Reviews (page 2 of 13)
A stone cold 5/5. Just perfect.
I must have listened to this 3 times in a row already and I'm ready for a 4th playback
This album is so, so great. From Aretha's astonishing voice to the superb studio musicians to the songwriting, everything works together in such a way that this noise-loving punk can't not give it a 5.
I was familiar with the hits, but this was great all the way through. I love the original of RESPECT but this version is so cool for so many reasons.
Really pleasant listening. I don't know her work well beyond the hits, but I wouldn't be surprised if any random collection of Aretha songs would also rate a 5.
5/5 - To be fair, if I listened to all 942,000 Aretha Franklin albums, I don't know which ones would be the real standouts, but if you're going to pick this one for me, I can't say it's anything other than a 5. If you need evidence she's the queen, here you go.
Je hebt van die zangers die door hun stem en performance alleen al de muziek naar een hoger niveau tillen. Het lijkt wel alsof alles waar Aretha Franklin haar stembanden aan leent, ineens twee keer zo krachtig en doorleefd wordt. Zo ook hier, uiteraard. 'Respect' hadden we al gehad in de versie van Otis Redding zelf, maar die haalt het niet bij wat de grande dame hier neerzet. Tuurlijk, het titelnummer is weer zo'n tekst waarvan je alleen maar kunt zeggen 'Mens, ga dan weg bij die eikel', maar het is dan ook door een man geschreven. Van 'A change is gonna come' prefereer ik dan toch weer het origineel van Sam Cooke, maar dat kun je ook niet los horen van de hele achtergrond van strijd van de Amerikaanse zwarten erbij (een beetje wat Aretha's versie van 'Respect' heeft, zegt maar). Hoe dan ook, waarom er in Morrissey's naam maar twee albums van haar in de lijst staan, maar we wel steeds weer naar het valse gezingzeg van een Elvis Costello moeten luisteren, is mij een raadsel. Bam, vijf sterren en geen gezeik.
Met een deel van het gezin in de auto, dus ik sla Ian Dury even over en skip naar een zekerheidje. Want het begint met Respect en dat kennen zelfs de kinderen. Het komt nog regelmatig voorbij. Ik ben zelf niet eens zo'n fan, maar dit zegt natuurlijk iets over de klasse. Het is wat betreft de energie wel gelijk het hoogtepunt van het album. Het biedt verder prachtige soul, maar de basis is soms wat soft. Wellicht dat mevrouw Franklin dat expres doet. Want haar uithalen krijgen daardoor extra waarde. Altijd fijn als iemand schijnbaar moeiteloos zo sterk aanzet.
In de categorie sublieme zangeressen, staat Aretha altijd bovenaan. Misschien dat Adele tegenwoordig in de buurt komt, maar die reputatie van Queen of Soul die heeft ze denk ik van dit album. Het is niet per se mijn stijl en ze gooit er natuurlijk iets teveel ad-libs tussendoor, maar poeh dit is wel echt steengoed. Ik denk zelfs dat ik dit makkelijk nog een keer op kan zetten. Kan dit beter? Ik waag het te betwijfelen. Moet ik dan de 5 sterren op zak houden, omdat dit niet mijn stijl is? Dat zou deze Aretha in haar hoogtijdagen tekort doen. Rating naar stijl: beste in haar soort, 5 sterren.
Aretha Franklin is my personal queen
Oh my god
Damn this was so welcome. Respect to this Queen. Its not rock, but it rocks. Sweet jazzy tones and great vocals full of soul and funk. Her covers are excellent here, and her crown as Queen of Soul still shines. Some mellow bits but overall, a great listen. So good, I did it twice.
The Queen of soul, lighting everything up
"Queen of Soul", what else can I say?
They don't call her the Queen of Soul for nothing. Aretha has such an electric energy that you can't help but start dancing along. With one of the best voices ever, she gives incredible ballads and powerful belts that can be heard from the heavens.
5/5 no notes.
already listened to this one, front to back amazement
Queen
Yas queen!
Fantastic.
A little more notes than I like, but on the whole the album was great.
Two Ms. Franklins in a row yippee. Good music fucking finally. So good. She has the voice of an angel and a musical ability of also an angel. Just wonderful wonderful music. Just amazing all around. Lyrics vocals composition backing everything it's genuinely mesmerizing. Definitely a step up from the last album of hers I listened to. Oh my god. Favourite: Don't Let Me Lose This Dream Least favourite: Respect
One of the top 5 R&B albums of all time!
I adore this album! From the heartbreak of "I never loved a man (the way that I love you" and "Drown in my own tears" to the strength of "Respect" and "Do right woman, do right man", and the hope of "A change is gonna come". What a voice. Not the first time I've listened to this album, but the first time I've listened properly.
If your album is produced by Jerry Wexler and engineered by Tom Dowd and Arif Mardin then you should have a pretty good guarantee of quality so long as you have good songs. I was surprised that this was Aretha's ninth album (the first eight were covers of jazz standards) and that, as it's her first for Atlantic, its doesn't use Booker T and the MGs as then backing band. I'm not convinced by the album's title despite the title track is a top song, but the presence of Rolling Stone's top track of all time in Respect, a track that produced a band name (Dr Feelgood) and a track that I first discovered in the Commitments film (Do right woman). we have something special - one of the greatest recordings by a woman artist - she became the queen of soul in '67.
Absolute classic but it makes you realize people were just as horny in the 60s
The Queen of Soul, I have a lot of Aretha, and I would offer if you were to have only one of Aretha’s albums, this would be the one.
