Reviews (page 2 of 14)
Lovely album on so many levels and one that deserves its place on the list. Shamelessly belting out the hits, and belting out the other songs too. This is the type of album that in here for.
Good voice but not my kind of music
Aretha's incredible. This is great; it's probably one teensy notch behind "Young, Gifted, and Black" but still easily worth 5 stars. Just a damn shame she wasn't the female answer to Otis at Stax, seeing how she was born RIGHT THERE.
Love this
I like Aretha Franklin. She gets the job done
Great voice, couple of belting hits. The rest is alright.
How did she sing like that without Aretha to listen to?!!? She’s an alien
No notes
While I know nearly every song on this album, I don’t think I’ve listened to it through before. So thanks for recommending it. The shift to Muscle Shoals with its unique sound really works for Aretha, and the songs, covers and originals. Work together, none of them feel slight or unimportant to me whole. Bookending the album with Otis Redding”s “Reapect” and Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come” was a bold move, and in doing so, Aretha didn’t just put her stamp on them, she stepped into the pantheon. There is much more to say, but I’m out of time tonight.
The goat of course, but I didnt love this as much as I wanted to.
I knew one song. Didn't pay that much attention to the others but nice voice
What a voice. And what an album opener. Respect! Are you kidding me? One of the best songs ever.
She’s really the best
If you want to hear what soul is all about, listen to this album. Still in the top 10 albums ever made. Aretha's voice reaches out and grabs you and does not let go until she's ready to let you go. All the labels like Queen of Soul don't do her justice unless you've actually heard her. Sit her down at the piano, give her a mic and a good song and just step back and watch pure magic being made.
Sebi findet es besser als Dusty Springfield, ich nicht.
aquela amiga fazendo o review um mês depois…. álbum muito bom! gostei bastante de algumas músicas dela que eu não conhecia mas não peguei o conceito que ter a mesma música mais de uma vez
Aretha is great
Powerful and soulful. Probably deserves a 5, but not every song does it for me. Love her version of A Change is Gonna Come btw.
2 - HORRIBLE
So many great songs on this incredible album. I was originally familiar with the Phoebe Snow version of Do Right Woman so it was exciting to hear this one.
The woman has a voice like a sky full of stars on a cloudless, moonless night, enchanting.
Love the voice but a whole album is like a rich chocolate cake. I can only stomach so much. High 2, almost a 3
3.5
she's a baddie for a reason.
Yo la amo a esta mujer, qué decir. Y que el álbum abra con semejante temazo, 10/10. Drama, melancolía, alegría, empoderamiento, amor, todo.
I never loved an album the way I love you
A solid collection of songs sung immaculately. Such a better singer than the wanabees that came later. Mariah and Whitney come to mind. Not essential however would definitely listen to again.
I love her voice and there are some great tracks on here including a really well done Sam Cooke cover. I just prefer Lady Soul and Aretha Now over this one, but maybe that'll change in the future.
If I was Nineteen I would simply know that 'Retha Franklin was the Queen of Soul Standouts: Respect, Don't Let Me Lose This Dream, Dr. Feelgood
***A very good, easy listening album
Respect is obviously great, and some of the other songs are good. Her voice is legendary but the album just doesn't grab me like I was expecting it to
Although I'm not sure this is QUITE on the level of Lady Soul and I have a few minor production quibbles like with the backing vocals, Aretha's voice alone combined with her 60s-soul era style is almost always going to put these albums into the upper echelon for me. Her reworking of "Respect" from Otis' version into the behemoth of a song that it became is legendary, but there's plenty more to like here. "A Change is Gonna Come" always hits and I like the spin she puts on it to make it her own. A little bossa nova excursion on "Don't Let Me Lose This Dream" adds some variety. It maybe loses steam a bit in some of the slower moments, but can't justify giving this less than a 5 and certainly was the platform for launching Aretha into the stratosphere as a music legend.
