Reviews (page 4 of 14)
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.
como vas a arrancar tu album con RESPECT. iconic shit.
“Drown in my own tears” iconic to follow Respect. D r a m a Imagining the first time people heard respect when this came out jfc Rude but sometimes I feel I’m being yelled at in an unpleasant way. Other times I want to be yelled at. Not an example of that: a change is gonna come. v iconic Overall, not exactly my vibe but felt very important to listen to start to finish. Wild that she had so many unsuccessful albums prior to this release, 10 years into her career.
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.
Although old, it still feels refreshing. 1967 I thought it is going to be old for me but still very much enjoyable.
Odd how it sounds so modern even in 2026.
Didn’t love this as much as the A-side of Lady Soul but A Change is Gonna Come is perfection basically
4
Absolute banger
The voice is of course the voice but the songs have a great groove. Love it
There's weaknesses in this, sure. Mainly the production and her backup singers, but Aretha Franklin's voice was and will always be a powerhouse. It's worth having in your collection for those nights when it's pouring rain and your drinking wine and contemplating a previous lover.
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.
3 out of 5 Great Motown jams. The queen of Detroit.
Queen stuff genuinely
This is clearly a powerful and influential record, and Aretha Franklin’s voice is undeniably impressive. However, no matter how many times I try, R&B just doesn’t seem to resonate with me, and I find it difficult to fully connect with the album
classic but not my kinda music
Good album generally.
Beauty
One of those, “I know this is a classic & Aretha Franklin is beloved by everyone & considered a queen” … & yet… Not to be disR-E-S-P-E-C-Tful, but I don’t listen to soul, am personally not impressed by vocals alone & found this to be not very varied. So while I might “get it,” its still subjectively not for me.
Seems like this album is on the list simply because of Respect, especially since there is another Aretha Franklin album coming. I can’t respect that.
Super Album und Künstlerin generell
The Queen
Amazing. No notes, Aretha Franklins best
catchy but boring
Vraiment pas mon style mais je connaissais la première musique
so good
Very cool blues album
When I see Aretha Franklin, a song is not the first thing I think of, I think of her running the soul food cafe in the Blues Brothers, and when she looks at Matt Guitar Murphy and says, "The Bluuues Brothers?!?, They still owe you money, fool!" Then of course, the song. But I digress. This is pretty damn good. 3.5 Do I round up?
Yeah it rocked. Voice is pretty unreal.
another classic that stands the test of time. Love this
fine not as good as the other Aretha Franklin album I listened to "Lady Soul"
Loved it!!!
The queen
Loved it
Good album. Aretha is queen for a reason
Powerful. No way the “Queen of Soul” gets less than five.
Soul sister
What a Voice, What a feeling
She’s a legend for a reason
Some good songs, but overall not my type.
shits so short but so powerful, what a voice, great fucking orchestration also, this musics peak, 4 a bit lower than Beggars and Stevie
Classic. Great background tunage.
Queen of soul i toppform! Jädra pipa hon hade... Bästa Respect (såklart), A Change is Gonna Come samt Do Right Woman, Do Right Man
Great vocal performance
é top visse mas não meu estilo tanto chefe
Aretha has a really nice voice! Also liked the slow tempo. But, it is not for me
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
Sock it to me sock-it-to-me sockittome sockittome. The album opens with what has gone on to become one of the most recognisable songs of all time. And it’s not even Aretha’s song, it’s a cover of an Otis Redding song. But she did something really clever with it: she switched the protagonist of the song, and in turn the entire meaning of the song. Originally about a man arriving home from work, looking for respect from his partner. In Aretha’s version, with the gender reversal of a woman demanding respect from her man, it became a feminist anthem. She didn’t hold back either. She went as far as to spell it out to us, before demanding we sock it to her. “I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You” is made up of blues-soaked gospel soul melodies, with Aretha’s incredible voice leading things. Every single song is instantly enjoyable. It takes no effort to appreciate these songs from the very first moment you hear them. But it’s the last three songs of the album that really stand out. “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man” is a slow-burning call-and-response piece that’s absolutely gorgeous in every way. “Save Me” kicks the tempo back up, with a guitar track that feels like it came straight from the band “Them”. A proper 60s groove, but with Aretha’s voice soaring all over it. The album ends with “A Change Is Gonna Come”, which strips everything right back. It’s pretty much just a piano and an organ for the most part, letting the vocals carry the album right to its end. I didn’t know much of Aretha’s stuff outside of the more famous songs, so it was a surprise to me that it took ten albums for her to break through. It sounds like Columbia weren’t letting her do things her way. Which is hard to believe, as the image I always have of Aretha is of someone sitting at their piano, in a pair of slippers, not taking any nonsense from anyone. Well, as this album shows, Aretha definitely deserves our respect.