PEAKKKKK
sublime cawn, me encantó aretha franklin, nunca habia escuchado nada de ella y este album se me hizo cabronsisimo, aunque algunas canciones son parecidas hay otras que cambian totalmente y eso me gusta, no le puse mucha atención a la letra ya que estoy ocupado, pero en cuestión de musicalidad se nota un increible nivel y producción de parte de aretha así como de los músicos participantes, compositores y por supuesto productores e ingenieros, muy buen album
Really wish some of these songs were longer. Excellent listen!
This is some of the fine work of the late great Aretha Franklin. Respect is one of if not her biggest song of her career commercially, but this record is great. Soul, funk, disco, pop elements. Truly, this was a joy to listen to.
I'm not sure what I expected going into this album, but I was still surprised by just how great it is. From front to back, it's packed with fantastic songs and performances. Aretha Franklin is an all-timer, and this album shows exactly why. Her voice is second to none, effortlessly shifting from tender to powerful without ever missing a beat. Beyond the obvious classics like "Respect," there really isn't a weak spot on the album. This is an easy 5/5 and a reminder of why Aretha is one of the greatest singers of all time.
Great album with powerful vocals and strong songs. Love her rendition of A Change is Going to Come. Rating: 8.5/10 Favorite Song: Respect
One of the best soul albums of all time
Another 5 for Aretha Franklin's album. Bringing together Jazz and Gospel influences to make her version of Southern / Deep Soul. Uniquely talented pianist and vocalist.
Luscious
Soul music doesn't get any better than this
Nothing much to say… this album is just perfect. While listening I felt pure enjoyment from the first second to the last. Aretha’s voice is a precious gift — powerful, soulful, emotional, and so incredibly beautiful that it carries the whole record. Every note feels honest and full of heart. The album is both emotional and rhythmic at the same time, with that perfect Southern soul groove. It’s smooth enough to put on during a little night walk, yet strong enough to make you feel something deep. The instrumentals are excellent too — tight, warm, and fitting perfectly around her voice without ever getting in the way. This is Aretha at her absolute best. A timeless, great album that still sounds incredible today.
I could listen to every song on this album over and over. Unbelievable voice, passion, great backing vocals, instrumentation…. Gotta be a 5.
It's hard to believe that it took 10 albums for Aretha to find commercial success. This is a vocal masterclass.
Man, the voice is just so powerful. The combination of gospel and r&b creates something magical.
What can I say that hasn’t been said
A stunning album. Respect is a juggernaut on its own right, but the rest of the album really holds up. I was dancing all through it
Marvelous
Not much to be said, one of the best soul albums out there. 1967 was a stacked year for music released but this stands out as one of the best from that year, and “Respect” will forever be an absolute anthem.
What an incredibly powerful singer.
Der Gesang ist so überragend, dass es unfair ist. Hatte es schon mit anderen Alben von ihr probiert, die waren nicht ganz so meins. Das hier hat mich abgeholt. Neuentdeckung!
Timeless Classic. Problably one of the most important albums of the lost. Aretha Franklin was the voice of the afro-American community, and specially black women, when they needed to be heard the most. From a technical standpoint, the songs haven’t aged a bit. The lyrics let you glimpse into the black struggle, and hope that “A change is gonna come”.
One of the best to ever do it. Fantastic collection of songs from the queen.
Respect - 11/10. Even though this is an Otis Redding cover, this is the definitive version, and it goes straight to 11. Drown in My Own Tears - 9/10. Goosebumps on that opening. Damned good song from The Queen. I Never Loved a Man (the Way I Love You) - 9/10. Awesome. Soul Serenade - 8/10. Excellent. Don't Let Me Lose this Dream - 8/10. Excellent. Baby, Baby, Baby - 9/10. The Queen is in the house. Dr. Feelgood - 8/10. Excellent. Good Times - 9/10. Awesome. Do Right Woman, Do Right Man - 10/10. Perfection. Save Me - 8/10. Great. A Change is Gonna Come - 11/10. Goosebumps and tears. This one goes to 11, too. Overall Rating - 4.55/5 (9.09/10). Another all-killer, no filler album. The Queen of Soul bookends this album with two of the top songs of the era. RESPECT is a cover better than the original, and A Change is Gonna Come is a Civil Rights anthem. Do Right Woman is perfection, as well.
Absolute classic. Nobody does it better and this is Aretha at her best.
Knowing the history and weight Aretha’s music holds, this album felt iconic.
Is Aretha the Queen of Soul or the Godmother of Soul, given that James Brown is the Godfather of Soul? Anyway this is a magnificent album that shows Aretha at her best. Although I may prefer the original Otis Redding version of Respect, I understand this is a minority view and her version is still awesome. Her version of A Change is Gonna Come to close the album is great too and in between them both the album is sprinkled with classics like Do Right Woman, Do Right Man and Dr Feelgood. 4.5 stars and rounding up today.
sensual, divine.
Baby, baby, baby is a soulful track. I haven't really listened to Aretha Franklin before. Do right Woman, Do Right Man: I like this song a lot.
In muscle shoals they love the swampers. All timer
She ain't the queen for nothing.
Inolvidable
Something of a QUAFGH (QUasi Aretha Franklin Greatest Hits) as contains so many of her big songs - and in some ways preferable to it - Southern Soul so has that Gospel feel running all the way through it.
Even if this record was “Respect” and then Aretha Franklin farting this would be a 5.
