The 10 Best Rita Coolidge Songs of All-Time

Rita Coolidge

Rita Coolidge is a Lafayette, Tennessee-born American singer. She is a two-time Grammy award winner. Many know Coolidge for her 1970s and 1980s hits. She landed her big breakthrough in 1977 after releasing Anytime…Anywhere, her a solo album. It charted on the Billboard 200, peaking at no.6. The album also made large sales (over 1 million copies). Coolidge grew up in a family where music was part of their lives. She would sing with her sisters, who are equally blessed with outstanding vocals. However, singing as a backup vocalist for legendary artists including Harry Chapin, Leon Russell, Graham Nash, Dave Mason, and Eric Clapton, to mention a few, was a significant input to the success of her solo releases. Let’s explore some of the best Rita Coolidge songs of all time.

10. Something Said Love

 

Wood Newton and Jerry Michael penned this song. It is a single on Coolidge’s last album with A&M records, “Inside the Fire.” This song is one of her big hits that appeared on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart peaking at number fifteen.

9. The Way You Do the Things You Do

 

“The Way You Do the Things You Do” was first released by the Temptations in 1964. It was their debut hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Rita released her cover in 1978 on her sixth album, ‘Anytime…Anywhere.’ Her version also charted on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching number 20. It also peaked at number nine on the Adult Contemporary chart and ranked among the 1978’s biggest hits in Canada. This song made appearances on various charts, including the Record World Singles chart and Cash Box Top 100, peaking at no.20 and 18. It was penned by Bobby Rogers and Smokey Robinson.

8. One Fine Day

 

Co-written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, ‘One Fine Day’ marks Coolidge’s lead single from her album, ‘Satisfied.’ She released this ballad in 1979. It charted on the Us Billboard Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary chart, peaking at no. 66 and 15. It is one of the songs covered by various artists, including Bo Donaldson and Heywoods, Chiffons, Carole king, and The Mindbenders.

7. Fool That I Am

 

‘Fool That I AM’ is believed to have been inspired by the singer’s marriage that was falling apart. She released the song on the verge of her divorce from her first husband, Kris Kristofferson. The song ranked position 46 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also peaked at no. 15 on the Adult Contemporary chart. Bruce Roberts and Carol Bayer Sager co-wrote it.

6. You

 

This list will not be incomplete without this lead single from the ‘Love Me Again’ album released in 1978. Tom Snow wrote this song, becoming one of Coolidge’s top 10 hits on the Adult Contemporary chart; it ranked number three. It also charted on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 25.

5. Love Me Again

 

Allee Willis and David Lasley wrote ‘Love Me Again,’ the fourth single of Coolidge’s album also entitled ‘ Love Me Again.’ This song is about giving love a second chance. It is one of Rita’s greatest hits to appear on US charts. It ranked no. 68 on Billboard Hot 100 and position 20 on the Adult Contemporary charts

4. (Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher and Higher

 

The fourth song on our list is this first single from Coolidge’s sixth album, ‘Anytime…Anywhere,’ released in 1977. It is one of her biggest hits and a favorite to many of her fans. It peaked at no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, ranked fifth on the Adult Contemporary Chart, and no.1 hit in Canada. It also topped the US Cash Box charts. The original record by Jackie Wilson released in 1967, was also a great success. It topped the top 10 Pop and R&B hits. Garry Jackson wrote this song along with Raynard Miner and Carl Smith.

3. All Time High

 

‘All Time High’ is another successful hit recorded by this great singer. It is the theme song of the Octopussy ((1983 James Bond movie) soundtrack penned by Tim Rice and John Barry, the leading composers of the film score. It peaked at number one on the Adult contemporary chart, spending one week atop. It also reached position 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

2. I’d Rather Leave While I’m In Love

 

“I’d rather leave while I’m in love” is a breakup hit related to the singer’s first marriage. It confirms the claims that they (Rita and Kris Kristofferson) are great friends and have maintained their bond even after their divorce. It charted number three on the Adult Contemporary chart and position 38 on the Billboard Hot 100. The message on this remake is not different from Peter Allen’s (late) original record, which he wrote with Carole Sager. He also separated from his wife, Liza Minnelli, in 1972, after six years of marriage.

1. We are All Alone

 

“We Are All Alone” tops our list of Rita’s best hits. It’s a song that gained positive reception internationally. It ranked position one on the US Adult Contemporary chart and topped the chart for one week. It also peaked at number one on the Canada Contemporary chart and number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song features on Coolidge’s best-selling album, ‘Anytime…Anywhere. It’s a remark of Boz Saggs (the song’s writer) original record from his album, ‘Silk Degree.’ Other artists have covered the song, including Engelbert Humperdinck, Jonny Mathis, Bob James, Lesley Gore, and Linda Eder.

Summing Up

Rita Coolidge’s impact on the music industry cannot go unnoticed. She brings a unique style to the industry, blending in the worlds of pop, rock n roll, blues, jazz, and adult contemporary genres. Listen to her songs, and you’ll appreciate her pure and powerful voice and her ability to hit every note flawlessly. Since the early stages of her career, Rita has always exemplified an indomitable spirit and continues to captivate her audience with her timeless songs. However, the ten songs on our list are her forever signature hits worth a space in your playlist.

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