Aretha Franklin | ||
| Allmusic Biography : Aretha Franklin was one of the giants of soul music, and indeed of American pop as a whole. More than any other performer, she epitomized soul at its most gospel-charged. Her astonishing run of late-60s hits with Atlantic Records -- "Respect," "I Never Loved a Man," "Chain of Fools," "Baby I Love You," "I Say a Little Prayer," "Think," "The House That Jack Built," and several others -- earned her the title Queen of Soul. Franklin never rested on her laurels. Following the early-70s LPs Spirit in the Dark and Young, Gifted and Black, she scored more hits on the R&B; charts than pop, adeptly following the progression of soul in the 70s and 80s thanks to her collaborations with Curtis Mayfield (1976s Sparkle) and Luther Vandross (1982s Jump to It). Aretha made a triumphant return to pop with 1985s Whos Zoomin Who? and its Top 10 single "Freeway of Love," which was followed in 1987 by the George Michael duet "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)," which became her first number one hit on the Billboard charts since "Respect" in 1967. Franklin spent the next three decades performing and recording regularly, maintaining her status as the Queen of Soul until her death in 2018. Franklins roots in gospel ran extremely deep. With her sisters Carolyn and Erma (both of whom would also have recording careers), she sang at the Detroit church of her father, Reverend C.L. Franklin, while growing up in the 50s. In fact, she made her first recordings as a gospel artist at the age of 14. It has also been reported that Motown was interested in signing her back in the days when it was a tiny start-up. Ultimately, however, Franklin ended up with Columbia, to which she was signed by the renowned talent scout John Hammond. Franklin would record for Columbia constantly throughout the first half of the 60s, notching occasional R&B; hits (and one Top 40 single, "Rock-a-bye Your Baby with a Dixie Melody") but never truly break out as a star. The Columbia period continues to generate considerable controversy among critics, many of whom feel that Arethas true aspirations were being blunted by pop-oriented material and production. In fact, there are a number of fine items to be found on the Columbia sides, including the occasional song ("Lee Cross," "Soulville") where she belts out soul with real gusto. Its undeniably true, though, that her work at Columbia was considerably tamer than what was to follow, and suffered in general from a lack of direction and an apparent emphasis on trying to develop her as an all-around entertainer, rather than as an R&B;/soul singer. When Franklin left Columbia for Atlantic, producer Jerry Wexler was determined to bring out her most soulful, fiery traits. As part of that plan, he had her record her first single, "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)," at Muscle Shoals in Alabama with esteemed Southern R&B; musicians. In fact, that was to be her only actual session at Muscle Shoals, but much of the remainder of her 60s work would be recorded with the Muscle Shoals Sound Rhythm Section, although the sessions would take place in New York City. The combination was one of those magic instances of musical alchemy in pop: the backup musicians provided a much grittier, soulful, and R&B-based; accompaniment for Arethas voice, which soared with a passion and intensity suggesting a spirit that had been allowed to fly loose for the first time. In the late 60s, Franklin became one of the biggest international recording stars in all of pop. Many also saw her as a symbol of black America itself, reflecting the increased confidence and pride of African-Americans in the decade of the civil rights movement and other triumphs for the black community. The chart statistics are impressive in and of themselves: ten Top Ten hits in a roughly 18-month span between early 1967 and late 1968, for instance, and a steady stream of solid mid- to large-size hits for the next five years after that. Her Atlantic albums were also huge sellers, and far more consistent artistically than those of most soul stars of the era. Franklin was able to maintain creative momentum, in part because of her eclectic choice of material, which encompassed first-class originals and gospel, blues, pop, and rock covers, from the Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel to Sam Cooke and the Drifters. She was also a fine, forceful, and somewhat underrated keyboardist. Franklins commercial and artistic success was unabated in the early 70s, during which she landed more huge hits with "Spanish Harlem," "Bridge Over Troubled Water," and "Day Dreaming." She also produced two of her most respected, and earthiest, album releases with Live at Fillmore West and Amazing Grace. The latter, a 1972 double LP, was a reinvestigation of her gospel roots, recorded with James Cleveland and the Southern California Community Choir. Remarkably, it hit the Top Ten, making it one of the greatest gospel-pop crossover smashes of all time. Franklin had a few more hits over the next few years -- "Angel" and the Stevie Wonder cover "Until You Come Back to Me" being the most notable. Her Atlantic contract ended at the close of the 70s. She signed with the Clive Davis-guided Arista and scored number one R&B; hits with "Jump to It," "Get It Right," and "Freeway of Love." Many of her successes were duets, or crafted with the assistance of contemporaries such as Luther Vandross and Narada Michael Walden. In 1986, Franklin released her follow-up to Whos Zoomin Who?, the self-titled Aretha, which saw the single "I Knew You Were Waiting for Me," a duet with George Michael, hit the top of the charts. There was also another return to gospel in 1987 with One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. Franklin shifted back to pop with 1989s Through the Storm, but it wasnt a commercial success, and neither was 1991s new jack swing-styled What You See Is What You Sweat. After 1994, Aretha Franklin eased into elder stateswoman territory, performing regularly and releasing albums every few years. A Rose Is Still a Rose went gold upon its release in 1998, thanks to two number one R&B; hits: its title track and "Here We Go Again." It also contained the Grammy-winning song "Wonderful." Following 2003s So Damn Happy, Franklin left Arista after A Rose Is Still a Rose -- the label would release Jewels in the Crown: All-Star Duets with the Queen in 2007; she formed her own imprint, Arethas Records, for 2008s This Christmas. After 2011s A Woman Falling Out of Love, she reteamed with Clive Davis at RCA. Davis connected her with the likes of Babyface and OutKasts André 3000 for 2014s Sings the Great Diva Classics, where she covered Gladys Knight, Barbra Streisand, and Adele. A Brand New Me, an archival release featuring classic Aretha vocals in front of newly created orchestral arrangements by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, appeared in 2017. Also in 2017, Franklin canceled several concerts due to health problems, but she managed to appear at a show celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Elton John AIDS Foundation that November. It turned out to be her last public performance. Over the course of 2018, her health worsened due to pancreatic cancer. Franklin started to receive hospice care on August 13 and died at her home in Detroit three days later. The memorial service held on August 31 at Detroits Greater Grace Temple featured testimonials from peers, civil rights leaders, and politicians, and was televised around the world. The first posthumous Franklin release was the compilation The Atlantic Singles Collection 1967-1970, which appeared in September 2018. It was followed in March 2019 by the re-release of Amazing Grace: The Complete Recordings. | ||