Apparently this is the first of Franklin's Atlantic records after her somewhat unsuccessful tenure at Columbia. It's also the record that starts to introduce her to the Muscle Shoals scene, although only one track was formally recorded there because of a fight. Overall, this feels a bit like a transitional record, despite some of the big hits. There is an overall sound, but you can here the record shift from songs that sound quite a bit like Stax to more gospel oriented songs, to moments that have just a little bit of Motown influence and even a more blues oriented song. For me at least, it all works at least pretty well and at time really well. Although most of the songs are pretty traditionally relationship focused, you can hear a little feminism creeping in with the shifting of songs that were originally from a man's point of view to a woman's and a nod to the struggles of the civil rights movement with the Cooke cover at the end. It's a very good album. I'm giving it four stars, but I think an argument for five stars can very easily be made.
repetitive sound but still really good. aretha's voice!!!
Enjoyed
There are no bad song on this album but Respect is an all timer. I also really like Do Right Woman, Do Right Man. I feel like you could feel the connective tissue between country and R&B.
Love this. My girl can sing!
A powerful, soulful voice, singing pretty uninteresting songs. Respect HEAVILY carries this album. I can appreciate her musicianship, but this won’t be one I return to listen to. 3/5.
A classic sound, always enjoyable! Aretha has such a beautiful powerful voice. I also loved the background singers and their harmonies. Maybe not cohesive as an album, but great songs.
I mean, so many classics. How do you fault this? What a voice. Better than the other Aretha album on I listened to.
couple good songs, not worth listening to the whole album
Her incredible voice is heavily carrying this entire project. The instrumentals are just underwhelming in comparison. But still I just can't see a reason why anyone wouldn't like this record.
So great. Aretha is the Queen.
Aretha in her prime, singing her signature song. I was very surprised to read in the Wikipedia summary that this album was not that well-received when it was first released--I'm glad that changed over time.
DNF. Chill vibes excellent voice. Not really mynthing
Always a treasure
I remember Queen a Soul.
Flawless queen.
All the R-E-S-P-E-C-T to this one.
Aretha is great. 4/5
10 - she is peerless
I have loved an album like this, though.
What a voice
Same person who sang you make me a natural woman
Album 297. I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You — Aretha Franklin (1967) Terrific soul album whose sound digs deep. It was a great time 4/5 Liked: — Respect — Don't Let Me Lose This Dream
Heartbreakingly well written Jazzy horns But carthatic in it's honesty
que sufro Aretha
Какие-то каверы на её песни я отсюда слышал, но ни оригинал, ни каверы не представляют ничего хорошего
Nothing particularly stood out but it was a solid enjoyable listen throughout
this was a wonderful soundtrack to a pool day with a margarita. Legendary voice!
Surprised me at how good it was. Worth a relisten
All around fun album!
Only ding is that the album itself doesn’t feel as essential as the songs and the artist
Two great classics and a lot of okay filler don't make a great album.
gorgeous voice, and some real bangers. Not quite as memorable as Lady Soul to me though
Would I have given this a 4 if it wasn't Aretha, idk. 4 whatever
Legenddddddddd behaviour here. What fun to listen to a whole Aretha Franklin album, and to hear Respect right off the bat! This was a bop and a half. I saved two songs but i enjoyed the whole album basically: drown in my own tears and I never loved a man (the way i love you)
08/19 Not bad
“initially released to a mixed critical response” 60s music critics really heard the title track, and Respect, and Do Right, and Dr Feelgood, and half a dozen other quality cuts from one of the greatest singers of all time, and said, “yeah, it’s all right, but it’s no Cliff Richard or Herman’s Hermits”
Yeah she’s pretty damn good at singing Opening up with a song as legendary as Respect is awesome; it might just be the quintessential soul song and it still more than holds up today with its messaging and directness. There’s at least 5 great songs after that, between the title track, Soul Serenade, Don’t Let Me Lose This Dream, Save Me, and A Change Is Gonna Come. She is absolutely in contention for most talented vocalist of all time; there’s just a certain rich quality her voice has that you just don’t ever hear I think if I had to come up with something it’s probably the mixing and quality of the music itself; it feels just a step below the sound quality of similar albums of the time. The music itself is great though I think this is right around as good as Otis Blue (coincidentally where Respect originally came from and they both cover A Change Is Gonna Come), and I absolutely understand now why they’re known as the King and Queen of Soul. Pretty damn close to the finest the genre has to offer
Respect is very baller!!! Kinda couldn't notice the rest
Even though I’m not someone who regularly listens to soul music (I definitely wouldn’t call myself a connoisseur), it’s really easy to get into this album. I probably wouldn’t normally go out of my way to listen to individual songs from it, but the way the album flows makes it a really enjoyable listen. It’s only about half an hour long, but it’s loaded with slower songs that let you appreciate Franklin’s incredible voice, along with more upbeat tracks that bring a lot of energy. Admittedly the covers are the highlights of the album. Otis Redding’s Respect is obviously a classic. Even songs like Drown in My Own Tears, Soul Serenade, and Do Right Woman, Do Right Man are phenomenal. I just don’t thank the originals are nearly as good. They lack a lot of movement, it doesn’t really feel like anything is changing. Very simplistic, simple beat, etc. and it makes the album feel like its dragging on. Will this album turn me into a huge Aretha Franklin or soul fan? I’m not sure. But there are definitely enough great songs here to convince even someone who isn’t normally into soul music to give it a chance.
