Patti LaBelle is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur who rose to prominence in the 1960s as the lead singer of the group Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles. Her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence quickly earned her a reputation as one of the greatest singers of her generation.
LaBelle’s career has spanned over six decades, during which she has released numerous albums and hit singles. Her music is known for its combination of R&B, soul, and gospel influences, and she is widely regarded as a pioneer of the “Philadelphia sound” that dominated the music scene in the 1970s.
In addition to her music career, LaBelle has also acted in several films and television shows, including “A Soldier’s Story,” “Out All Night,” and “American Horror Story: Freak Show.” She has also authored several cookbooks and launched her own line of food products, including Patti’s Good Life, which features a range of delicious sauces and marinades.
Throughout her career, LaBelle has received numerous awards and accolades, including Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, and induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame. She is also a philanthropist who has worked tirelessly to support various causes, including HIV/AIDS research, cancer research, and adoption services. With her incredible talent, passion, and dedication, Patti LaBelle has become a true icon of American music and culture.
1. New Attitude
With a strong beat and infectious chorus, Patti LaBelle's chart-topping hit 'New Attitude' comes in at number one on our list of her best songs. This empowering anthem encourages listeners to embrace change and step out of their comfort zones. LaBelle's powerful vocals mixed with the catchy melody make for an unforgettable tune that remains a beloved classic.
Even Patti Labelle knows she doesn't need anyone else to slay 'On My Own'.
2. On My Own
Patti Labelle's iconic hit featured Michael McDonald in the 1986 duet track 'On My Own'. The emotional vocals and relatable lyrics of the song coupled with the duo's powerhouse performances make it one of Patti Labelle's best songs of all time. The success of the song has made it a karaoke classic and a staple at weddings, proms, and dance parties.
'On My Own' was written after Kenny Rogers requested a song for him and Labelle to sing together. After several failed attempts to create an original song for them, they came across 'On My Own'. The production team tweaked the lyrics to accommodate Labelle's powerful voice. With its release, the single skyrocketed towards success.
Another interesting fact about this timeless classic is that it was first offered to Chaka Khan who reportedly rejected it due to her partner not being able to accompany her on the song. It's good that Patti picked up where Chaka left off because she blew audiences away with her soulful rendition.
Even twenty years after its release, 'On My Own' remains one of those memorable songs you cannot help but love. Its enduring popularity is proof of Patti Labelle's incredible talent as a singer and performer who creates music that leaves an indelible mark on listeners.
If Patti's voice doesn't stir something up inside you, you might want to check your pulse.
3. Stir It Up
Diving into Patti Labelle's collection, one cannot miss out on the iconic track that cooks up a storm. '3. Stir It Up' embodies the soulful ingredients of R&B and Funk in Labelle's recipe book of hits.
- This funk and rock-infused number was co-written by Labelle and the legendary James "D Train" Williams.
- It features an upbeat tempo with funky guitar riffs, horns, and catchy background vocals.
- The song is a testament to Labelle's vocal prowess as she belts out the lyrics with fiery passion and energy.
- With lines like "pour some sugar on me," it's hard not to feel the heat from this infectious jam.
- 'Stir It Up' was a hit on various music charts globally, topping Billboard's R&B chart for three weeks straight upon its release in 1984.
The star-powered performance showcased in this track is unforgettable. This classic tune has undoubtedly stood the test of time and continues to be enjoyed decades later by old fans and new.
To fully appreciate this musical masterpiece at its finest, we suggest blasting this song through some big speakers or headphones while dancing off your feet and savoring each flavorful note of Labelle's unique sound.
If someone tells you that they don't love Patti Labelle's 'Somebody Loves You Baby (You Know Who It Is)', they're lying and you should cut them out of your life immediately.
4. Somebody Loves You Baby (You Know Who It Is)
This song, a classic showcasing Patti LaBelle\'s range and style, is titled "Someone is in love with you (You know who it is)". LaBelle's powerful voice captures the depth and complexity of this emotional ballad. The lyrics touch on themes of love and longing that resonate with listeners.
LaBelle's performance builds in intensity as the song progresses, demonstrating her ability to express raw emotion through her voice. Her vocal mastery shines on this track, making it one of her most memorable performances to date.