 | Album: 1 of 47 Title: The Electrifying Aretha Franklin Released: 1962-01-25 Tracks: 19 Duration: 49:10 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 You Made Me Love You (02:19) 2 I Told You So (02:44) 3 Rock-A-Bye Your Baby With a Dixie Melody (02:24) 4 Nobody Like You (02:23) 5 Exactly Like You (02:36) 6 Its So Heartbreakin (02:40) 7 Rough Lover (02:48) 8 Blue Holiday (02:55) 9 Just for You (02:20) 10 That Lucky Old Sun (03:20) 11 I Surrender, Dear (02:46) 12 Ac-cent-tchu-ate the Positive (02:17) 13 Introduction to Hard Times (00:29) 14 Hard Times (No One Knows Better Than I) (take 2) (03:08) 15 When They Ask About You (03:00) 16 Operation Heartbreak (03:00) 17 I Surrender, Dear (02:48) 18 Rough Lover (02:48) 19 Kissin by the Mistletoe (02:22) |
 | Album: 2 of 47 Title: The Tender, the Moving, the Swinging Released: 1962-08-13 Tracks: 12 Duration: 35:25 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 Dont Cry Baby (03:23) 2 Try a Little Tenderness (03:16) 3 I Apologise (02:53) 4 Without the One You Love (02:48) 5 Look for the Silver Lining (03:05) 6 Im Sitting on Top of the World (02:43) 7 Just for a Thrill (02:33) 8 God Bless the Child (03:03) 9 Im Wandering (03:27) 10 How Deep Is the Ocean (02:49) 11 I Dont Know You Anymore (02:50) 12 Lover Come Back to Me (02:35) |
 | Album: 3 of 47 Title: Laughing on the Outside Released: 1963 Tracks: 12 Duration: 40:52 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Skylark (02:52) 2 For All We Know (03:30) 3 Make Someone Happy (03:51) 4 I Wonder (Where Are You Tonight) (03:20) 5 Solitude (03:51) 6 Laughing on the Outside (Crying on the Inside) (03:15) 7 Say It Isn’t So (03:09) 8 Until the Real Thing Comes Along (03:08) 9 If Ever I Would Leave You (04:10) 10 Where Are You (03:52) 11 Mr. Ugly (03:25) 12 I Wanna Be Around (02:27) |
 | Album: 4 of 47 Title: Unforgettable: A Tribute to Dinah Washington Released: 1964 Tracks: 10 Duration: 36:38 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Unforgettable (03:41) 2 Cold, Cold Heart (04:37) 3 What a Diff’rence a Day Made (03:31) 4 Drinking Again (03:29) 5 Nobody Knows the Way I Feel This Morning (05:12) 6 Evil Gal Blues (02:42) 7 Don’t Say You’re Sorry Again (02:47) 8 This Bitter Earth (04:35) 9 If I Should Lose You (03:39) 10 Soulville (02:23) |
| Unforgettable: A Tribute to Dinah Washington : Allmusic album Review : Since her youth Franklin had admired Dinah Washington, and its a safe bet that the level of emotional commitment Washington brought to her work was a major influence on the blossoming style of Aretha, not to mention Washingtons effortless sense of swing. Shortly before she died, Washington took appreciate notice of her acolyte as well. So Arethas tribute to Washington is as logical as it is satisfying. Recorded when Aretha was just 21, UNFORGETTABLE is somewhat of a departure from her more R&B-oriented; early work. However, the string arrangements of Johnny Mersey adn the jazzy bass work of George Duvivier mesh perfectly with Franklins high-flying vocal fireworks. From the slow, subtle caress of "What a Difference a Day Made" to the organ-led blues of "Nobody Knows the Way I Feel This Morning," the young Aretha is in total command of the material here, simultaneously paying homage to and progressing from the influence of Washington. | ||
 | Album: 5 of 47 Title: Runnin Out of Fools Released: 1964-11-16 Tracks: 12 Duration: 31:51 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Mockingbird (02:37) 2 How Glad I Am (02:35) 3 Walk on By (02:48) 4 Every Little Bit Hurts (02:49) 5 The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss) (02:23) 6 Youll Lose a Good Thing (02:40) 7 I Cant Wait Until I See My Babys Face (02:45) 8 Its Just a Matter of Time (03:00) 9 Runnin Out of Fools (02:36) 10 My Guy (03:04) 11 Two Sides of Love (02:26) 12 One Room Paradise (02:07) |
 | Album: 6 of 47 Title: Yeah!!! Released: 1965-05-17 Tracks: 12 Duration: 35:47 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples AlbumCover | 1 This Could Be the Start of Something (01:29) 2 Once in a Lifetime (live) (03:24) 3 Misty (03:37) 4 More (01:50) 5 There Is No Greater Love (04:40) 6 Muddy Water (02:22) 7 If I Had a Hammer (02:31) 8 Impossible (03:22) 9 Today I Love Evrybody (03:25) 10 Without the One You Love (03:34) 11 Trouble in Mind (02:53) 12 Love for Sale (02:38) |
 | Album: 7 of 47 Title: Soul Sister Released: 1966 Tracks: 11 Duration: 29:59 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Until You Were Gone (03:00) 2 You Made Me Love You (02:34) 3 Follow Your Heart (02:26) 4 Ol’ Man River (04:03) 5 Sweet Bitter Love (02:58) 6 A Mothers Love (02:30) 7 Swanee (02:24) 8 (No, No) Im Losing You (03:09) 9 Take a Look (02:42) 10 Cant You Just See Me (02:02) 11 Cry Like a Baby (02:11) |
 | Album: 8 of 47 Title: Take It Like You Give It Released: 1967 Tracks: 11 Duration: 26:42 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Why Was I Born (02:52) 2 I May Never Get to Heaven (03:27) 3 Tighten Up Your Tie, Button Up Your Jacket (Make It for the Door) (01:58) 4 Her Little Heart Went to Loveland (02:34) 5 Lee Cross (02:53) 6 Take It Like You Give It (01:50) 7 Only the One You Love (02:23) 8 Deeper (02:03) 9 Remember Me (02:12) 10 Land of Dreams (02:12) 11 A Little Bit of Soul (02:18) |
 | Album: 9 of 47 Title: I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You Released: 1967-03-10 Tracks: 14 Duration: 40:57 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Respect (02:26) 2 Drown in My Own Tears (04:06) 3 I Never Loved a Man (the Way I Love You) (02:45) 4 Soul Serenade (02:37) 5 Don’t Let Me Lose This Dream (02:19) 6 Baby, Baby, Baby (02:54) 7 Dr. Feelgood (Love Is a Serious Business) (03:21) 8 Good Times (02:07) 9 Do Right Woman, Do Right Man (03:15) 10 Save Me (02:19) 11 A Change Is Gonna Come (04:17) 12 Respect (stereo version) (02:29) 13 I Never Loved a Man (the Way I Love You) (stereo version) (02:46) 14 Do Right Woman – Do Right Man (stereo version) (03:14) |
