10 Best Patti Labelle Songs of All Time

Patti LaBelle, born Patricia Louise Holte on May 24, 1944, is an American singer, actress, and entrepreneur who has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Renowned for her powerful and versatile voice, LaBelle has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning over six decades.

LaBelle initially gained fame as the lead singer of the 1960s girl group, Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles, which later became Labelle. In the 1970s, Labelle achieved mainstream success with hits like “Lady Marmalade,” a song that not only topped the charts but also became a timeless anthem. After the group disbanded, Patti LaBelle embarked on a successful solo career, releasing a string of critically acclaimed albums that showcased her vocal prowess across various genres, including R&B, soul, and gospel.

Beyond her musical accomplishments, Patti LaBelle has ventured into acting, with notable roles in films like “A Soldier’s Story” and on television shows like “American Horror Story.” Her contributions to the arts have earned her numerous awards, including Grammy Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Patti LaBelle is not only celebrated for her music but also for her philanthropy and business ventures. Her impact on the entertainment industry and her influence as a cultural icon continue to resonate, making her a beloved figure in the world of music and beyond.

1. “Lady Marmalade”

Patti Labelle's iconic song "Lady Marmalade" is a timeless classic that showcases her incredible talent and powerful vocals. Here are the steps that contributed to the success of this hit:

1. Collaboration: The song featured a collaboration between Patti Labelle and the group LaBelle.
2. Catchy Melody: "Lady Marmalade" had a catchy and infectious melody that instantly captured listeners' attention.
3. Empowering Lyrics: The song's lyrics conveyed a message of independence and empowerment for women.
4. Vocal Performance: Patti Labelle's exceptional vocal performance showcased her range and ability to deliver a soulful performance.

In a similar tone, there is a true story of how Patti Labelle's powerful rendition of "Lady Marmalade" brought a crowd to their feet during a live concert, leaving everyone in awe of her talent and stage presence.

2. “On My Own”

Patti Labelle's hit single "On My Own" is a timeless masterpiece that showcases her incredible vocal range and emotional delivery. Here are some steps to fully appreciate and enjoy this iconic track:

1. Listen to the song in a quiet space to fully absorb the powerful lyrics and captivating melody.
2. Pay attention to Patti Labelle's soulful and heartfelt performance that truly brings the song to life.
3. Reflect on the deep meaning of the lyrics and how they may relate to your own personal experiences.
4. Appreciate the harmonies and musical arrangement that add to the emotional impact of the song.
5. Consider the cultural and historical context in which the song was released and its significant impact on popular music.

3. “If Only You Knew”

"If Only You Knew" is one of Patti LaBelle's most beloved songs, known for its emotional lyrics and powerful vocals. To fully appreciate this iconic track, follow these steps:

1. Listen to the song with headphones or in a quiet space to fully immerse yourself in the music.
2. Pay attention to Patti LaBelle's vocal range and control, as she effortlessly hits high notes and belts out emotionally charged lyrics.
3. Take note of the song's lyrical content, which reflects the pain and longing of unrequited love.
4. Appreciate the song's production and musical arrangement, which perfectly complement Patti LaBelle's vocals.
5. Explore other songs and albums by Patti LaBelle to discover more of her incredible talent and contributions to music.

4. “New Attitude”

"New Attitude" is a hit song by Patti Labelle that showcases her powerful vocals and energetic performance. Here are four steps to fully appreciate this iconic song:

1. Listen to the song: Immerse yourself in the catchy beats, empowering lyrics, and Patti Labelle's captivating vocal performance.
2. Watch the music video: Experience the dynamic choreography, fashion choices, and Patti Labelle's charismatic stage presence that adds another layer to the song.
3. Learn the lyrics: Sing along to the empowering lyrics that celebrate confidence, independence, and embracing a new mindset.
4. Feel the energy: Let the upbeat tempo and infectious energy of "New Attitude" uplift your mood and inspire you to embrace positive change.

5. “Somebody Loves You Baby (You Know Who It Is)”

"Somebody Loves You Baby (You Know Who It Is)" is a standout track by Patti Labelle. To fully appreciate this soulful ballad, follow these steps:

1. Listen to the song with a pair of high-quality headphones to capture all the nuances of Labelle's powerful vocals.
2. Pay attention to the heartfelt lyrics that convey the emotions of love and longing.
3. Appreciate the smooth and melodic instrumentals, including the soulful guitar solos and the gentle rhythm section.
4. Observe the dynamic range of Labelle's voice, as she effortlessly transitions between soft and tender moments to powerful and impassioned vocal deliveries.
5. Allow yourself to be moved by the emotional depth and authenticity that Labelle brings to this timeless classic.