Miss Aretha is one of my favorites, but I never did listen to any of her albums from start to finish before this. It was a blast, I loved every second of it. This right here is what I know best. The groove, the vibe and the voice is a whole package of brilliance in one album.
Is there anyone in the history of music with a better voice? I didn’t expect to give this 5 stars but by the end of it I was convinced as it became clear that I was enjoying the music as much as her vocals.
MY QUEEN
This is the easiest 5 I've ever given. I love soul music and the Motown era of music. I'm not sure if she was technically Motown but that era is my second favorite genre of music.
Very good jazz/blues albuns, a classic
I liked it a lot. One of the best voices ever, I love the soul in every song. 4,5/5.
A voice the Queen. No one had her pipes. Aretha completely stole "Respect" right out from Otis Redding, a bona fide legend. Songs of the power of women, love, heartbreak. In addition to soul, she brought in a track of bossa nova. And while there are covers, including Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come", there are a few tracks she wrote, and most of the piano work on this is hers, too. Legend.
timeless classics from the Queen of Soul. Mandatory study for anyone of any age who appreciates music. Not just R&B or soul music, ANY music. She is that great and powerful and timeless.
I mean, its Aretha.
Following 9 unsuccessful jazz standard albums, Aretha was dropped by Columbia and picked up by Atlantic, where she would flip to a soul style she's now well known for. The title track was recorded in the famous FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals before an argument broke out between Franklin's husband studio owner Rick Hall. The studio was changed but members of the Muscle Shoals band were flown to it to continue recording. Also featuring her best known track in Respect, and a brilliant cover of Sam Cooke's A Change Is Gonna Come; the album catapulted her to the success we know her for today. And what a voice! It's the kind of voice that was copied time and again, particularly its acrobatics, and particularly when I was growing up in the 90s. And although they could technically hit those heights, they couldn't carry the emotional weight that Aretha does here. Her performance is deep, powerful mesmerising and simply unmissable.
Aretha! A wonder from my state! I know a lot of her singles but no full album, and knowing that a lot of music was focused on singles rather than albums from this timeframe, I wasn't sure how this record was going to play out. Truth be told, there was no need to worry. This is a truly beautiful album. Aretha's voice is warm and inviting, both demure and demanding simultaneously, with a delivery that makes you believe every single word she's singing. The musical production sounds wonderful - precise but still emotional, with the piano tone standing out as a highlight. Even the nightmares of having to dance to "Respect" at my first job were washed away when I actually sat down to listen to this. Absolutely steller album.
First, Aretha Franklin engraves her legacy in stone on this one. Fire, sweetness, desire, power, sadness, hope. I don't even think this is the greatest recordings of Aretha's voice, but the performance still comes through beautifully. Second, the Muscle Shoals rhythm section and horns back her up beautifully. Always providing a solid groove, and playing perfect blues, rock & roll, and soul with restraint, pushing and pulling, with occasional flashes and flourishes. "Respect" is the obvious example, but "Save Me" is one I just love the sound of the band. This is one of those Albums of the Day that I just put on repeat and listen to all day long. It probably deserves listing in not just top 1000 but top 100, and it's one of those rare albums that I judge other people's taste against: you don't like this? that needs some explanation.
Amazing and interesting. Non hits are really good too.
sublime. i feel lucky to have been born into a world where this music already existed.
I felt incredibly powerful listening to this while walking about the streets of Las Vegas during my lunch hour. I don’t think I’d ever listened to a whole album of hers. Only greatest hits compilations. This is stunning. This is great. This is music.
It's a close call, but I'm giving this one a low 5. It's a short album, and not all of the songs are great, but they're all good to great, and Aretha's singing and the backing band are consistently great. I'm pretty sure Mombo had this album (like 95%), so a little surprised that not all of the songs were super familiar to me; the ones I know best are Respect (of course), I Never Loved, Dr. Feelgood, and Do Right Woman (all GREAT). The other songs aren't quite at the same level, probably, but I will say that I noticed that they were growing on me, as I listened to them 2 or 3 times. Starting to think I don't even need to qualify this as a "low" 5 album. Anyway, 5 it is.
Good start to the experience..
Wirklich die Queen of Soul. Tolles Album mit sehr schönen Songs
Classic respect no skips powerful vocals energy
YES! ABSOLUTELY ALSO!
10/10
I say a little prayer for her
The OG
Excellent. Outstanding album, love Rock steady.
Aretha Franklin – I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You (1967) WOW, JUST WOW! This album is that GOOD!!! PERFECTOO. I never loved an album the way I loved this one; it is absolutely immaculate. When I heard "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man" a while back, I was highly tempted to dive into the full project right then. Instead, I saved it for this exact moment to get the maximum shock value out of this challenge, and it completely delivered. "Respect" is just beautiful. I think I had heard "Don't Let Me Lose This Dream" somewhere before, I can't recall if it was a Ray Charles or Otis Redding version, but it is perfect; it caught my ears immediately and went straight into my favorite Aretha repertoire. On "Baby, Baby, Baby," she completely teased me because it felt so incredibly familiar. "Dr. Feelgood (Love Is a Serious Business)" made me feel incredibly good just listening to it. I have a long, deeply personal history with "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man," so hearing it in this context hit heavy. As for "A Change Is Gonna Come", well, I won't be listening to Sam Cooke's version anymore because I found a better one right here. I could say so much more about this LP, but a 5/5 is the maximum score I can officially give. Easily a 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, the absolute BEST RECORD.
5/5 and nothing less. This woman can SING.