Classic for a reason! She has an amazing voice!
Pretty good defied my expectations.
Respect Dr.feelgood Drown in my own tears
All my favorite Aretha songs on one album.
Excellent. Might be more of a 4.5 star album for me, but bumping it up for that VOICE. Loved listening to this all the way through for the first time
There’s no denying the talent. Love the Sam Cooke tunes. The next time I hear the spelling bee song is hopefully never.
Beautiful voice. I can’t believe I’ve never heard her music before but it was a really nice listen. Thoroughly enjoyed this album.
TL;DR: A short but powerful showcase for one of the best to ever do it. BEFORE: I know a few of these songs - some of them very well - but confess I have never listened to a full album by Aretha Franklin. AFTER: This is a great, short, punchy, classic soul album that highlights Aretha Franklin's incredible voice alongside tasteful arrangements. HIGHLIGHTS: Respect, the title track and Do Right Woman, Do Right Man are, justifiably, classics. The horns on here are a great counterpoint to the vocals. The more famous songs aside: Soul Serenade is a beautiful song based on a jazz instrumental. Don't Let Me Lose This Dream is a fun mix of bossanova and soul. Dr. Feelgood is vastly better than the Motley Crue song. Save Me is propulsive with a powerful vocal. The version of A Change Is Gonna Come on here is nearly as good as Sam Cooke's original, which is one of my favourite songs. LOWLIGHTS: A lot of these songs fade out rather than have a proper ending, which always feels like a bit of a cop-out. Otherwise, I have zero complaints. Also, shout out to short albums. VERDICT: 5 stars.
"In 1967, Rolling Stone chided the album for "the lack of versatility on the part of the sidemen. The drums weren't hard enough, the guitar was weak, and the production lacked polish." In 2002, though, they placed the album at number 1 on their "Women in Rock: 50 Essential Albums" list." ...fascinating!
I respect it but I don't relish it.
one of the goats
Similar to how I feel about the Nina Simone album on this list. One of the greatest to ever do it but not my absolute favorite album of hers
not my style
JL : 3, A Change Is Gonna Come
*all-time.
Time to confess. I've never knowingly listened to Aretha Franklin. I'm glad I did now.
6/10
!!
Classic!
A beloved classic.
A great collection of songs and performances. Had never listened to an entire Aretha album before, and a bit overwhelmed by some of the "bombast" to the point of relief when the softer songs arrived.
I wonder what it was like when Aretha's Respect first hit the airwaves. Sure we already had powerful singers, but she was something else, something amazing. How I wish i had been aware in 1967 (instead of just two years old) to hear her in that cultural, musical context. 4/5
There are at a minimum 5 or so stone cold, unimpeachable, all-time classic tracks on this album, and even on the slightly weaker tracks you're still getting to hear one of the 20th century's greatest singers at the height of her powers. Easy 5 stars.
A: Jee en kvinna!!!!!!! Actually bra musik! Hög klass, vacker, gillade det. En till Raye-inspiration hoppas jag. Jee jee. Eeeh. Vet inte egentligen om jag skulle lyssna på men det var ändå väldigt angenämt att lyssna på 4/5? (BA-tier?) D: Väldigt ikonisk. Väldigt stereotypisk för sin tid, men gillade girlboss attityden. Förtjänar att vara här. 3/5
Would buy
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.
