Our Top 10 Melba Moore Songs list looks at a legendary r&b singer and actress from the 70s. The multi-talented Melba Moore sings r&b, soul, disco and gospel music. She has won a Tony Award and has been nominated for Grammy Awards throughout her career. She has released several albums and singles throughout her career. Her hits include “Falling,” “A Little Bit More,” “This Is It,” “You Stepped Into My Life,” “Lift Every Voice and Sing” as well as other hit singles. She has competed with the likes of Evelyn “Champagne” King, Regina Belle, Jean Carn, Gwen Guthrie, Stephanie Mills, Donna Summer, Deniece Williams, Angela Bofill, Cheryl Lynn, Alicia Myers as well as others, but she managed to stand out among the rest.
Beatrice Melba Hill was born on October 29, 1945. Singing came easy for Melba Moore because her parents were in the music business. Her mother was a singer, and her father was a band leader. Melba Moore received a BA in music so she knew what she was doing when it came to music. Melba Moore recorded her first single “Magic Touch” in 1967. It didn’t get released until years later. Before she became a singer, she was a theater actress. She appeared in the musical Hair. She won a Tony Award for her role in Purlie. She starred in a couple of movies as well as recorded her albums.
I Got Love was released in 1970. It features the singles “Living to Give,” “I Messed Up on a Good Thing,” “I Love Making Love to You” and “Purlie.” This project earned her a Grammy nomination. Look What You’re Doing to the Man was released in 1971. It peaked at number 43 on the r&b charts and 157 on Billboard 200 charts. It features the singles “Look What You’re Doing to the Man,” “Patience Is Rewarded” and “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother.” Peach Melba was released in 1975. The album peaked at number 49 on the r&b charts and number 176 on the Billboard 200 charts. It features the singles “If You Can Believe” and “Sunshine Superman.”
This Is It was released in 1976. The album peaked at number 32 on the r&b charts and number 145 on the Billboard 200 charts. It features the singles “This Is It” and “Lean on Me.” Melba Moore released her eponymous album in 1976. It peaked at number 30 on the r&b charts and number 177 on the Billboard 200 charts. It features the singles “The Way You Make Me Feel,” “The Long and Winding Road” and “The Greatest Feeling.” A Portrait of Melba came out in 1977. It features the single “Standing Right Here.” Melba 78 came out in 1978. It peaked at number 35 on the r&b charts and number 114 on the Billboard 200 charts. It features the single “You Stepped Into My Life.”
Burn came out in 1979. The album peaked at number 71 on the r&b charts. It features the singles “Burn” and “If You Believe in Love.” Closer came out in 1980. It features the single “I Can Never Miss You More” What a Woman Needs was released in 1981. It peaked a t number 46 on the r&b charts and number 201 on the Billboard 200 charts. It features the single “Take Me Love.” The Other Side of the Rainbow was released in 1982. It peaked at number 18 on the r&b charts and number 152 on the Billboard 200 charts. It features the singles “Love’s Comin’ at Ya,” Mind Up Tonight” and “Underlove.”
Never Say Never came out in 1983. The album peaked at number nine on the r&b charts and number 147 on the Billboard 200 charts. It features the singles “Keeping My Lover Satisfied,” “Livin’ for Your Love” and “Love Me Right.” Read My Lips came out in 1985. The album peaked at number 30 on the r&b charts and number 130 on the Billboard 200 charts. It features the singles “Read My Lips” and “When You Love Me Like This.” A Lot of Love was released in 1986. It peaked at number seven on the r&b charts and number 91 on the Billboard 200 charts. It features the singles “A Little Bit More,” “Falling,” “Love the One I’m With (A Lot of Love)” and “It’s Been So Long.” I’m in Love came out in 1988. It peaked at number 45 on the r&b charts. It features the single “I Can’t Complain.” Soul Exposed was released in 1990. It peaked at number 52 on the r&b charts. It features the singles “Do You Really Want My Love” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Melba Moore would go on to release several more albums throughout her career.