| I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You : Allmusic album Review : While the inclusion of "Respect" -- one of the truly seminal singles in pop history -- is in and of itself sufficient to earn I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You classic status, Aretha Franklins Atlantic label debut is an indisputable masterpiece from start to finish. Much of the credit is due to producer Jerry Wexler, who finally unleashed the soulful intensity so long kept under wraps during her Columbia tenure; assembling a crack Muscle Shoals backing band along with an abundance of impeccable material, Wexler creates the ideal setting to allow Aretha to ascend to the throne of Queen of Soul, and she responds with the strongest performances of her career. While the brilliant title track remains the albums other best-known song, each cut on I Never Loved a Man is touched by greatness; covers of Ray Charles "Drown in My Own Tears" and Sam Cookes "Good Times" and "A Change Is Gonna Come" are on par with the original recordings, while Arethas own contributions -- "Dont Let Me Lose This Dream," "Baby, Baby, Baby," "Save Me," and "Dr. Feelgood (Love Is a Serious Business)" -- are perfectly at home in such lofty company. A soul landmark. | ||
 | Album: 10 of 47 Title: Aretha Arrives Released: 1967-08-04 Tracks: 11 Duration: 36:23 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Satisfaction (02:40) 2 You Are My Sunshine (04:22) 3 Never Let Me Go (02:53) 4 96 Tears (02:21) 5 Prove It (03:00) 6 Night Life (03:14) 7 That’s Life (03:30) 8 I Wonder (04:25) 9 Ain’t Nobody (Gonna Turn Me Around) (02:36) 10 Going Down Slow (04:33) 11 Baby, I Love You (02:42) |
| Aretha Arrives : Allmusic album Review : Recorded in 1967 after the first flush of back-to-back successes with "Respect" and "I Never Loved a Man," this captures Aretha Franklin in peak form. Lady Soul provides her own piano accompaniment on the majority of tracks here, and the core band is the same one that provided the fire on her previous album. The tunes are an eclectic batch, and while "Baby, I Love You" was the hit of the album, Franklin turns in strong versions of "Satisfaction," "You Are My Sunshine," "Night Life," "Aint Nobody (Gonna Turn Me Around)," and a quirky cover of "96 Tears" for good measure. An essential addition to her discography. | ||
 | Album: 11 of 47 Title: Take a Look Released: 1967-09-05 Tracks: 10 Duration: 16:28 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Lee Cross (?) 2 Operation Heartbreak (?) 3 Bill Bailey, Wont You Please Come Home (02:21) 4 Ill Keep On Smiling (02:53) 5 I Wont Cry Anymore (02:50) 6 Take a Look (02:42) 7 Won’t Be Long (03:16) 8 Until You Were Gone (?) 9 Blue Holiday (?) 10 Follow Your Heart (02:26) |
 | Album: 12 of 47 Title: Lady Soul Released: 1968-01-22 Tracks: 10 Duration: 29:54 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Chain of Fools (02:47) 2 Money Won’t Change You (02:09) 3 People Get Ready (03:44) 4 Niki Hoeky (02:31) 5 (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman (02:44) 6 Since You’ve Been Gone (Sweet Sweet Baby) (02:25) 7 Good to Me as I Am to You (03:58) 8 Come Back Baby (02:27) 9 Groovin’ (02:55) 10 Ain’t No Way (04:13) |
| Lady Soul : Allmusic album Review : Appearing after a blockbuster debut and a sophomore set that was rather disappointing (in comparison), 1968s Lady Soul proved Aretha Franklin, the pop sensation, was no fluke. Her performances were more impassioned than on her debut, and the material just as strong, an inspired blend of covers and originals from the best songwriters in soul and pop music. The opener, "Chain of Fools," became the biggest hit, driven by a chorus of cascading echoes by Franklin and her bedrock backing vocalists, the Sweet Impressions, plus the unforgettable, earthy guitar work of guest Joe South. The albums showpiece, though, was "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," a song written expressly for her by Brill Building pop stalwarts Gerry Goffin and Carole King, based on a title coined by producer Jerry Wexler. One of the landmark performances in pop music, the song floats serenely through the verses until, swept up by Ralph Burns stirring string arrangement again and again, Franklin opens up on the choruses with one of the most transcendent vocals of her career. And just as shed previously transformed a soul classic (Otis Reddings "Respect") into a signature piece of her own, Franklin courageously reimagined songs by heavyweights James Brown, Ray Charles, and the Impressions. Browns "Money Wont Change You" is smooth and kinetic, her testifying constantly reinforced by interjections from the Sweet Inspirations. Curtis Mayfields "People Get Ready," a 1965 civil-rights anthem and a hit for the Impressions, is taken at a slower pace than the original; after a quiet verse, Franklin lets loose amidst a magisterial brass arrangement by Arif Mardin. Powered by three hit singles (each nested in the upper reaches of the pop Top Ten), Lady Soul became Aretha Franklins second gold LP and remained on the charts for over a year. | ||
 | Album: 13 of 47 Title: Aretha Now Released: 1968-06-14 Tracks: 10 Duration: 29:19 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Think (02:18) 2 I Say a Little Prayer (03:33) 3 See Saw (02:45) 4 Night Time Is the Right Time (04:50) 5 You Send Me (02:28) 6 You’re a Sweet Sweet Man (02:19) 7 I Take What I Want (02:33) 8 Hello Sunshine (03:03) 9 A Change (02:27) 10 I Can’t See Myself Leaving You (03:01) |
| Aretha Now : Allmusic album Review : Though a bit short on running time at ten songs, this still caught Aretha Franklin at the peak of her early form. "Think," "I Say a Little Prayer," "See Saw," and "I Cant See Myself Leaving You" were all big hits. Her choice of cover material included some of her most R&B-drenched; early Atlantic cuts, like "Night Time Is the Right Time," "You Send Me," and "I Take What I Want." | ||
 | Album: 14 of 47 Title: Soul 69 Released: 1969 Tracks: 12 Duration: 40:41 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Ramblin’ (03:10) 2 Today I Sing the Blues (04:25) 3 River’s Invitation (02:40) 4 Pitiful (03:04) 5 Crazy He Calls Me (03:26) 6 Bring It on Home to Me (03:44) 7 Tracks of My Tears (02:54) 8 If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody (03:08) 9 Gentle on My Mind (02:28) 10 So Long (04:36) 11 I’ll Never Be Free (04:15) 12 Elusive Butterfly (02:45) |
| Soul '69 : Allmusic album Review : One of her most overlooked 60s albums, on which she presented some of her jazziest material, despite the title. None of these cuts were significant hits, and none were Aretha originals; she displayed her characteristically eclectic taste in the choice of cover material, handling compositions by Percy Mayfield, Sam Cooke, Smokey Robinson, and, at the most pop-oriented end of her spectrum, John Hartfords "Gentle on My Mind" and Bob Linds "Elusive Butterfly." Her vocals are consistently passionate and first-rate, though, as is the musicianship; besides contributions from the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, session players include respected jazzmen Kenny Burrell, Ron Carter, Grady Tate, David Newman, and Joe Zawinul. | ||
