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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

DAMN URETHRA

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.

Wonderful.

espetacular, muscle scholes sound, swampers , repertório foda! AF nos seus melhores momentos!

The queen, there may never be a better soul album

Sheer soulful perfection. Will never lose this dream.

absolutely beautiful. of course i'd heard "Respect" and "Do Right Woman, Do right man" before but i was surprised by how short they were and how well they sounded in the album as a whole. the global orchestration behind Franklin's voice really makes it sound even better. I discovered "Soul Serenade" and it's now a personal soul favorite. and finally that cover of Sam Cooke's "A change is gonna come" WOW 🤯 it's now my favorite version of the song. incredible record.

Really incredible album. So many things to like about it and so few things to complain about. Her 10th album, but her first commercial success: wild

She's basically the touchstone for female vocals and soul.

Phenomenal album

really, what is there to say that hasn't already been said a million times and more eloquently?

Phenomenal voice. Nostalgic listen as my mum loved aretha

Aretha has some pipes that is for sure. I enjoyed the variety of tempos, piano, percussion, and horns on this album. A solid listen.

She had one of the greatest voices of all time, no doubt about it. Album was really great, lyrics were solid, very soulful, "Respect" is one of her best works (didn't know it was a cover until today). In my personal enjoyment this is probably a 4 but I think this album is worthy of a 5.

Yeah, it's covers, but that was the time! The soul and voice really carry.

5/5. She is 25 on this album and yet sings as though she has lived 7 different lives as a black woman, married, divorced, humiliated, and disrespected but no more. She stands her ground and lets everyone know who she is and how she exists for herself and for whoever she wishes to give time to. And I'm sure she received the same flack young female artists receive today, probably even more so. Just by listening to the album, you can already tell she is well aware of this and is already just providing the energy needed to keep her sanity. Just a crazy good album, even if she is the only highlight from each song really. Best Song: Respect, A Change Is Gonna Come, Soul Serenade

Wow. What a performer! There’s a reason she’s called the Queen of Soul. These performances are packed with emotion. Every syllable has so much feeling. Great band behind her too. The songs are excellent and include some classics (“Respect” opens the album and her version of “A Change Is Gonna Come” is a stunning closing track) along with a few songs I wasn’t familiar with that are also fantastic.

Yeah, this is great. She's the Queen of Soul for a reason. Respect is iconic, obviously, Good Times is fun, and her performance throughout is great.

Great, a lot of huge songs.

Great album. Numerous classic songs by a wonderful singer

She’s an icon, she’s a legend. We know this. I knew this album would be good, but I’m so thankful to have given it a listen - multiple listens. This one is going to stay in rotation for a while. I want to keep feeling her voice and the music. She sounds so young here, but so powerful and commanding. I want to learn all the lyrics and belt them out in my car. An important album and artist.

The Queen of Soul! Always a pleasure listening to Aretha. This was a groundbreaking record. Passionate, soulful and raw. Easily in the top 10 albums of the 1960s.

Chills. More emotional resonance in one note than some artists have in their entire discography. This album is a gift, and I am grateful for it!

How good is this album!

Old but gold

Aretha is a force of nature

She’s got it, baby, she’s good.

Aretha Franklin sits at the head table. She is a goddess in the music world. I did not know when this album ended and the next one began (youtube auto play), and I did not care. If you just want to listen to something that is beautiful, regardless of personal mood or what is going on in your life, you don't have to listen to this particular album, but just listen to Aretha Franklin and you will be transformed. Kinda how her magic works. I felt like I had listened for five minutes and I was listening to another album after this one by the time I looked to see where I was in the playlist. I love all kinds of music. Genre has a small but often unimportant role, decade, country of origin... and I have heard all the arguments about these things being "the best" or how this or that decade was "better"... I think it is more about some music and musicians are timeless and Aretha Franklin is one of them!

