Will Fenton
Anita Baker is one of the most iconic R&B singers of all time, and her influence on soul music is unmistakable.
Her smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics have stood the test of time, making her songs some of the most beloved in music history.
To celebrate Anita’s legacy, here are 15 of her best hits that you can’t help but love.
From ballads to up-tempo jams, these tracks showcase Anita’s unique talent and will be sure to get you moving.
Enjoy our list of the best Anita Baker songs!
1. “Angel”
Anita Baker’s 1983 hit “Angel” is a timeless classic that continues to captivate listeners today.
With its beautiful vocals, delicate piano, and mellow strings, the song creates an atmosphere of comfort and serenity.
The lyrics reflect a deep understanding of love, as Anita sings poignantly about the power of unconditional love in her unmistakable soulful voice.
This is a song that will never go out of style; it has stood the test of time and has been covered by many artists since its release.
It’s an absolutely stunning piece of music with a message that will remain relevant forever.
2. “No One In The World”
“No One In the World” is one of Anita Baker’s most celebrated works, a soulful ballad of love, loss, and longing.
The song’s beautiful melody is accompanied by Baker’s distinctive voice, which effortlessly conveys the emotion of the lyrics.
Her effortless delivery allows her to express pain and joy with equal intensity.
“No One In the World” is a perfect example of Baker’s unique blend of soul, funk, and jazz that makes it stand out from other songs in her catalog.
It is a timeless classic that will continue to resonate with listeners for generations to come.
“No One In the World” captures an emotional reality with its sweetly sorrowful melody and thoughtfully crafted lyrics, making it one of Anita Baker’s greatest hits.
3. “Giving You The Best That I Got (Single Version)”
Continuing in the same vein as her previous hit, “No One in the World”, Anita Baker delivers yet another stunning classic with “Giving You the Best That I Got”.
The single version of this song is just as powerful and moving as its album counterpart, if not more so.
Her honey-smooth vocals soar over a lush arrangement of beautiful synths and soulful strings, creating an atmosphere that’s both intimate and uplifting.
Her lyrics are honest and heartfelt, painting an incredibly vivid picture of self-sacrifice and unconditional love.
This is truly one of Baker’s finest moments as an artist, showcasing her extraordinary talent and passion for creating music that speaks to our hearts.
4. “Caught Up In The Rapture”
A classic of Anita Baker’s discography, “Caught Up In the Rapture”, is a lush and poignant love song that truly captures the rapturous nature of being in love.
Baker’s heavenly vocals soar over a bed of gentle synths and smooth jazz instrumentation, making it easy to be swept away by the emotion of her performance.
Each lyric speaks directly to the heart, allowing the listener to be fully immersed in the song’s story.
There’s a certain timelessness to this track that has stood the test of time, and its appeal continues to resonate with listeners today.
With its sweet composition and passionate vocals, “Caught Up In the Rapture” is one of Anita Baker’s most beloved songs.
5. “Sweet Love”
Leaving the emotion of “Caught Up In the Rapture” behind, Anita Baker presents “Sweet Love”, a song that showcases her captivating vocals.
“Sweet Love” is a classic tune with its memorable chorus and soothing melody.
It’s not too hard to see why it is one of her most well-known songs – it captures the essence of love in a way that few other songs can.
It’s an infectious groove that’s sure to have you singing along even after the first listen.
The lyrics are full of love and romance, but they also have an underlying message about appreciating life and finding joy in small moments.
With its smooth jazz-inspired instrumentals, this song will make you feel like you’re floating on air as you listen to it.
Sweet Love is definitely one of Anita Baker’s greatest hits and deserves to be remembered for years to come.
6. “You Bring Me Joy”
It’s impossible to deny the ecstasy of Anita Baker’s classic hit, “You Bring Me Joy”.
From the sultry opening notes, one can almost feel the soulful emotion radiating from this timeless masterpiece.
The rich alto vocals are a reminder of why Anita is considered one of the most influential female vocalists in history; her captivating style and magnetic presence draw you in and never let go.
Her talent for combining smooth jazz, gospel, and R&B elements creates a unique sound that is both powerful and soothing.
Even after decades since its release, You Bring Me Joy remains an iconic anthem of joyous celebration.
It’s no wonder why it continues to be a staple in playlists all over the world.
7. “Mystery”
Continuing the exploration of Anita Baker’s musical legacy, it’s time to delve into her track “Mystery”.
Upon first listening, it is clear why this song has had such a lasting impact on fans.
With its smooth and gentle rhythm, the combination of soulful vocals and crisp instrumentation creates an atmosphere that is both calming and captivating.
Baker’s lyrics are full of emotion as they express a desire to explore a mysterious love interest.
The chorus carries a strong sense of longing as she sings with clarity and conviction.
As the song draws to a close, one can’t help but feel like they have been taken on an emotional journey through its tender yet powerful melody.
Anita Baker’s “Mystery” is certainly deserving of its place in her greatest hits collection.
8. “Body And Soul”
The soulful croon of Anita Baker’s classic hit, “Body and Soul”, is enough to give chills to any listener.