Undeniable!
Quando vi o nome de Aretha Franklin, e a canção Respect abrindo o disco, já imaginei que a nota 5 estava garantida. Para mim, sua voz é uma das mais lindas já gravadas, seu alcance vocal é impressionante, e seu outro álbum da lista, Lady Soul, foi um 5 estralante, com energia e beleza incontestáveis. Mas fui pego de surpresa por arranjos um tanto quanto entediantes. Claro, a voz de Franklin é linda como sempre foi, e há alguns momentos maravilhosos nesse álbum, mas no total, achei ele um pouco decepcionante. Com exceção de Respect, que eu já conhecia, nenhuma faixa se sobressaiu tanto. Minha teoria é que de fato, seu exímio vocal brilha melhor ao vivo, por isso o Lady Soul (que era um disco ao vivo) me agradou mais. Obviamente, este não é um álbum ruim, longe disso! Mas é inevitável esperar mais de um nome como Aretha Franklin. 3/5
vocals are too much however beats are really good esp for a sample. also really repetitive but still can vibe to the songs as its not bad.
awful.
she's soooooo goated
Just simply stunning to listen too.
Soul with AF's famous vocals. Some latin influence on Dont Let Me Lose This Dream. Lyrically veers from empowerment (Respect) to hopeless devotion to a toxic relationship (I Never Loved a Man) Respect is very energetic, but from there on it's a series of ballads, a format I'm not a fan of. Best track - Dont Let Me Lose This Dream, Save Me 3 stars
Consider it 4.5/5
food for the SOUL
Rip queen
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
I prefer the later material ... just cannot get into this bluesy stuff
Probably one I’d give 3.5* to if I could, but I’ll lean generously today. Franklin is obviously one of the great voices, and songs like Respect set the standard for R&B going forward. A lot of the middle album isn’t quite as impactful, and a lot of it being covers detracts slightly too (though it was the style at the time).
Gets off to an incredible start with ‘Respect’, which has to be a 5-star track and strong contender for the title of ‘best cover ever recorded’. Nothing else on the album quite matches up to that song, but Aretha Franklin was such a spectacular singer that she was able to make almost any material sound utterly compelling. The title track and ‘Dr Feelgood’ are among the best of the rest. While it’s not all great (the Sam Cooke covers certainly don’t improve on the originals), it is all at the very least good. On that basis it gets 4 stars.
Incredible voice, songwriting, and track sequencing. Turned a 3/5 mood to an ecstatic 5.
Good songs. Great versions. It’s Aretha at her best.
not really for me, but i can see the appeal
Amazing vocals (obv), favourites are 'Respect' and 'Do Right Woman, Do Right Man'.
Love it, such a classic
Heard it on loop, didn’t even notice, it’s fine I liked it
3.5
Aretha is awesome
The Queen
Arrancamos la semana con un disco de la grosa de Aretha Franklin, otra de tantas grandes artistas de las que sólo he escuchado canciones sueltas. Álbum chill y poderoso gracias al vozarrón de esta mujer, lo siento ideal para una velada íntima, romántica. Gracias y hasta mañana
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.
Gorgeous. And moreso than I thought it would be. Not at all background music.
Beautiful vocals and a nice, soothing vibe. It was a great way to start the day.
Miss Aretha Franklin is an all time legend. One of the greatest singers of all time in my personal opinion. This album features Respect, her most well known song. However, the rest of the album felt kind of lacking. I love Aretha, I really do; but I feel that this album as a whole falls short of a 5.
