Roberta Flack – Killing Me Softly (Analogue Productions) (2 x 45 RPM)

Roberta Flack’s 1973 landmark "Killing Me Softly" is one of those rare records where every note feels considered, human, and deeply lived-in. This Analogue Productions 2 x 45 RPM edition takes that intimacy and magnifies it, giving her piano, the supple rhythm section, and above all that unmistakable voice a vivid, room-filling presence. The title track is the obvious draw, but it’s only the entry point. "Jesse" unfolds like a late-night confession, while "No Tears (In the End)" and "When You Smile" showcase Flack’s ability to stretch soul, jazz, and pop into something quietly orchestral and emotionally precise. Her phrasing is unhurried yet razor-sharp, letting the songs breathe in a way few vocalists ever manage. Cut at 45 RPM and spread across two discs, this pressing offers wider grooves, deeper bass, and a more natural, unforced top end—exactly what this understated production deserves. For collectors who value both musical history and audiophile sound, this edition captures Flack at her peak: reflective, assured, and utterly absorbing. If you build your vinyl shelf around records that reward dim lights and full attention, this belongs near the front.