Best of 20 songs by Etta James

Etta James' distinctive vocals and passionate delivery have left an indelible mark on music history. Her catalog boasts timeless classics that showcase her raw emotion and vocal prowess. Among her most iconic songs are "I'd Rather Go Blind," a heart-wrenching ballad that won her a Grammy Award; "At Last," a sultry and romantic anthem; and "I Just Want to Make Love to You," a seductive and soulful blues number that has become a staple in the genre.

Best of 20 songs by Etta James
SongAlbumReleaseListens
1. I'd Rather Go Blind Tell Mama 2012 99M+
2. At Last At Last! 2018 51M+
3. I Just Want To Make Love To You At Last! 2018 10M+
4. Something's Got A Hold On Me Heart & Soul: A Retrospective 2014 10M+
5. Misty Blue The Dreamer 2018 7M+
6. All I Could Do Was Cry At Last! 2018 6M+
7. A Sunday Kind Of Love At Last! 2015 3M+

1. I'd Rather Go Blind (Etta James - 2012)

I'd Rather Go Blind - Etta James

Listen online

Song information

ArtistEtta JamesRelease07-06-2012
Time02:35View99M+
Likes 753K+SuitableBlues Enthusiasts
AlbumTell MamaListen on Spotify
  • Heartbreak Anthem
  • Classic R&B
  • Soulful Ballad
  • Heartbreak Ballad
  • Soulful Classic
  • Empowering Ballad
  • Etta James
  • Soulful blues

Have you ever listened to a melody where every note resonates with your heart? "I'd Rather Go Blind" by Etta James is precisely that kind of song. James' passionate and soulful rendition captures the raw emotions of heartbreak and longing, leaving an unforgettable mark on listeners.

Through her emotive vocals and powerful delivery, James conveys the depth of pain and vulnerability associated with lost love. The song's musical arrangement, featuring a haunting melody and soulful instrumentation, perfectly complements James' performance, creating an immersive and deeply moving experience that transcends time.

2. At Last (Etta James - 2018)

At Last - Etta James

Listen online

Song information

ArtistEtta JamesRelease12-12-2018
Time03:00View51M+
Likes 612K+SuitableJazz Lovers
AlbumAt Last!Listen on Spotify
  • Love Ballad
  • Classic soul
  • Jazz blues
  • Etta James
  • R&B Soul
  • Timeless Love Song
  • Vocal Masterpiece
  • Wedding Ceremony

Similar to the way a solitary candle can illuminate an entire room, Etta James' rendition of "At Last" possesses an unmatched ability to brighten even the darkest of hearts. James' raw and passionate vocals, coupled with the song's elegant musical arrangement, create a soundscape that transcends time and effortlessly captures the essence of enduring love.

Listeners have often remarked that "At Last" serves as an anthem for their own romantic aspirations, with phrases like "At last, my love has come along" resonating deeply within their souls. The song's heartfelt lyrics and timeless melody have cemented its place as a classic, capable of evoking a profound sense of joy, hope, and fulfillment in those who hear it.

3. I Just Want To Make Love To You (Etta James - 2018)

I Just Want To Make Love To You - Etta James

Listen online

Song information

ArtistEtta JamesRelease12-12-2018
Time03:06View10M+
Likes 123K+SuitableN/a
AlbumAt Last!Listen on Spotify

In the realm of soul music, Etta James's rendition of "I Just Want to Make Love to You" stands as an evocative masterpiece. Its sultry lyrics, delivered with James's signature raw passion, create an atmosphere of unbridled desire and longing. The song's stripped-down musical arrangement, featuring a slow, steady beat and sparse instrumentation, amplifies the emotional intensity, allowing James's vocals to take center stage.

Listeners have described the song as "a timeless classic that captures the essence of love and intimacy" and "a raw and powerful expression of desire." Its ability to evoke such strong emotions is a testament to James's exceptional talent as a vocalist and performer.

4. Something's Got A Hold On Me

Something's Got A Hold On Me - Etta James

Listen online

Song information

ArtistEtta JamesRelease17-01-2014
Time05:51View10M+
Likes 164K+SuitableN/a
AlbumHeart & Soul: A RetrospectiveListen on Spotify

If you haven't yet listened to 'Something's Got A Hold On Me' by Etta James, now is the perfect time to indulge in its sweet melody. Etta's impassioned vocals, backed by a soulful arrangement, create an irresistible allure that captivates the listener from the very first note.

The song's raw emotion and honesty resonate deeply with listeners, who often remark on its timeless appeal. Etta's powerful delivery conveys a sense of longing and desperation that is both relatable and profoundly moving. The combination of her vocal prowess and the song's infectious groove makes 'Something's Got A Hold On Me' an unforgettable musical experience.

