Patti Labelle, the legendary diva of soul, has graced the music industry with her powerful vocals, magnetic stage presence, and undeniable talent for over five decades. From her humble beginnings as the lead singer of the groundbreaking group, Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles, to her extraordinary solo career, Labelle has consistently delivered soul-stirring performances and unforgettable melodies. In this article, we embark on a journey through her illustrious discography to celebrate the top 10 best Patti Labelle songs of all time. Each song on this list represents a remarkable blend of Labelle’s dynamic vocal range, emotive storytelling, and her ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. Whether it’s the smooth and sensuous “Lady Marmalade,” the empowering anthem “New Attitude,” or the heart-wrenching ballad “On My Own,” these songs have become timeless classics that have etched their place in the hearts of music lovers worldwide. Join us as we relive the magic of Patti Labelle’s career, exploring the soulful journeys encapsulated within her most iconic tracks that have solidified her status as one of the greatest voices in music history.
1. Stir It Up
The legendary Patti LaBelle gave the world a musical masterpiece with her song 'Stir It Up'. This iconic track continues to inspire music enthusiasts and has become a must-play at any party. The soulful yet energetic rhythm of this song reflects the power of love, inspiring people to stir up their emotions.
To showcase the impact of 'Stir It Up', let's take a look at the table below:
| # | Song Name | Album | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stir It Up | Burnin' | April 1973 |
'Stir It Up' was released in April 1973 as part of Bob Marley & The Wailers's album 'Burnin''. However, it was Patti LaBelle who transformed the original reggae classic into an upbeat funk sensation. Her rendition infused gospel-style background vocals, powerful instrumentals, and her signature vocal range that made it stand out from other versions.
The story behind this incredible track is that LaBelle first heard 'Stir It Up' during one of her travels. She instantly fell in love with its message and decided to give it a new spin by adding funk and soul elements. Her unique version catapulted the song to success, earning it a spot on Rolling Stone magazine's list of "500 Greatest Songs of All Time".
'Stir It Up' remains one of Patti LaBelle's most influential tracks to date, demonstrating her musical genius and passion for delivering soul-stirring performances.
Even Dorothy would take a detour to listen to Patti Labelle's rendition of 'Over the Rainbow'.
2. Over the Rainbow
This iconic number from the divine Patti LaBelle is a testament to her exceptional vocal range and powerful delivery. The performance of 'Over the Rainbow' by Patti LaBelle is one of her best, as she takes on this timeless classic with a perfect mix of soulful intensity and raw emotion.
With each note, Patti's voice captivates her audience, leaving them in awe of her talent and the sheer beauty of the song. It is truly a masterful display of musical artistry at its finest.
In this piece, she shows off not only her virtuosic vocal chops but also her ability to interpret a classic in an utterly original way. There's no doubt that Patti brings something special to this song, taking it to new heights with her signature style and unmatched showmanship. Every time she sings 'Over the Rainbow,' she reminds us why she is a legend in music.
It's hard not to get swept away by the passion and intensity that Patti brings to each note of this song. In this rendition, you can feel every ounce of emotion pouring out of her as she sings about chasing your dreams and finding happiness in unexpected places. It's an unforgettable performance that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired long after it ends.
If you haven't listened to Patti LaBelle's rendition of 'Over the Rainbow,' do yourself a favor and give it a listen now. You won't be disappointed! "Isn't It a Shame Patti Labelle's voice is so powerful it could shatter glass, because I really can't afford a new TV."
3. Isn’t It a Shame
This soulful tune, filled with emotion, perfectly encapsulates the feeling of regret in a relationship that couldn't stand the test of time. Its melancholic melody and Patti Labelle's powerful vocals make "Isn't It a Shame" a timeless classic that resonates with listeners even today. The song was released in 1985 as part of her album "Patti."
As one of her most heart-wrenching tracks, "Isn't It a Shame" showcases Patti Labelle's range as an artist, and how she can tug at our heartstrings with her music. The song explores the pain of love lost and how hindsight can often lead to regrets.
One unique detail about this song is how it wasn't initially released as a single but still managed to become a fan favorite. Even though it didn't receive heavy radio play, it became one of her signature songs over time due to its popularity on album-oriented rock radio stations.
Fun fact: In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Patti Labelle revealed that she wrote "Isn't It a Shame" after reflecting on her own past relationships.
Looks like Patti Labelle really knows how to sell anything, even her own heart to a junkman.
4. I Sold My Heart To the Junkman
This song by Patti Labelle is a soulful ballad in which she narrates the feeling of giving her heart to someone who broke it. It is a powerful and emotional song that depicts the struggles of love. Patti Labelle's gospel-inspired vocals combined with the melodious beat of drums, piano, and guitar make it a classic hit. The lyrics are relatable to anyone who's been heartbroken and showcases Patti Labelle's ability to create music that stirs emotions within her audience.
It is interesting to note that this song was originally written in 1941 and performed by The Starlites, but it was Patti Labelle's rendition in 1962, which became the most popular version of the song. "I Sold My Heart To The Junkman" has since become one of Patti Labelle's signature songs, cementing her place in the music industry as one of the greatest singers of all time.
For those who have not yet listened to "I Sold My Heart To The Junkman", it is highly recommended. Not only will it be an emotional experience for listeners, but also a chance to delve into one of Patti Labelle's most iconic works.
Before Christina Aguilera and Lil' Kim made it infamous, Patti Labelle had us singing about voudou at the breakfast table with "Lady Marmalade".