Solid album from Memphis soul queen. 3.79
Such a heartfelt album, loved listening to it from start to finish
love her
voz linda demais
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
It makes sense for a Aretha Franklin to be on this list given her vocal ability and influence. Respect is a banger. 'Religious' women are horny as fuck. Aretha's vocals are ridiculous(ly good). 90% of the songs are beneath her - dull, barely given life by her talents.
A gem of an album!
Beautiful gowns
a transcendental experience, beautiful, gorgeous, inspiring, perfect…
Great album, awesome voice! Song I like: Respect, drown in my own tears, I never loved a man,
Perfect listening for a self care everything shower
It is undeniably great, just not my jam
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
This is Aretha's break out album.......and it's her 10th album. She did 9 jazz albums prior to this but couldn't break out. This is also the Respect album, which certainly helped. Outside of Respect though, this is another jazz, R&B album. It is incredibly soulful and of course, her voice is incredible. It's hard for me to think of if there's anyone else that was doing it like Aretha back then, I just don't know enough about Jazz to put them together on a timeline. One thing that always bothers me is that when this album first came out, it wasn't well received by some music critics.......and then 40 years later, they tried to go back and change their initial review and give her credit.........AFTER she was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. If you're wrong, just admit it, and your tastes shouldn't change because now someone is successful. That said, this album isn't for me, BUT I can recognize that she's got a great voice and if this style of Jazz and R&B is for you, you're probably loving it. I listened to it 3 times though and it's not something i'd casually listen to, but I have to recognize it for what it is.
First time listen. Great voice and didn’t skip once just not my speed.
Good
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.
Its high energy but it does have a careful and delicate side as well. For example, "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man" is a careful and emotional track. There are others like "Don't Let Me Lose This Dream" but that song is an example where it has it all and happy to let the vocals rip at odd times for effect. I think ultimately what elevates this though as an album is letting the blues set the tone behind the scenes. It's not too funky or overly pop and frames the near amazing vocals in a neat package. I just zipped through this album so many times and it didn't ware me down. It only has a mild dose of gospel preach about it too which helps its balance and keeps me wanting more. I may revisit as 4 seems harsh but it's where I feel I right now.
An album that is hard to criticise. It's Arethra Franklin... It goes without saying she has a great voice and knows how to belt out a tune. I guess I'm just not the target audience though, because I listen and think "Yeah that's good" but I'd never feel drawn to listening again by choice. Good music but no place for it in my life's soundtrack.
Light to decent 6 on this one. Great album, lovely listen overall. Amazing in a rainy day and mood, expresses the feeling of falling in and out of love. Aretha and the soul music on this album is perfect, didnt clicked for me as the genre yet. not too many individual hits. We all know the song "Respect", a great hit, also "I never loved the man the way I love you" .I absolutely appreciate the lyricism at "A change is gonna come"- I was born by the river...
A voice that can heal. Such a gift
Fantastic voice
Favorites: dont let me lose this dream, baby, baby, baby and save me 8.5
Beautiful songs, RESPECT is great but the rest of them are even better.
Too much passion for a pos man. Loved the vocals and the flow but not something I would casually listen to. Still very enjoyable
very enjoyable! incredibly strong start & i enjoyed the departures from form on songs like good times which was more rock n roll and dont let me lose this dream which had the bossa nova vibe instrumental. i do think the music does get a bit nondescript at times & i'd like a bit more variety / standouts but the album being cohesive makes it a nice easy listen-through. begging her to leave that man though (apparently she did shortly after recording the album thank god)
respect is an INSANE opener to a first album. I'm so glad she left that man jesus. sadly there were only 2 standouts for me in the whole album but I didn't dislike any song. overall v enjoyable listening experience despite the horrors (having to hear a woman defend her shitty husband)
Yep, peak Aretha.
One of the greatest voices of all time and opens on one of the biggest bangers of all time. Almost too good of an opening and tailed off for me a little after this but obviously, one of the greats.
