I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You

I mean... I feel like just having Respect on here automatically gives this a 4. What is interesting to me is how many of the songs are actually covers, and moreso, how common this was back in the 1950s-1970s. One song would be done by multiple artists. You can see it here too: Respect (Otis Redding), Good Times and A Change is Gonna Come (Sam Cooke) among others on the album. I think it's really interesting to think about: this album is considered one of the GOATs, it wasn't about HER songwriting, but her singing, music, and conceptions of these songs. It reminds me of Patti Smith and Gloria. Adding their own flair to male contemporaries' songs and revolutionizing them.

“I Never Loved a Man the Way I Loved You” by Aretha Franklin (1967) Never listened to this album, but familiar with Aretha Franklin through hits and radio airplay. Powerful vocals across the tonal range. The performances here are impressive and unquestionably influential, lacking only the stylistic variety that would be discovered and developed by those following in her considerable wake. Backing vocals, however, are weak, lacking tonal blend, and are much too prominent in the mix. Backing instrumentals lack density and are recorded with too much of a ‘small studio’ sound. Somebody please tune that damn piano (especially on “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man”). The mix is too simple, frequently ‘stuck’ on an inappropriately dominant feed of certain instruments, which distracts from the real music—Franklin’s wonderful voice. But what a voice. A better cover of Sam Cooke’s classic “A Change Is Gonna Come” is to be found on “Suitable for Framing” (1969) by Three Dog Night. Much better. In every way. I recommend that you listen to this album for its historical importance, but to 2021 ears (begging indulgence, your majesty), the Queen lacks soul. 2/5

Now I get it.

This album is good for the soul. I can't help but feel the music and want to join in. Aretha's powerful and adept vocals are first and foremost the glorious centerpiece of every track. But when I listen to songs like "A Change is Gonna Come" I also realize that her performances enhance the movement and the emotions of the underlying music as well. Every pause and flourish beautifully embelishes the solid framing that the band provides. The songs don't just reference the range of human emotion, they evoke them, and that is one of the truest measures of art that I can think of.

It’s everything I want and more. Consistently incredible and never a dull moment. I had my eyes closed, face scrunched, and head bobbing for the entire listen. I can go on for way too long, so I’ll cut it here and just say that it’s one of my favorite albums ever. Aretha Franklin is one of the best to ever do it and she deserves all the respect you have and more. Perfection.

Incredible album, I loved being able to hear Aretha, and got me into listening to more of her music. Such a powerful voice and the music she has backing her is so lovely to listen to. I will definitely be adding more of her stuff to the rotation! Highlights: -Respect -Soul Serenade -Dr. Feelgood -Do Right Woman, Do Right Man -A Change is Gonna Come

A performance for me to doze off and fall asleep midway through, only to be woken up when it ends by everybody else clapping, and I start clapping too because I feel like I have to. I respect Aretha Franklin's singing ability, but this record lacks the vigor to keep me engaged.

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 Franklin's 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.

The kind of voice and lyricist that illustrates why music is an art form.

Aretha's talent really carries this album because while she delivers a great performance on every song the music and lyrics are for the most part boring and kind of repetive.

Starts with a bona fuse classic but very quickly loses steam. No questioning her voice but each song sounds like the one before and I found myself bored very very quickly

So I knew this was gonna be great, obviously. After all, we’re talking about Aretha singing her greatest hit here But a part of me was a tiny bit skeptical: I generally think that Motown got better the closer we get to ‘72 or so. Take Marvin, one of Aretha’s contemporaries, who didn’t really make his best work until 1970 (though his ‘60s resume was immaculate nevertheless). Boy was I wrong. This is a great record that hasn’t aged a day. This is one of the albums that elevated not just Motown, but American popular music as a whole from good to great. I think 1965-1975 might be the greatest decade in popular music, and this record is right in the upper pantheon.

Easily a solid five without RESPECT (one of the very few songs that is a cover very much better than the original, all due apologies to Otis Redding who even thought the same). Aretha Franklin blending pop, funk, soul, and gospe are fantastic. Her cover of Sam Cooke's 'A Change is Gonna Come' is just hauntingly beautiful.