Good atmosphere
It was fine! Great voice obviously, didn't connect much emotionally
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.
01) Respect - 10,0 02) Drown in My Own Tears - 7,5 03) I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You) - 7,5 04) Soul Serenade - 7,5 05) Don't Let Me Lose This Dream - 8,0 06) Baby, Baby, Baby - 7,5 07) Dr. Feelgood (Love Is a Serious Business) - 7,5 08) Good Times - 7,5 09) Do Right Woman, Do Right Man - 7,5 10) Save Me - 7,5 11) A Change Is Gonna Come - 8,5 TOTAL: 7,86 (79/100)
Insane jazz, groove and voice
Not for me. 1/5
Aretha Franklin is my personal queen
I can see the appeal but the truth is I can’t take more than 30 minutes of 60s soul at a time
I wish the recording quality was better, because it's a good album.
Oh my god
Just a couple songs that I didn't really care for. Beyond those, it's a classic. I still almost gave it a 5, despite those songs... but in the end, they did detract from the album as a whole.
I didn't realize this album was released at the same time The Beatles were still refining their hokey pokey sound. Goes all the harder for it.
I respect this album but don't enjoy it as much as, say, the Anita Baker one. I think it's well made though and she obviously has an amazing voice.
It’s Aretha. There’s no question.
A classic album by mrs. Franklin.
Repertório elegante, músicas marcantes, de uma das maiores vozes femininas de todos os tempos. Verdadeira definição de artista. Um belo trabalho musical.
What more can be said about Aretha? If there is any nitpicking here, maybe I don’t like the shouty parts quite as much as the rest. But still…
it's great!
The amount of great and legendary music coming out of 1967 alone.. it’s just not fair. What a beautiful album by one of the greatest voices of the 20th century.
Not my thing
Très belle voix mais ça se répète ! J’étais dans le bus je me suis endormi et aucune idée d’où j’étais dans l’album c’était pareil qu’avant
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.
Yes, ma'am! More Aretha, less mediocre Britpop, please! What a powerful voice she had.
Nice easy listening album. Track one today banger :-)
It’s Aretha there’s nothing more to say
Couple really strong songs and rest of album was fine but mid 3/5 Favorites: a change is gonna come, respect
The Queen of soul, lighting everything up
Soulful, approachable music that showcases Aretha's legendary vocals. Real slick record and would give it another spin.
"Queen of Soul", what else can I say?
Maybe the best opening song of all the albums so far (?) Unmistakably one of the greatest and most iconic voices of old blues rock n roll. This may not be an all timer album, but it’s a great listen from start to finish for the joy of listening to Aretha Franklin.
Maailman ikonisiin ääni. Laulu toisen perään kuulostaa vaan vakuuttavammalta.
7/10 Best songs: Respect, Save Me This is a hard album to rate. By album standards I find it a bit middling; it's the typical 60s album, where it's more a collection of singles rather than a cohesive artistic statement. Only a couple of the songs are catchy or something I'd listen to again. That being said... It's Aretha Franklin. Thus, there is nothing truly wrong with this album.
very nice soul! her voice is incredible. 4/5
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.
It’s the Aretha album with Respect on it. The rest of the songs could be her just playing the kazoo and it would still get 5 stars
- first album of 1001 - One of those notorious albums that become famous due to a few notable hits. The vast majority of the album is a slog to get through but chipping away toward the albums' namesake - and 'Respect' made the session generally worthwhile. All around decent, obvious influences apparent in most music but otherwise nothing to write home about.
5/5 no notes.
First one Reminded me of the 50’s Strong black woman!
already listened to this one, front to back amazement
Great southern soul. Not quite a masterpiece, but very good. 4/5
I had a good time. Yes, Respect is *the* song in the record, but the rest can easily keep up.
