Gladys Knight Albums Ranked

Gladys Maria Knight (born May 28, 1944), known as the “Empress of Soul”, is an American singer and actress. A seven-time Grammy Award-winner, Knight is known for the hits she recorded during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s with her group The Pips, which also included her brother Merald “Bubba” Knight and cousins William Guest and Edward Patten. Knight has recorded two number-one Billboard Hot 100 singles (“Midnight Train to Georgia” and “That’s What Friends Are For” which she did with Dionne Warwick and Sir Elton John), eleven number-one R&B singles and six number-one R&B albums. She has won seven Grammy Awards (four as a solo artist and three with the Pips) and is an inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Vocal Group Hall of Fame along with The Pips. Two of her songs (“I Heard It Through the Grapevine” and “Midnight Train to Georgia”) were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for “historical, artistic and significant” value. She also recorded the theme song for the 1989 James Bond film Licence to Kill. Rolling Stone magazine ranked Knight among the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. Here are all of Gladys Knight’s albums ranked.

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10. The Very Best Of Gladys Knight & The Pips 

“This album will prove that although they were at the height of their popularity during their Motown and Buddah years, they still made great music during their final years as a group with Columbia Records.”

9. Greatest Hits 

“What can you say about Gladys Knight that’s not been said. A great voice and you will always know it as soon as you hear the song and she gets better with age just like a great wine this is a top class collection from a long standing singer of stunning songs.”

8. I Feel A Song 

“There was a time in music history when good singing, songs, production meant something, this lp was released during that time. Treat yourself too music history. This is GK & The Pips at their very best. Sit back, stand up and enjoy.”

7. At Last

“In the times of robotic R&B it’s nice to hear that some of the greatest legends of popular music have enough strength, passion and conviction to record albums like this, that capture the very essence of R&B music. When we’re overwhelmed by superficial sounds from artists (or shall I say pseudo-artists) like Beyonce or Rihianna it’s a refreshing surprise to listen to Gladys Knight’s “At Last”, which tries to go back and update her sound all at once.”

6. Many Different Roads

“Gladys Knight is one of a kind singer who possesses something that can’t be said about others-she lives her songs. When she opens up her mouth to sing it comes straight from her heart. It’s not calculated, manipulated output but creation of her body and soul. When one listens to that magnificent voice of hers it’s hard not to stop and say: “WOW!”.”

See more: Cyndi Lauper Albums Ranked

5. Miss Gladys Knight

“I think Gladys could sing the phone book and sound amazing. This was her first solo outing (i.e., Pipless), and it’s smashing. Even though she can sing almost any genre, she’s a master interpreter of ballads. Just listen to “We Don’t Make Each Other Laugh Anymore” — not only does she sound amazing, but the listener can FEEL all the emotions she sings about on this song. A stellar first step into solo-land.”

4. Just for You

“Nothing groundbreaking here but Gladys’ incredible vocal turn even the worst song into something memorable. That’s the case of talent. As a bonus, there’s a “End Of The Road” medley, that should have put her on #1 on R&B charts.”

3. Before Me

“Being a lover of old standards and having a massive collection of old and new jazz/standards, I have to say that Gladys Knight has done better than most. The shining star here is ‘Stormy Monday’, everything about her version is sweet perfection. ‘Good Morning Heartache’ is good also, but can’t touch Diana Ross’ version at all. ‘God Bless the Child’ comes in as a very close 3rd… exceptional in a number of parts.”

2. Gladys Knight

“I absolutely adore this album. True, it’s a testament to the time it was released with the requisite disco tracks, but the others… Gladys’ version of “I (Who Have Nothing)” makes this album — it blows even Dame Shirley Bassey’s version out of the water: Pure vocal heaven!”

1. Good Woman

“You can’t do wrong with a voice like this! Although, there are few songs that easily could have been left off, still Gladys’ voice saves everything. It’s a magical instrument, that’s often overlooked by critics and public alike. “Good Woman” was hot seller for Knight and spawned few R&B hits, most notably her own version of Karyn White’s classic “Superwoman” recorded with guest stars: Dionne Warwick and Patti LaBelle.”