I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You

Good collection of songs and obviously an incredible voice. Wouldn’t normally choose to listen but enjoyed it.

Favs: “Don’t Let Me Lose This Dream”, “Baby, Baby, Baby” I didn’t necessarily dislike the album but it’s not exactly my genre of music. Glad I listened though and wow is she an amazing singer.

Love her voice and her contributions to American music but I just wasn't really feeling this (unlike her live album).

Pas trouvé lalbum mais jaime bien la première chanson

Very nice, I liked some of these songs and of course her voice is powerful and amazing.

A bit of a letdown. Half of the songs on this record are pretty average for a singer of Aretha's caliber.

Worth listening to, but I probably won't revisit

brava

I get it, shes got a great voice. I dont actively dislike it but I dont fall at the altar of her being the greatest singer of all time. Good album!

voice and presence, a name you know stereo the first time, mono the next don't normally care for soul, but I liked a lot here a million fade outs, often unsuccessful backup singers the era before singer-songwriters where albums were largely cover works. these albums feel different. Lyrics of a time that are sometimes depressing. makes you think. Best tunes: respect, drown in my own tears, i never loved a man (the way i love you), soul serenade, good times; do right woman, do right man; save me, a change is gonna come

Pretty damn good.

Several versions of “I Never Loved AMan The Way I Loved You. I do like that song and anything by Aretha is always good

Classic. Beautiful voice and great songs. Nice to listen to them again, been a while.

She had an amazing voice, sultry voice. There are some true classics on this album. Enjoyable soul record, but didn't blow me away.

I don't think this album lacks in quality in anyway. Aretha has a great voice, I like a lot of the lyrics, and I'd be lying if I said the instrumentals were bad. It's just... not for me. It's missing something.

The album was enjoyable to listen to.

I prefer Lady Soul but this one is pretty good. Obviously has Respect which is a great song and I like some other stuff here too

This is okay! Of course Respect is good, everything else is pretty much fine although it sort of blends together for me.

Respect is a classic. I don’t think I’d listen again, but it’s a fun time overall! Just feel good music for the soul.

Solid album that gives us a glimpse of the even better music she would make later.

This album actually sounds better in Mono... like a lot of Atlantic / Motown records from the 60s and early 70s. Default version on YT Music is mono, not sure about other services. Amazing voice, but not the most amazing sounding backing group... needs some Wrecking Crew magic or something imo. 3 stars for the song selection, especially the two Sam Cooke ones. This would be a great album to put on the background while playing cards with your parents haha

I recognize it's good. I just won't come back to it.

Aretha was such a powerhouse! Of course this album is outstanding vocally. The music is slower in tempo and soulful, but nothing really groundbreaking. It's not really my speed but it's a pleasant listen, and it's great listening to one of the masters. Standouts were "Respect" "Soul Serenade" and "A Change Is Gonna Come" A solid 3 for me

Incredible voice and an enjoyable listen, but didn't blow my mind.

She sings amazingly and I don't mind the genre, but was not blown away

Not usually my style, but such a powerful voice. Nothing to complain about

fun listen. i like alt rock way more than soul but i enjoyed this album much more than the previous one (The Holy Bible by Manic Street Preachers)

Mediano e convencional. Típico disco de soul music. Apresenta alguns momentos interessantes em suas partes instrumentais.

Respect for Aretha. 3 stars

I recognize how great this album is in the pantheon of music, but I can’t help but feel a little bit sad about how this record sounds. It sounds…old. Really holds back the listening experience, in my opinion. It’s like watching a black-and-white film. Some people love watching those movies, but it’s not for me. Hearing the microphone consistently clip with Aretha’s voice and the static drone in the background left me wanting more. Pretty easy to listen to passively even if, overall, the songs were a little same-y. I don’t think I’ll find myself revisiting for active listening—pretty good, inoffensive background stuff. If the recording sounded better, maybe I could look past the mid songs to hear Aretha. Also, I hate fade-out endings. Just end the song. 4.5/10 Standouts: Respect Dr. Feelgood (Love is Serious Business)

Her albums during this period are fairly interchangeable. My favorite is probably Aretha Arrives. I like this one for Do Right Woman, Do Right Man, Let the Good Times Roll, and A Change is Going to Come.

This is a tough album for me to rate fairly, as it's not as strong overall as I'd hoped it would be, but how can you deny the greatness of "Respect"? (And until this project/collection I had no idea this was a cover of Otis Redding's song; she certainly owned it from then onwards.) It's really remarkable too that this is her 10th studio album and first with Atlantic Records--it's nearly criminal that Columbia Records buried her for 9 albums with middling jazz-singer fare. I'm *really* glad this collection includes another of her albums, "Lady Soul", which is even better than this weirdly debut-esque album. I'm just sorry that I got "Lady Soul" before this album, as I could have appreciated the former even more after hearing this one.

"Respect" and "Do Right Woman" are the stars and the rest isn't good enough to compel me to listen again. Those two songs are pretty good though!