 | Album: 15 of 47 Title: Once in a Lifetime Released: 1969 Tracks: 9 Duration: 21:50 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 (Blue) By Myself (?) 2 Look for the Silver Lining (03:05) 3 I May Never Get to Heaven (03:27) 4 My Guy (03:04) 5 Once in a Lifetime (live) (03:24) 6 Moon River (?) 7 Exactly Like You (02:36) 8 If I Had a Hammer (02:31) 9 Unforgettable (03:41) |
 | Album: 16 of 47 Title: Aretha’s Gold Released: 1969 Tracks: 14 Duration: 40:04 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 I Never Loved a Man (the Way I Love You) (02:45) 2 Do Right Woman, Do Right Man (03:15) 3 Respect (02:26) 4 Dr. Feelgood (Love Is a Serious Business) (03:21) 5 Baby, I Love You (02:42) 6 (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman (02:44) 7 Chain of Fools (02:47) 8 Since You’ve Been Gone (Sweet Sweet Baby) (02:25) 9 Ain’t No Way (04:13) 10 Think (02:18) 11 You Send Me (02:28) 12 The House That Jack Built (02:21) 13 I Say a Little Prayer (03:33) 14 See Saw (02:45) |
| Aretha’s Gold : Allmusic album Review : The first compilation based on Franklins successes of 1967-1968 on Atlantic. Included among the 14 selections here are all of the big bits (nine of which went Top 10) that established Franklins enduring reputation, from "I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)" to "I Say A Little Prayer." It sometimes got as good as this afterwards, but it never got better. | ||
 | Album: 17 of 47 Title: This Girls in Love With You Released: 1970-01-15 Tracks: 10 Duration: 35:34 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Son of a Preacher Man (03:17) 2 Share Your Love With Me (03:20) 3 Dark End of the Street (04:42) 4 Let It Be (03:30) 5 Eleanor Rigby (02:35) 6 This Girls in Love With You (04:01) 7 It Ain’t Fair (03:23) 8 The Weight (02:58) 9 Call Me (03:54) 10 Sit Down and Cry (03:52) |
| This Girl's in Love With You : Allmusic album Review : The title song (a cover of Herb Alperts "This Guys in Love with You") might lead you to believe this is one of Aretha Franklins more pop-oriented albums; but in fact, "This Girls in Love with You" is the only song of the sort on this solid and fairly earthy effort. Besides the hit singles "Call Me" and "Share Your Love with Me," it also includes her most well-known Beatles covers ("Eleanor Rigby" and "Let It Be"), and her interesting version of "The Weight," a Top 20 single featuring slide guitar by Duane Allman. | ||
 | Album: 18 of 47 Title: Spirit in the Dark Released: 1970-08-24 Tracks: 12 Duration: 39:03 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Dont Play That Song (You Lied) (02:59) 2 The Thrill Is Gone (From Yesterday’s Kiss) (04:42) 3 Pullin’ (03:36) 4 You and Me (03:35) 5 Honest I Do (03:18) 6 Spirit in the Dark (04:02) 7 When the Battle Is Over (02:42) 8 One Way Ticket (02:51) 9 Try Matty’s (02:32) 10 That’s All I Want From You (02:46) 11 Oh No Not My Baby (02:52) 12 Why I Sing the Blues (03:05) |
| Spirit in the Dark : Allmusic album Review : Spirit in the Dark was one of Aretha Franklins more overlooked albums from her Atlantic prime, despite the inclusion of a couple hit singles (the title track and "Dont Play That Song"). The disc includes five of her own compositions (the most she ever recorded for a single album) and her usual eclectic choice of cover material. On this record, the covers ranged from B.B. King and Dr. John to Jimmy Reed and Goffin/Kings "Oh Not My Baby." The album also benefits from great backup players: Both the Muscle Shoals rhythm section and the Dixie Flyers contributed to the sessions, and Duane Allman lends his guitar to a couple of tracks. Though it doesnt rank with her very best Atlantic LPs, its an exuberant and remarkably consistent effort. The 1993 CD reissue has detailed liner notes on the songs and sessions by David Nathan. | ||
 | Album: 19 of 47 Title: Arethas Greatest Hits Released: 1971 Tracks: 14 Duration: 45:46 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Spanish Harlem (03:30) 2 Chain of Fools (02:47) 3 Don’t Play That Song (02:48) 4 I Say a Little Prayer (03:33) 5 Dr. Feelgood (Love Is a Serious Business) (03:21) 6 Let It Be (03:30) 7 Do Right Woman, Do Right Man (03:15) 8 Bridge Over Troubled Water (05:31) 9 Respect (02:26) 10 Baby, I Love You (02:42) 11 (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman (02:44) 12 I Never Loved a Man (the Way I Love You) (02:45) 13 You’re All I Need to Get By (03:35) 14 Call Me (03:18) |
| Aretha's Greatest Hits : Allmusic album Review : Includes her most important Atlantic hits plus lesser pop covers ("Let It Be," "Call Me") in about 50/50 proportion. | ||
 | Album: 20 of 47 Title: Young, Gifted and Black Released: 1972-01-24 Tracks: 12 Duration: 44:43 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Oh Me Oh My (I’m a Fool for You Baby) (03:41) 2 Day Dreaming (03:59) 3 Rock Steady (03:13) 4 Young, Gifted and Black (03:34) 5 All the King’s Horses (03:55) 6 A Brand New Me (04:26) 7 April Fools (03:29) 8 I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (03:36) 9 First Snow in Kokomo (04:04) 10 The Long and Winding Road (03:38) 11 Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time) (03:42) 12 Border Song (Holy Moses) (03:20) |
| Young, Gifted and Black : Allmusic album Review : Its nearly impossible to single out any of Aretha Franklins early-70s albums for Atlantic as being her best, particularly given the breadth of her output during this era. In terms of albums rather than singles, its probably her strongest era, and if you count live albums like Amazing Grace, choosing a standout or a favorite record isnt any easier. Yet of this stunning era, Young, Gifted and Black certainly ranks highly among her studio efforts, with many arguing that it may be her greatest. And with songs like "Rock Steady," that may be a valid argument. But theres much more here than just a few highlights. If you really want to go song by song, youd be hard-pressed to find any throwaways here -- this is quite honestly an album that merits play from beginning to end. You have upbeat songs like the aforementioned "Rock Steady" that will get you up out of your seat moving and grooving, yet then you also have a number of more introspective songs that slow down the tempo and are more likely to relax than rouse. And if that wide spectrum of moods isnt enough reason to celebrate this album, you get some unlikely songs like a take on "The Long and Winding Road." Plus, you also have to keep in mind that Franklin was in her prime here, not only in terms of voice but also in terms of confidence -- you can just feel her exuding her status as the best of the best. Furthermore, her ensemble of musicians competes with any that she had worked with on previous albums. So even if this isnt the greatest Aretha Franklin album of the early 70s, its certainly a contender, the sort of album that you cant go wrong with. | ||