She's amazing
Abrir con esa versión de 'Respect' es, nunca mejor dicho, para mostrar un respeto a esta artista gigante del soul. Leo que ella misma frenó los impulsos de los gerifaltes de la discográfica para tocar con músicos de sesión que limitaban lo que ella quería probar. Consiguió reapropiarse de su sonido, mientras la banda acompañaba sin ahogarla. Se metió al bolsillo a sus compañeros y a la gente, normal que sea una verdadera reina de lo suyo. Qué elegancia desprenden sus canciones (algunas versiones las transformó casi en algo propio, además de componer 4 canciones para el disco, algo raro para entonces, que había tanta fábrica de compositores). Por otra parte, el soul no es de mis géneros favoritos ni con el que más me emocione, así que eso limita un poco el resto de la escucha, haciendo que la puntuación tire para abajo.
3.5 if possible
Pipes
Bangers after bangers, so skips Drown in My Own Tears, underrated
Queen
I really liked it lwk I thought that I would be a sad album but it was nice
Yas queen!
This album is ok, not great. Most of the songs are slower soul and gospel songs than faster R&B songs. Respect is one of the exceptions. The backup singers are good though. She is considered the greatest singer but I don't agree. She's good but her voice is higher and thinner than I expected. The production was criticized by the Stones and is valid. As noted by a reviewer, listen to the Sam Cooke and Otis Redding songs she covers.
The GOAT.
Aretha has some of the best vocals. Each song on the album showcases that, not one skip.
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!
Great voice. Musics of note to me: "Respect" (both) and "Change Is Gonna Come".
this is what I live for
Wonderful album
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.
Really solid album. Interesting after researching how the covers simply don’t feel like covers. Some solid grooves
Absolute classic but it makes you realize people were just as horny in the 60s
im not one much for soul
I don't listen to her a lot, as gospel/soul is not my typical genre. But it's Aretha, it's really good vocals, performance, etc. I appreciate this album for it's authenticity, especially after hearing about her story in the Aretha Franklin movie (ikik all biopics are just artist puff pieces, regardless). 4 Stars, maybe 5? I'd have to re-visit and revise.
Aretha is a classic but not my tempo
It was decent, didn’t blow me away
She was hitting that yes she was Highlights: "Respect", "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)", "Dr. Feelgood (Love Is Serious Business)", "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man"
Ma ütleks, et väga okei album. Ei pannud kuulama, aga ma arvan, et siin mängib natukene rolli ka ajastute vahe. Pani mõtlema sellele, et ühest küljest on muusika lüürika aja jooksul aina lihtsamaks muutunud, aga kui teemasid vaadata, siis on tolle aja muusika vist isegi monotoonsem. Minu peas oli laulja mingit sorti kaudses dialoogis varasemalt kuulatud Ray Charlesi albumi minategelasega. Nad oleksid ikka paras paar, aga ausalt ma näen lahutust tulemas.
Beautiful
This is a solid collection of all the great songs by this powerful singer. A word needs to be said about the arrangement of the songs - great stuff. Not all the tracks are good enough though.
Has a classic at the start, and some other high points, but overall it was just fine for me.
О! Арета!
Obviously lots of classic material here by the Queen of soul. Her voice accompanied by smooth and groovy soul music makes for an easy listen.
I've never really gravitated towards Aretha. I tend to prefer the Motown and Stax aesthetics over Atlantic. But it was really great to have a concentrated dose of the Queen here. Let's call this a 4.49.
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.
I feel dead. so skip the proper review for this cause i need to revive. 3/5
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.
4/5. To get the incredibly obvious out of the way, Aretha Franklin is an all-time great vocalist and she shows her full power on this record whether that be on poppier cuts like “Respect” or the slower ballads like “A Change is gonna come.” The instrumentation keeps it simple but is well done, I especially love the few times on here where some horns come in. But it’s mostly there to be the bedrock for Aretha’s voice. One of those albums where you can immediately tell “oh so this is where a ton of singer/songwriters got their whole thing from.”
I wouldn't reach for this, nor listen on purpose again. Not bad at all, but not quite my jam generally.
Good
not my thing. sorry
Classic and always a phenomenal voice
The great singers of old - Sinatra, Franklin, etc. - are a bit shortshifted in terms of assessment in these types of lists because they are much more song centric than they are albums, which are never that strong as a collection or as a whole experience.
Solid if unspectacular.