Meh. RESPECT to Aretha but this was kinda boring in parts. Her other album on here that I recently got was much better

She’s great, I just personally find this music a little boring.

tää oli hyvä

Starts off strong with "Respect," songs are well written and BEAUTIFULLY sung throughout, but there were too many slow numbers. Would probably rate it higher if I were more in the mood for it

She proves she is way more than just Respect. Great album and great vocals. 7/10

Classic soul and an iconic voice. Strangely though, not an album that I would listen to again!

Why did they make her so quiet in the mixing? I swear this is the only time I've ever found production/mixing so poor to make a comment on it. Franklin's such a powerful singer but the damn audio engineer took all the power out of her. Past that the album's great, but it really needs a remaster.

it's pretty

🤏🏼🤷‍♂️

dura mi hermana

it’s not really my jam normally but i liked it

Harta del encasillamiento en Columbia Records, Aretha pega un portazo que escucha toda la comunidad. El segundo en abrir esa puerta —para asegurarse de que ninguna bisagra se haya salido como él lo va a hacer— es Jerry Wexler. En los FAME Studios de Muscle Shoals, plagados de sesiones reservadas por coros góspel y artistas del soul, la paleta sonora sedienta de rebeldía de Aretha ya se pintaba de otros colores. Pero como toda revolución, el álbum tenía que salir rápido y tenía que ser un golpe certero. En Columbia se equivocaron al intentar encerrar el poder de su voz kind of performance. Este álbum era un manifiesto. Puede que de ahí haya nacido su decisión de resignificar canciones ajenas y hacerlas propias: “yo también puedo decir eso, pero con sensibilidad, vulnerabilidad y otra carga emocional, estas canciones para mi suenan diferente, suenan más poderosas”. Wexler se adjudicó el mérito de haber roto las cadenas de Aretha, y ella respondió musicalmente sentada desde su piano: el hombre siempre tendrá las frases bonitas y el regocijo, pero ella se las apropiara con su poderosa voz para darles un verdadero significado. Ella se hace propia cantando. Aretha rompió sus propias cadenas, y con un piano, sus hermanas y los conflictos raciales de fondo, se refugió en las armonías góspel para sentir que lo que estaba haciendo era simplemente una armonía más. No era una diva pop. Era la Reina del Soul. A veces, sumar una sola voz más al coro es la revolución suficiente como para hacerse respetar. Cuando canta Aretha Frankllin el soul se conmueve y se organiza para seguir escuchandola.

Early albums like this can be difficult to rate. The way things worked were just so different then, right? Anyway, as a collection of songs, this is fine. But as a talent? As influence? R-E-S-P-E-C-T. You get it. Anyway, 5/5 as a milestone, but imma give it a three.

Just Soul

3.0 - Ok

Listened to it at work so was hard to really connect with, but sounds like a really passionate album. I will have to re-listen w/ lyrics. Really liked Dr. Feelgood for now

I feel bad for the audio engineer. His poor mics never stood a chance. Particularly the front end of the album is unpleasantly shouty. Aretha Franklin obviously has a great voice, but it's the only thing going on here. Everything else is as placid as could be. None of the instrumentation or melodies or lyrics impress except in Respect. One hit song, bad engineering but probably the best they could do at the time, and the album doesn't overstay its welcome. That's a high 2, low 3.

Another good soul album

Pleasant to listen to , easy on the ears except for some shrill recording segments of her voice, that woman has some serious pipes and range tho.

Typical Jazz band with pretty good vocals. Something you hear at like a restaurant. Nothing to write home about. Favourite Song: Save Me

She's obviously a tremendous singer. Are these tremendous songs? Hoo boy, no.

okay

Great vocals but too boring to listen for me

Good album, nothing stands out as my favorite tracks though. Smash hit "Respect" on this album though.

Not my usual vibe but not bad. Best song: Do Right Woman, Do Right Man Notable(s): Respect

Soulful!

okayyy slay girlboss queen

YES QUEEN YOU’RE DOING GREAT SWEETIE

Beautiful vocals, very heartfelt performance and yet, this album is exactly the type of music that sounds great at dinner but on itself makes me want to nod off.

Starts with a bang, sort of goes limp, comes back with the same song and falls down again. I'm definitely not the target audience for late 60's soul music, but I didn't hate it.

It was okay, didn’t hate it didn’t love it. Some good tunes.

...

This is an album with songs everybody has heard. I think all should hear it fully through too.

Respect is elite. Save Me is pretty good. But the rest sounds like what would be played for the slow songs at the Enchantment Under the Sea dance

I like the mixing on this album, which feels weird to say. I can identify individual instruments and voices, which is the opposite of the Wall of Sound Phil Spector used for a lot of groups in this era. Favs: Good Times, I Never Loved a Man

Solid

Classic buy average

Un autre cas de très bon, mais pas pour moi, malheureusement. Quelle voix ! Et le contexte du big band lui va bien. C’est clair que Dan Akroyd a du goût.

I think it’s still a really good album, I definitely enjoy the music, but it’s not something I go to all the time. If I hear it coming on or it’s in the background, I definitely appreciate it, Aretha‘s voice is timeless. Respect is an amazing song, I like the rest of the album, I could see her influence in so many current artists today.