 | Album: 21 of 47 Title: Hey Now Hey (The Other Side of the Sky) Released: 1973 Tracks: 10 Duration: 51:05 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Hey Now Hey (The Other Side of the Sky) (04:44) 2 Somewhere (06:17) 3 So Swell When You’re Well (04:17) 4 Angel (04:28) 5 Sister From Texas (03:13) 6 Mister Spain (06:47) 7 Thats the Way I Feel About Cha (07:08) 8 Moodys Mood (03:00) 9 Just Right Tonight (07:45) 10 Master of Eyes (The Deepness of Your Eyes) (03:24) |
| Hey Now Hey (The Other Side of the Sky) : Allmusic album Review : Hey Now Hey (The Other Side of the Sky) was just about Franklins last gasp before succumbing to disco. This odd album, with its cheesy, junky artwork, contains some gems -- notable are a poignant cover of Bernsteins "Somewhere," and a sparkling "Moodys Mood," and the beautiful Carolyn Franklin composition "Angel." | ||
 | Album: 22 of 47 Title: Never Grow Old Released: 1973 Tracks: 10 Duration: 05:00 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Mother Loves Her Children (?) 2 I Will Trust in the Lord (?) 3 The Old Ship of Zion, Part 1 (?) 4 The Old Ship of Zion, Part 2 (?) 5 Never Grow Old (05:00) 6 Im Going Through, Part 1 (?) 7 Im Going Through, Part 2 (?) 8 Precious Lord, Part 1 (?) 9 Precious Lord, Part 2 (?) 10 You Grow Closer (?) |
 | Album: 23 of 47 Title: Let Me In Your Life Released: 1974 Tracks: 11 Duration: 43:25 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Let Me In Your Life (03:29) 2 Every Natural Thing (02:37) 3 Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing (03:49) 4 I’m in Love (02:50) 5 Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do) (03:27) 6 The Masquerade Is Over (04:32) 7 With Pen in Hand (05:08) 8 Oh Baby (04:59) 9 Eight Days on the Road (03:04) 10 If You Dont Think (03:53) 11 A Song for You (05:33) |
| Let Me In Your Life : Allmusic album Review : A nice, if at times overbearing, mid-70s Franklin set. She was still singing with the stunning delivery, amazing timing, and majestic soul that highlighted her late-60s releases. Her version of "Until You Come Back to Me (Thats What Im Gonna Do)" is the only one that might be superior to Stevie Wonders great original, while "Im in Love" and the title cut are prime Franklin. | ||
 | Album: 24 of 47 Title: With Everything I Feel in Me Released: 1974 Tracks: 9 Duration: 35:37 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Without Love (03:48) 2 Dont Go Breaking My Heart (03:52) 3 When You Get Right Down to It (03:55) 4 Youll Never Get to Heaven (05:01) 5 With Everything I Feel in Me (03:56) 6 I Love Every Little Thing About You (02:44) 7 Sing It Again, Say It Again (04:02) 8 All of These Things (03:44) 9 You Move Me (04:35) |
| With Everything I Feel in Me : Allmusic album Review : This respectable but not earth-shattering release was part of the gradual decline of Franklins artistic and commercial achievements at Atlantic. The leadoff track, "Without Love," was a Top Ten R&B; hit, and the title track, written by Franklin, was Top 20 R&B.; There were a couple of familiar but completely rearranged Burt Bacharach tunes and a contribution from Stevie Wonder. Franklin was in good voice, and the studio band was accomplished, but this was all a far cry from the standard Franklin had set in the late 60s. It was also a far cry from the sales she enjoyed then: This was her first new album since her 1967 breakthrough to peak below the Top 30. | ||
 | Album: 25 of 47 Title: You Released: 1975-10-16 Tracks: 10 Duration: 43:22 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Mr. D.J. (5 for the D.J.) (04:25) 2 It Only Happens (When I Look at You) (04:13) 3 I’m Not Strong Enough to Love You Again (04:12) 4 Walk Softly (04:48) 5 You Make My Life (04:15) 6 Without You (05:13) 7 The Sha-La Bandit (04:00) 8 You (04:40) 9 You Got All the Aces (03:52) 10 As Long as You Are There (03:44) |
| You : Allmusic album Review : The first album that represented signs of stagnation. Aretha Franklin had issued two excellent albums in 1974, but in 1975 just didnt get enough quality songs to flesh out You. While she still put everything into them, often salvaging dismal lyrics and awkward production, Franklin only equaled past glories on the song "It Only Happens (When I Look At You)." Otherwise, it was a case of wonderful vocals but little else. | ||
 | Album: 26 of 47 Title: Ten Years of Gold Released: 1976 Tracks: 12 Duration: 40:40 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 I Never Loved a Man (the Way I Love You) (02:45) 2 Respect (02:26) 3 Baby, I Love You (02:42) 4 (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman (02:44) 5 Think (02:18) 6 See Saw (02:45) 7 Spanish Harlem (03:32) 8 Rock Steady (03:13) 9 Day Dreaming (03:59) 10 Angel (04:28) 11 Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do) (03:27) 12 Something He Can Feel (06:19) |
| Ten Years of Gold : Allmusic album Review : A good anthology, although its been supplanted by the Rhino boxed set. Its not quite as focused as the 1970 single album Arethas Gold, but does have plenty of great songs. If you only want one or two Franklin anthologies, its hard to go against the Rhino set. | ||
 | Album: 27 of 47 Title: Sweet Passion Released: 1977-05-19 Tracks: 10 Duration: 45:30 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Break It to Me Gently (03:21) 2 When I Think About You (04:46) 3 What I Did for Love (05:17) 4 No One Could Ever Love You More (03:36) 5 A Tender Touch (03:58) 6 Touch Me Up (04:38) 7 Sunshine Will Never Be the Same (03:36) 8 Meadows of Springtime (05:26) 9 Mumbles / Ive Got the Music in Me (03:40) 10 Sweet Passion (07:12) |
 | Album: 28 of 47 Title: Almighty Fire Released: 1978 Tracks: 9 Duration: 35:03 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Almighty Fire (Woman of the Future) (04:36) 2 Lady, Lady (02:45) 3 More Than Just a Joy (03:03) 4 Keep on Loving You (03:12) 5 I Needed You Baby (04:38) 6 Close to You (04:22) 7 No Matter Who You Love (04:01) 8 This You Can Believe (04:46) 9 Im Your Speed (03:40) |
 | Album: 29 of 47 Title: La Diva Released: 1979 Tracks: 10 Duration: 44:28 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Ladies Only (05:15) 2 Its Gonna Get a Bit Better (05:20) 3 What If I Should Ever Need You (03:32) 4 Honey I Need Your Love (02:45) 5 I Was Made for You (04:03) 6 Only Star (05:04) 7 Reasons Why (03:55) 8 You Brought Me Back to Life (04:24) 9 Half a Love (05:25) 10 The Feeling (04:45) |