As I am listening to this record the first rainfall in a few weeks is hitting ground. The air is filled with the musky smell of petrichor as the ground sucks in the much needed moisture. It is a smell that puts me at ease for as long as I've lived. This record is like that smell. It is soul. 5/5
Well, classic
Aretha Franklin could probably sing the telephone directory and I'd listen intently to every note. Respect is a track of outstanding quality and sets the bar high for the rest of the album, but a couple of times listening to the whole album reveals the depth and range of Aretha Franklin's talent. This is an album that showcases her abilities at a consistently high level of quality. Not all of the songs are fantastic but her interpretation of them always is.
Each song is packed with so much soul. It's always an absolute pleasure to listen to anything by Aretha Franklin, and this is arguably one of her greatest releases.
Excellent. I'm not really an expert when it comes to this style but I enjoyed this one a lot. It's either 4 or 5 stars. I liked "Respect" and "A change is gonna come".
Oh yeah Aretha Franklin has a great voice but I've never sat down and listened to her I take it back, Aretha Franklin has a /fantastic/ voice.
Nobody sings like Aretha. The whole production and the musicians are top notch.
Heeeeeyyy the first track was in Driver San Francisco. Loved it.
I have “Lady Soul “and “Soul 69” and know the hits off of this one, but I’ve never actually heard this album as it was issued until now. All I can say is wow. After being miscast at Columbia as a jazz singer, she hits it out of the park on her debut album for Atlantic. Everything works here. Her incredibly soulful vocals sound ageless and timeless (and not like someone only in their late 20s), like this kind of music was exactly what she was meant to do. The backing vocals (two sisters plus Cissy Houston) are awesome. The backing musicians are sympathetic and funky. The songs are mostly great, with only a couple of weaker numbers, which she still delivers with authority. Makes you almost forget the great Otis Redding with her cover of “Respect”, which she just owns. Easy five stars for me.
The queen !
Flawless
The album I got before this was late-stage Elvis, and one of the issues I had with it was that all the songs sounded the same. Well, with the obvious and notable exception of Respect, most of these songs sound the same. And yet it's completely different. It's clear, it's dynamic, it's explosive, it buries into your soul and lifts you up, it's tremendous.
Previously known. Chef's kiss.
The queen of R&B. Me lo he escuchado 2 veces seguidas y es una gozada histórica, conocía represent que es la mas famosa del disco pero es que las demás siguen el nivel. 9,5 y me la pela.
Respect is a canonical song of the modern civil rights moment. Franklin’s voice and legacy are nearly unrivaled. She’s the queen of soul for a reason. In no world is this anything less than a 5 to me.
Respect alone could make this a 5, but Good Times, Soul Serenade, and Do Right Woman, Do Right Man are excellent songs that I hadn’t heard before. Aretha is a legend, and this is a great sampling of her work.
amazing
Better than Coldplay
Sweet
Divine
(7/7) soulful
Aretha the Queen of Soul, I had never listened to this all the way through this album was great. 4+ rounded to 5.
What a great album - first time I've heard this album in its entirety. It's criminal that Columbia Records really didn't know what to do with Aretha Franklin.
oooohw.... okay Aretha.. Nunca había escuchado este disco completo, empezo con RESPECT y dije: oh of course i know this song, pero luego con Drowning in my own tears... woooow que rico y que triste. I never loved a man... wow todo.... que bailable tanta devoción a un onvre. Soul serenade: que manera de empezar una canción... omg. Creo que cada canción esta encajando perfecto...! Disfrute mucho este disco, guardado mil veces.
Sooo good. Loved this one.
Favorite Track: Respect
Aretha at it again. High energy, full of power and grace. Starting off with RESPECT gives into a rollercoaster of emotion anchored by aretha's voice, really the center of the record. On repeat forever
favs: drown in my own tears i never loved a man dr feelgood do right woman, do right man a change is gonna come
Urethra Franklin my goat
An absolute joy! A masterpiece!
Vulnerable expressive vocals-commanding the instrumentals with her presence Definitive voice for woman commanding respect
All time classic, no bad tracks
too album
Put some R-E-S-P-E-C-T on Aretha's name. I enjoyed Lady Soul more, but I mean. It's Aretha Franklin. Of course the album is great.
Perfect. No notes.
Baustelle, Gerstetten, Deutschland. Sehr tolles Album!
Could listen all day.
I mean...
Det er høj klasse. Lyrikken bliver til tider dog lidt banal.
Sikke nogle lunger
This music will last for a thousand years. Because it was made from the Soul. It came from the depths of the Earth. From hardship. From somewhere that most people can’t understand. It’s real life magic.
Excelente de inicio a fin, para escuchar mientras te duchas o tomas un vino. Apto para cualquier ocasión.
Astonishing
It’s Aretha. Show some respect.
Un classique d'Aretha Franklin, surtout Respect! J'ai bien aimé Don't lose this dream et A change is gonna come++ Il s'agit la d'un très belle album du R&B, chantée par une illustre artiste. Les ton jazzy sont super cool par ailleurs et rappel bien les US des années 60.
Just an album full of greatness! Show some "Respect" and give the Queen of Soul the 5 stars she deserves
A stunning voice, and an album That just doesn’t let up throughout. Respect is obviously a classic but I was surprised with the quality of the entirety of the album and that there were not more celebrated releases from it as it was such high standard. Some great musicianship from the backing band made it soulful and funky in equal measure. Has left a huge legacy on the music that followed and so undoubtedly an important milestone in the context of female and black artists.