Не пошло. Арета постоянно поёт криком, что невероятно раздражает. Наверное она просто не мой исполнитель или же не в том настроении слушал. 5,5 из 10.

RESPECT - Good vibes otherwise

I'm not much into this, but I'll still give it a 3 out of Respect for Aretha 3/5

Beautiful voice obv, but some of the songs are boring/redundant and drag. I would get bored, see how much longer a song was, and realize I was less than a minute into it.

Блюз, соул и немного джаза.

Some obvious heavy hitters in there. Enjoyed the lesser know tracks on the album more than I expected to, but not an album i'd choose to listen to

Fine album

3.0 in RYM.

3/5 pretty good

Elle a le droit de poser un classique comme ca au milieu de la salle ???

A classic.

Rating: 5.5/10 For a soul album, this is honestly missing some soul. Franklin is a great vocalist and the instrumentation is pleasant to listen to but it's missing something overall. Still slightly enjoyable but disappointing.

Heard it before. It's so nice to hear some good soothing music 3/5

Lei spacca sempre eh Ma non è una hit come altri album suoi che ho sentito

Aretha Franklin's powerful singing really excels on this album. At times it feels like the album was written solely to accompany her voice, which just means some of the other instrumentation seems a bit lacking. I do like the brass, organ, and piano that appears throughout the album, it definitely adds depth to an otherwise sparse back track.

Her voice is undeniably powerful, easily one of the most iconic in music history, the album overall left me a bit underwhelmed. Favourite Songs: Respect, I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You), Don't Let Me Lose This Dream. Least Favourite Songs: Good Times, Save Me.

Aretha Franklins voice is extremely powerful and beautiful. I imagine coming back to this album in the future for some of the songs, but overall it isn’t my style. While listening to this album it felt like some songs flowed together for me (in the sense that they sounded very similarish to me). Although I am sure this would change if I listen to this album more carefully and repeatedly.

Respect is a legendary song, the rest of the album is great but kind of hits the same note over and over.

Like the voice, really nice to listen while working Fav-song - Don't Let Me Lose This Dream 3/5

Soulful vocals but quite shouty. The kind of music that I find just ok. Plus the best tracks are covers. Not bad.

Another album that I respect (hah!) more than I actually enjoy. Obviously masterfully made and soulfully performed, but it doesn't connect in the same way other soul/r&b albums on the list do.

This one is fine. Just fine. I can understand why its iconic, but after hearing all the songs my entire life in commercials, the impact is softened.

Before: Detroit's very own! A motown legend and sweetheart. I've never listened to one of her albums front to back, but my Michigander soul needs it. <3 Standout tracks: Respect I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You) A Change Is Gonna Come Weakest tracks: Good Times Standout lyrics: "Yes, I'm blue, but I won't be blue always. Sun is gonna shine in my back door someday." - I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You) "Everyone but you adores me, but do you know pretty soon they bore me" - Soul Serenade During/after: R-E-S-P-E-C-T, FIND OUT WHAT IT MEANS TO ME. And she said what she said here. Such an iconic start to this album. Everyone knows this track and I would argue that it's one of the most recognizable songs of its time and of the genre. Drown in My Own Tears is so emo and soulful. I'm usually not a fan of the super melodramatic lyrics, but Aretha has pipes and great backing vocalists. The rhythm and tempo are also helpful in not making this song feel like a total drag. It's no Respect, but still great. I feel similarly to the next track, I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You). Interesting to see that this was the pick for the title track, but I suppose that it demonstrates that she wasn't dubbed "the queen of soul" for no reason. More powerful, belting vocals and a refreshing tone shift from the emotion and negativity of the last track to one that is empowering and optimistic. Soul serenade continues the epic horns and heartfelt lyrics. This song is a beautiful representation of yearning and unrequited love. There is a sleepiness to the percussion and trumpet that seems fitting with the theme and just sounds *good.* I don't love the transition into the more fast-paced, almost Latin sounding Don't Let Me Lose This Dream. It took some of the effect away for me, but the overall Latin sound of Don't Let Me Lose This Dream is really cool and the soulful Motown fusion is unique and ahead of its time. Dr. Feelgood makes me laugh because the way that lyrics portrayed and discussed sex like pre-1975(ish) is funny. I mean, she's real for that and I absolutely love that she got laid so well that she felt compelled to write a whole song about it. Period, Aretha. Good Times, however, is probably my least favorite track on this record so far. It sounds very 60's but in general just kind of schlocky and goofy. I can't put my finger on why, but I just didn't really like listening to it - maybe it was a combination of the plucky guitars and the lyrics, but it was not for me. This leads us to Do Right Woman, Do Right Woman, another disjointed transition. Transition aside, I really enjoyed this track. This one incorporated some very pervasive piano that added to the slow, soulful, passionate nature of the rest of the song. Save Me starts out with a really cool Elvis-y, western guitar that meshes really well with the soulful Motown sound in a neat way. This record came out peak Elvis, so I find myself wondering how much of an influence there was there. A Change Is Gonna Come is a perfect ending to this record. It's powerful, beautiful, and wraps up the mixed feelings and themes toward love and confidence that exist throughout. The instrumentals and vocals are damn near perfect. This album is influential, great, and iconic. Again, Aretha is Detroit's sweetheart so I have a very special place for her. A lot of the music I love today probably wouldn't exist (at least in the way it does currently) without her. However, it's just not generally something that I would have on rotation due to my personal taste. Jazz and soul don't tend to be my favorite genres - not that they're bad, just not the most pleasing to my ear. Since I try to rate albums based purely on my own enjoyment, I'm going to give this one a 3/5 (though I would give it a 3.5 if I could). If I were scoring this based instead on influence and technique, it would probably be higher. Unfortunately, I just don't see myself coming back to it, at no fault of the music itself. 3/5.