 | Album: 30 of 47 Title: Aretha Released: 1980-10-25 Tracks: 12 Duration: 53:20 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Come to Me (03:43) 2 Cant Turn You Loose (03:55) 3 United Together (05:03) 4 Take Me With You (04:05) 5 Whatever It Is (03:38) 6 What a Fool Believes (05:12) 7 Together Again (05:16) 8 Love Me Forever (03:33) 9 School Days (04:58) 10 What a Fool Believes (single version) (03:56) 11 United Together (single version) (03:52) 12 What a Fool Believes (12" extended version) (06:08) |
 | Album: 31 of 47 Title: The Legendary Queen Of Soul Released: 1981 Tracks: 20 Duration: 00:00 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Mockingbird (?) 2 How Glad I Am (?) 3 Walk On By (?) 4 Youll Lose A Good Thing (?) 5 Every Little Bit Hurts (?) 6 I Cant Wait Until I See My Babys Face (?) 7 You Made Me Love You (?) 8 Nobody Like You (?) 9 Rough Lover (?) 10 Lee Cross (?) 1 Runnin Out Of Fools (?) 2 Wont Be Long (?) 3 Until You Were Gone (?) 4 Blue Holiday (?) 5 One Room Paradise (?) 6 Cry Like A Baby (?) 7 Cant You Just See Me (?) 8 Two Sides Of Love (?) 9 I Wont Cry Anymore (?) 10 Ill Keep On Smiling (?) |
 | Album: 32 of 47 Title: Love All the Hurt Away Released: 1981 Tracks: 13 Duration: 1:02:45 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Love All the Hurt Away (04:12) 2 Hold On Im Comin (05:15) 3 Living in the Streets (03:55) 4 Theres a Star for Everyone (04:27) 5 You Cant Always Get What You Want (05:18) 6 Its My Turn (05:30) 7 Truth and Honesty (04:17) 8 Search On (04:49) 9 Whole Lot of Me (03:25) 10 Kind of Man (04:19) 11 Hold on Im Comin (12" extended version) (06:44) 12 Livin in the Streets (12" extended remix) (06:17) 13 Its My Turn (single version) (04:13) |
| Love All the Hurt Away : Allmusic album Review : Aretha Franklins post-Atlantic material has the same problems as the Columbia cuts. There are too many songs in which the wondrous Franklin voice was simply inserted into otherwise routine situations, with singles issued to take advantage of her hard-earned credibility and reputation. The title cut was a nice duet between Franklin and George Benson, and there were some other decent songs, but this was overall a disappointment. | ||
 | Album: 33 of 47 Title: Sweet Bitter Love Released: 1982 Tracks: 10 Duration: 29:47 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 All Night Long (03:02) 2 Ac-cent-tchu-ate the Positive (02:17) 3 Nobody Like You (02:23) 4 Today I Sing the Blues (02:46) 5 Sweet Bitter Love (02:58) 6 Try a Little Tenderness (03:16) 7 Skylark (02:52) 8 Johnny (03:01) 9 God Bless the Child (03:03) 10 If Ever I Would Leave You (04:07) |
| Sweet Bitter Love : Allmusic album Review : Some uneven, but superbly sung, light pop, overproduced R&B;, and soul from Aretha Franklins days on Columbia. The label has been steadily recycling Franklin material, and while much of it deserves a second listen, there are some better anthologies than this one. The title track, however, is an excellent number, and there are some others that are equally solid. | ||
 | Album: 34 of 47 Title: Jump to It Released: 1982 Tracks: 8 Duration: 42:57 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Jump to It (06:39) 2 Love Me Right (04:08) 3 If She Don’t Want Your Lovin’ (05:38) 4 This Is for Real (04:49) 5 (It’s Just) Your Love (04:50) 6 I Wanna Make It Up to You (06:42) 7 It’s Your Thing (04:14) 8 Just My Daydream (05:55) |
| Jump to It : Allmusic album Review : Aretha Franklin scored some hits with this early- 80s album and managed to make concessions to urban contemporary tastes without totally distorting her classic soul sound. While its certainly not in the class of past recordings, the title cut gave Franklin her first number one of the 80s, and "Love Me Right" was a decent follow-up. | ||
 | Album: 35 of 47 Title: Get It Right Released: 1983 Tracks: 8 Duration: 39:53 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Get It Right (06:18) 2 Pretender (04:18) 3 Every Girl (Wants My Guy) (06:29) 4 When You Love Me Like That (03:49) 5 I Wish It Would Rain (04:39) 6 Better Friends Than Lovers (04:12) 7 I Got Your Love (05:30) 8 Giving In (04:38) |
| Get It Right : Allmusic album Review : Luther Vandross scored a popular success with Jump to It, but this follow-up is less impressive and proved less successful. Vandross wrote most of the material, including the number one R&B; title track and the R&B; Top Ten hit "Every Girl (Wants My Guy)," although he also has Franklin tackle the Temptations hit "I Wish It Would Rain," in a painfully overwrought production. With this record, what had seemed to be an artist/producer marriage made in heaven hit the rocks. | ||
 | Album: 36 of 47 Title: Arethas Jazz Released: 1984 Tracks: 8 Duration: 34:47 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Ramblin’ (03:10) 2 Today I Sing the Blues (04:25) 3 Pitiful (03:04) 4 Crazy He Calls Me (03:26) 5 Bring It on Home to Me (03:44) 6 Somewhere (06:17) 7 Moodys Mood (02:55) 8 Just Right Tonight (07:45) |
| Aretha's Jazz : Allmusic album Review : A good anthology that covers various album cuts, B-sides, and assorted material in a jazz vein that Aretha cut for Columbia. Its great to hear her underrated piano playing given some more space, and Columbia should really reissue her Dinah Washington tribute album, from which they pulled a couple of these songs. Aretha wasnt a jazz vocalist from the standpoint of approach or inspiration, but she really can sing anything and showed it on these cuts, even if they werent, for the most part, hits. | ||
 | Album: 37 of 47 Title: The Best of Aretha Franklin Released: 1984 Tracks: 12 Duration: 35:39 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Chain of Fools (02:47) 2 I Say a Little Prayer (03:33) 3 (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman (02:44) 4 Think (02:18) 5 Rock Steady (03:13) 6 Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do) (03:27) 7 Respect (02:26) 8 Spanish Harlem (03:30) 9 Dr. Feelgood (Love Is a Serious Business) (03:21) 10 Do Right Woman, Do Right Man (03:15) 11 I Never Loved a Man (the Way I Love You) (02:45) 12 Save Me (02:19) |
| The Best of Aretha Franklin : Allmusic album Review : Yet another greatest hits collection. This is no better or worse than about six others available, so if youre not going to get the Rhino boxed set, this one will be as much service as any of the rest. The songs are well mastered. | ||
 | Album: 38 of 47 Title: Who’s Zoomin’ Who? Released: 1985 Tracks: 27 Duration: 2:34:42 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Aint Nobody Ever Loved You (Percapella Mix) (07:01) 2 Freeway of Love (05:52) 3 Another Night (04:30) 4 Sweet Bitter Love (05:12) 5 Who’s Zoomin’ Who (04:43) 6 Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves (05:56) 7 Until You Say You Love Me (04:52) 8 Ain’t Nobody Ever Loved You (04:51) 9 Push (05:35) 10 Integrity (05:38) 11 Freeway of Love (04:10) 12 Sisters Are Doin It for Themselves (04:30) 13 Whos Zoomin Who? (Radio Mix) (05:48) 14 Another Night (radio mix) (05:02) 15 Aint Nobody Ever Loved You (04:17) 1 Freeway of Love (Rock mix) (04:50) 2 Freeway of Love (extended remix) (06:29) 3 Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves (ET mix) (07:49) 4 Whos Zoomin Who (dance mix) (08:36) 5 Whos Zoomin Who? (Dub Mix) (05:23) 6 Whos Zoomin Who? (Acappella Mix) (05:31) 7 Another Night (dance mix) (06:40) 8 Another Night (Dub) (06:57) 9 Another Night (04:05) 10 Aint Nobody Ever Loved You (Remix) (06:22) 11 Aint Nobody Ever Loved You (Dub Mix) (06:59) 12 Aint Nobody Ever Loved You (Percapella Mix) (07:01) |