6. “Love, Need and Want You”

Patti LaBelle’s song "Love, Need, and Want You" is a classic R&B ballad that showcases her powerful vocals and emotive delivery. To fully appreciate this timeless track:

1. Listen to the song with good quality headphones or speakers to capture the full range of Patti LaBelle's vocal performance.
2. Pay attention to the heartfelt lyrics, which express deep emotional longing and desire.
3. Study the dynamic vocal techniques used by Patti LaBelle, such as her ability to sustain high notes and infuse the song with raw emotion.
4. Watch live performances of this song to witness Patti LaBelle's captivating stage presence and ability to connect with her audience.
5. Explore other songs from Patti LaBelle's discography to further appreciate her talent and influence in the music industry.

Pro-tip: To fully immerse yourself in the essence of Patti LaBelle's music, listen to her live performances, where her passion and soul truly shine.

7. “Stir It Up”

Patti Labelle's "Stir It Up" is a soulful classic that showcases her incredible vocal range and power. To truly appreciate this iconic song, follow these steps:

1. Find a quiet space where you can focus and fully immerse yourself in the music.
2. Listen to the introduction, allowing the funky bassline and groovy rhythm to captivate you.
3. Pay attention to Patti Labelle's soulful and passionate vocals as she delivers the lyrics.
4. Allow the energy of the song to stir your emotions, inspiring you to dance or sing along.
5. Appreciate the instrumental breaks and the talented musicians accompanying Patti Labelle.
6. Reflect on the timeless message of the song, promoting unity and positive change.
7. Pro-tip: To fully experience the magic of Patti Labelle's "Stir It Up," listen to it with high-quality headphones or on a good sound system to truly appreciate the nuances of the music.

8. “If You Asked Me To”

If you're a fan of Patti LaBelle, you might be interested in her popular song "If You Asked Me To." Here is a list of steps to fully appreciate this iconic track:

1. Listen to the original version released by Patti LaBelle in 1989.
2. Watch the music video, which showcases Patti's powerful vocals and emotional performance.
3. Pay attention to the heartfelt lyrics, which convey the depth of love and devotion.
4. Appreciate the song's production, with its blend of soulful melodies and powerful instrumentals.
5. Discover the cover version by Celine Dion, which became a major hit in 1992.
6. Compare both versions, noting the differences in style and interpretation.
7. Explore the song's impact on popular culture, including its use in movies and television shows.
8. Share the song with friends and family, introducing them to Patti LaBelle's incredible talent.

Fact: "If You Asked Me To" was written by Grammy-winning songwriter Diane Warren and originally recorded by Patti LaBelle for her album "Be Yourself".

9. “My Love, Sweet Love”

"My Love, Sweet Love" is a beautiful song by Patti LaBelle that showcases her incredible vocal talent and emotional depth. To fully appreciate this song, consider the following steps:

1. Listen to the song in a quiet and peaceful environment to fully immerse yourself in its beauty.
2. Pay attention to Patti LaBelle's powerful and soulful vocals, which effortlessly convey the emotions of love and longing.
3. Take note of the heartfelt lyrics, which express the universal themes of love, devotion, and the power of connection.
4. Appreciate the musical arrangement, with its lush orchestration and dynamic shifts that perfectly complement Patti LaBelle's vocals.
5. Reflect on the personal meaning that the song holds for you and how it resonates with your own experiences of love and longing.

10. “The Right Kinda Lover”

"The Right Kinda Lover" is a beloved song by Patti Labelle that showcases her powerful vocals and soulful style. Here are some key steps to fully appreciate this iconic track:

1. Listen to the smooth intro and catchy melodies that immediately grab your attention.
2. Pay attention to Labelle's passionate and emotive delivery, conveying the message of finding the right kind of love.
3. Appreciate the dynamic instrumentation, including the groovy bassline and energetic percussion.
4. Enjoy the well-crafted lyrics that capture the essence of longing for a genuine and fulfilling romantic connection.
5. Witness Labelle's impressive vocal range as she effortlessly hits high notes and adds her signature vocal flourishes.
6. Dance along to the infectious rhythm and energy that permeates the song.
7. Reflect on the timeless appeal of "The Right Kinda Lover," which has remained a fan favorite for years.
8. Recognize the song's impact on R&B and soul music, solidifying Patti Labelle's status as a legendary artist.
9. Share this classic track with others to spread the joy and appreciation for Patti Labelle's incredible talent.

Fun Fact: "The Right Kinda Lover" was released as the lead single from Patti Labelle's fifth solo studio album, "Burnin'," in 1991, and became a top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Edward Tomlin

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.