Норм,не в моєму смаку
I've never been a huge Aretha fan, she's always been a little too much on the gospel side for my taste. However, this album blew me away. It was the first full album of hers that I ever listened to, and it did not disappoint. It blends soul, R&B, and yes even gospel, in a way that just works and sounds amazing. I love the old school sounds of instrument driven soul music, and this is a great example.
I like it! I listened to it while I was working on a project and it help me a LOT to concentrate
Fallegt, skemmtilegt og frábær söngkona
Ég er í góðu skapi þegar ég hlusta á þetta.
Aretha’s undeniably powerful vocals absolutely carry this album. The rest is pretty standard soul stuff.
This is another album where it’s hard to seperate the listening experience from the fact that she’s obviously one of the greatest singers of all time. There were points where i think the album wasn’t as much as what i expected but then how do you follow respect?
I don’t feel qualified enough to make a single comment on this album!!!
Shocked to learn that the origin of respect is her TENTH album?! And so much emotional depth and maturity in her sound by 25?! I loved Do Right Woman, Do Right Man
Phenomenal stuff.
I’m sorry to say this but I don’t particularly enjoy this style of singing and in most cases the music wasn’t exciting enough for me to overcome that. In saying that, obviously Respect sounded great, but to me that was also quite an outlier
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.
Amazing voice, every song it is so powerful and easy to listen to.
Aretha Franklin is an institution, and it was wonderful to listen to a full album the first track RESPECT. Dynamite voice over soulful music.
Aretha is like a goddess of music, I don't know what else to say. I like some of the songs more individually than as an entire album experience hence the 4
I know this has the best Aretha song on it, but it isn't the best Aretha album. For me that'd still be Young Gifted & Black. It's a solid 4th place though.
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.
Classic songs we all know almost word for word
Superlative.
Can’t be anything less
Finished listening, love the soul and otis redding vibe but just not really my vibe
3.5
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.
Solid record! Had a lot of fun with this.
solid
Simply excellent
I’m having trouble coming up with much to say about this record. It’s good? Yeah I can confidently say it’s at least good. I have a world of respect for records like this and the historical significance they embody. Franklin has a voice that is the very essence of soul itself. The songs are quick and saunter through a basic structure before abruptly ending. I really can’t nitpick much here though. It’s good, but Aretha Franklin doesn’t appeal to my personal taste.
This was Aretha’s first album under the Atlantic label. She is of course a star, and this is absolutely one of her best!
3.5
Queen shit
Fantastic voice, of course, but the songs are not so exciting...
Good vibes but didn't really capture my attention.
Aretha Franklin had an amazing voice. “Respect”, “I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You”, and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman) are all beautiful songs. It’s just too bad that the rest of the songs were not that great.
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.
When an album opens with "Respect" and I would assume the best known version of that, it's going to be hard to ignore, and why would you want to? Aretha Frnaklin does have a fabulous voice and the whole album makes for a fine listen. It may not be the sort of thing I would naturally listen to but it is full of charisma. Title track is also a great tune.
It’s nice, but pretty forgettable. Stand-outs - I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You) - A Change Is Gonna Come
Fabulous album. Queen of soul for a reason and no bad songs.
the first Aretha Franklin album I listened to for this was Lady Soul, an LP containing several of her most iconic songs. I Never Loved a Man... might not have as many standouts in that regard, but it's notable for two pretty big reasons. first of all, it was Franklin's commercial breakthrough, her arrival on Atlantic after many, many unsuccessful albums with Columbia, who tried to market her more as a jazz performer with soul and R&B in the background. they must've been kicking themselves when they saw her reach #2 on the Billboard 200 albums chart with a soul-centric approach! secondly, this album begins with her rendition of Otis Redding's "Respect". I mentioned this somewhat when I reviewed Otis Blue, but you and I both know that this is Aretha's song now, in much the same way that "Hurt" belongs to Johnny Cash or "All Along the Watchtower" belongs to Hendrix. the additions in Franklin's cover, especially the backing vocals and that "R-E-S-P-E-C-T" breakdown, have become so iconic that Redding's version now feels a little incomplete in comparison! (Franklin also covers Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come", a version that's not quite as transformative, but which is still very strong.) given that this is soul music, Franklin's voice is the star of the show across the entire runtime. her performance on "Drown in My Own Tears" genuinely brought some tears to my eyes! but I also have to give props to the session players and backing singers across this tracklist, as well as Franklin herself for her touch as a pianist, which defines so much of this album's sound. she's also credited as a songwriter on four songs here, my favorite being the B-side opener "Dr. Feelgood" (thankfully, no relation to any hair metal shenanigans). you can tell there was a real effort here to showcase many different aspects of her musicianship, and they all come through clear as day. strong 8/10.