Don't let me lose this dream stands out. Overall not for me, but not bad
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
Aretha is so great, and this album has so many great tracks. What a voice. Highlights: "Respect", "Drown in My Own Tears" and "A Change is Gonna Come"
High 3 low 4 for me as it fits nicely for a carefree evening.
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.
This album does not generate as much excitement in me as I would like, or as much as I would have suspected based on the killer opening track. Beyond Respect there are a lot of pleasant soul sounds from a vocal powerhouse but they are not as iconic or memorable as I would expect given Aretha Franklin’s level of fame and adoration. She’s cool though and I could see this album as being a bit of a leveller - it would be hard to imagine someone who would object to this being put on at the beginning of a party, or when it's winding down.
Surprisingly only a high 3 for Aretha for me, two or three great tracks and a fair bit that doesn’t do a lot for me
Luscious
Soul music doesn't get any better than this
Mega Album. Besonders... ne eigentlich quasi jedes Lied ein Banger in seiner eigenen Art und Weise :D
재즈? 같은 느낌이었는데 엘범이 전체적으로 다 좋았다. 분위기나 느낌이 좋았다. It had a sort of jazz-like vibe, and the album was great from start to finish. I really liked the atmosphere and the overall feel of it.
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.
Enpä ole albumia ennen kuullut mutta toki hitit tuttuja. Loistava laulaja mutta äärimmäisen jonkin joutavaa musiikkia. Ja vielä; soundit albumilla yllättävän huonot, esim rummut kuulostaa lähinnä pahvilaatikoilta. 2/5
Respect - what a way to start an album! I’m realising I’ve heard so many recent covers of this song, all serviceable, but Aretha’s vocals are something else. Although I enjoy listening to this album, the music is not diverse enough to hold my interest. I become somewhat bored around the sixth track.
I could listen to every song on this album over and over. Unbelievable voice, passion, great backing vocals, instrumentation…. Gotta be a 5.
Credit where it's due, Aretha has an AMAZING voice. This is back when you couldn't do a digital touch-up, her range is impressive, but the voice on her has a beautiful tone outside of technical skill. So, of course I wanted to love this album,especially starting off with that classic single. I find the album mostly forgettable though, and maybe it's the date seeping through, but I can't find myself getting excited over poossibly owning this record. 3.1/5
reconheço a importância da Aretha Franklin pra música e pro jazz, mas achei esse álbum super mid
It's hard to believe that it took 10 albums for Aretha to find commercial success. This is a vocal masterclass.
solid 4.0.
2026.07.09-10.
Man, the voice is just so powerful. The combination of gospel and r&b creates something magical.
Ну средне, средне
it’s boring but ok
Je m’ennuie. Pour le coup ça me paraît totalement désuet même au niveau des paroles « à woman is not a play thing she’s flesh and blood just like her man ». Ok ? 4/10
The album starts with Respect, which is a perfect song. It never quite gets back to that same high but it's really solid all throughout.
starts strong and ends strong, but everything in between is just pretty good.
Franklin's best album with her signature song. Its quite good for a 60s soul album and has a good mix of covers and originals. Don't know if its really one of the best albums ever but I'm sure its influential in its own ways.
What can I say that hasn’t been said
Nothing wrong with some Aretha Franklin. I'm much more of a rock and roll guy, but daaamn she had a voice.
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
Stark 3a
Some real classic bangers in here but not enough to bring me back to the album as a whole body of work.
Pretty good, classic songs and once again a great voice
eh
Aretha was a generational talent. Also liked the backing vocals.
Near the start of my 1000 journey I got my first Aretha Franklin album (Lady Soul,) now I've got my second from her around 430 albums deep. I wonder if she has any more... well Aretha has a very powerful voice, you can hear the defiance, the anguish, the sincerity all clear as day. The instrumentation is very obviously soulful and is very luscious and just very well done. Like her first album of hers I got, it's a bit difficult, even though I've gotten pushed out my comfort zone massively. Maybe I'm shocked by the strong presence by Aretha. Who knows, but I really like the instrumentation and I kinda like the vocals, and most importantly the albums are very brief. So, I'm willing to give the albums a couple more listens each, as I really do see why it's included on the 1001 generator. I do see myself returning. Highlight Song/s: "Don't let Me lose This Dream" and "Baby, Baby, Baby"
RESPECT
Soulful, intense and honest. Great record, although I wouldn’t really come back to it, I recognize its artistic and historical value.