One unique feature of this song is the backing choir, which provides additional depth and soulfulness to the already stunning vocals. Additionally, the instrumentation effectively complements LaBelle's voice by adding to the emotional impact of the lyrics.
For those looking to fully appreciate this classic tune, I suggest listening with good quality headphones or speakers in order to experience the full range of LaBelle's incredible vocals. This will allow you to fully immerse yourself in her soulful delivery and appreciate all of its nuances.
Whether you're an 'Oh People' person or not, Patti Labelle's voice will have you shouting 'Amen' by the end of the song.
5. Oh People
Patti Labelle's soulful ballad "Oh People" is a timeless classic that speaks to the power of unity and compassion. Its uplifting lyrics and powerful vocals have resonated with audiences for decades, making it one of her most beloved songs. With its message of hope and solidarity, "Oh People" is a shining example of the transformative power of music.
Labelle sings earnestly over a rich blend of horns, keys, and strings, urging people from all walks of life to come together in the face of adversity. The song's infectious chorus implores listeners to "open your heart and let love have its way," cementing it as a stirring anthem for social change.
What sets "Oh People" apart from other songs in Labelle's catalog is its sense of urgency and relevance that endures today. It serves as a heartfelt call-to-action for everyone to do their part in creating a more just and equitable world. On top of that, Labelle's vocal performance is nothing short of remarkable – imbuing the lyrics with raw emotion and passion.
In fact, "Oh People" had such an impact on listeners that it became an unofficial theme song for then-president Bill Clinton during his first campaign in 1992. Clinton even invited Labelle to perform at his inauguration ceremony – further cementing her status as one of the greatest R&B singers of our time.
Overall, "Oh People" remains one of Patti Labelle's best songs, not just because it showcases her incredible vocal range but also because it touches on themes that are timeless. It urges us all to come together in love, respect, and mutual understanding – emotions that we could all use a little more of these days! When Patti sings 'Yo Mister', you better listen up, because she's about to school you on how to deliver a soulful ballad.
6. Yo Mister
This iconic track, "Yo Mister," was released in 1989, and it remains one of Patti LaBelle's most popular songs. It features a powerful and soulful performance by LaBelle, with dynamic instrumentation and a catchy chorus.
"Yo Mister" addresses issues related to inner-city poverty, violence, and drug addiction with sensitivity and honesty. Its poignant message resonates even today, making it a timeless classic that has stood the test of time.
In this up-tempo jam, Patti LaBelle sings about the challenges faced by people living in urban areas – particularly young black men. She talks about the lack of opportunities for success and the pressure to resort to drugs or crime as a means of survival. The lyrics capture the desperation felt by those who live in deprived neighborhoods while still retaining an optimistic tone that suggests there is hope for a better future.
While all of Patti LaBelle's songs are worth listening to, "Yo Mister" stands out for its raw emotional power and socially conscious message. It reflects LaBelle's commitment to using her music as a platform for social change – something she has done throughout her career.
This song proves that music can be both entertaining and thought-provoking and have an impact on society at large.
If you're looking for a track that will give you chills while also inspiring you to think more deeply about important issues facing humanity, "Yo Mister" is a must-listen. It offers listeners an opportunity to step into someone else's shoes and empathize with their struggles while also encouraging them not to give up hope.
Finding the right kinda lover can be tough, but with Patti Labelle's guidance, we're all one step closer to a Grammy-worthy romance.
7. The Right Kinda Lover
This Patti Labelle song showcases her flair for soulful R&B ballads. The semantic variation of '7. The Right Kinda Lover' refers to a love interest that fits perfectly with the singer's needs and wants. In this track, Labelle sings about finding someone who understands and complements her personality and desires. Her passionate vocals and emotive lyrics make 'The Right Kinda Lover' one of Labelle's finest musical offerings.
Labelle's ability to convey the essence of romantic love through her music is unparalleled. 'The Right Kinda Lover' captures the feeling of longing, desire, and joy that comes with finding a partner who truly understands you. It resonates with listeners who have been searching for a person who completes them or makes them feel whole. This emotional connection between Labelle and her audience elevates the song from just another love ballad to something more profound.