Super

I recognized a few songs on the album, since they get used in a lot of media. I feel bad rating it lower than Nina Simone's Wild is The Wind, but I feel I like they both sit on the fence between 3 and 4 stars.

great album, i was surprised at how jaunty it was

Amazing strong voice, nice chores, music which makes my leg move without control. I found my two favorits here: - A change is gonna come - Respect Respect!

I’ll prob regret this. But meh

this screams rainy (and rather sad) sunday afternoon, you cannot convince me otherwise 3,5/5 ⭐️

Respect!

Masterful vocals, but this music is just not for me. Soulful and powerful. A change is gonna come slaps.

Enjoyable, but not attention catching. Good background music

Pretty good

This album didn’t really draw me in and I was unimpressed by the lyrics at times. Tho I’ll say, the music was vibing. And there was a fun variety of love songs. I definitely see why this was so important for its time I just didn’t love it for my own taste.

I wish I liked this album more than I did. I know this album is great, I really do, but it just didn’t quite fully capture my attention.

Some good tracks here but a few not so good. Between 3 and 4 on this one.

Respect

I feel like I can’t appreciate this enough for some reason. I’m gonna go with a 3 as I think I’d really enjoy playing in the background.

Soul, 1967 -> 3

2.7 2x catch up 4/7/25 - with RESPECT hard to rate lower even though not my interest

Not my cup of tea but a good one.

Fine

Not bad at all but not full of bangers

Some good vibes I guess

Aretha Franklin is obviously a talented, powerful, and soulful singer. Her version of Respect is phenomenal and iconic. Everything else on here is enjoyable and demonstrates her ability and range, but can’t live up to that first track. I leave the album remembering few specifics outside of Respect and her great singing. And some classic soul bass - prominent, rhythmic and melodic, and always serving the song. It’s all good, just not an album I need to revisit in full often.

Incredible voice. Not for me

Felt I’d heard the whole album after the third song. Great vocals, but repetitive.

RESPECT is a ridiculous song. Aretha was a phenomenon.

RESPECT!

Fun songs. Great voice.

A thoroughly impressive and impassioned performance from Aretha Franklin across this record. The songwriting is usually excellent, and the vocals are uniquely powerful. The album does struggle with a lack of variety at points and can end up feeling a bit one note, even if that note is enjoyable. The album could do with some changes of pace or the removal of 1 or two songs to really hold the listeners attention. Stand out tracks are the title track, Respect, Good Times, Dr Feelgood and Don’t Let Me Lose This Dream. Overall 3.5/5

6.5/10

Like other albums from this era, with this kind of legend, I appreciate the artistry, but it felt very repetitive. I don't see myself ever putting this album specifically on, but it was pleasurable to listen to.

Aretha Franklin my queen

3 - very clearly not my type of music but very well done

Monster voice. Good times. Would throw on at a party to get the people boogiein'

Great voice but songs a bit too tedious.im mainly u to rock and metal but I'm open minded and realise her voice is amazing.just not for.me unfortunately

Between 3 and 4. I remember the hits and like the soulful vocals.

Finally some 60s music I can get on board with.

I feel like she would have been better served by a better engineered and mixed album. Her 10th album and first with this producer... they should have served her better. Still, good voice, good instincts.

Listenable.

Aretha is a powerhouse on album opener "Respect". She's a fantastic vocal talent on the rest of the album too, but the songs themselves are lower energy and much less memorable.

Good soul

it's a good, solid album. good job of showcasing her voice. do wish it had a little bit more variety in tracks. 3.5 stars

Aretha really hits it on this but not overtly impactful

The expressive voice makes all the difference. It is always a pleasure to listen to Aretha. You should be in the right mood to enjoy the songs.

7/10

Totally listenable, but not really my style.

I listened to the original album (11 tracks), not the later release with more tracks. This album has Aretha’s biggest hit, so I must rate it higher than the average album. However, I never cared for Aretha’s church choir solo singing style, even though she’s a good singer.