What keeps this album from perfection? Like many soul records of the 1960s, Franklin was compelled to throw in cover of R&B standards like "Good Times", which while pleasing are far from the high stakes battles in the ballads, and lack the rocket fuel of the albums justly famous upbeat numbers. When the oft-recorded "standards" match Franklin's talent , such as "Drown in My Own Tears" and "A Change Is Gonna Come", she excels at carving out unique and personalized versions. With small criticism out of the way, this album falls squarely in my top 20 of all-time, and given the day cracks the top 10. Praising Aretha's singing is a waste of space as you will just end up stating that she was the greatest of all-time; case closed. Having just praised the use of back-up vocals on other records, it must be said that Franklin's sisters, Erma and Carolyn, and Cissy Houston provide the most famous support in pop music history. It takes a singer of Aretha's caliber to match, let alone, outshine them. The band has too many stellar moments to name here. First, and foremost, Aretha's piano playing looms large, pushing the tracks in a harder direction, which allows Spooner Oldham's electric piano to become the groovy, dark element that the songs require. The arrangements keep the horns from becoming too intrusive as they color rather than overwhelm most tunes, with King Curtis' solo on "Respect" being another reason it ranks among the greatest songs ever recorded. Like all superb records, the deeper cuts raise "I Never Loved a Man" to its exalted status. While not completely unknown, the title track and "Dr. Feelgood" best exhibit the combination of Franklin's piano playing and singing, boosted by Oldham's and the back-up singers' contributions. "Save Me" somehow never got the attention it deserved. Nearly as funky as Franklin's later monster groove song, "Rock Steady", it is a quintessential piece of stripped down R&B. The rhythm section sticks to the simple chords in relentless fashion pushing Franklin, and just her, no back-up singers, to epic heights. The lyrics lack the poetry of "Respect" and "Natural Woman," but Franklin sends them soaring as she pulls out her full arsenal of vocal skills to challenge the gritty instrumental underneath her.
One of the easiest listens. Could throw this on at any time and be into. Fits any occasion. Best time: listening while baking baklava. Plan upon return.
Incredible!!! No wonder she is the Queen of soul!!
Not just the Queen of Soul, but the Queen, full stop. Possibly the greatest voice ever recorded, plus some absolutely incredible songs, equals an all-time great record.
Aretha Franklin has a really moving voice. This album makes me feel like a woman.
This album! Everything! All of it!! Ms Franklin, the musicians, Duane Allman, Tom Dowd, The songs! It's all pure perfection!
Respect being the first track on this thing and it maintaining that quality throughout makes this an all-timer.
Amazing that she was only 24 when she recorded this.
Rare does a Stax, Atlantic, Motown artist have a great album in the 50s and 60s (from what I've heard). They are all about the singles, and albums that are often full of tiresome covers. Here, not only does Aretha have a hand in writing a few, but most covers are given a new lease of life. Otis's 'Respect' is flip-reversed lyrically, and turned into a pounding classic setting the blueprint for soup/pop/dance crossovers forever. I also sense a massive influence on Stevie Wonder's 70s output - 'Don't Lose This Dream' like his salsa inspired keys-led ballads (e.g. Don't You Worry bout a Thing'), amongst others. You can hear Aretha's voice popping off the mic at times; it reveals the lack of post-production on her grittily exemplary vocal, and you know beyond doubt from these recordings she can do this live. Her voice soars in most tracks, and lifts even the more average numbers. Overall it's a stonking album, eminently listenable on repeat, and full of sublime musical and vocal touches.
Aretha the woman you are. I really enjoyed this.
Fantastic record. Title song is great
Un clásico de todos los tiempos, muy buena cantante. Da vibes para escuchar un domino en la tarde y alegrarse
Undoubtedly one of the best albums on this list. Preach, Ms. Franklin, she takes us to church. (First time listen and I’m buying the album)
queen
loved it, never gave enough attention to Aretha, i saved some of these songs
I’ve heard this before and I own it. First of all, I love this era of soul and Aretha Franklin especially. This album is so loaded up with classics and bangers it’s almost like a greatest hits collection. The version I have has the stereo version of Respect, I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You, and Do Right Woman added at the end that messes with the overall trajectory of the album since A Change Is Gonna Come is a great closing track, but I don’t mind hearing these ones again. Aretha took an already great Otis Redding song that’s just basically saying “don’t nag me when I get home from work” and turns it into a classic women’s liberation anthem to start off the record, and that sets the tone for the rest of the album so that it comes across as a declaration of independence. Maybe I am overblowing it. Needless to say I love this album.
We don't need to put R-E-S-P-E-C-T on her name. She's already regarded as one of if not the greatest vocalist of the twentieth century. Her uncanny power comes from the fact that she's as effortless as Sam Cooke & just as effortful as Otis Redding. In other words, she renders the act of trying an easy-breezy task: giving your all, & straining as you do, has never been so smooth or so simple. Aretha's only weakness as an artist is that she didn't always know how to curate a record. That is, her song selection could fall short. W/ this classic, however, she never misses. My favorites are 'Baby, Baby, Baby' & 'Do Right Woman, Do Right Man,' but you can't go wrong w/ any cut here. The quintessence of vocal talent is & will always be Aretha.
oro puro
This is embarrassing but I’ve only heard Respect before- god I was missing out. The talent, the love, the romance??? Amazing.
Respect is obviously a classic but I really enjoyed this whole album - perfect for enjoying some strawberry lemonade outside in the sun and listening to the train go by in the distance. I think the titular song is my fav it just has fantastic instrumentals and vocals.
