The Rosa Kings Favorite Ballads: A Bluesy Gem from 1981 That Still Hits Hard
Let’s get one thing straight—this album ain’t perfect. But man, does it have soul. The Rosa Kings Favorite Ballads by Rosa King is one of those records that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. Released in 1981 under the Paradise label (a name that sounds way too smooth for its time), this Dutch-born gem mixes blues and rhythm & blues with a rawness that feels like listening to someone spill their guts over a smoky barroom piano.
Rosa King handles vocals and saxophone duties like she owns both, which—let’s be real—she kinda does. The band behind her? Tight but not too polished. You’ve got Marian Stel tickling the ivories, Antonio Cerqua laying down steady drum grooves, and Rainer “Holiday” Bleck holding down basslines so deep they feel like they’re coming from another dimension. Oh, and Martino Lattebarriso’s congas? They add just enough spice to keep things interesting.
Now let’s talk tracks because, honestly, some songs here are unforgettable. Take "Georgia On My Mind." Yeah, yeah, we all know the classic version by Ray Charles, but Rosa makes it hers. Her voice cracks at just the right moments, giving it this lived-in, weathered vibe. It’s less about perfection and more about feeling every damn word. And then there’s "Trouble In Mind," where the saxophone takes center stage. Rosa wails on that horn like she’s trying to exorcise something heavy, and trust me—it works. By the end of the track, you’ll wanna grab a whiskey and stare out the window while pretending life isn’t as messy as it actually is.
Other standouts include "Please Send Me Someone To Love" and "Going Down Slow," but honestly, the whole album flows like a late-night conversation between friends who’ve known each other forever. There’s no rush, no forced energy—just honest music made by people who clearly loved what they were doing.
Here’s the kicker though: why did an album this good come out of the Netherlands in 1981? Like… how does that even happen? It’s almost like Rosa King and her crew decided to flip the script on everyone else making flashy disco or overly produced pop back then. Instead, they doubled down on grit, heartache, and groove—and thank God they did.
So if you’re looking for something that feels real, something that doesn’t try too hard but still knocks your socks off, give The Rosa Kings Favorite Ballads a spin. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself humming "Georgia On My Mind" for days afterward—it’s contagious as hell.
Oh, and hey, fun fact: I swear Martino’s conga rhythms sound like they’re plotting world domination. Maybe that’s why this album flew under the radar? Who knows.
