LaBelle, Are You Lonely? | Throwback Vibez

In the 73rd edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Are You Lonely?” by LaBelle.   

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 73^rd edition of Throwback Vibez ️ (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Are You Lonely?” performed by LaBelle.

“Are you lonely? (Lonely) Are you lonely? (Lonely) / Are you lonely, living in a city without a heart?” Those inquiring lyrics hail from one-of-a-kind funk/soul collective, LaBelle, which most famously comprised Patti LaBelle (Patricia Louise Holte, 1944 – ), Nona Hendryx (1944 – ), and Sarah Dash (1945 – 2021). The song at hand, “Are You Lonely?”, is the third track from the dynamic trio’s 1974 album, Nightbirds. That album features a bigger, much better-known song: “Lady Marmalade”.  Even with “Voulez-vous coucher avec moi, ce soir” taking the cake, the Nona Hendryx-penned “Are You Lonely?” is a solid album cut.  The late, great Allen Toussaint (1938 – 2015) produced it.

“Are You Lonely?” funkifizes from the beginning. The bass line is sick – one of the best you’ll hear from the funk/soul catalog! The groove ‘grooves hard’ and is potent to the nth degree. Adding to the musical excellence are bluesy, soulful piano riffs and the articulated, exuberant horns. The backdrop is ample fuel for the ladies’ fire. Patti LaBelle delivers a dynamic, powerful vocal performance.  Her skills bring the melodies to life, adding extra punch with her vocal ad-libs and riffs. She gets awesome backing vocals from LaBelle, including sensational harmonies.  Nona Hendryx put her foot into the songwriting in this minor-key joint.  “You’ve been runnin’ around counting teardrops / They said it was rain falling from the sky,” Patti sings, authentically, continuing, “You’ve been wondering why the rain never stops / Only tears your people cry.” Word. The socially conscious lyrics are pronounced: “See the well-dressed preacher, living like a king / Hold the unwed mother, who’s afraid to scream / See the hungry children, posing for a shot / Hear their mothers tell them, that’s all we’ve got.” The centerpiece of the underrated “Are You Lonely?” is undoubtedly the chorus, in all of its lonely glory.  LaBelle shines on this unforgettable album track that deserves more recognition.

LaBelle // Nightbirds // Sony Music Entertainment Inc. // 1974

LaBelle, Are You Lonely?: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 73 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Sony Music Entertainment Inc.; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]