When it comes to powerful voices and unforgettable performances, few artists can rival the legendary Patti LaBelle. With a career spanning over five decades, LaBelle has captivated audiences with her soulful melodies and electrifying stage presence. From her early days with the Bluebelles to her iconic solo career, Patti has woven a rich tapestry of music that transcends genres and generations.
Her songs are not just hits; they are anthems of love, resilience, and empowerment. Whether it’s the heart-wrenching ballads that make you weep or the upbeat tracks that get your feet moving, each song showcases her incredible vocal range and emotional depth.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the top 10 most popular Patti LaBelle songs of all time. Prepare to be transported back to the moments that defined her career and inspired countless fans around the world. From chart-toppers to timeless classics, these tracks highlight why Patti LaBelle is not just the “Godmother of Soul,” but a true musical icon. Get ready to rediscover the magic of her music and celebrate the legacy of a living legend!
1. “Lady Marmalade” (1974)
“Lady Marmalade” isn’t just a song—it’s a moment. Released in 1974, this infectious, genre-blending hit catapulted LaBelle into the spotlight with a force that still reverberates decades later. From the very first funky guitar lick to the unmistakable chant of “Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir?” this track dares to be bold, brash, and unapologetically fun. Patti LaBelle, along with Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash, delivered powerhouse vocals that wrapped soul, funk, and disco into a dazzling, high-energy anthem. But beyond the provocative lyrics and groove-laden rhythm, there’s an empowering undertone: a celebration of feminine confidence and control. Patti’s electrifying voice elevates the story of a mysterious New Orleans woman into something iconic—an anthem that refuses to be tamed. Whether you’re on a dance floor, driving with the windows down, or simply looking for a boost of sass and swagger, “Lady Marmalade” delivers. It’s no wonder the song has been reimagined by other artists, but there’s something untouchable about LaBelle’s original. It’s raw, sultry, and bursting with attitude—a perfect showcase of Patti’s ability to transform a track into pure, unforgettable energy.
2. “If Only You Knew” (1983)
“If Only You Knew” is one of those rare ballads that doesn’t just speak to the heart—it is the heart. Released in 1983, it became one of Patti LaBelle’s most cherished and defining performances. The song tells a story so many know well: being deeply in love with someone, but afraid they don’t see it. Every note she sings aches with quiet hope, longing, and the bittersweet ache of unspoken emotion. The beauty of this track is how stripped-down and vulnerable it feels. Patti doesn’t hide behind production or overcomplicated instrumentation; instead, she lets her voice—rich, nuanced, and raw—carry every ounce of the story. There’s a universality to it that makes listeners stop and reflect, maybe on a past love or a missed chance. The slow build of the arrangement mirrors the tension of holding love inside for too long, until it swells into a soaring declaration. “If Only You Knew” remains one of LaBelle’s most beloved recordings—not because it shouts the loudest, but because it speaks the truest. It’s a song that teaches us love is as much about courage as it is about feeling.
3. “New Attitude” (1984)
When “New Attitude” hit the airwaves in 1984, it wasn’t just a bop—it was a whole reset. This is Patti LaBelle at her most fearless, strutting into a new era with style, sass, and a fresh sense of self-worth. The track pulses with 80s energy—synths, slick basslines, and that unstoppable groove—but it’s Patti’s voice that turns it into an empowerment anthem. The lyrics are a declaration of personal transformation: shedding the past, rediscovering your worth, and walking tall into the future. And who better to deliver that message than Patti, whose career itself was reborn around this time with a newfound spotlight in pop and R&B? Every time she belts out “I’ve got a new attitude,” it feels like she’s reaching through the speakers to shake you by the shoulders and say, you can start over too. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to change your outfit, fix your crown, and tackle life head-on. Still a favorite in film soundtracks, fitness playlists, and self-love montages, “New Attitude” isn’t just a feel-good jam—it’s a lifestyle choice.
4. “On My Own” (1986)
“On My Own,” the haunting duet with Michael McDonald, is one of Patti LaBelle’s most emotionally resonant tracks. Released in 1986, it became a massive hit, not only for its lyrical depth but for the raw, honest chemistry between Patti and McDonald. The song speaks to the quiet sorrow of realizing that love doesn’t always last, and sometimes, even when you give your all, you end up walking alone. Patti’s voice soars with a kind of strength that’s born out of heartbreak—resilient, wounded, but never broken. The harmonies between her and McDonald ache with regret and distance, like two people who were once close but now stand worlds apart. What makes the song so powerful isn’t just its emotional weight—it’s the grace with which that pain is delivered. There’s no melodrama here, just truth. “On My Own” gave voice to millions who’ve gone through love’s end, and it did so with elegance and tenderness. It’s a ballad for anyone who’s ever had to find themselves again after love, proving that sometimes, our greatest strength is learning how to stand alone.
5. “Somebody Loves You” (1986)
“Somebody Loves You” is Patti LaBelle reminding us that even in our loneliest moments, we are never truly alone. Released in 1986, the song is a gentle, soulful reassurance—like a warm hand on your back when you’re feeling down. Patti’s vocals are rich and tender, full of both compassion and strength, as if she’s singing straight to the listener’s heart. The arrangement is classic 80s R&B, with soft keys and smooth harmonies that wrap around her voice like silk. What makes this song shine is the sincerity in her delivery. She isn’t just performing; she’s comforting. The lyrics acknowledge pain, but never leave you in it. Instead, they guide you gently toward the hope that love—real, unwavering love—is out there, and maybe even closer than you think. “Somebody Loves You” is the kind of track that finds you at your lowest and lifts you up, not with fanfare, but with empathy. It’s a reminder that love isn’t always loud or flashy. Sometimes, it’s quiet, steady, and exactly what we need.