Some artists are so famous that it's hard for me to assess them with a fresh eye! Like, 'Respect' is great, but it's "BBC Proms" great, not "listening while I'm driving" great. (Although "sock it to me" is a funny little phrase.) And so I enjoyed this album, but in the way I like watching an old movie once in a while, not the way I like binging a reality show always and forever. Highlights: 'Soul Serenade' (& learning that there is an instrument called the 'saxello'), 'Don't Let Me Lose This Dream' (like zippy elevator music)

While I'm aware of Arethas career, I'm familiar with some of her recordings with Muscle Shoals, I've never really listened to her whole albums. I'm a fan of her soul and r'n'b tracks, not that into the blues ones and it seems I'm not the only one. I love her voice, I'm deeply into soul music and that side of her career.

Una voz genial con sentimiento, pasión.. "respect" parece no encajar en la historia que nos cuenta el disco.

Lovely voice, smooth, and so the bursts of power are more impressive. Nice enough, wouldn't come back.

Hard not to enjoy Aretha isn't it. Great voice, well known songs, which are on this album. Probably not really for me, but enjoyed it anyway. 3.5

Es impresionante el nivel de producción musical para asentar la voz pero son descuidar la calidad de los instrumentos qué buen álbum

пока не расслушала, просто Арета хорошо поёт, песни не запомнились. предыдущий альбом (тоже не помню) показался интереснее

Clearly accomplished, and Respect is incredible, but comes across a bit staid to me listening in 2025.

It’s a shame Respect is so overplayed because it’s a genuinely great song.

A powerhouse voice for a strong album.

3.50

This is #day167 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… here's to some serious class music. Aretha Franklin has a voice, and the backing band is top-notch. However, I've noticed that the lyrics from this era often lean toward overly idealized, "fall-in-love-man-worshipping" themes. If that makes sense. Take the title alone, I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You... the sentiment feels a bit out of step with how times have changed. It's not just a '60s thing either; similar themes show up in pop music from the '90s and early '00s. In a way, though, perhaps these themes are necessary to look back and appreciate how far things have come. This is a 3 out of 5. It's a great album, and I bet it sounds amazing on vinyl, but it's not something I'd put on consciously. Looking forward to #day168.

Great album. Not something I’ll probably ever put back on just cause it’s not really my style, but didn’t hate it at all.

Love a bit of jazz, just wasn't completely for me.

This sounded pretty dated, but she has an amazing voice

Das erste kommerziell erfolgreiche Franklins-Album. Highlight "Respect". Sonst ok aber nichts besonders spannendes. 3/5

Aretha Franklin was an unquestionable talent, and that certainly comes through here on her powerful renditions of Respect and Do Right Woman, Do Right Man. Otherwise, this made for some easy if not impassioned listening. The whole thing feels effortless, but also without any significance to me. So for that I'm calling this an enjoyable enough, but forgettable 3.

Great voice. Perfectly fine album. No notes.

#461. An amazing, powerful voice singing pretty generic love songs. Respect is great, but the rest is kind of average. 3/5: fairly good overall

3.8

great soul album

This is a good album. Obvious highlights are respect and the title track. Her voice is great must most of the other songs aren't anything crazy in my opinion. I just can't get over the fact that the rolling stone said respect is the greatest song of all time. It's good but is it that good? Really? I guess I'm not quite understanding the context in which it was released.

3.5

Great singer, songs a little to old school for me.

The music isn’t bad, it’s just another case of it not being made for me. The obvious highlight is Respect and the record never really reaches that same high again. The only other song to really pique my interest were Save Me. 3/5

I know Aretha Franklin is the Queen of Soul but I never listened to an entire album. I like her singing but not many songs stand out to me - and only very few songs (not including R.E.S.P.E.C.T) she has (co-)written herself. So, she is mostly a singer rather than an artist. Kudos for the vocal power and style. Nice but not wow.

This was fine. Not my favorite.

As someone who never liked "respect" this was a long 36 minutes. The talent is obvious, but the instrumentation and production really doesn't do much. Nothing here really caught my attention.

This was fine. Obviously "Respect" is an all-timer, and the vocals are great, but this is not in my wheelhouse. Objectively this is probably better than a 3. 3.1

It's very fine, but not something I'll go back to.

No questioning the talent or the voice. Well, the album seems to want to shift to the highest gear pretty quickly and stay there, so it gets to be a bit too much; the overblown vocals, the constant brass which occupies the same frequencies, leave something to be desired in terms of nuance and subtlety, but hey, maybe that wasn't what they were going for...

Aretha is a classic, but this particular album doesn't have any outstanding songs that remained in my mind after several listenings.

Run of the mill jazz, but easy to listen to.

I think it's a good album, but apart from R E S P E C T there are no songs that stand out. Very solid performance, but it's not extraordinary, not for me.

queen

while I appreciate the incredible singing, the songs didn't do it for me fav songs:drown in my own tears, save me, a change is gonna come

All the R-E-S-P-E-C-T for Aretha but I found this album and its themes a bit same-y.