5. Lady Marmalade
This chart-topping single, co-written by Patti Labelle, was originally released in 1974 by the group Labelle and became an instant classic. It has since been covered several times, including a well-known version in 2001 featuring Christina Aguilera, Pink, Lil' Kim, and Mya for the Moulin Rouge soundtrack. The song's powerful vocals and seductive lyrics made it an iconic disco hit that continues to be revered today.
Listening to 'On My Own' makes me feel like a third wheel in a relationship I'm not even a part of.
6. On My Own
This legendary track is one of the most iconic performances of Patti LaBelle. 'On My Own' is a heartwarming ballad that tells the story of a broken relationship, and how it feels to move on. The song is a duet with Michael McDonald produced by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager. There are few songs that can evoke powerful emotions like this masterpiece, which has been loved by fans for decades. The song was released in 1986 as part of her album Winner in You and went on to top Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks.
The lyrics of 'On My Own' are about love lost, loneliness, and moving on with your life after a bitter breakup. The song's melody is beautiful, with a touch of R&B and soulful harmonies that bring out the raw emotions in LaBelle's voice. This song has become an anthem for those who have suffered from heartbreaks but made it through to find happiness again.
'On My Own' won "Best R&B Performance by Duo or Group with Vocal" at the Grammy Awards in 1987, showcasing its importance in popular music history. One unique fact about this song is that Patti LaBelle never liked it initially when recording Winner In You, but when people started telling her how much they were enjoying the tune she eventually warmed up to it.
Who needs backup singers when you're Patti freaking Labelle?
7. Gotta Go Solo
Patti Labelle's Resounding Success With Her Solo Career
Patti Labelle's decision to pursue a solo career was a resounding success. Her dynamic and soulful voice carried her through the charts, cementing her status as one of the greatest singers of all time.
Here's a 3-step guide for understanding the impact of Patti Labelle's solo music:
- Explore Patti Labelle's discography
- Listen to hit singles like "New Attitude," "On My Own," and "If You Asked Me To"
- Experience the electrifying energy Patti brings to every performance, whether live or on record.
Her solo works exemplify her exceptional vocal range and versatility as an artist. Each track is infused with soul, gospel, blues rhythms that captivate listeners across generations. One pro tip for fully immersing oneself in Patti Labelle's music is to seek out live recordings in addition to studio versions. The power and emotionality she delivers on stage are unmatched- true testaments to why she remains one of music’s great legends. Even if you're walking alone, listening to Patti Labelle's 'You'll Never Walk Alone' will make you feel like you have a whole gospel choir by your side.
8. You’ll Never Walk Alone
This iconic song by Patti Labelle, imbued with a sense of hope and perseverance, is an uplifting melody that will leave you feeling inspired. The beautifully crafted lyrics coupled with Labelle's soulful rendition make the song resonate long after it finishes.
Labelle's rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' has garnered universal praise for its poignancy and has become a hallmark of her career. Written by Rogers and Hammerstein, it initially featured in their musical 'Carousel,' and over the years, several artists have rendered their versions of this classic tune.
However, Patti Labelle's version stands out because of her vocal range, which combines power and vulnerability to create something magical. Her emotional delivery immerses you into the lyrics, making you believe in the promise of finding strength during trying times.
If you haven't yet heard 'You'll Never Walk Alone,' then it's time to check out this beautiful rendition by Patti Labelle. You won't be left unimpressed!
Patti Labelle's 'Got To Be Real' is so authentically funky, it could make a corpse start grooving.
9. Got To Be Real
This soulful disco track, with its catchy opening riff and Patti's powerhouse vocals, is a true classic that continues to get people on the dance floor today. Its upbeat message about being true to yourself and living your best life resonates with listeners of all ages. The song was co-written by Labelle herself along with David Rubinson and David Foster, and it was an instant hit upon its release in 1979. '9. Got To Be Real' remains one of Labelle's most beloved songs, cementing her status as a diva of the genre.
Labelle's signature belting voice paired perfectly with the infectious rhythm and prominent bass line in 'Got To Be Real'. The song became a disco anthem for those seeking empowerment and positivity during difficult times. Interestingly enough, it wasn't initially intended to be a hit single, but rather just an album track on Labelle's self-titled debut solo album. However, it spoke so deeply to audiences that it ended up being released as a single and skyrocketed to fame almost immediately.
Listeners can hear how much fun Labelle had recording this upbeat gem; you can practically feel her energy jumping off the track! '9. Got To Be Real' is undoubtedly an unforgettable hit that showcases Patti Labelle at her very best – vibrant, passionate and utterly irresistible.
Before we move on to the 'more', let's all take a moment to appreciate that Patti Labelle can sing the phone book and still make it soulful.
10. More
Expanding on the previously discussed Patti Labelle songs, the following tracks complement her musical legacy. Featuring timeless classics, soothing melodies and soulful harmonies, these additions enhance her distinctive sound. Noteworthy tunes include "On My Own," a duet with Michael McDonald, followed by "Love Need and Want You" and "If Only You Knew." With these extra hits, it's clear to see why Patti Labelle is a true icon in the music industry.
For those seeking more from this legendary artist, delve deeper into Patti's collection and broaden your appreciation for her versatility as an artist. Discover lesser-known tracks like "I Don't Go Shopping," an empowering tune about self-worth. Other notable options include "New Attitude" and "Stir It Up", both containing upbeat tempos perfect for singing along to.
Pro tip: Add any of these exceptional songs to your playlist or collection and experience firsthand why Patti Labelle has been a staple in music history across generations.
Samuel Moore 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.