a perfect album? yep, at least as close as one can possibly get to one. "respect" gets all the, uh, respect, and rightfully so. the standout track here is the title track. "do right", "save me", "a change is gonna come" provides one of the best 1-2-3 punches in pop music
Ikke helt min ting men er jo superbra
Iconic. What a voice. 4 stars. Fave track - Respect
I wish I could give this a 4, but beyond the obvious hit, it's a bit repetitive and really only has Aretha's voice holding it up.
60 luku vibat
R-E-S-P-E-C-T <3
Finally, some good fucking food. There are tracks I've never listened to off of this album, so I'll try focusing more on those. For the ones that I know, it'll be more sparse since I already think very highly of them. 1. Respect - I don't really feel the need to go on about this one, it's pretty much perfect. She blew Otis out of the water. One new thing I'm noticing is that the organ sounds like a Vox Continental (The Doors sound) instead of a B3 which is totally what I'd expect and use if I played it. It works though, not intrusive and blends right into the mix. Bold ass key change with the sax solo always gets me. Okay that's enough 2. Drown in My Own Tears - okay, new one. I love a good old school church tune with a triple meter. Just classic trio too, very old school. No organ or guitar. Ohp nevermind there go the horns. I know Ray's version of this, I wonder how popular it was to cover. Big ups to the bgvs on all these btw, they keep right up with Aretha and add to the texture beautifully. And that classic "okay how are we ending this" church ending. 3. I Never Loved a Man - I've heard this one but never learned it. Wurly was more common than Rhodes in the 60s and it works really well for more bitey churchy stuff. I think I would have preferred the B3 sound on this one, but the Vox is okay too. Holy shit I'm learning from the wiki that this is her 10th album. 4. Soul Serenade - that opening with Aretha and the Wurly made me feel immediately. I wish the whole song was like that, but it's RHYTHM and blues so that's fine. Y'know, the last album had a lot of simple 1-4 riffing but it was so textureless. Obv in r&b and blues and funk and jazz and gospel, it's a lot cooler and more fun to listen to. I know it's normal and goes without saying but boy the church on this album is nuts. I wonder a lot about how much church and r&b influenced each other in the 60s. I think some churchy cats won't accept that it went both ways. 5. Don't Let Me Lose This Dream - when did Getz/Gilberto come out? Wiki says 64. So Bossa craze was here by 67. Obv Bossa existed before Getz/Gilberto, but it wasn't US popular like after that album came out. The take on it here is very nice, triadic gospel harmonies moving in tandem. And the song is really well written, never gets stale on a movement repeated. I also like the interpolation of straight ahead r&b in the minor sections with the bass playing the b7 line. Aside from Respect, this may be my favorite on the album so far. Very sweet and Aretha's voice of course is a huge contributor. Band is also killing. Boy these songs are short! I barely have time to think while they're going. Maybe I should listen once and then write the second time around. 6. Baby, Baby, Baby - heeeey there's that B3 sound. It had to be here for this trip meter church joint. Okay if there's a note I'm gonna take from this album it's to properly arrange my bgvs to be tight and harmonized on the pent scale like church dictates. They're so so simple and rudimentary on this album and this track but godDAMN they are perfect. It sounds like they start with a melody line and then assume that line as the tenor and build the also or the alto and sop line around it. I do that sometimes but I often get gummed up on which line is actually singing the "melody" and which lines are harmonizing around it. It's pretty solid here, the tenor has the melody and everyone else is singing on top. Helps that their ranges are high to begin with. Makes that tenor line clean and not muddy. Great memorable ending lick. 7. Dr. Feelgood - It's so funny that so many of these are the triple meter church/blues joint but I'm not tired of the same soundscape like I was for Joshua Tree. I think it helps that the songs are no more than 3 minutes mostly, the band is more killing, and Aretha is a better singer than Bono. I don't know about lyricist, but her range is more used and the melodies are stronger so the simple lyrics stick with me more. I mean this track is v similar to track 2, but I don't mind that. They're a world away on the album (good track placement, as opposed to what I thought was poor track placement on Joshua Tree) and they both sound great. Plus, neither is a 5 min long track. 