There aren’t enough words to express how talented Melba Moore is. She has an incredible range and can hold notes for days. She is an underrated singer who deserves more credit for her talent than she received. Our list gives her a chance to be put in the spotlight. It will give her the recognition she deserves. Our Top 10 Melba Moore Songs list will feature her best songs.
# 10 – Love’s Comin’ At Ya
The first song on our Top 10 Melba Moore Songs list is “Love’s Comin’ at Ya” from the album The Other Side of the Rainbow. The song has an r&b beat. The desirous song is about a woman who wants a guy. She wanted him from the moment she saw him. She’s determined to have his love. She informs him that her love is coming for him. She thinks about when they are going to be intimate with each other. She can’t wait to please him. She wants to seduce him and make him forget about every other woman. If you felt the same way she did about a guy, you might want to do the same thing the narrator did on this song.
This song has a classic 80s infused sound. As soon as the beat drops, you know this is an 80s song. Singer and songwriter Kashif did a fantastic job producing this song. The arrangement is similar to another track he wrote for Evelyn “Champagne” King. He wrote the jam “I’m in Love.” The beat on this song is very similar to Evelyn “Champagne” King’s song. The drum beat and the synths are the same for both songs. You can replace the lyrics for “Love’s Comin’ At Ya” and “I’m in Love” and they would sound like the same song. With that said, you will be on the dance floor as soon as the song starts. The beat is infectious, and tailor made for dancing. Melba Moore’s voice is extraordinary. She gives this song her all. She is singing an up-tempo song, but she’s belting as if it were a ballad. She does incredible runs in the song. We though she would hold back because it was a bouncy song, but she didn’t do that at all.
# 9 – Take My Love
The next song on our Top 10 Melba Moore Songs list is “Take My Love” from the album What a Woman Needs. The song has a soul and funk beat. The appealing song is about a woman who wants to give herself to a man now. The story begins with her talking about her tuning down a man’s advances. She talks about how he would try to get her, but she wasn’t interested. She had a change of heart and she wants his attention now. She wants him to take her love. She lets him know that if he wants her love, he can have it.
“Take My Love” was written during the post disco era so you can hear elements of disco in the song. The handclaps are a reminder of the disco era. The melody sounds like Evelyn “Champagne” King’s song “I’m in Love.” The song will make you get up and dance. The song is something that will get any party started. Kashif worked his magic once again on this song. He brings out the best in Melba Moore. He allows her to do her magic on his songs. She has the type of voice that would work for ballads, but she proves she can sing dance songs too. She sounds like she’s having fun on this song. If she’s having fun, we will too.
# 8 – Love the One I’m With (A Lot of Love) ft. Kashif
The breezy song is from the album A Lot of Love. The track has an r&b sound. The bouncy song is about a relationship. The couple talks about the problems they are dealing with in their relationship. She tells him how she feels about being left alone. She demands that he spend time with her. She has love to give and wants to share it with him. She warns him that she will find love with another person if he doesn’t step up to the plate. He explains how he feels about their relationship. He lets her know that he’s not happy with things. Things change by the time they get to the bridge. They realize they should stick together. There’s no substitute for the relationship that have.
The song has a lot of ups and downs. This story sounds like something from a novel or a movie. Singers don’t always talk about their problems in this way. They don’t always warn them that they are going to be unfaithful if they don’t change their ways. The writers were creative to come up with a story like this one. This is the type of song that could be written now. They were ahead of their time because songs like this weren’t too popular when this song was released. This song was created during the height of Janet Jackson’s fame so it’s not a surprise that it’s structured in a way that it could have been one of Janet Jackson’s songs.
Kashif and Melba Moore worked well together so it wasn’t a surprise they would sing a duet. He does a good job with his vocals. Their vocals are a good contrast because he sings in his baritone voice and she sings in soprano. He was able to keep up with her and that’s not easy to do. Melba Moore is on another level when it comes to singing. She sounds similar to another Jackson member. Her voice sounds a little like Rebbie Jackson’s voice. Rebbie Jackson doesn’t hit high notes, but their tones are similar. Melba Moore holds back a little on this song. She doesn’t hold any notes, but they weren’t needed.