| Who’s Zoomin’ Who? : Allmusic album Review : After an almost-two-year hiatus from the charts, the Queen of Soul returned in style with three Billboard R&B; Top Ten singles, including the number one smash hit "Freeway of Love," which featured a festive rhythm arrangement, an electric sax solo by Clarence Clemons, and Aretha Franklins lively vocals. It held the number one spot for five straight weeks. The title track, "Whos Zoomin Who," has a sputtering bassline and chiming keyboards augmented by Franklins soulful delivery, and her improvised ad libs are laudable, to say the least. The single peaked at number two for four consecutive weeks. She had another Top Ten hit with "Another Night," a midtempo number with a light rock feel. It was a number nine hit. Her duet with the Eurythmics, "Sisters Are Doin It for Themselves," faltered at number 66. Narada Michael Walden is credited with the majority of the production on this sound outing. | ||
 | Album: 39 of 47 Title: Through the Storm Released: 1989 Tracks: 8 Duration: 35:44 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Gimme Your Love (05:19) 2 Mercy (04:08) 3 He’s the Boy (04:07) 4 It Isn’t, It Wasn’t, It Ain’t Never Gonna Be (05:39) 5 Through the Storm (04:22) 6 Think (1989) (03:37) 7 Come to Me (03:43) 8 If Ever a Love There Was (04:46) |
| Through the Storm : Allmusic album Review : Having scored in the recent past with producer Narada Michael Walden and some star duets, Franklin and Arista turned out another album with the same approach but less successful results. The title duet with Elton John went Top 20, but its followup, "It Isnt, It Wasnt, It Aint Never Gonna Be" was an embarrassing failure for both Franklin and the previously pop-perfect Whitney Houston. The rest was even less distinguished, including a song with The Four Tops and Kenny G and a remake of the old hit "Think." | ||
 | Album: 40 of 47 Title: What You See Is What You Sweat Released: 1991-09-11 Tracks: 10 Duration: 44:35 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Everyday People (03:50) 2 Ever Changing Times (04:55) 3 What You See Is What You Sweat (04:25) 4 Mary Goes Round (03:07) 5 I Dreamed a Dream (04:19) 6 Someone Elses Eyes (04:58) 7 Doctor’s Orders (04:35) 8 You Can’t Take Me for Granted (05:13) 9 What Did You Give (05:02) 10 Everyday People (remix) (04:07) |
 | Album: 41 of 47 Title: Only a Look Released: 1996 Tracks: 12 Duration: 49:24 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Father I Stretch My Hands to Thee (01:27) 2 Only a Look (03:57) 3 Someday (07:10) 4 The Lords Prayer (02:59) 5 Ive Been in the Storm So Long (04:21) 6 Ill Get Home Someday (02:51) 7 Never Grow Old (05:00) 8 While the Blood Runs Warm in My Veins (03:03) 9 If You Just Hold Out Till Tomorrow (06:02) 10 Oh to Be Kept by Jesus (04:03) 11 Ive Decided to Make Jesus My Choice (05:25) 12 Your Mother Loves Her Children (03:06) |
 | Album: 42 of 47 Title: A Rose Is Still a Rose Released: 1998-03-24 Tracks: 11 Duration: 51:31 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 A Rose Is Still a Rose (04:27) 2 Never Leave You Again (04:28) 3 In Case You Forgot (04:49) 4 Here We Go Again (03:30) 5 Every Lil Bit Hurts (04:07) 6 In the Morning (04:56) 7 Ill Dip (04:06) 8 How Many Times (04:21) 9 Watch My Back (04:45) 10 Love Pang (04:20) 11 The Woman (07:41) |
| A Rose Is Still a Rose : Allmusic album Review : For much of the 90s, Aretha Franklin acted as if she couldnt even care about appealing to a younger audience. She rarely recorded, and when she did, it was usually slick adult contemporary material. Thats what makes the fresh A Rose Is Still a Rose such a surprise. Although it certainly has its share of predictably glossy ballads fit for adult radio (usually produced by Narada Michael Walden or Michael Powell), the most notable element of the album is that Franklin collaborates with fresh talent, all of whom are either prominent rap figures or at least fluent in hip-hop. Thats not to say that A Rose Is Still a Rose is a rap album -- it simply illustrates that the album sounds contemporary, which is the last thing most observers would have expected from Franklin in 1997. That in itself is heartening, but that doesnt necessarily mean everything works. Lauryn Hills "A Rose Is Still a Rose" is a perfect match, lyrically and musically, but it only shows how shallow Puff Daddys writing really is on "Never Leave You Again." Still, Dallas Austins "Ill Dip," Jermaine Dupris "Here We Go Again" and "Every Lil Bit Hurts," and Daryl Simmons "In the Morning" and "In Case You Forgot" all work, and Franklins original "The Woman" is arguably her most soulful performance in years. These make the awkward moments forgivable because they find Franklin sounding vital, which is something that has not happened throughout the 90s. | ||
 | Album: 43 of 47 Title: So Damn Happy Released: 2003-09-16 Tracks: 11 Duration: 44:34 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 The Only Thing Missin (03:07) 2 Wonderful (04:04) 3 Holdin On (04:34) 4 No Matter What (04:33) 5 Everybodys Somebodys Fool (04:35) 6 So Damn Happy (04:29) 7 You Are My Joy (02:31) 8 Falling Out of Love (04:31) 9 Aint No Way (04:37) 10 Good News (04:55) 11 You Are My Joy (reprise) (02:33) |
| So Damn Happy : Allmusic album Review : During the five years that separated So Damn Happy from her previous album, A Rose Is Still a Rose, Aretha Franklin made the celebrity-gossip pages many more times than she earned airplay on the radio. Neatly side-stepping her problems with the law (including the mysterious circumstances that surrounded the fire at her home), Arethas return to the studio illustrates that her power lies not in managing her career but in putting across any song that comes her way. Recording mostly in Detroit with a small group, she tempered the hip-hop inclinations of A Rose Is Still a Rose to deliver a refreshing (though admittedly sterilized) update of her 70s records. Various producers and songwriters -- including Troy Taylor, Ron "Amen-Ra" Lawrence, and Jam & Lewis -- give her backgrounds composed of earthy, acoustic-driven soul, similar to contemporary records by India.Arie or Jill Scott. Most of the songs, led by "The Only Thing Missin," the title track, and "Holdin On," are up to a high level, catchy and easy to understand (all the better to simply luxuriate in Arethas powerful voice). Also, two mild concessions to the hip-hop world end up paying off: guest Mary J. Blige arranged the backing vocals for two songs, both of which reach a level not seen since the days of the Sweet Inspirations, while producer Ron "Amen-Ra" Lawrence delivered an organic arrangement for a song called "Wonderful" that evokes the glory days of 70s soul more than any other song here. Aretha shouldnt need to resort to overkill to proclaim her joy at making music; the songs on So Damn Happy are all the proof her fans need to understand that her talent remains undiminished nearly 50 years after her debut as a secular act. | ||
