“Etta James” was a legendary American singer known for her powerful and soulful voice, which has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Her career spanned over six decades and she recorded numerous hits that have become classics. From blues to soul and R&B, Etta James had a versatile voice that could convey a range of emotions, from heartbreak to joy.
In this list, we take a look at the 10 best Etta James songs of all time, showcasing her incredible talent and the impact she made on the world of music. These songs not only exemplify the genre but also reflect the timeless nature of Etta James’ music. Her soulful and emotive performances, combined with unforgettable melodies and lyrics, have solidified her place as one of the greatest singers of all time.
Let’s take a journey through some of the most memorable songs in her extensive catalog.
1. “At Last”
“At Last” is a classic song by the legendary blues and soul singer Etta James. Originally recorded in 1941 by Glenn Miller and his orchestra, Etta James’ version of the song was released in 1961 and became a huge hit, cementing her place as one of the greatest singers of all time. The song features Etta’s powerful and soulful vocals, accompanied by a lush orchestral arrangement, creating a romantic and emotional sound that has stood the test of time.
2. “I’d Rather Go Blind”
“I’d Rather Go Blind” is a powerful and emotional song by the legendary blues and soul singer Etta James. Released in 1968, the song features Etta’s soulful vocals and a bluesy arrangement, creating a raw and powerful sound that is both haunting and unforgettable. The lyrics describe the feeling of being heartbroken and lost, with Etta singing “I’d rather go blind, than to see you walk away from me.”
3. “Something’s Got a Hold on Me”
“Something’s Got a Hold on Me” is a hit song by the legendary blues and soul singer Etta James. Released in 1962, the song features Etta’s signature powerhouse vocals, backed by a rocking R&B sound that is both upbeat and infectious. The lyrics describe the feeling of being in love and the way it can take over your life, with Etta singing “Oh, sometimes I get a good feeling, yeah, and a feeling that I never, never, never, never had before.” The song’s catchy melody and energetic performance have made it a timeless classic, with numerous covers and samples appearing in popular culture over the years.
4. “All I Could Do Was Cry”
“All I Could Do Was Cry” is a heart-wrenching song by the legendary blues and soul singer Etta James. Released in 1960, the song features Etta’s soulful and emotive vocals, backed by a stripped-down arrangement that highlights the raw emotion of the lyrics. The song describes the feeling of being heartbroken and helpless, with Etta singing “He stood there laughing, I felt like dying, and I just couldn’t keep from crying.” The song’s powerful and poignant lyrics, combined with Etta’s incredible vocal performance, have made it a timeless classic, with numerous covers and samples appearing in popular culture over the years
5. “Sunday Kind of Love”
“Sunday Kind of Love” is a classic song by the legendary blues and soul singer Etta James. Originally released in 1946 by the Harptones, Etta’s version of the song was released in 1960 and became a hit, showcasing her incredible vocal range and emotional depth. The song features a lush and romantic orchestral arrangement, creating a dreamy and nostalgic sound that captures the feeling of falling in love. The lyrics describe the feeling of wanting a love that lasts, with Etta singing “I want a Sunday kind of love, a love to last past Saturday night.”
6. “Trust in Me”
“Trust in Me” is a classic song by the legendary blues and soul singer Etta James. Originally written for the Disney film “The Jungle Book,” Etta’s version of the song was released in 1961 and became a hit, showcasing her incredible vocal range and emotional depth. The song features a sultry and seductive arrangement, with Etta’s powerful vocals gliding over a smooth and jazzy melody. The lyrics describe the feeling of wanting to be trusted and loved, with Etta singing “Trust in me, in all you do, have the faith I have in you.”
7. “Tell Mama”
“Tell Mama” is a classic song by the legendary blues and soul singer Etta James. Released in 1967, the song features Etta’s signature powerful vocals and a driving, upbeat R&B sound that is both energetic and infectious. The lyrics describe the feeling of wanting to be with someone who treats you right, with Etta singing “Tell Mama, all about it, tell Mama, what you need.” The song’s catchy melody and Etta’s dynamic performance have made it a timeless classic, with numerous covers and samples appearing in popular culture over the years.
8. “Pushover”
Pushover” is a hit song by the legendary blues and soul singer Etta James. Released in 1963, the song features Etta’s signature soulful vocals and a catchy, upbeat sound that is both playful and energetic. The lyrics describe the feeling of being in a relationship where one person has all the power, with Etta singing “I’m just a pushover, when it comes to you.” The song’s catchy melody and Etta’s dynamic performance have made it a beloved classic, with numerous covers and samples appearing in popular culture over the years.
9. “Damn Your Eyes”
“Damn Your Eyes” is a powerful ballad by the legendary blues and soul singer Etta James. Released in 1988, the song features Etta’s soulful and emotive vocals, backed by a stripped-down arrangement that highlights the raw emotion of the lyrics. The song describes the feeling of being heartbroken and betrayed, with Etta singing “Damn your eyes, they’re taking my breath away, for making me want to stay.” The song’s poignant lyrics, combined with Etta’s incredible vocal performance, have made it a timeless classic, with numerous covers and samples appearing in popular culture over the years.
10. “Stormy Weather”
“Stormy Weather” is a classic song by the legendary blues and soul singer Etta James. Originally written in 1933, Etta’s version of the song was released in 1960 and became a hit, showcasing her incredible vocal range and emotional depth. The song features a lush and romantic orchestral arrangement, creating a dreamy and nostalgic sound that captures the feeling of being lost in a storm. The lyrics describe the feeling of heartbreak and despair, with Etta singing “Don’t know why, there’s no sun up in the sky, stormy weather, since my man and I ain’t together.”