Her voice is amazing. The album itself is not remarkable other than her incredible take on the Otis Redding classic Respect.

its good! first song is a banger

Aretha Franklin is often about vibes to me. The album starts with Respect, an all time banger, but the rest is kind of just vibes to me. It could be on loop for 3 hours and I don’t think I’d be able to pick out more than 2/3 songs but I’d also be enjoying myself the whole time. She’s an artist I refuse to be underwhelmed by. If a song didn’t hit me the right way, I’m wrong and I missed something, or I need to recalibrate my sensors or something. It’s like no listen again and humble yourself bc Aretha is a goat for a reason. I’ve listened before, probably will again. Love the artist more than the specific song selection of this album.

Has a timeless voice but it didn’t really budge over a three for me in this album.

Great album. She’s extremely talented and respect is universal with an awesome message. Succinct, but I still don’t feel compelled to listen to any of the songs again aside from respect. With that in mind, it was thematically consistent and enjoyable to listen to all the way through. 3 stars.

Vry gif

Too many slow ballads

Solid album but nothing really popped out at me, it felt slower than the last album I listened to.

I give you greatness personified.

-I think I prefer Lady Soul to this, maybe just a little bit because they’re both really good… her voice is super powerful and captivating, which makes up for the sort of dated audio quality and instrumentation. still so interesting to hear -Favorites are Respect, Drown In My Own Tears, and Soul Serenade

While this was nice enough. I didn't enjoy this as much as Lady Soul. Which I loved. Respect is, obviously, a classic, but I can't really remember another song on the album. This is a 3 borderline 4 album for me.

Good, but slow and sad

Viihdyin mukana ja kolme kertaa rullailin läpi. Kotiin pyöräillessä jäin miettimään millaista musaa Arethea laitettaisiin tämän päivän tuottajien ja mogulien toimesta vetämään?

Varma levy, vaikkei mullistava

The Queen of soul! I enjoyed the small studio with a large and powerful voice sound.

Aretha is a vocal powerhouse, but many of the tracks feel too similar. Regardless, I still enjoyed the record.

Soul

Aretha's voice is incredible and Respect is an incredible song. While everything else is good, nothing really stands out and blends together

Yeah it’s good, she sounds great, and the record is quick and pleasant to listen to. However I’ve been feeling really depressed lately. (I am writing this on November 7 2024.) Maybe this was a bad time to listen to this. But hearing ‘Respect’ and ‘Change Is Gonna Come’ kinda hurt right now.

Favorite tracks: Respect, I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You), Dr. Feelgood, Save Me. Aretha's voice is so good, so engaging. The songs sort of blended together for me, but I did enjoy listening to this. I wish more songs captured the magic and energy of Respect. 3 stars.

Such a talent. The arrangements sound so ahead of their time and her voice is amazing.

Soulful and nice to listen to. Not much else for input

Eh

Pretty great, if not fully my cup of tea

Almost exactly what you'd expect

Some good songs

Obviously this is very good. Whole lotta soul. I could put it on whenever and it would sound fine. It doesn't quite hit my personal sweetest of sweet spots, but this will do just fine.

This album doesn't seem too special. It features the classic track 'Respect', but apart from that it seems like generic soul. Aretha sings amazingly here and it's the only remarkable thing about the record.

Beautiful.

This one mostly coasts on one song. Respect is epic, but beyond that, there's only a couple of songs I would consider above average. Outside of those, the rest barely registers, and the streaming numbers back that up. Most of these songs sit under 10 million plays on Spotify, which isn't a high bar even for a 1967 album. Visions of Johanna, a deep cut from Dylan's catalog, has 22 million, and that's an old song too. Older songs tend to get less streams, so the bar is low. Yet most of this album still can't clear that bar. That's not a streaming problem, it's a songwriting problem. 3 stars. One legitimate classic, a couple of good tracks, and a lot of filler.

Her voice is amazing, but the most of the songs sound quite the same. And didn't like the lyrics at all.

Can very much imagine sitting in a darkly lit bar in America somewhere sipping a beer listening to this feeling very content with life.

Not really for me but I can appreciate the voice and the composition. I don't think I'm a Motown guy

Good artist, not for me.

Strong album, incredible vocals. Didn’t hit any nerves for me.

It's just a great vibe and while it's not my home turf, it's great turf to spend time on. My favourite moments are the bluesier numbers but you can't fail to admire the quality of her singing throughout.

It's good but I am not Feeling It.

A hell of a lot of undistinguished filler on this album (near enough all of the non-singles tracks are totally disposable). And even while everybody holds their tongue on this issue, Aretha’s voice is not as dynamic as people make out. When she’s belting out her soulful melodies, there’s no one better. But I couldn’t believe how quickly her sass started to wear thin with me - when she isn’t doing her one trick, just skip. That being said, the singles mostly make up for the album’s generally non-existent songwriting and anaemic production. I suppose it’s a drawback of this list’s criteria, but leaving aside her “signature song”, this is soul by numbers for me.

This was a good way to enjoy my morning coffee. Thank you!

Solid album from a fantastic singer.

Solid album. Enjoyed it, wouldn't go out of my way to listen to it again

Its a good album but lets face it I will never listen to it again.