5. Misty Blue (Etta James - 2018)

Misty Blue - Etta James

Listen online

Song information

ArtistEtta JamesRelease29-07-2018
Time04:58View7M+
Likes 71K+SuitableN/a
AlbumThe DreamerListen on Spotify

Whenever the tune of 'Misty Blue' by Etta James plays, I can't help but reminisce about old memories. That's the power of genuine music. The song's melancholic melody and Etta's soulful vocals create a palpable sense of longing and regret.

Listeners have described the song as a "heartbreaking ballad" that captures the essence of lost love. The lyrics, which speak of a love that has faded away, are both poignant and relatable. The song's simple yet effective musical arrangement allows Etta's voice to take center stage, and her raw emotion shines through in every note.

6. All I Could Do Was Cry (At Last!)

All I Could Do Was Cry - Etta James

Listen online

Song information

ArtistEtta JamesRelease12-12-2018
Time02:56View6M+
Likes 78K+SuitableN/a
AlbumAt Last!Listen on Spotify

"All I Could Do Was Cry" a heart-wrenching ballad by Etta James, is a testament to the raw and profound emotions of heartbreak. The song's lyrics, filled with poignant imagery and evocative language, capture the depths of despair and longing that accompany a lost love. Etta James's soulful vocals, soaring effortlessly over the sparse yet evocative musical arrangement, convey the overwhelming pain and vulnerability of the protagonist.

Listeners have praised the song's ability to evoke a deep emotional response, with many commenting on its cathartic and relatable nature. The song's simple yet effective arrangement, featuring a haunting piano melody and James's raw and emotive vocals, allows the lyrics to take center stage, creating a powerful and unforgettable listening experience.

7. A Sunday Kind Of Love

A Sunday Kind Of Love - Etta James

Listen online

Song information

ArtistEtta JamesRelease24-01-2015
Time03:21View3M+
Likes 69K+SuitableVocal Jazz Lovers
AlbumAt Last!Listen on Spotify
  • Love song
  • Etta James
  • Jazz Standards
  • Slow Swing

Released in 1960, "A Sunday Kind of Love" by Etta James has won the hearts of countless listeners with its emotional resonance and soul-stirring performance. The song's hopeful lyrics, yearning for a lasting and fulfilling love, have become an anthem for those who long for a deep and meaningful connection.

The song's musical arrangement masterfully combines the soulful vocals of Etta James, captivating melodies that linger in the mind, and an infectious rhythm that sets the mood for a romantic and memorable experience. Its universal appeal transcends time and continues to resonate with audiences of all backgrounds, comforting and inspiring them with its timeless message of love.

8. Stormy Weather (Etta James - 2011)

Stormy Weather - Etta James

Listen online

Song information

ArtistEtta JamesRelease18-05-2011
Time03:11View3M+
Likes 24K+SuitableN/a
AlbumAt Last!Listen on Spotify

Stormy Weather - Etta James

Stormy Weather, an iconic rendition by Etta James, is a heart-wrenching ballad that captures the depths of emotional turmoil. Etta's raw and soulful vocals convey the weight of a broken heart, embodying the song's poignant lyrics with each note. The bluesy rhythm and weeping harmonies create a melancholic atmosphere that lingers long after the final notes fade.

Those who've immersed themselves in the song's embrace describe the experience as a transformative journey. Etta's emotive performance transports listeners to a realm of raw emotion, stirring feelings of weariness, longing, and a longing for redemption. Stormy Weather is a timeless testament to Etta James' extraordinary vocal prowess and her ability to evoke the full spectrum of human experience through music.

9. Tell Mama (Etta James - 2011)

Tell Mama - Etta James

Listen online

Song information

ArtistEtta JamesRelease22-12-2011
Time02:27View2M+
Likes 13K+SuitableN/a
AlbumTell MamaListen on Spotify

"Tell Mama" by Etta James is a timeless masterpiece that captivates listeners with its raw emotion and infectious groove. The song's heartfelt lyrics, delivered with James's signature intensity, evoke a sense of longing and vulnerability that resonates deeply. The interplay between the soaring horns and the soulful guitar creates a musical tapestry that perfectly complements James's powerful vocals.

Despite its enduring popularity, "Tell Mama" was never a favorite of James herself. She may have felt that the song's portrayal of her as a comforter and provider for men was not a reflection of her own experiences. However, the song's undeniable appeal continues to touch listeners, who find solace in its message of understanding and acceptance.