She's certainly a great singer, but she doesn't quite reach me.
Soul and Southern R&B built from gospel-tinged piano, tight rhythm sections, warm horns, and powerful vocals feels like sitting in an early evening bar lounge where the music is perfectly pleasant but slowly dissolves into background ambience—tasteful, smooth, and for me ultimately too distant to truly engage. The album’s emotional power is undeniable in theory, but in practice I experienced it more as atmosphere than presence.
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.
This is fun, bold, empowering and such a good listen.
Den ersten Song finde ich nur noch nervig, zu oft gehört. Danach wird es erträglicher. Gut, mal gehört zu haben, läuft aber sicher nicht allzu bald wieder.
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!
Respect is a groovy ass song
Deep & Southern Soul Favorite Songs: Respect, Drown In My Own Tears, Baby, Baby, Baby, Save Me Least Favorite Song: Good Times The major positive that I can give this album is with her soulful voice. Even with some of the songs that I wasn’t a fond of either by style or by lyricism, she does have the talent to sing her heart and guts out. However, there are certain tracks that I felt like they’re just slogging for me, and even though the runtime for this album is 33 minutes, it felt like at certain times, I was feeling a bit bored. 7/10.
I have nothing helpful to say about this except that her voice is unmatched and I liked it.
Solid.
It's insane that this is her 10th album, though it makes sense that this was her first where she wasn't attempting jazz standards. What a weird fit that must've been, because this is clearly what she was made to sing. As such, it's great.
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”.
Gran voz, muy buen disco en su época.
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.
Respect is huge. The rest is average
another classic album that starts out at 11 and then ... turns into a series of tame love ballads. it has Respect on it, but it's still a 3
This starts off so strong with Respect and then it continues into so many ballads of her not getting respect from that man, throw him out
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.
8.5/10 Favorite Songs: Drown in My Own Tears, Dr. Feelgood
Muy bello, me sorprende que aun siendo artista este tan servicial al hombre, obvio por la época, debe haber sido muy difícil para ella cantar sobre estas cosas, seguro estando en un ambiente donde se rodeaba de hombres que la juzgaban, no se bien de su historia. voy a investigar mas sobre ella, me gusto, 7,5
great listen
So good. The soul and conviction in her voice is unmatched. I think I like other Aretha albums a bit more though.
Really liked this, thought it was great. Glad I was exposed to a full Franklin record because I would have never listened to one otherwise.
Ah, Aretha. The fact that this album has her covers of Respect and A Change is Gonna Come means this is getting at least 4 stars guaranteed. The rest of the songs except for the title track aren't quite as memorable but man does she deliver. It's Aretha.
It's okay, not my style nothing is really catching my attention. has a few classics on it
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.
Ich fand’s schon okay, es sind einige catchy tunes dabei. Ich verstehe auch die Relevanz und dafür schätze ich das Album, aber insgesamt it fell flat. Vielleicht auch, weil es kein wirkliches overarching theme gibt (imo) und es eher in the short side ist.
What a voice! This was a treat.
Norm, but old
Very slow and jazzy. Not my cup of tea but iconic nonetheless. I’m familiar with Aretha Franklin but I’ve never listened to her full album. I recognize “respect”, but I don’t know the others. “Good times” is probably the only other one that I really like.
Arethra makes me think of my girlfriend who I am in love with
There really is no better choice for the Queen of soul than Aretha Franklin. Her music and aesthetic is some of the smoothest ever made, with her voice and the styles and arrangements of all the instruments being such a perfect match. This album is just so easy to listen to in just about any environment, as its versatility is used so well throughout. Everything from her beautiful voice and soulful instrumental is amazing, and honestly just ends up leaving me wanting more with it only being about 30 minutes long.
this one's ok. i think i preferred lady soul a bit due to the heavier lean into an r&b sound. oddly though, i feel like i'm missing the gospel element too? which isn't really something i'd thought i was into. maybe it was the secret sauce all along..... "respect" is the hardest hitter for sure, and i like "baby, baby, baby" and "a change is gonna come" a lot too. franklin's singing is great as always but the rest of the tracks, idk.... i'm just not feeling it so much this time? i guess "save me" stood out a bit too, but in that case it's mostly riding on a great drum beat. it also probably doesn't help that, as before, the writers hadn't figured out how to end a song other than fading out yet. i guess what im saying is i don't really know why i didn't enjoy this one as much as lady soul. hmm....
sensual, divine.