Throughout the track, Labelle's vocal range shines as she delivers lines about needing someone special in her life. The smooth saxophone accompaniment creates a sensual undertone that adds to the overall mood of the song. Together with the hypnotic beat and stirring melody, these elements combine to produce a timeless classic that continues to captivate listeners over two decades after its release.
Listeners seeking more beautiful music by Labelle should check out other iconic songs like 'Love Need and Want You,' 'If Only You Knew,' or 'New Attitude.' These tracks showcase Patti Labelle's exceptional technical skills as well as her talent for creating soulful masterpieces that connect seamlessly with people all over the world.
If Only You Knew how many times I've played this song on repeat, you'd think I was in love with Patti Labelle herself.
8. If Only You Knew
One of Patti LaBelle's greatest hits is a song that will make its listeners feel all the emotions. The track expresses the pain of holding onto unrequited feelings, and the feeling of constantly wondering what could have been if only you knew. It's about opening your heart to someone and wishing they knew how you truly felt. The soulful melody, combined with LaBelle's powerful vocals, perfectly conveys this message.
'If Only You Knew' is a timeless classic that resonates with listeners even today, forty years after its release. The song was written by Dexter Wansel and Cynthia Biggs and reached the top spot on the US R&B chart in 1984. Its success lies in its relatability – many have experienced unspoken or one-sided love at some point in their lives.
LaBelle's flawless delivery adds depth and authenticity to the lyrics, making 'If Only You Knew' one of her most iconic pieces in her discography. The track showcases not only her impressive vocal range but also her ability to convey emotion through her singing.
Overall, 'If Only You Knew' is a must-listen for anyone who wants to experience Patti LaBelle at her very best. With its profound message and soulful sound, it shows why she remains an essential voice within the music industry today. When it comes to love, Patti Labelle makes us all believe that it's worth the wait, even if it takes until the ninth track to find it.
9. Love Has Finally Come
This top-notch song speaks about the long-awaited arrival of love, which is a common theme in the music industry. 'Love Has Finally Come' has a slow and rhythmic beat that arouses a nostalgic feeling in listeners. The soulful lyrics are sung by Patti LaBelle with her signature powerhouse and emotive voice. As much as this song is a beautiful love song, it also serves as a reminder that waiting for something good to happen is always worth the wait.
In 'Love Has Finally Come,' Patti LaBelle delivers an awe-inspiring performance that will leave any audience wanting more. The track's instrumentation includes saxophones, keyboards, and guitar riffs, enhancing the production quality. Though somewhat underrated, this piece embodies everything we have come to love about Patti LaBelle: engaging vocals and gripping storytelling.
Interestingly, 'Love Has Finally Come' was written by Skip Scarborough who was known for penning hits like Love Ballad by L.T.D and Best of My Love by The Emotions.
In summary, 'Love Has Finally Come' by Patti LaBelle is an excellent example of her soulful and passionate delivery style that she has honed over many years. It perfectly captures the emotions of finding true love after a long wait while also showcasing her vocal dexterity and range.
Listening to 'You Are My Friend' is like getting a warm hug from Patti Labelle herself, if she was also a Grammy-winning powerhouse of a singer.
10. You Are My Friend
One of the top songs by Patti Labelle is the one that reminds us of a special person in our life. This particular song showcases her beautiful voice and the lyrics that touch our hearts. The song captures the essence of friendship and its importance in our lives. Its soulful melody makes it an instant classic and has been loved by many for decades.
Throughout her career, Patti Labelle has always aimed to create music that touches emotions deeply. 'You Are My Friend' is no different as it represents her ability to connect with people through her music. The song speaks about how true friends are always there, even when things are tough. It embodies the idea that friendships can last forever, and we should cherish them.
Amongst all of Labelle's other beautiful tracks, this song stands out due to its simplicity and soothing effect on listeners’ minds. As each note rolls smoothly into another, it creates a warm feeling that lasts long after listening. The message stays with us and reminds us to appreciate those who stand beside us.
If you haven't listened to 'You Are My Friend' yet, I highly recommend giving it a chance! It's a timeless track that inspired generations of music lovers worldwide. Experience pure joy and support, which every good friend brings, just by hitting play on this iconic Patti Labelle track today!
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.