10. The Man I Love (Mystery Lady: Songs of Billie Holiday)

The Man I Love - Etta James

Listen online

Song information

ArtistEtta JamesRelease23-04-2010
Time04:31View2M+
Likes 9K+SuitableN/a
AlbumMystery Lady: Songs of Billie HolidayListen on Spotify

The Man I Love, a song made famous by Etta James' soulful rendition, evokes a yearning for a deep and fulfilling love. The lyrics, simple yet poignant, paint a picture of longing and anticipation. James' powerful vocals convey the emotional weight of the lyrics, capturing the longing for a love that feels like home. The song's sparse musical arrangement only enhances the raw emotion, allowing James' voice to take center stage and create an unforgettable connection with the listener.

The song resonates with listeners, who find solace and inspiration in its message of hope and resilience. They identify with the yearning for a love that will make life's struggles bearable. James' rendition offers a sense of comfort and reassurance, reminding them that they are not alone in their longing for a meaningful connection.

11. Trust In Me (At Last!)

Trust In Me - Etta James

Listen online

Song information

ArtistEtta JamesRelease12-12-2018
Time02:59View2M+
Likes 21K+SuitableN/a
AlbumAt Last!Listen on Spotify

Etta James' rendition of "Trust In Me" is a sultry and emotionally charged performance that showcases her exceptional vocal abilities. The song's slow tempo and sparse arrangement create an intimate and evocative atmosphere, allowing James' voice to take center stage. Her delivery is both passionate and vulnerable, conveying the longing and heartache of a woman grappling with trust and betrayal.

Listeners have praised "Trust In Me" for its timeless appeal and the way it encapsulates the complexities of human relationships. The song's emotional depth and James' raw vocal performance have left a lasting impression on fans, making it a beloved classic in her repertoire.

12. I Got You Babe (Mystery Lady: Songs of Billie Holiday)

I Got You Babe - Etta James

Listen online

Song information

ArtistEtta JamesRelease24-02-2023
Time02:29View245K+
Likes 5K+SuitableN/a
AlbumMystery Lady: Songs of Billie HolidayListen on Spotify

Released in 1960, Etta James' version of "I Got You Babe" with Sonny & Cher earned the Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1999. James' soulful rendition captivates listeners with its heartfelt emotion and timeless appeal.

The song's infectious groove and James' powerful vocals create an irresistible invitation to dance. Her raw passion and authenticity resonate deeply, making this rendition a beloved classic that continues to touch hearts decades later. Its universal appeal lies in its celebration of innocent love and the enduring power of music to uplift and connect.

13. Miss You (Matriarch Of The Blues - 2015)

Miss You - Etta James

Listen online

Song information

ArtistEtta JamesRelease24-09-2015
Time06:01View230K+
Likes 4K+SuitableN/a
AlbumMatriarch Of The BluesListen on Spotify

"Miss You" by Etta James is a heart-wrenching ballad that captures the raw emotions of longing and loss. The song's soulful melody and James's powerful vocals create a sense of deep nostalgia, as if the listener is reliving the pain of a cherished love that's now gone.

Through its simple yet poignant lyrics, "Miss You" conveys the universal experience of missing someone you can't be with. The song's melancholic tone and James's emotive delivery resonate deeply with listeners, making it a timeless anthem for those who have ever felt the ache of lost love.

14. Steal Away (Tell Mama)

Steal Away - Etta James

Listen online

Song information

ArtistEtta JamesRelease22-12-2011
Time02:26View201K+
Likes 2K+SuitableN/a
AlbumTell MamaListen on Spotify

"Steal Away" Etta James' iconic rendition, has captivated audiences for decades, earning its place as a timeless masterpiece. Its raw emotional power and soulful delivery have garnered widespread acclaim, including a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 1961.

The song's haunting melody and James' emotive vocals evoke a profound sense of longing and heartache. It showcases her extraordinary vocal range and interpretive brilliance, capturing the essence of unrequited love and the struggle for emotional freedom. Listeners are drawn to its universal themes and the deeply personal connection it creates, leaving them both moved and inspired.

15. Just A Little Bit (Tell Mama)

Just A Little Bit - Etta James

Listen online

Song information

ArtistEtta JamesRelease22-12-2011
Time02:11View181K+
Likes 1K+SuitableN/a
AlbumTell MamaListen on Spotify

Have you ever listened to a melody where every note resonates with your heart? "Just a Little Bit" by Etta James is exactly that kind of song. Its emotional lyrics, captivating vocals, and soulful arrangement create a timeless masterpiece that has touched the hearts of listeners for decades.