Beautiful soulful album with some classic rock chords
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
Pretty good little album, definetly has that classic 50's/60's feel to it. Respect is iconic for a reason, and she has an impressive singing voice. Not quite my style but it's still enjoyable, 7/10
Starts off strongly with "Respect", and Aretha has clearly found her formula; romantic songs, background harmonies in the chorus, and lines delivered with a lot of soul. Indeed, there is not much to critique Aretha the performer on. My issue is instead how much this formula is stuck to; it reminds me a lot of Lady Soul, and a lot of these songs are similar in sound and theme. Nevertheless, a good album.
I enjoyed this much more than I expected. There's no doubting her voice or the quality of the songwriting but I thought it was going to be one of those that I appreciated more than loved.
Just what you’d expect from an Aretha album.
Ms Aretha Franklin!!!! Powerhouse vocals right off the top. This is a very sexy and empowered album Ended kinda abruptly. I was surprised Overall, great album
is hier nog iets over te zeggen wat niet al gezegd is. heerlijk !!!!!!
It's not my favorite genre of music but for the people that do love it It's an amazing album. I did enjoy it!
Thought the other album was better
#2. This is a vibe. I have heard Respect many times before, but I somehow always forget how good it is. Really enjoyed it.
vibe e atmosfera legais, vocais maravilhosos da aretha. os altos do albums estao mais pro final (apesar das 3 musicas repetidas no final q eu fiquei sem entender) principalmente em “a change is gonna come” que eu acho q ja ate ouvi na voz do sam cooke. dito isso, é mais um daqueles albums que se eu revisitar, vai ser mais pela vibe geral q ele passa, e nao por eu gostar das musicas em si notas 5,5
Decent album. Has a few big hits that are great. Everything else is just ok.
She ain't the queen for nothing.
1967 was a CRAZY year for incredible albums.
3.46 / 5 stars for Aretha. I geniunely enjoyed this album, albeit a little out of my wheelhouse. Gospel, Blues, Soul, all of it was sung beautifully by Aretha, just these are not songs that I'd throw on my Road Trip Mix you know. "Respect", sure, but the rest of it, maybe not so much. Good album though.
Great vocalist and great songs
Excellent album. Perfect for a heart break. I particularly enjoyed Save me.
Respect is a great cover, and Franklin has a great voice, but I can't figure out why the album is lauded so much. The other songs are fine but seem overshadowed by Respect. I can't find much info on why this album as a whole has skyrocketed to such fame.
Inolvidable
Her voice: literally ethereal
Respect has to be up there as one of the greatest earworms of all time, going to be singing that all day long now, thanks. Overall solid album, but rating to my taste just a three as it's not something I will put in regular rotation.
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.
Look, this isn’t my favourite kind of soul sound, but it’s absolute quality throughout. How can you not love Aretha’s vocals? She’s known as “The Queen of Soul” for a reason. It’s a bit soft for me in places, but it’s undeniably strong as an album.
Amazing vocals. Songs and production bit repeatable but overall very high quality.
Słuchałam Arethy na spacerze i był piękny słoneczny wieczór, jej muzyka podkręciła doznania sensoryczne, nie no wszystko wyglądało jak z filmu a nie miałam żadnego filtru na oczach 8.7/10
This is my most controversial one yet and I know it. I'd like to stress two things here: first, the older reviews were not rated correctly and many should be lower than they are. Second, I acknowledge that objectively this is a good album. It just isn't the album for me. If this was a Nina Simone or Ella Fitzgerald album it would have ranked much higher. But this album was more R&B than jazz as compared to those earlier artists and that just isn't my cup of tea. Her vocals are amazing and I so understand why this is a classic. It just isn't for me and I have to be true and honest to myself.
Even if this record was “Respect” and then Aretha Franklin farting this would be a 5.