 | Album: 44 of 47 Title: This Christmas Released: 2008-10-14 Tracks: 11 Duration: 51:13 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Angels We Have Heard on High (05:25) 2 This Christmas (05:22) 3 My Grown-Up Christmas List (05:14) 4 The Lord Will Make a Way (05:43) 5 Silent Night (05:06) 6 Ave Maria (04:56) 7 Christmas Aint Christmas (Without the One You Love) (03:52) 8 14 Angels (02:08) 9 One Night With the King (06:08) 10 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (05:24) 11 Twas the Night Before Christmas (01:51) |
| This Christmas : Allmusic album Review : The obvious title here would have been Wreatha Now, but Aretha opted to follow in the footsteps of at least 20 other artists by going with This Christmas as the title of her first Christmas album. Apart from the Donny Hathaway/Nadine McKinnor-written title track, a duet with her son Edward that is both sweet and playful (at one point, Aretha interjects, "Eddie, you mustnt upstage mom with those high notes"), the disc is filled mostly with the spiritual and relatively serious side of holiday material. The likes of "Silent Night," "Ave Maria," "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," and "Angels We Have Heard on High" are given the kind of treatment only Aretha could grant, though it should be noted that there are moments where you might feel stuck inside the Aretha Melismatorium. Its not all reverence and reflection: best of all is a reading of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" that can only be termed "personalized." | ||
 | Album: 45 of 47 Title: A Woman Falling Out of Love Released: 2011-05-03 Tracks: 12 Duration: 1:01:00 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 How Long Ive Been Waiting (05:19) 2 Sweet Sixteen (05:10) 3 This You Should Know (04:15) 4 U Cant See Me (05:05) 5 A Summer Place (04:38) 6 The Way We Were (05:28) 7 New Day (04:17) 8 Put It Back Together Again (06:15) 9 Faithful (06:31) 10 His Eyes Is on the Sparrow (06:09) 11 When 2 Become One (04:56) 12 My Country Tis of Thee (02:57) |
 | Album: 46 of 47 Title: Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics Released: 2014-10-21 Tracks: 10 Duration: 41:22 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 At Last (03:52) 2 Rolling in the Deep (The Aretha version) (04:00) 3 Midnight Train to Georgia (04:21) 4 I Will Survive (The Aretha version) (04:31) 5 People (04:04) 6 No One (04:01) 7 Im Every Woman / Respect (04:56) 8 Teach Me Tonight (02:39) 9 You Keep Me Hangin On (04:41) 10 Nothing Compares 2 U (04:17) |
| Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics : Allmusic album Review : Clive Davis signed Aretha Franklin to Arista in 1980 and helped pull the queen of soul out of a commercial slump. Through timely collaborations with the likes of Arif Mardin, Luther Vandross, and Narada Michael Walden, Aretha scored six consecutive Top Ten R&B albums, all as part of Davis roster. Davis left Arista in 2000. Aretha followed shortly thereafter, released a Christmas album, and had difficulty finding a distributor for her self-released A Woman Falling Out of Love, most likely her least popular studio album. In 2014, Aretha and Davis reunited for this all-covers affair. The latter once again rolled out the red carpet. Babyface and Antonio Dixon produced most of the songs, while the list of background vocalists and instrumentalists, including Cissy Houston, Tawatha Agee, Fonzi Thornton, and Greg Phillinganes, is bound to excite old heads. If theres one positive thing that can be said about the results, its that Aretha sounds like she had a ball. The energy she put into these versions helps make up for the vocal shortcomings and audible use of Auto-Tune. She could have played it simple and straight, yet she clearly enjoyed the recording process, from melismatic accents to an abundance of personalized touches, such as the "raggedy hooptie" added to "Midnight Train to Georgia," and the "ham hocks and greens" thrown into a swinging André 3000-produced "Nothing Compares 2 U." Some of the creative moves are very questionable. Her take on Adeles "Rolling in the Deep" oddly incorporates "Aint No Mountain High Enough," a Motown classic opposite in sentiment. Gloria Gaynors "I Will Survive" -- "Beat it! Get to steppin! Keep it movin! Get on down the road, all right?" -- involves a diversion into Destinys Childs "Survivor" -- a better match when it comes to subject matter, but theres an awkward transition over incongruous booming bass and strings. High on star power and exuberance, this is an album nonetheless highlighted by a reggae makeover of Alicia Keys "No One." | ||
 | Album: 47 of 47 Title: A Brand New Me Released: 2017-11-10 Tracks: 14 Duration: 51:39 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Think (02:54) 2 Dont Play That Song (You Lied) (02:56) 3 I Say a Little Prayer (04:18) 4 Until You Come Back to Me (Thats What Im Gonna Do) (03:30) 5 A Brand New Me (04:19) 6 A Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel Like) (03:36) 7 Angel (04:42) 8 Border Song (Holy Moses) (03:24) 9 Let It Be (03:34) 10 People Get Ready (04:03) 11 Oh Me Oh My (Im a Fool for You Baby) (04:18) 12 Youre All I Need to Get By (03:59) 13 Son of a Preacher Man (03:29) 14 Respect (02:37) |
| A Brand New Me : Allmusic album Review : Producers Nick Patrick and Don Reedman spearheaded If I Can Dream, the 2015 album that paired old Elvis Presley recordings with new overdubs from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. If I Can Dream turned into something of an international sensation, spawning a pair of sequels from Elvis and opening the door for similar sets, such as 2017s A Brand New Me, where Patrick and Reedman pair the Royal Philharmonic with Aretha Franklin. Unlike Elvis, Aretha is alive and well in 2017, but the producers choose to dress up Franklins classic Atlantic recordings in a manner similar to what they did with Elvis. Comparatively, its not quite as sticky as Presley, who had a wealth of schlocky middle-of-the-road material to use as a foundation, but that means the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra feels even more intrusive, offering unnecessary strings to recordings that were already sublime. Furthermore, the whole concept of the record is a bit off-putting: its as if the producers were eager to create a posthumous Aretha Franklin album while shes still alive. | ||