The song encapsulates the raw emotion of a love affair that has endured long past its expiration date, through the use of hauntingly beautiful lyrics and Baker’s signature vocals.
Every delicate nuance in her performance carries an intensity that can’t be replicated; it conveys the deep pain of heartache with an aching sincerity.
As the track progresses, Baker’s vocals swell ever higher, culminating in a powerful climax that will leave you breathless.
There is no better showcase for her incredible talent than “Body and Soul”: it is surely one of the greatest songs from this legendary artist.
9. “Just Because”
“Just Because” is an Anita Baker classic that has stayed relevant throughout the years.
This soulful and passionate song speaks to anyone who’s ever loved someone deeply, with its sultry delivery and timeless lyrics.
It’s a reminder of how powerful love can be and it’s no surprise that it continues to move people to this day.
Equally as impressive is Baker’s vocal performance, which shows her immense range and skill.
Just Because is a perfect example of why Anita Baker will forever remain one of the greatest singers in the history of soul music.
10. “Same Ole Love (365 Days A Week)”
Anita Baker’s soulful ballad “Same Ole Love (365 Days a Week)” is one of her most enduring classics.
It’s an exquisite slow jam, with Baker’s vocals soaring over the gentle instrumentation.
The song’s message of undying devotion and commitment to love is timeless – it sounds just as relevant today as when it was first released in 1986.
Its simple yet powerful lyrics only add to its poignancy, making it one of Baker’s most memorable songs and a must-have for any greatest hits compilation.
Truly a timeless classic, “Same Ole Love (365 Days a Week)” is an essential part of any Anita Baker fan’s collection.
11. “I Apologize – Single Version”
Continuing to explore Anita Baker’s greatest hits, one of the most iconic and memorable singles released by her is “I Apologize“.
This single with its soulful groove and captivating lyrics show why Anita has been so successful in the music industry.
The song is a blend of R&B and soul that speaks to a wide range of audiences.
With its strong rhythm section, infectious chorus, and compelling lyrics, it’s no wonder why this song is so well-known among fans.
Furthermore, Anita’s delivery of the song is smooth and passionate, adding an extra layer of emotion that really makes it stand out from the rest.
It’s easy to see why “I Apologize” has become such an important part of Anita Baker’s musical legacy; it truly is a classic hit.
12. “Whatever It Takes”
“Whatever It Takes” is a masterclass in soulful songwriting, an anthem of personal strength and resilience.
With its gorgeous melodies, passionate vocal performance, and inspirational lyrics, Anita Baker captures the essence of what it truly means to go through life’s challenges and come out on top.
While the track is grounded in a classic soul sound, it has an uplifting quality that transcends genre – this is a timeless classic that will continue to inspire generations to come.
This track is easily one of Anita Baker’s best works and a must-listen for any fan of her music.
13. “Good Love”
“Good Love” by Anita Baker is a timeless classic that has been embraced by soul music fans for decades.
An ode to the power of love, the song captures the emotion of longing and yearning in its smooth melody and captivating lyrics.
The lush production and Anita’s gentle yet powerful vocal delivery bring a sense of warmth and comfort to the listener, making it easy to understand why this track is one of her most beloved.
While it may not be considered her most groundbreaking work, “Good Love” stands as a testament to Anita’s ability to create beautiful music with lasting emotional impact.
14. “Been So Long”
Anita Baker’s 1986 single “Been So Long” is a soulful, heart-wrenching ballad that has become an enduring classic.
Her stunning vocal performance is filled with emotion and her lyrics are truly moving – she conveys the pain of longing for someone so deeply that the audience can almost feel it.
The song has a beautifully constructed arrangement with strings, horns, and keyboards that blend together to create an unforgettable atmosphere.
It’s no surprise that this track has stood the test of time and remains one of Baker’s most beloved songs.
It’s a must-have on any Anita Baker’s greatest hits collection, as it offers a glimpse into her immense talent as a singer and songwriter.
15. “No More Tears”
Anita Baker’s classic hit, “No More Tears”, is a beautiful ode to heartbreak and resilience.
It truly encapsulates the emotions of someone who has been hurt in a relationship but is determined to move forward.
The song starts off with soft vocals and piano as Anita sings of her sadness and loneliness.
As the song progresses, more instruments are added to give it an upbeat tempo, while still maintaining the solemn mood of the lyrics.
Although it could be seen as a love song, it’s really a bittersweet anthem about finding strength after going through pain.
The chorus soars with Anita’s powerful voice as she reassures herself that she will get through this difficult time and come out stronger on the other side.
The message is one that can be related to by many listeners, making this one of Anita Baker’s greatest hits ever produced.
Best Anita Baker Songs of All Time – Final Thoughts
I’ve always been mesmerized by Anita Baker’s incredible vocal range and her ability to capture emotion in her music.
Her songs have a timeless quality that will never go out of style.
I’m constantly surprised by how many of her songs have stood the test of time, ranging from upbeat hits like “Sweet Love” to powerful ballads like “No One In the World”,
There’s no doubt that Anita Baker has cemented herself as one of the greatest musical artists of all time, with an impressive collection of timeless classics.
As we look back on her career, it’s clear these 15 tracks are some of her best work ever.
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