Aretha Franklin's *I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You* (1967) stands as a monumental achievement in music history, blending soul, gospel, and blues into an album that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. This record not only marked Franklin's breakthrough into mainstream success but also redefined the boundaries of soul music, cementing her as the "Queen of Soul." Below is an in-depth review of the album, focusing on its lyrics, music, production, themes, influence, and an evaluation of its strengths and weaknesses. ## **Lyrics** The lyrics across the album explore themes of love, heartbreak, empowerment, and faith. Tracks like "Respect" and "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)" are particularly notable for their emotional depth and cultural resonance. - **"Respect"**: Originally written by Otis Redding, Franklin transformed this song into an anthem of empowerment. By flipping the narrative, she demanded respect not only as a woman but also as an individual asserting her autonomy. The addition of the iconic "R-E-S-P-E-C-T" spelling and the "sock it to me" refrain elevated its message to one of universal appeal[1][4]. - **"I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)"**: This title track captures the tension between love and betrayal. Franklin's delivery oscillates between vulnerability and defiance, making it a masterclass in emotional storytelling[1][3]. - **"Dr. Feelgood (Love Is Serious Business)"**: This sultry track delves into themes of physical desire and intimacy with unapologetic candor. Franklin's lyrics are bold yet nuanced, reflecting both passion and agency[5]. - **"A Change Is Gonna Come"**: A cover of Sam Cooke's civil rights anthem, Franklin adds layers of faith and personal struggle to the song. Her reinterpretation shifts some of Cooke’s ambiguity into a declaration of hope rooted in her identity as both a Black woman and an artist[5]. The lyrics throughout the album are deeply expressive, often transcending their literal meanings through Franklin's unparalleled vocal delivery. ## **Music** Musically, *I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You* is a fusion of gospel-rooted soul with elements of blues and jazz. The album’s arrangements are simple yet powerful, allowing Franklin’s voice to take center stage. - The instrumentation features tight horn sections, groovy basslines, and gospel-inspired piano and organ work. Tracks like "Soul Serenade" showcase a jazzy elegance, while others like "Do Right Woman – Do Right Man" lean heavily into gospel traditions[2][6]. - The rhythm section (featuring Muscle Shoals musicians) creates a solid foundation for Franklin’s dynamic vocal performances. Drummers like Roger Hawkins provide a pocket that enhances the emotional intensity of each track[2]. - Franklin’s piano playing is another highlight. On tracks like "I Never Loved a Man," her piano comping adds depth to the arrangements while demonstrating her musical versatility[1]. ## **Production** The production by Jerry Wexler at Atlantic Records played a crucial role in shaping the album’s sound. Unlike her earlier records at Columbia, where she was often constrained by lush orchestrations that stifled her individuality, this album allowed Franklin to shine. - Wexler’s minimalist approach ensured that Franklin’s voice remained the focal point. The rawness of the Muscle Shoals sessions added authenticity to tracks like "I Never Loved a Man"[2][6]. - The production strikes a balance between polish and grit, capturing both the intimacy and power of Franklin’s performances. ## **Themes** Thematically, *I Never Loved a Man* is rich and multifaceted: 1. **Empowerment**: Songs like "Respect" embody themes of self-respect and independence. 2. **Love and Heartbreak**: Tracks such as "I Never Loved a Man" delve into the complexities of romantic relationships. 3. **Faith and Hope**: Gospel influences permeate songs like "Do Right Woman – Do Right Man" and "A Change Is Gonna Come," reflecting themes of spiritual resilience. 4. **Sensuality**: "Dr. Feelgood" explores physical desire with unabashed honesty. These themes resonate on both personal and societal levels, making the album timelessly relevant. ## **Influence** The impact of *I Never Loved a Man* cannot be overstated: - It redefined soul music by blending gospel fervor with secular themes in ways that were both innovative and deeply moving. - The album became one of the first feminist statements in popular music—not just through its lyrics but also through Franklin’s newfound artistic autonomy[2][4]. - Tracks like "Respect" became cultural touchstones for both the Civil Rights Movement and second-wave feminism. - The album influenced countless artists across genres, from Whitney Houston to Adele, solidifying Franklin’s legacy as one of music’s greatest vocalists[6]. ## **Pros** 1. **Vocal Mastery**: Aretha Franklin's voice is unparalleled in its range, power, and emotional nuance. 2. **Cultural Significance**: Songs like "Respect" transcend music to become cultural anthems. 3. **Cohesive Sound**: Despite covering diverse themes, the album flows seamlessly from start to finish. 4. **Innovative Arrangements**: The blend of gospel, soul, blues, and jazz creates a rich musical tapestry. 5. **Timelessness**: Over five decades later, the album remains as impactful as ever. ## **Cons** 1. **Lyrical Simplicity on Some Tracks**: While Franklin elevates even straightforward lyrics with her delivery, some songs lack lyrical complexity when read independently. 2. **Production Constraints**: Though groundbreaking at the time, certain production choices may feel dated compared to modern standards. 3. **Overemphasis on Covers**: Some critics argue that relying on covers (e.g., Otis Redding's "Respect," Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come") limits originality in songwriting. ## **Conclusion** *I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You* is more than just an album; it is a landmark in music history that captures Aretha Franklin at her transformative best. With its blend of emotional depth, vocal brilliance, and cultural significance, it remains one of the greatest albums ever recorded. While minor criticisms exist—such as occasional lyrical simplicity or reliance on covers—these do little to diminish its overall impact. The album not only elevated soul music but also served as a powerful statement on love, empowerment, and resilience that continues to inspire generations.

Amazing voice. Groovy.

Awesome. Could listen on repeat all day long.

Wow! Great album. I’ve heard most of the songs but what a great album together! Definitely worth many a listen and deserves to be on this list

5/5

How can you not give this/her a 5 star review. When I listen I keep thinking, this must be the best female voice ever recorded. It just so goddamn good! And the music is just so catchy - it’s not something I would put on regularly though, but this record is just so damn good that I can’t give it less than 5 stars

Sooo good

Queen.

So good, a classic.

Fantastic. Historical. Crazy it was her 10th studio album.

She’s the Queen of Soul for a reason.

One of the greatest voices ever singing her greatest song? Easy 5 stars, give me a break. Hilarious quote from the Rolling Stone review in 1967 when this was released, saying the album was weak, due to: '...the lack of versatility on the part of the sidemen. The drums weren't hard enough, the guitar was weak, and the production lacked polish.' That quote has not aged well.

Bring me to church!

she can do no harm in eyes thank you for this

- When America eventually fades away and archeologists are searching for pieces of our long-forgotten culture, we would be lucky to have this be the one thing they found. - So far, this is the best album I have encountered on this list. No debate necessary. Just phenomenal. - Surprised to find out that "Baby, Baby, Baby" is my favorite. Did not know it.

I could not believe how amazing this was. So many songs that were covered that I loved, didn't realize Aretha did them best.

very classy and vibing album. nothing else to say

Rett og slett ett mesterverk

Loved this front to back!

Good blues throughout, with a couple enduring bangers to open and close the album. It’s great!

Loved it!

So much soul. coming from the heart, you're there with her as she sings

First song is great, rest of the background vocals need more work. The main vocals carried the whole album

Love Aretha! Amazing powerful vocals. And the album contains energy in the songs. A fun listen.