Smooth and soulful, I feel everything. A beautiful album, well paced and intentional.

Other than respect, it’s ok.

Wife didn't like it after the second song

This woman is a monster of a performer. There hasn't been another voice like hers since she left this earth. Raw power harnessed by perfect control combine to create unforgettable performances that leave you with no doubt as to her meaning, feelings, or desires. Perfection.

I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You started Aretha's incredible run at Atlantic under the aegis of producer Jerry Wexler, and it's an indisputable soul classic in it's own right. For the first time, Aretha peerless gospel, blues and soul stylings are properly matched with production, instrumentation, and arrangements that accentuate rather than dull her edge. This album is every bit as much Jerry Wexler's triumph as it is Aretha's. I find it amazing that Wexler hit the sweet spot on his first attempt. Respect and I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Loved You) have a gutbucket soul feel, but aren't so raw that they couldn't be sold to the mainstream. But Wexler is flexible enough to arrange the pop soul of Don't Let Me Lose This Dream as well. But I don't want to shortchange Aretha's role in this. She wasn't just a great singer. She was a supremely tasteful keyboard player as well. And you can bet that she had a lot of say in the songs that were chosen along with Wexler, and there isn't a weak one in the bunch. Just how good are these renditions? When Otis Redding heard Aretha's cover of Respect, he hung his head and muttered \"She done stole my song.\"

We love Aretha but outside of the major hits I was not vibing.

Wow

"I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You" by Aretha Franklin - where do you even start with an album that not only redefined soul music but also captured the essence of an era? This isn’t just an album; it's a revelation, a soul-stirring journey led by the Queen of Soul herself. From the opening notes of "Respect," Aretha doesn't just perform; she commands, turning a simple demand for respect into a cultural anthem that resonates through the ages. Then there’s "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man," where her voice, rich with emotion and depth, navigates the complexities of love and respect with the ease of a master. Each track is a testament to her unparalleled ability to convey the deepest human emotions, transforming the personal into the universal. The production? Flawless. The emotion? Palpable. The impact? Immeasurable. Aretha’s voice, infused with power, grace, and vulnerability, elevates this album from merely great to transcendental. "I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You" is not just an album; it’s an experience, a masterpiece painted with the hues of soul, gospel, and R&B. It's no exaggeration to say that this album is a cornerstone of American music, a beacon that shines brightly in the pantheon of the greatest recordings of all time. Five stars don’t seem enough for an album that continues to inspire and awe listeners with its raw power and beauty. This isn’t just music; it’s Aretha Franklin at her most sublime, and it doesn’t get better than this.

DAMN URETHRA

had some soul to it, but it kinda just felt like background noise.

It insists upon itself.

Magic on tape

Not sure why spotify repeats 3 songs?

She's lady soul babyyyyyyyyyy

Is "Respect" a Toploader? Yes, but only in the sense that it is one of the ten best songs of the twentieth century (and probably the best cover). Everything pales beside it...

Aretha Franklin is perhaps the greatest singer in American popular music. Not only is she supremely talented, having superhuman control, dynamic, and range, she is one of the most expressive and ecstatic singers to ever record. Her studio records are brimming with energy as though she may burst out of the speakers at any time. This record is her Atlantic debut and leads with the career defining ‘Respect’. Her vocal performance throughout is exquisite and intimate

What a voice. You cannot deny the power and soul that this woman always had. Incredible sound. This had me dancing around my apartment with some tracks, and with others just sitting floored by the way she fills every word with emotion! Also, RESPECT. So yeah its a 5 from me dawg.

This album is truly a classic. Admittedly, I had never listened to it before. It starts with one of the greatest anthems of all time in RESPECT. I was worried it might fall flat from there, but it did not disappoint. The album was solid all the way through and after one listen convinced me it belongs in my vinyl collection.

When Respect is the first song on the album, you know it's gonna be good.

Love Aretha...

Classic soul album She has such a great voice and so much of the blues is in this. 10/10

Brilliant! She should be famous!