5mins isn't long for a track, but it is when you're not enjoying it. 8. Good Times - woah, phrases of 6! I'm sure it's not arbitrary but actually it sort of feels like it. The groove on this one is tight but I actually feel that weirdness with the measure phrasing messes it up a bit. 9. Do Right Woman, Do Right Man - again bgvs killing. Love the progression of the chorus, very powerful. Here's a take: I don't think we talk enough about the bridge between "classic" soul and "classic" country. It's not this way anymore because of, but both forms of music are very heavily steeped in gospel and blues, America's original music forms naturally invented and pioneered by black people. Soul and country (as we knew it) came directly out of the aforementioned and only really differ in the instrumentation/personnel but their connection was a lot stronger than it is today, again because of. Also, looks like Muscle Shoals did this one and Respect. 10. Save Me - digging the bassline for this one a lot. Syncopated just right. I'm comfortable with that 1/b7 6 move, it shows up a lot but I can't remember where right now. 11. A Change Is Gonna Come - very sweet intro, mentioning Sam Cooke directly. Damn Aretha can sing. Her specific phrasing on "but I'm afraid to die" is going to stick with me for the rest of the day. The month? My life. I had no inkling that this track would be anything less than a blockbuster to cap it off and I was right. They changed the prog a little bit but it works for the arrangement. I swear there are vibes in this track but I don't see them listed in the personnel. Something aside from the piano and the organ are giving very very warm chord sounds in the back. It could be the B3 on a less bitey set of bars. I guess I could have done without the shout chorus at the end, but also I guess I'm dumb for thinking it wouldn't be there? It's an Aretha album from the 60s. It has more right to be there than I do. All said, I knew I'd be in for a good time here. I think I was expecting more funk-soul than church-soul given the prominence of the first track, but I'm not upset that it wasn't the case. For such a small band, the arrangments were lush and full. Again, Aretha's singing has a lot to do with filling that out. And her backups, as well. The only track I had really any sort of qualm with was Good Times because of the weird phrasing, but it's not a deal breaker. Weird phrasing is common in old school church too, so it fits. I'm reading that the piano was tuned a little sharp on this record? Didn't notice it once. Makes complete sense and fits the 60s church feel just right, even if unintentional. Sounds just like the keys for James Cleveland or Mahalia. I'm glad I got this one for my second day. I know that this list, much like a lot of these "Top (big number) Albums to Hear (verb statement)" centers a lot of white Anglosphere artists as the world's biggest and best while ignoring their influences completely. And since we're talking BAM here, those influences are almost always black or brown. Often outside of the Anglo completely. I bet Paul Simon's Graceland is on this list, but I bet none of Ladysmith or Fela Kuti's offerings are here. I know there'll be plenty of representation overall, but it just kinda stinks that U2 has 4 and Aretha *might* have 2. I'd listen to only this for the rest of my life if it meant I don't have to do Joshua Tree again.
Aretha Franklin is the best voice in music history. Talented and powerful as no one else. Every other element is only here to support her vocals give her the place to shine and, to me, it works wonders.
Yay birthday album! Aretha Franklin somehow looked 33 years into the future and said let's make bangers for Mara. Respect is the song of all times,definition of music. It sets the tone for this album. I'm not gonna go into every song because I have a headache, so standouts only. The titular "I never loved a man the way I love you" should be played at my wedding (only if I happen to marry Daniel Ricciardo, as he is the only MAN I could feel all that for.) Oh, "Don't let me lose this dream" you were written for me and me only.