6. “When You’ve Been Blessed (Feels Like Heaven)” (1991)
“When You’ve Been Blessed (Feels Like Heaven)” is more than a song—it’s a testimony. Released in 1991, this track captures the sheer joy and awe of recognizing the blessings in your life. Patti LaBelle sings with a spirit that feels lifted straight from a Sunday morning service. Her voice doesn’t just carry notes—it carries gratitude, power, and reverence. The gospel-infused arrangement swells behind her, full of handclaps, rich harmonies, and a rhythm that invites the soul to rise. It’s a celebration of faith, love, and life’s most meaningful moments. The beauty of this track lies in how real it feels—Patti isn’t just performing; she’s praising. Every time she sings the word “heaven,” it feels like a door swings open. This isn’t a song you listen to passively. It makes you feel, reflect, and want to give thanks for your own journey. “When You’ve Been Blessed” reminds us that even in hard times, there’s joy to be found in the simple gift of being here. It’s uplifting, powerful, and timeless—a reminder to never take life’s miracles for granted.
7. “Stir It Up” (1985)
“Stir It Up,” released in 1985, is pure fun in musical form. It’s the kind of track that puts a little swing in your step, a little spark in your mood, and makes the world feel a bit more exciting. Patti LaBelle brings playful charisma to every line, infusing this upbeat jam with sass, flirtation, and irresistible energy. The production leans into the bright, percussive pop-funk sound of the 80s, complete with bubbly synths and a bouncy beat that dares you not to move. Lyrically, it’s lighthearted—celebrating the thrill of attraction and the magic that happens when two people really click. Patti’s vocal performance is dynamic and radiant, matching the mood of the track beat for beat. But what makes “Stir It Up” stand out isn’t just the sound—it’s Patti’s presence. She owns every lyric, turning a simple love song into something electric. Whether you’re blasting it while cleaning the house or hitting the dance floor, this song brings joy. It’s that musical nudge that says, “Go ahead—shake things up.” And Patti? She’s the spark that lights the fire.
8. “Love, Need and Want You” (1983)
“Love, Need and Want You” is sultry, soulful, and soaked in longing. Released in 1983, this slow-burning ballad finds Patti LaBelle in her element—pouring raw emotion into every syllable. It’s a song about yearning, plain and simple. The kind of love that keeps you up at night, plays on your mind during quiet moments, and lingers like a soft perfume after someone’s left the room. The minimalistic production gives space for Patti’s vocals to shine, and she uses that space masterfully. She doesn’t oversing—she simmers. Each line is carefully, sensually delivered, making the ache in her voice feel intimate and real. The lyrics—”I love you, I need you, and I want you”—are straightforward, but the way she sings them turns those words into a mantra of desire. It’s that kind of song you listen to when you’re missing someone or remembering a love that once consumed you. “Love, Need and Want You” is pure emotional honesty wrapped in velvet vocals. It’s timeless, and a beautiful example of how Patti doesn’t just sing love songs—she lives them.
9. “What Can I Do for You?” (1975)
“What Can I Do for You?” is Patti LaBelle at her most soulful and generous. Released in 1975 with her group Labelle, this song fuses gospel, funk, and soul into a heartfelt offering of love and service. But it’s not just about romance—it’s a broader expression of care, support, and selflessness. Patti’s vocals soar with spiritual conviction, asking a simple but powerful question: “What can I do to make your life better?” That’s love in its most honest form—showing up, giving freely, without asking for anything in return. The track features strong harmonies, a grooving bassline, and an uplifting, almost church-like energy that turns every listen into a moment of uplift. The message is as relevant today as it was back then: love is about action, not just words. In a world often focused on getting, Patti flips the script and focuses on giving. It’s a song that makes you want to be a better partner, a better friend, a better person. Full of soul and sincerity, “What Can I Do for You?” remains one of her most underrated gems—and one of her most powerful.
10. “Over the Rainbow” (1990)
Few artists can cover a classic like “Over the Rainbow” and make it feel brand new—but Patti LaBelle doesn’t just sing this song, she soars with it. Recorded in 1990, her rendition takes the gentle lullaby from The Wizard of Oz and transforms it into a triumphant declaration of hope. From the very first note, Patti’s voice is filled with longing, but also determination. She stretches the melody in ways only she can—adding soulful runs, emotional crescendos, and an unmistakable stamp of LaBelle brilliance. What begins as a dream of “somewhere” becomes, in her hands, a powerful affirmation that somewhere is worth reaching for. The orchestration swells as Patti unleashes her full vocal power, turning the final moments into something almost spiritual. “Over the Rainbow” becomes not just a dream, but a destination. Patti’s version is for anyone who’s ever struggled, hoped, fallen, and gotten back up. It’s a voice calling you forward, reminding you that brighter skies really do exist—and maybe, just maybe, they’re closer than you think. Her version is not just beautiful—it’s unforgettable.
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.