# 7 – I Can’t Complain ft. Freddie Jackson
The satisfying song is from the album I’m in Love. The song has an r&b beat. The poetic song is about a pair of lovers expressing how they feel about each other. They are happy with each other. They consider themselves each other’s best friend. They can’t complain about their lives together because they are happy to be together. She tells him that he makes things easy for her. He responds by telling her that he will do whatever it takes to make her happy. They express the love they feel for each other throughout the song. This touching song will make you want to fall in love or appreciate the love you have in your life.
This is the type of song you can listen to with the person you love. The lyrics will describe the way you and your lover feel about each other. The track will entice you to want to dance very closely with the person you love. It’s the right jam to play when you are in a romantic mood. The track has an 80s sound. Melba Moore and Freddie Jackson create magic together. They give each other room to shine. They bring something different to the table. Freddie Jackson keeps things classy and smooth.
He has a smooth and velvety voice. He does runs that will impress you. Melba Moore’s voice is spectacular. She tries to hold back on the song, and we must respect that. Freddie Jackson has strong vocals, but they don’t match her vocal strength. She manages to vocally explode on the track. She’s channeling Patti Labelle in the song. She sounds like Patti Labelle when they sing the chorus. We “can’t complain” about this song because it’s beautiful.
# 6 – Lean On Me
The deep song is from the album This Is It. The song has a soul sound. The inspiring song is about someone who is there for you when you need it. She assures the person she will be there no matter what happens. She wants the person to lean on her. She insists the person dream as much as possible but remembers to lean on her. This is one of those I’ll-be-there-for-you songs. This track is perfect to play for your family, friends or anyone who needs someone to be there for them. If you are feeling lost, you know someone wants you to lean on them.
This song shouldn’t be confused with Bill Withers and Club Nouveau’s song. The themes are similar, but the lyrics are different. The lyrics will touch your heart. This song is like having a dependable friend be there for you when you need someone. It’s always comforting to know someone will be there for you. This song sounds like it belongs in a musical. The music is soft and comforting. The music is like a pat on the shoulder from someone who is there for you. Melba Moore’s vocals are like getting a hug from a family member or friend. You will be amazed at how strong her instrument is. She starts the song softly, but in a high octave. She sounds like she’s had operatic training. She does runs as if she’s performing an aura. She shows the listeners just how strong her pipes are by holding two incredible notes. The notes are very long and she holds them effortlessly.
# 5 – You Stepped Into My Life
The next song on our Top 10 Melba Moore Songs list is “You Stepped Into My Life” from the album Melba 78. The song has a disco and soul sound. The loving song is about her falling in love unexpectedly. She wasn’t looking for love, but he came into her life. She’s ready to be with him because he makes her happy. She felt pain in her heart before he came along and saved her from it. She was depressed and unhappy until he showed up. She found her true love and she won’t let him go. He’s her healer because he made the painful moments in her life got away.
This disco jam has been done before. The Bee Gees recorded this song. Her version has the TSOP (the sound of Philadelphia) rhythm. The Bee Gees version is disco as well, but they slow down the melody on their song. Melba Moore’s version is faster and fits in with the disco era. The instrumentation is incredible. The melody is similar to Diana Ross’ “Love Hangover.” As we mentioned earlier, Melba Moore has a voice for ballads. She steps up to the plate and handles up-tempo tracks like a pro. Her vocals switch as the melody of the song changes. She sounds like Diana Ross at points in the song and she sounds like Dionne Warwick at other points of the song. Melba Moore sings the song in her upper register. She doesn’t do the big notes in this song, but it didn’t call for it. The song is a little long because it’s over eight minutes. It gives you a chance to listen to the music, but it is long.
# 4 – This Is It
The stunning song is from the album of the same name. The song has a disco beat. The soul-stirring song is about everlasting love. She finally found the right person for her. She’s lost for words because she found the right man. She’s surprised that he loves her the way he does. She knows she’s found the real thing and she doesn’t want it to end. If you have had trouble finding love in your life, this song is your anthem. You can get up and shout that you have found your true love the same way she did.