I mean it’s Aretha ... So...yes

Don’t let me lose this dream

She's a Queen

Beautiful feeling and voice

Impossible to not be 5 stars

Love!

Respect

Classic. And great listening for family foosball tournament!

Nr. 56/1001 Respect 5/5 Drown in My Own Tears 3/5 I Never Loved a Man 3/5 Soul Serenade 5/5 Don't Let Me Lose This Dream 4/5 Baby, Baby, Baby 4/5 Dr. Feelgood 3/5 Good Times 4/5 Do Right Woman, Do Right Man 4/5 Save Me 4/5 A Change Is Gonna Come 4/5 Average: 3,91 Incredible voice and great selection of songs.

Another banger all the way through just like Lady Soul

Typical of the Motown sound, very formulaic in the musical composition. Beyond her words, you can hear some of the pain of her life, and with it, the optimism she had to get through it. Aretha deserves her place as a household name for her strong voice. For me, the harmonizing backup singers and simplistic catchy tunes bring it down.

Aretha and Urethra are very similar words, but there are vas deferens. — | — Listen to 'I’ve Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You' and agree with me — a standard UTI doesn't evoke as much pain as Aretha does on this album. There’s this incredible feeling of a heartbroken innocence that runs from beginning to end. The first track worth mentioning, “Drown in My Own Tears” wraps you in the warmth of a dark, desolate dive bar where Aretha’s voice is the only thing you can feel after hours of drinking alone. And that holds true for most of the songs. This album could’ve been the soundtrack to every B movie made in the 80’s. The title track, 'I Never Loved a Man…’ could easily be set to the scene of a lonely bride hiding her face at the altar in an empty church. Queue up the song, close your eyes and imagine the scene. The camera, focused on the bride, slowly backs away up the aisle, gently pulling out of a small Baptist church, out the doors, down the steps and then, just as slowly, points to the blue sky as a single black bird crosses the frame. The credits start to roll. Through all of this, the undercurrent of an organ and backup singers evoke possible redemption through faith. However, everyone knows only time will heal a broken heart, and antibiotics ease pain caused by gonorrhea and even the worst UTIs.

Respect is overplayed, but fine. Drown In My Own Tears is overwrought. I expect this to be a trend. I Never Loved A Man signals a worrying trend of complaining about being done wrong by significant others. I get it, but I don't care. Jennifer Hudson and Adele and 1000 other over-singers have beaten this to death since. And that's where I stop song-by-song. Aretha is an incredible talent with a great voice and a pioneer, maybe THE pioneer, in a style of music I can't possibly give less of a shit about. This album is boring and I just don't like it. Thankfully, I can skip the last 3 tracks, being merely repeats of previous songs on the album. So, overall, it's a mercifully short listen. Musically, it's competent. Maybe I'm a victim of my era, but these are just boilerplate soul standards at this point and I've heard all of these moves and choices countless times now, 60+ years later. Vocally, it's Aretha Franklin. Expertly sung with the same tone/emotion/emphasis as every other song in this style. You've heard Aretha Franklin before. You know what these songs sound like. There are no surprises.

It's just a load of covers right? Obviously a great voice and some really good versions but still hard to go higher in the ratings

Great voice. Not my cuppa. A whole album of strident soul wailing - however superb the delivery - isn't my thing. R-E-S-P-E-C-T is of course the highlight.

Another great album from a strong female artist. Second in two days! Do right woman, do right man, respect and a change is gonna come stand out tracks.

So pleased AF has come up on the list. Makes such a change from the, sometimes, constant round of white male rock. Great voice; great songs. Favourites, Do Right Woman, Do Right Man, Save Me and Respect

Classic

Saying Aretha is incredible is like saying water is wet, but my first time through a full album of hers and I’m damn near speechless

Отличная музыка, очень нравится эта исполнительница

This is so soulful!!!

The Queen of Soul. 'Nuff said.

loved this one!

Classic

Her voice is as buff as a competing bodybuilder, and these songs are all flexes.

Queen of soul.

Love Aretha Franklin💖

Powerful

My second Aretha generated and still as beautiful and brilliant as ever. Incomparable.

