture” remains a fan favorite, emblematic of Baker’s soulful and sophisticated style.
9. No One in the World
“No One in the World” is a poignant ballad by Anita Baker from her 1986 album “Rapture.” Written by Ken Hirsch and Marti Sharron, the song showcases Baker’s emotive vocal range and heartfelt delivery. It explores themes of heartbreak and longing, with Baker singing about feeling alone despite being surrounded by people. The song’s smooth production, soulful melody, and Baker’s powerful yet tender performance resonated with audiences, making it a standout track on the album. “No One in the World” remains a classic example of Anita Baker’s ability to convey deep emotion through her soulful R&B music.
10. Rhythm of Love
“Rhythm of Love” is a song by Anita Baker from her 1994 album of the same name. Known for its smooth and sensual groove, the song showcases Baker’s soulful vocals and intimate lyrics. Written by Anita Baker, Barry J. Eastmond, and Gordon Chambers, “Rhythm of Love” explores themes of passion and romance. The album marked a return to the spotlight for Baker after a hiatus and was well-received by both critics and fans. The song “Rhythm of Love” captures Baker’s ability to blend R&B, jazz, and pop influences into a cohesive and emotionally resonant musical experience.
Edward Tomlin 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.