The song was recorded during the disco era so expect a frenetic beat that you would hear in a disco track. The strings and drums set this song on fire. You will be on the dance floor in no time while this infectious beat is playing. Melba Moore’s vocals are the truth. She was blessed with a wonderful instrument that will hold your attention through an entire song. She does things with her voice that no one else could match. She belts so much in the song. She controls it enough so it doesn’t sound like she’s oversinging. There aren’t too many singers who can match her power on any type of track. She treats all her songs as if she’s singing power ballads.
# 3 – Lift Every Voice And Sing ft. The All-Stars
The spiritual song is from the album Soul Exposed. The song has an r&b and gospel sound. The joyous hymn is about African Americans celebrating freedom. This is considered an anthem for African Americans. The song goes into detail about hope and freedom because of slavery. The powerful lyrics talk about the struggles and victories that African Americans dealt with throughout their lives. This will touch the hearts of African Americans everywhere. You don’t have to be African American to appreciate the message in this song. The song will give everyone an idea of how it felt to be free and sing in harmony about it.
This song is the spiritual version of the hit single “We Are the World.” This track has a who’ who of singers on it. Melba Moore asked her contemporaries to join her on this journey and we’re here for it. The song features Bobby Brown, Anita Baker, Dionne Warwick, Stephanie Mills, The Clarke Sisters, Gerald Albright, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Take 6, Howard Hewett, Stevie Wonder, Jeffrey Osborne, Freddie Jackson and Karen Clark Sheard. She worked with quite a few people on this moving track. They did a fantastic job on this song. They take you to church with this song. Every guest gets a chance to sing a part of the song. Melba Moore displays excellent power on this track. She belts at the start of the song and towards the end of it. She holds a jaw dropping note at the end of the song. She didn’t really need anyone else in it with her, but everyone gets a chance to shine on it.
# 2 – A Little Bit More ft. Freddie Jackson
The sentimental song is from the album A Lot of Love. The song has an r&b beat. The emotional song is about a couple who are in love. They want to show how much they love each other. They want to hold each other forever. They want to be together “a little bit more.” They want to be together as long as possible. The couple needs each other and doesn’t want to leave for any reason. We all want to fall in love with the way they are described in this song. The track would make a great wedding song. It would also make a great first dance song. If you want to celebrate being together, this is the love song to use to do it.
Melba Moore and Freddie Jackson tell a romantic story. They will make you believe that it’s possible to fall in love. If you wanted to give up on being in love, they will talk you out of it. They take us on a ride and we won’t want it to end. Their chemistry is sizzling hot. They sound like they are in love with each other. Their voices balance each other out. Everyone can’t sing with someone as brilliant as Melba Moore.
You would have to be able to deliver if you are going to match up with the diva. Freddie Jackson is able to handle the job. He sings in his upper and lower register throughout the song. He does runs in the song that will bring you gospel vibes. What else can we say about the diva? She sets the stage on fire. Her dominating voice is magnificent. She has the voice of an angel. The fans enjoyed this song because it was a number one r&b hit for the duo. This song could have been number one, but we had to go a different route.
# 1 – Falling
The number one song on our Top 10 Melba Moore Songs list is “Falling” from the album A Lot of Love. The track has an r&b and soul sound. The tenderhearted song is about a woman finding love. She talks about her life coming together. Her life is better now that the man she loves is in it. She didn’t think she could fall in love again, but he changed that for her. The narrator thinks about him all the time. She never lets a day go by without thinking of him. He inspires her when she’s feeling down. She thought she was always going to lose in love because she’s been through so much.
Melba Moore paints a hopeful picture of falling in love. She gives listeners hope that the right person will come along if you hold out hope for it. The music is awe-inspiring. The melody sounds similar to DeBarge’s song “Single Heart.” The music is stirring and moving. It is one of the best songs to use when you want to be close to the special person in your life. We must get to her vocals. Melba Moore’s voice is spectacular. She does everything right on this song. She utilizes her vocal training to the best of her ability. She pleases the listeners by holding one of the longest notes in music history. She holds an impressive note for over 20 seconds. She holds it while singing in a high key. There aren’t too many singers who can hold notes in that pitch for that long. If you weren’t a fan of Melba Moore’s before, you must change your mind after hearing this chart topper.
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Top 10 Melba Moore Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2022
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