Obviously she's a legend and her vocals are unbelievable... But boring tho.

Such a great voice. It must have been amazing to hear this album when it first came out, to hear Otis Redding’s Respect as the opening track and reimagined with such energy. Listening to it now, I didn’t feel excitement although I could appreciate her voice and arrangements. Over the years I’ve started to prefer to singers who have more grit/character in their voice. Otis Redding and Esther Phillips sing some of these songs and those are the ones to which I keep returning.

Album#2 Thought the majority of the album would be more fast paced especially after ‘Respect’ which was so high energy and such a banger. Vocals and instrumentation were very good but found a few of the songs boring and some of the lyrics very basic and quite bad at points.

Aretha Franklin isn’t usually in my wheel house but here I Am on the “1001 albums to Listen to….” Now of course I knew “Respect” going into this and it is definitely good song.Its not the songs fault that it’s a tad overplayed by today’s standards. I almost consider this a song used for Movie/TV soundtracks. Great opening but glad it was out of the way to get into the meat of the album Next up we have “Drown In My Own Tears”and is a more gospel break up song. The horn section is stellar on here. Title track is more of the same and kinda Meh. It’s not terrible but nothing mind blowing. Beyoncé based her entire career off this ONE SONG “Soul Serenade” has a amazing outro and another driving horn section keeping everything together “Don’t Let Me Lose This Dream” sounds like another song but can’t put my finger on. It’s definitely one of the BEST SONGS on here. It just Might be my favourite. “Dr. Feelgood….” & more so “Good Times” are a couple upbeat Duds. They seem innocent and fun enough but definitely preferring the Ballads. They are no “Respect” ,and I shall show these tracks none. It’s understandable that we need a couple more lively numbers but these just are not cutting the mustard “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man” is back on track can’t say it fully works but the chorus is really good. “A Change is Gonna Come” is a perfect way to end this album and makes up for a few rough spots. However this has Nothing on Sam Cooke version, sorry Aretha Franklin In the end this album had a chance at 3.5/5 (maybe even a 4) but that middle section/ most of the second half of the album was just decent. Solid 3/5 (It should be noted the backing vocals are just as amazing at Aretha herself) 1* - Not Good 2* - Has Merit 3* - Would listen Again (Good) 4* - Like It/Love it 5* - Love It & is A Classic album

Didn't know she had a version of Change is Gonna Come. Welcome surprise.

Favourite track: Respect

Great voice, a few catchy tunes. Another one that just isn't my style. I wouldn't turn it off if it came on, but I'd never seek it out.

Starts off strong with respect, then moves into slightly more gospel type music. All pretty good but not quite my cup of tea. Might go back and listen to the whole album but not in a rush. Has some strong social messages in the songs which were probably ahead of their time, don’t detract from the songs but just don’t think the genre is necessarily for me.

I “respect” the hell out of this thing but my rating reflects my enjoyment

Un bon petit album d'une grande chanteuse, pas tellement de quoi de plus éloquent à dire. 6.5/10

Other than "Respect" the album doesn't really shine the way you'd expect from an Aretha Franklin record.

Enjoyed this quite a lot, very listenable soul.

Too long ago to remember let’s say 3

Музыка по большей части не моя, но альбом хороший. Лучшая песня - Respect.

Pretty good, but why is Respect on this twice?

3.5

When you start an album with a song as strong as respect it’s inevitable that the songs after won’t reach the same heights. That said, enjoyable album with amazing vocals.

I mean, it's good but outside of the hits I feel it's a little redundant.

Didn't think I would like this one as much as I did

Impressive and impactful but not completely my thing. Much better than expected though and I can understand the appeal

Halfway through I decided that there is a lot of grating vocals here. Still some good songs, especially on the back half

It's a decent album I like. "Respect" is alright but not the best song like the Rolling Stone says it is. The other tracks are similar and remind me of "Great Gig in the Sky" but with lyrics. Franklin did a great performance on this album. I can't wait until the next album I'll review. 3 stars for "INLaMtWILY".

Soulful as expected. Pretty good, although this is something I have to be in the mood for.

Good tunes for the background but why is Respect here twice.

Exactly what I’d expect from an Aretha Franklin album

Nostot Good times ja A change is gonna come aika hyvö mutta vähän liian minimaalinen tuotanto, tykkään soulimmasta soulista

Great showcase of vocal talent, but not coherent as an album and not particularly exciting for me musically. Amazing voice though!

“Respect” +1, killer voice, generic 60s R&B

Kæft et åbningsnummer. Der er få albums der kan måle sig med så ikonisk en åbner. Det er en af de få covernumre som jeg syntes er markant bedre end originalen. Derefter går der lige lovlig meget “hjerte rimer på smerte” i den. Men Mrs. Fraklin er ikke the Queen of Soul uden grund. Den stemme bærer meget af albummet. Ikke mindst på lukkeren, hvor Aretha brænder fuldstændig igennem på et cover af Sam Cookes ikoniske A Change is Gonna Come.