Listeners often describe "Just a Little Bit" as a song that perfectly captures the bittersweet longing and vulnerability of love. James's passionate delivery conveys the raw emotions of a heart yearning for connection, while the song's sparse instrumentation and haunting melody evoke a sense of longing and regret. It's a song that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever experienced the complexities of love and loss.

16. The Love Of My Man (Tell Mama)

The Love Of My Man - Etta James

Listen online

Song information

ArtistEtta JamesRelease26-04-2018
Time02:43View90K+
Likes 1K+SuitableN/a
AlbumTell MamaListen on Spotify

Similar to the way "At Last" captures the longing and anticipation of a heart yearning for love, "The Love of My Man" by Etta James encapsulates the profound fulfillment and contentment of a love that has come to fruition. Listeners are captivated by the song's soulful melody and James's emotive vocals, which convey the depth of her devotion and the unwavering strength of her bond.

This song transcends the boundaries of time, resonating with listeners across generations. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to evoke the universal emotions of love, passion, and commitment. Whether experienced firsthand or yearned for from afar, "The Love of My Man" evokes a profound sense of longing and belonging that few songs can match.

17. Don't Cry Baby

Don't Cry Baby - Etta James

Listen online

Song information

ArtistEtta JamesRelease12-12-2018
Time02:27View88K+
Likes 2K+SuitableN/a
AlbumThe Second Time AroundListen on Spotify

From the very first notes of "Don't Cry Baby" by Etta James, I was captivated by its raw emotion and soulful delivery. The song's bluesy arrangement perfectly complements James' powerful vocals, creating a sound that is both haunting and cathartic.

As the song progresses, James' lyrics explore the complexities of love and loss, capturing the pain and longing that comes with heartbreak. Her voice soars through the chorus, delivering a message of resilience and hope that resonates with listeners on a deeply personal level. "Don't Cry Baby" is a timeless classic that showcases Etta James' extraordinary talent as a vocalist and songwriter, and its emotional impact continues to move audiences to this day.

18. It Hurts Me So Much

It Hurts Me So Much - Etta James

Listen online

Song information

ArtistEtta JamesRelease22-12-2011
Time02:40View85K+
Likes 556+SuitableN/a
AlbumTell MamaListen on Spotify

Etta James' "It Hurts Me So Much" is a timeless masterpiece that encapsulates the raw emotions of heartbreak and loss. Its soulful melody and James's powerhouse vocals create an unforgettable listening experience that resonates deeply with listeners. The song's lyrics, filled with longing and regret, paint a vivid picture of a love gone wrong, leaving listeners emotionally moved and connected to its message.

James's ability to convey the pain and anguish of the lyrics through her voice is truly remarkable. Her performance is both heartbreaking and cathartic, allowing listeners to experience the full range of emotions that accompany lost love. The song's musical arrangement, with its sparse instrumentation and haunting melody, further enhances its emotional impact, creating a space for listeners to fully immerse themselves in the song's message.

19. Fool That I Am (The Second Time Around)

Fool That I Am - Etta James

Listen online

Song information

ArtistEtta JamesRelease12-12-2018
Time02:58View70K+
Likes 1K+SuitableN/a
AlbumThe Second Time AroundListen on Spotify

"Fool That I Am" a timeless ballad by Etta James, evokes a profound sense of heartache and regret. The song's poignant lyrics, delivered with James' raw and soulful vocals, paint a vivid picture of a love lost and the lingering pain it inflicts. The arrangement, characterized by a simple piano melody and sparse instrumentation, amplifies the song's emotional intensity, allowing James' voice to soar and convey the depth of her sorrow.

Listeners are deeply moved by the song's ability to capture the universal experience of heartbreak. They resonate with James' portrayal of the pain of betrayal and the longing for a love that can no longer be. The song's raw emotion and honest storytelling have made it an enduring classic, continuing to touch the hearts of listeners generation after generation.

20. Do Right Woman, Do Right Man (Heart & Soul: A Retrospective)

Do Right Woman, Do Right Man - Etta James

Listen online

Song information

ArtistEtta JamesRelease22-12-2011
Time03:04View39K+
Likes 458+SuitableN/a
AlbumHeart & Soul: A RetrospectiveListen on Spotify

Stepping away from the vibrant sounds of contemporary electronic music, Etta James's "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man" offers a timeless classic that transcends musical eras. Its soul-stirring melody and poignant lyrics resonate deeply with listeners, leaving an enduring emotional imprint.

The song's raw emotionality is palpable, as James's powerhouse vocals convey the complexities of love, longing, and betrayal. The musical arrangement is equally captivating, blending soulful instrumentation with a driving beat that propels the song forward. The result is a musical masterpiece that captures the essence of the human experience, evoking a range of emotions from heartache to empowerment.