Sometimes it’s enough to just listen to the greatest singer ever sing a bunch of amazing songs.

Love this whole soul sound and this was no different. I loved my listening experience with this one, and Aretha’s voice is perfection in sound. This was great.

Great soul album and amazing vocals as one would expect. Respect has to be one of the greatest songs of all time, show me someone who dislikes that song

Har svårt att tänka mig att det gjordes så mycket som lät bättre än såhär 1967. Lyssnar sällan på soul men av nån anledning träffade detta helt rätt. Kan ha fått en musikalisk uppenbarelse.

Respect I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Loved You) Dr. Feelgood (Love Is a Serious Business) Do Right Woman, Do Right Man A Change Is Gonna Come

What an incredible album! can't believe only Respect is so well known.

Beautiful album. Lush horns. Amazing

probably the best thing i've gotten so far

brought tears to my eyes.

Incredible album, beautifully rich voice

It’s annoying that Spotify doesn’t have the bonus tracks differentiated in any way, how hard is it to put -Bonus Track? Anyway, excellent album. Aretha is one is the greats.

I mean, it's brilliant

Fantastic vibes. Always a good day to listen to the queen of soul

Ooooooh this is so sweet and rich feel like my ears are buried in a big gooey cake. laid in a towel with my hair up and this is like the perfect music to be listening to. Good Times Absolute Banger if a little conspicuous among the gooey soul. This is flawless I'm actually emotional about how lovely it is. What a voice obviously but also the production is so so beautiful. Miss Aretha this was a long overdue meeting.

This lady can do no wrong. What a voice

Someone else said this album automatically gets at least a 4 because of Respect alone, and I wholeheartedly agree. I grew up to my parents listening to Motown, so I'm pretty familiar with this, but I hadn't heard some of the B-sides from this album. The music just wants to make me sing and dance along with it. Queen Aretha's vocals are amazing, and the backing tracks hop. Motown is one of those cultural things that was a product of it's time and the forces moving in the world then. I don't think it could be recreated with as much authenticity or power ever again. These artists moved the art of music in a way that we will likely never see again, and used their art and talents to draw attention to cultural norms and injustices that needed to change. They also left us with some of the best anthems and love songs ever created.

If the Queen of Soul can't move you, you're dead. Just the vocals alone on A Change is Gonna Come give me hope in these times. Put this on and let her carry you away.

Possibly the greatest vocalist ever. Respect is a highlight but even the deep cuts sound amazing

Fantastic all around.

Aretha is untouched and unmatched. No one did it quite like her. Soulful power, while still feeling totally approachable. Like a strong and confident big sister. Love this.

This album is the sort of treasure that I know I will enjoy when I listen to it but for some reason it just doesn't seem to go in to regular rotation. Aretha's voice is just so amazing and this collection shows just how good she was. I am glad this was presented, it was a perfect Saturday morning mood lifter.

All hail the Queen!

I loved it. Beautiful.

Wow!!! First time actually giving Aretha a listen and she did not disappoint! I want to replay!

Aretha Franklin, Queen of soul - need I say more? This album was as perfect as she is, I was really struggling to not add every single song into my list of favourites

Fantastic, love the bluesy singing

dediğim gibi reenkarnemde tok sesli bir siyahi kadın olmak isterdim

Banger obviously

There’s just nobody quite like Queen Aretha

The authentic soul sound in my opinion. Multi genre Inspiration. Rock, pop and hip hop can draw Inspiration from the sounds and tempo.

I LOVE Aretha's VOCALS!

What an amazing voice and a fantastic album! Lots of well known songs!

++*: Respect, Don't Let Me Lose This Dream, Good Times ++: Drown in My Own Tears, I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Loved You), Soul Serenade, Baby, Baby, Baby, Dr. Feelgood (Love Is a Serious Business), Do Right Woman, Do Right Man, Save Me, A Change Is Gonna Come 10/10

Jesus, I mean it’s absolutely wall to wall with indelible classics. But it’s always her powerful, super musical piano playing that jumps out at me.

She’s so good.

The queen 👑