All time fave for me
Amazing soulful voice!
Amazing. Timeless
INCREIBLE
Me encantó súper instrumental y la voz de ella es hermosísima
Really loved this one. Thought it wouldn’t build well after respect but it does a good job of drawing you in throughout
RESPECT is the ABSOLUTE PHRASE for the Queen 💐🙏🏻🥂
5/10
I love Aretha. This album was amazing, zero skips no notes
Feels like cheating to get this at the start. Obviously an amazing voice. Oddly more depth to the album as a whole than expected but having said that, stays very much on its theme. But its a classic, one of THE defining records of its genre. Respect makes it a 5 alone.
Det är inte bara Respect, utan ett knippe riktigt bra låtar och en fantastisk röst. En femma
I was expecting to give this a 3 or 4, but it’s actually a 5 for me.
she is a diva
I'm not the biggest fan of blues, but I have to admit the album is beautiful.
So good I listened to it several times. In between I read some of the reviews, most appreciative of this great woman’s talents. Others were completely missing the point. Any criticism of this album, ANY, are completely irrelevant next to the power of Aretha’s vocals. That’s the only point. Needs a higher scale than 5 stars.
Wholly incredible album. Fantastic songs from start to finish with everything you could want out of a jazzy soul album. Flawless vocals and a wonderful range of emotions make this such an easy and enjoyable listen. Iconic hits and plenty to love in between
Solo puedo decir: 'Respect'. Joder es música icónica y sin precedentes. Máximo respeto a la señora Aretha Franklin.
Absolute banger
yeah i'm not sure what you were expecting, it's aretha franklin. recording/mixing/mastering are letting her and the band down a bit frankly, there's balance issues and occasional clipping. the band themselves are in good form, and the arrangements let them show off once in a while.
Super Album und Künstlerin generell
The Queen
Amazing. No notes, Aretha Franklins best
so good
Very cool blues album
Loved it!!!
The queen
Loved it
Powerful. No way the “Queen of Soul” gets less than five.
Soul sister
muy bueno
Aretha, Atlantic, Muscle Shoals,, Jerry Wexlet. The perfect combo. The title track is one of my favourite ever songs. Would have been amazing to see this live
Undeniable!
she's soooooo goated
Just simply stunning to listen too.
food for the SOUL
literally so excited. i love her voice and style so much. she makes me feel so hyped. i didn’t listen to the whole album but i should have
Incredible voice, songwriting, and track sequencing. Turned a 3/5 mood to an ecstatic 5.
Love it, such a classic
So so so good. Respect is phenomenal but also Dr. Feelgood, do right woman do right man, and the title song are so emotional, soulful, and evocative. I also love her cover of A change is gonna come.
How did I only know Respect? It’s an awesome song, but not even the best on this album.
This is an excellent and complete project from my perspective - a strong, consistent blues/soul rhythm throughout that never grows stale. The album is the perfect length, includes all the diversity of instrumentation that you want out of a 1960s blues album, and has some of the strongest vocals you'll find. Incredibly, even the original album is produced really well and doesn't faulter from the annoying crowd-sounds from the live recorded blues albums we've heard from this era. An easy 5.
This album is a perfect, no notes, only praise album. The fact that I'd only heard Respect from it is a shame. It is a charming little album with no bloat that showcases Aretha's talent in every song as she demonstrates what soul music should be.
5/5 Absolute powerhouse of an album. Aretha Franklin is an icon and a star in the music world. This is the first time I've listened through this whole album but there's a very good reason I recognized most of the songs on this album already. Each one is full of emotion and skill, both in composition and vocal strength. Ugh. Gods I love her. Every song was banger after banger and I'll be humming them for days after.
Favorite Song: Respect
A gem of an album!
a transcendental experience, beautiful, gorgeous, inspiring, perfect…
Such a breath of fabulous wonderful (more superlatives) air. I think this might tip me over to giving my first 5 star album rating. Don’t know why it’s taken me so long to actual commit to giving anyone a 5 star review. Hard to please probably, always find a reason why something isn’t perfect and worthy of that last 'ding'. But this is great, opens with ‘Respect’ so can crack on with the rest of the tracks off the back of her biggest hit. My fave track in the album is the title track 3: I Never Loved Man (The way I love you). Sooo rich and delicious. Had to double check that ‘Baby Baby,Baby’ ‘Dr Feelgood’ weren’t the same track not paying attention to the lyrics and the vibe/key/pace/sound is really similar. Same bass line, piana. Does the lack of perfection lose a star. Naahhhh. Shame I’m listening to the reissued version as don’t need a repeat of the tracks at the end, remastered or not. Total number tracks 14 Original release 11 fave track number: 3 (title track) 25/02/26
One of my favourites. My dad played this album excessively when I was a kid.
Great album, timeless tunes, really enjoy her music. Respect is a favourite of course., I never loved a man,, Soul serenade, baby, baby, baby...Do right Woman, Do right man and a change is gonna come.... this is a great listen
Aretha Franklin is a singular singer and there are a number of superb performances on this album. Not every song holds its own against Respect and I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You (I think the Sam Cooke cover is weak but maybe done in homage, who knows) but overall it showcases her as a powerhouse. Feel duty bound to reach for the 5.
A voice that can heal. Such a gift
Fantastic voice
Beautiful songs, RESPECT is great but the rest of them are even better.