Tranacendent for sure, wont return to it but it sounds pretty modern

Pas mon style mais j ai passé un plutot bon momznt, elle chante tzrriblzmznt bien aussi 7/10

Ya know, I've always thought that Franklin had an amazing voice. I liked and downloaded a fair few of her songs on spotify. And even though I enjoyed them, I always find myself skipping them. I really have to be in the right mood for them, because even though her voice is great, I always find the songs themselves to be too sleepy for my taste. That's ultimately what I found here; an album that I can appreciate but ultimately isn't for me beyond the few hits.

3/5

Its ok. Its soul. Its a classic.

Vocals are insanely beautiful, I've mixed feelings about the lyrics, need a few more listens.

Good album and pleasant songs to get lost in. A few songs I really liked

Very good

RESPEGC!

Of course, an incredible voice and a classic style. But it’s an album for a certain time and mood, which is few and far between for me. A perfect example of how appreciation and an understanding why it’s great doesn’t always equate to something I deeply enjoy and want to listen to often.

- Wieder so eine Kult-Künstlerin und Kult-Album - ein paar "Oha"-Momente aber insgesamt hat mich das Album ziemlich kalt gelassen, was mich dazu bewogen hat, dass hauptsächlich im Hintergrund zu hören. 2,75/5

Great voice but not really my favorite style of music. "Respect" secures her the third star. 2,5

RESPECT Rating: 3.4/5

Great voice, really fun 60’s style stereo separation, but most of the tracks didn’t do that much for me. 2.5 rounded up.

Really good album

É bom, gostoso, datado, mas muito agradável. Não pararia para ouvir, mas tomaria um vinho com amigos ouvindo numa boa.

Ok

Great vocals, of course. Not my go-to style as it's a bit outdated but obviously immensely talented. 6/10 (3/5)

Respect.

This a 2 star album, dragged into respectablility, and occassionally brilliance, by Aretha. She is so badly let down by the band, the arrangements, the production and most of the song choices that it's amazing this is listenable. The producer obviously had no idea how to cope with her voice. It feels like the mic is somewhere in the band, next to the backing singers (who are way too loud and average). Aretha's voice is coming from somewhere over the other side of the stage/studio. I can see how this album marked her arrival. There's no denying she is something special. But compared to the amazing bands and production on Motown, this sounds amatuerish. She deserved better. Listen for her and you won't be disappointed. Tune the rest out if you can.

Ain't my jam but good

Most songs are similar, soulful blues. First track Respect is a bit too familiar. A Change Is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke is very spiritual.

I listened to this a while ago in the car but forgot to rate, it was good but the ppl I was driving started inquiring about what my Spotify wrapped was last year and I was like uhh why the interrogation ahhhh. I listened to Lady Soul and this immediately after. But I listened to lady soul while walking so I think I internalized it more but I think it's better regardless. like a super high 3.

5/10 - Respect is a classic song but the rest did not stun me. I was not the most locked in during this album, I was trying to problem solve while playing pokerogue and it was not going well.

Controversial take, but a lot of people put Aretha at the top of the list of the best singers, but I wouldn’t. Don’t get me wrong, she’s great and this album is fantastic, I just don’t think she’s the greatest of all time.

3.5

Don't really feel this one. Its got great songs and some of the best songs of the time as covers, but as an album it doesn't really strike me. Later Aretha albums are a bit more coherent and work better as albums, rather than singles collections.

Respect is the sole thing keeping this album afloat imho

Already listened, beautiful vocals and soul at one of it's peaks

C'était bon.

First song was okay

Respect banger rest okay

Such a classic voice!

Really liked this one a lot! What a voice!

I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You" by Aretha Franklin was middle-of-the-road for me. Soul music has never truly resonated with me, so it's challenging to highlight specific aspects when nothing particularly stood out. However, it didn't irritate me either; it just didn't connect with me on a deeper level.

Classic, of course. A couple bossa and rocked up songs, but mostly straight forward soul. It gets a little same-y after a while, but it's a crime to slag off Aretha. 3.7

33min Excellent classic melodies Great voice Soulful Favorite songs: Good Times, A change is gonna come 72

greatness

She's a decent singer and there's a few big tunes, but it's not really my kind of music. Can't give more than 3 stars for something I'll never choose to listen to again.

She's got a brilliant voice, good backing singers, and it was a lovely short album. However the two biggest songs on the album are both covers of other people's work.Admittedly they're both good but it takes away a star unfortunately

норм, но хватило бы и одного её альбома в списке

Арета великая, а мы всё ещё жалуемся на составителей списка. И такое бывает, да.

She sure can sing.

Enjoyable listen. I saw Respect landed at the no. 1 spot of best songs of all time by Rolling Stone mag. Pretty massive achievement.

May not go on my rotation but was good for the listen. Will I listen to again: 5%

already listened

Respect is a classic. But nothing else here is really that interesting. And Respect is on here twice. Lol

I hate to tell you, because it’s already too late and you probably learned it at some point, but you’re better off without men, because they’re not gonna do any better and you’re value is greater than the chance that they will.

Favourite track: I Never Loved a Man (the Way I Love You)