Ketty Lester was an American singer and actress who rose to fame in the 1960s with her soulful and emotional ballads. Her music has touched the hearts of millions of people around the world and has made her a beloved icon in the music industry. She has been hailed as one of the greatest voices of her generation, and her songs continue to inspire and move listeners today.
In this article, we will be taking a look at the top 10 best Ketty Lester songs of all time. We will delve into the emotional and musical richness of her music, and explore the stories behind some of her most iconic hits. From the timeless classic “Love Letters” to the soulful “Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid,” Ketty Lester’s music continues to resonate with audiences today, and her legacy as a trailblazer in the industry lives on. So, sit back and let’s take a journey through the top 10 best Ketty Lester songs of all time.
1. Love Letters
“Love Letters” is a classic song by Ketty Lester that was released in 1962. The song features Ketty’s beautiful and soulful voice accompanied by a simple, yet elegant arrangement of piano and strings. The lyrics of “Love Letters” speak of the power of written communication and how it can capture the essence of love and longing. The song became an instant hit and has been covered by many artists over the years, including Elvis Presley and Alison Moyet. Ketty’s rendition of the song is widely regarded as the definitive version, and it has been included in many lists of the greatest love songs of all time. The emotional depth and sincerity of Ketty’s performance in “Love Letters” continue to captivate listeners to this day.
2. Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid
“Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid” is a powerful ballad by Ketty Lester that was released in 1965. The song features Ketty’s soulful and emotive vocals, which are perfectly complemented by the lush and cinematic orchestration. The lyrics of “Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid” speak to the pain and confusion of a broken relationship, and the desire to hold onto memories that are no longer there. The song’s haunting melody and poignant lyrics have made it a favorite of many listeners over the years, and it has been covered by several artists, including Diana Ross and The Supremes. Ketty’s powerful and heartfelt performance in “Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid” continues to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless classic in the world of soulful ballads.
3. Love Letters (Alternate Take)
“Love Letters (Alternate Take)” is a unique and intimate version of the classic Ketty Lester hit. Released in 2002, this alternate take features a stripped-down arrangement, with Ketty’s voice accompanied only by a piano. The result is a raw and emotional performance that showcases Ketty’s vocal talent and the timeless beauty of the song’s lyrics. This version of “Love Letters” allows listeners to hear the song in a new light, and to appreciate the subtle nuances and intricacies of Ketty’s delivery. While the original version of “Love Letters” is a beloved classic, this alternate take offers a more intimate and personal listening experience that is sure to touch the hearts of fans old and new.
4. Please Don’t Cry Anymore
“Please Don’t Cry Anymore” is a soulful and emotionally-charged ballad by Ketty Lester that was released in 1965. The song features Ketty’s signature powerful and emotive vocals, set against a lush and romantic musical arrangement. The lyrics of “Please Don’t Cry Anymore” tell the story of a love gone wrong and the pain and heartache that ensues. The song’s soaring chorus and poignant verses combine to create a powerful and moving musical experience. “Please Don’t Cry Anymore” is a testament to Ketty’s talent as a singer and her ability to convey complex emotions through her music. The song has remained a fan favorite over the years and is widely regarded as one of Ketty Lester’s greatest hits.
5. Once Upon a Time
“Once Upon a Time” is a classic song by Ketty Lester that was released in 1962. The song features Ketty’s soulful and emotive vocals set against a sweeping orchestral arrangement. The lyrics of “Once Upon a Time” tell the story of a lost love and the memories that remain. Ketty’s performance in the song is full of emotion and nuance, capturing the bittersweet nostalgia and longing that are at the heart of the lyrics. The song’s haunting melody and lush instrumentation make it a standout track on Ketty’s discography. “Once Upon a Time” is a testament to Ketty’s talent as a singer and her ability to connect with audiences through her music. The song has remained a beloved classic over the years, and it continues to inspire and move listeners today.
6. I’m a Fool to Want You
“I’m a Fool to Want You” is a classic song originally performed by Frank Sinatra, but later covered by Ketty Lester. Ketty’s version was released in 1963 and features her soulful and emotive vocals set against a simple yet elegant arrangement of piano and strings. The lyrics of “I’m a Fool to Want You” speak of the pain and heartache of a failed relationship and the regret that follows. Ketty’s interpretation of the song is full of raw emotion, capturing the deep sense of loss and longing that are at the heart of the lyrics. Her vocal performance on the track is both powerful and vulnerable, conveying a sense of emotional depth and complexity. Ketty’s version of “I’m a Fool to Want You” is widely regarded as one of the best covers of the song, and it remains a fan favorite to this day.
7. Gloomy Sunday
“Gloomy Sunday” is a hauntingly beautiful song originally composed by Hungarian pianist and composer Rezső Seress. The song gained popularity in the 1930s and has since been covered by many artists, including Ketty Lester. Ketty’s version of the song, released in 1962, features her soulful and emotive vocals set against a lush and romantic orchestral arrangement. The lyrics of “Gloomy Sunday” speak of a profound sense of loss and despair, and Ketty’s interpretation of the song captures these emotions with sensitivity and depth. Her performance on the track is both powerful and restrained, conveying a sense of longing and melancholy that is both haunting and beautiful. “Gloomy Sunday” is a testament to Ketty’s ability to convey complex emotions through her music and remains a classic track in her discography.
8. Moscow Nights
“Moscow Nights” is a classic Russian song that was made famous in the United States by Ketty Lester’s cover in 1962. The song features Ketty’s soulful and emotive vocals set against a simple and elegant arrangement of piano and strings. The lyrics of “Moscow Nights” speak of the beauty and romance of the city at night and the memories that linger long after. Ketty’s performance on the track is both powerful and nuanced, capturing the sense of longing and nostalgia that are at the heart of the lyrics. Her interpretation of the song has made it a fan favorite over the years, and it remains a testament to Ketty’s talent as a singer and her ability to connect with audiences through her music. “Moscow Nights” is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and move listeners today.
9. River of Salt
“River of Salt” is a poignant and emotional ballad originally recorded by Ketty Lester in 1962. The song features Ketty’s powerful and soulful vocals set against a sparse yet haunting arrangement of acoustic guitar and strings. The lyrics of “River of Salt” speak of the pain and heartache of a failed relationship and the overwhelming sense of loss and regret that follows. Ketty’s performance on the track is both vulnerable and powerful, conveying a sense of raw emotion and depth that is both heart-wrenching and beautiful. The song has become a fan favorite over the years, and it remains a testament to Ketty’s ability to capture the complexity of human emotion in her music. “River of Salt” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today.
10. Where or When
“Where or When” is a classic song from the Great American Songbook that was made famous by many artists, including Ketty Lester. Ketty’s version of the song, released in 1962, features her soulful and emotive vocals set against a lush and romantic orchestral arrangement. The lyrics of “Where or When” speak of the timeless nature of love and the power of memory to transport us back to moments of happiness and joy. Ketty’s performance on the track is both powerful and restrained, capturing the sense of nostalgia and longing that are at the heart of the lyrics. Her interpretation of the song has made it a fan favorite over the years, and it remains a testament to Ketty’s talent as a singer and her ability to convey complex emotions through her music. “Where or When” is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and move listeners today.
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.