Fallegt, skemmtilegt og frábær söngkona
Ég er í góðu skapi þegar ég hlusta á þetta.
I don’t feel qualified enough to make a single comment on this album!!!
Phenomenal stuff.
Perfect. Maybe one of the top 5 albums of all time. The greatest singer of all time at the peak of her powers. The all time great diva. Once she’d covered your song, it wasn’t yours any more. It was hers and there’s no point pretending otherwise.
When the album was recorded, Aretha had gone through a modestly successful yet disappointing stint with Columbia for seven years; a she was married to Ted White, an abusive asshole who had gotten into a physical altercation at Muscle Shoals that required moving the album recording to New York (they would divorce two years later). Leaving Columbia for Atlantic was the best thing that could happen for her career. Aretha went from a pop singer with a pretty voice back to her gospel roots, infusing every lyric and phrasing with emotion. She starts by snatching "Respect" from Otis Redding wholesale, turning it into an anthem for all woman. The album's other big hit is the title track, about a woman unable to quit an unworthy partner, which probably hit close to home for her. But everything on this album is great. Her version of "A Change Is Gonna Come" is my favorite. She makes "Drown In My Tears," a wonderful song, her own. She turned "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man" (a song she disappeared for weeks between the Alabama and New York sessions to finish herself, playing piano and organ and backed up on vocals by her sisters) into a soul staple. The rest of the songs (including three she penned herself) are formula, but it's a formula that works. Simple, warm arrangements centered around her powerful voice. She is backed up by an enviable trio of backup singer, her sisters Carolyn and Erma Franklin and Cissy Houston (Whitney's mom), who had an incredible career herself. For me, this is one of the all-time great soul albums and another one that goes to the hypothetical desert island.
It is Aretha. 'Nuff said. Show some R. E. S. P. E. C. T. and just put it in your rotation. You'll thank me later.
Superlative.
Can’t be anything less
Aretha Franklin is an absolute icon, the queen of Soul. Her voice and energy was incredible and this was a great listen.
Thoughts before listening: I mean it's 60s era Aretha so it's going to be great. I know this is one of her most celebrated albums, and I think I actually own the record. Should be a fun listen. Review: Yeah, this is great. Timeless soul music being sung by an all time great voice and backed by the powerhouse Muscle Shoals band. What's not to love. "Respect" is one of the best songs of all time, but I'm adding multiple tracks to my playlist. Classic album deserving of 5-stars.
Simply excellent
This was Aretha’s first album under the Atlantic label. She is of course a star, and this is absolutely one of her best!
Records like this just seem to be the actual definition of 'classic album'. What is it about THAT sound that just makes it so special? It's not just her extraordinary voice, but the sound and feel of the band, and something about the recording techniques that just make it a record that commands attention and creates such an incredible atmosphere. Not sure I've ever listened to an album by Aretha Franklin before - I'm happy to right that wrong with this one.
Groovy and Feminist
such a beautiful and classic album, second listen!
one of many classic aretha franklin albums
I unno vruh i didnt wanna listen to it
Aretha Franklin is an icon. Her voice is powerful and gorgeous. Her music is timeless.
BEAUTIFUL ETERNAL ARETHA
Superb, lovely to hear Aretha with her charm and beautiful harmonies - great album, some real bangers on here
I love music that makes me feel and this album did just that! very soul vibe. evokes human emotion so well. 9/10
One of the best voices in music singing some of her iconic songs.
I was already familiar with this album. It is excellent. Respect is the best known song, but every track on here is great. Her voice is spectacular and the instrumentation is on point, giving her voice a great showcase. I appreciate how the songs touch on other genres, like Bossa Nova and Rock with Save Me. This album has been in my rotation for years and will continue to be, as I would listen to this album any time.
Bliss
Full of soul and talent! Amazing album
All timeless crackers.
Fantastic. One of my favourite vocalists and the songs are classics. Like this soul period better than her earlier stuff.
Tout simplement excellent !
Respect you know what that means to me!!!! Amazing album
One of the best soul records ever.
Gotta give it the respect it deserves
I've heard it said that Aretha doesn't sing her songs, she inhabits them. I would add that her songs inhabit you. As strong as her voice was, her piano playing shone through on multiple tracks. The strength of the Muscle Shoals musicians is also undeniable. Respect is one of the best and most well-known songs of all time, and even the original artist, Otis Redding, said Aretha owns it. Beyond that, there's not a throwaway track on the entire album. Blues, gospel, soul—this one's got it all. I listened to Lady Soul some time ago on this list, and the way it moved me—a rhythmless, middle-aged white guy—is just as strong here. She earned the Queen of Soul moniker, hands down, and she gets 5 stars plus here!
Woohoo! Some songs here I already knew, are FIRE: 'Respect' is the stand-out. Some songs I didn't know, turn out to be mighty fine, eg 'Drown In My Own Tears'. Nothing here I don't like. 10/10 :-)
Powerful, beautiful and just a really nice listen. I didn’t expect to give this five stars but a mix of pace with different sound and just a powerful and talented singer make this a great album
I loved Aretha as a little girl, and I think I’ll love her my whole life. Such a beautifully perfect voice. I love this album with all my heart. “Do right woman, Do right man” is one of the best songs of all time.
Yup this is perfect
Five stars. Fight me. No, didn't think you would.
A rare album to be sure. Her vocal talent is undeniable - she could outsing anyone on this list. But she doesn’t just sing these songs - she inhabits them and you can’t escape without feeling them deeply. This album shaped the direction of music in so many genres for decades to come. It is remarkable. You don’t need to love every note to recognize that it is of the highest level.
Iconic songs, iconic voice. Aretha Franklin. The more I listen to her the more I love her. I don't have anything more to add, just tap play and enjoy her gift.
great
What an absolute classic. Incredible stuff.
P-e-r-f-e-c-t
Respect by itself nearly gets this album a 5. But everything else on the album, while not quite as hard hitting, is just as good. Aretha has a legendary voice.
A delight. Franklin is as incredible as always, and this is a flawless collection of songs, with a range of styles and feelings behind them. Cannot fault it in any way. 5* by default.
this a banger
I had never listened to this full album before but I’m glad I did now. Every song is so good and full of soul, so easy to listen to. Favorite Song(s): The full album.
A banger from start to finish. I’ve heard respect one too many times in my life. It’s still of course amazing but damn I love this album. I think I should buy it on vinyl.
There's a reason why she's The Queen of Soul. Her best album EVER!
Hard to give this album anything less than a 5 when it opens with the best version of Respect.
The Queen of Soul never got it wrong. Nothing but respect for the best.
While only just over 30mins long, this album is why Aretha is the Queen of Soul.
I LOOOOOOVVVVVEEEEEE THİS AŞBUM SO MUCH. A little bir of jazz a little bit of everything. Most of the songs moved me in the first go. Love this
I’ll be damned if this isn’t one of the most soulful albums I’ve ever heard. Aretha Franklin is simply electric on all of these southern soul bangers. It’s super groovy, fun, charming and an instant classic. “Respect” obviously demands its title from the listener—being an all time classic soul song for good reason. But the other tracks on here also deliver the goods, with each bringing something creatives to the table. From the dramatic and bluesy “Drown in My Own Tears” to the rocking “Save Me”, and even the samba-esque “Don’t Let Me Lose This dream”, this album never fails to impress.
Review - So many classic songs, often covers that have become the best known version. And at barely over 30 minutes long you can listen to it a few times in a row and not get bored. Rating - 9.5/10 Need to hear? YES
An amazing listening experience. Obvious "Respect" is a standout, but the whole album is nothing but amazing songs. I loved it so much, I had to listen to more Aretha to satiate my craving for more of her voice. 9/10
Gorgeous, beautiful, extraordinary l. Aretha Franklin truly is one of the best vocalists of all time (if not the best). Love her and I always will
Really good soul album, certainly one of the best of all time.
Iconic songs and one of the greatest voices in popular music, hard not to give it a five despite the majority of songs being covers.
Loving this album. Perfect amount of trumpets
Aretha Franklin is THE greatest singer in American history. This record is one of several reasons why that is the case.
Fabulous. Opened and closed with classics
So good. I'm usually not a fan of covers, but damn that version of A Change Is Gonne Come was almost better than the original. 5/5 Highlights: Respect Drown in My Own Tears A Change Is Gonna Come
One of my favourite 60s albums
Imagine being the Rolling Stone reviewer, one of the first mainstream critics to hear Franklin at full power, who sniped about the drummer not being particularly good...
I absolutely loved it, Aretha Franklin is another jazz queen that I truly adore and this album is amazing.
Perfect soul record from one of the legends. Amazing singer with one of the best opening tracks of any record. There's also a series called "booze and Vinyl" which pairs cocktails to records and this one is a pink squirrel which was my grandma's favorite drink. Fits it perfectly too. It's sweet like a desert, gets you a little tipsy and a nice decadence/night cap to a beautiful evening.
very good album, i was just getting into similar music genre and this really sealed the deal on it i like it or not, i found myself dancing at every end of a song lol.(Never judge an album by its cover!!LITERALLY)
Untouchable icon
The voice for the centuries <3
So many classic songs.
Singular voice. Classic. Great to have on in the background for immaculate vibes.
Love aretha
4.5
Magnificent album! This is my kind of soul! (10) ★★★★★
4.45/5 Stars Top Songs: Respect, Good Times, Change is Gonna Come
I absolutely loved this album. god I could listen to Aretha all day
Beautiful soulful album. Will play over and over again.
SUBLIME! I listened it with my parrot and it loved it
Loves her voice
Unassailable perfection. A master at her apex. Surrounded by the best of the best.
R E S P E C T the Queen of Soul!
Timeless.
Amazing album, it’s timeless. you can hear the pure passion in her voice, they don’t make music like that anymore. 10/10 would recommend and would listen again in the future.
R.I.P., David Trotts(06/13/07-10/13/45).
I mean let's put some respect on this album, fucking great.
Possibly the greatest vocalist of all time?
ARETHA. MUTHA. FUCKING. FRANKLIN. THE GOD DAMN QUEEN OF BLUES AND THE MATRON SAINT OF SOUL. LORD HELP ME CUZ FOR THE FUCKIN LIFE OF ME I CAN'T WIPE THIS STANK FACE OFF MY FUCKIN MOUTH
Perfect singer. I love it all.
Nothing but respect for the one and only Aretha Franklin
Давно не було нагоди послухати Арету. Планував ставити 4, але дуже кайфонув, тому можна й 5 поставити. Супер класика. Чи не найвпливовіша вокалістка на це точно заслуговує.
Easily a 10/10, all-time classic album.
Obligatory 5 stars for the Queen.
Soul classic. Aretha owns these songs--even when they are better known by other geniuses like Sam and Ray--and her band is whip-cracking on. I mean, Respect, I Never Loved, Dr. Feelgood. Masterpiece by a legend.