Groovy and Feminist
Someone should make her the Queen of Soul
Heerlijk om in de avond van te genieten, of in de ochtend bij het ontbijt. Goed van kunnen genieten. Doet mij denken aan de US tijden geleden. PS: and then along came zeus!!!
At first listen, it's a good, but maybe not quite great album of material. But occasionally, a little soulful flare of horns or organ will pique my interest. I'm more inclined to like the title track than say the obvious choice of "Respect." I'm finding it difficult to rank this one, but im thinking 3.5/5.
Lovely stuff
Skønne Aretha <33 opdagede flere sange her som er blevet samplet i alt muligt andet, hun har virkelig haft kæmpe indflydelse og er sgu bare en legende. Meget powerful
Great voice. Ever.
Powerful. 8/10
such a beautiful and classic album, second listen!
Not my shit
I guess it's just the characteristic of working with real instuments, but to my autistic self, all the songs from this album sound mostly the same
one of many classic aretha franklin albums
I unno vruh i didnt wanna listen to it
Just want to wrap myself in her music and forget the world. Respect is timeless.
Aretha Franklin is an icon. Her voice is powerful and gorgeous. Her music is timeless.
It would be a disservice to give the queen anything less than a 4. Great listen.
Yay birthday album! Aretha Franklin somehow looked 33 years into the future and said let's make banners for Mara. Respect is the song of all times,definition of music. It sets the tone for this album. I'm not gonna go into every song because I have a headache, so standouts only. The titular "I never loved a man the way I love you" should be played at my wedding (only if I happen to marry Daniel Ricciardo, as he is the only MAN I could feel all that for.) Oh, "Don't let me lose this dream" you were written for me and me only.
BEAUTIFUL ETERNAL ARETHA
Ballads are great, respect is a classic. However, tracks like don't let me lose this dream, good times and save me are just too bland.
4/5 just for Respect.
I liked this. It started with a bang and didn't really get back up to that high, but it was pretty decent.
Classic
Superb, lovely to hear Aretha with her charm and beautiful harmonies - great album, some real bangers on here
love herrrr shes so right
Classic soul. Not surprising that her songs are still classics.
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.
(written while high) i vloe artha frakin Mannnnn..... she really know how to write a melody man..and shes passionate too..like an 8/10
Bliss
1: 8/10 2. 8/10 3.8/10 4.7.5/10 Однотипно поки що, був би я дідом за 60 слухав би, але всеодно хороша музика 5.8/10 6.7/10 7.7/10 Непогано, але Однотипно, вже не хочеться слухати
I love this album. It was great to revisit it.
очень неплохой джазовый альбик
Love this jazz!
Full of soul and talent! Amazing album
Aretha is the only one that can speak to my soul sometimes. Best paired with a romantic morning
The best soul album I’ve listened to which is not a super high bar but I still did enjoy it very much
7/10 Cool sound. I not a quite fan of soul music but it sound interesting. Feelings like I'm in jazz club in 80s in USA, after party I drive my Lincoln or caddilac to home.
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
The opening track is an undeniable classic, but all the “baby,” “man,” “woman,” lyrics in everything make the album start to feel like a word salad with few ingredients. It’s surprising to see how many different writers there are. Another case of a talented singer and uninspiring material. The music sounds too old to be 1967.
I’ll listen to it. Just not today
Respect. What else do I have to say? Her voice is amazing. ‘Save Me’ rocks. Ending on ‘A Change is Gonna Come’. Hard to beat that.
This album felt like the worst post-nut clarity one can experience. The drop off from 'respect' was something else. I have to give this album a 3 as I still think it is good, just nothing comes close to an opening track that iconic.
Stunning
Loved
I can appreciate it but personally not my fave
Brimming with passion and soul. I found myself hanging on her every word, eagerly paying attention and feeling the energy in her music. Personally, I found the backing vocals to be fun and entertaining, I saw a few reviews that said otherwise. I 100% would listen to this again!
What You Want, Baby I Got It 1001 Albums Generator 217 (1/30/2025) She's the queen of soul for a reason. Starting with her signature song, a cover of Otis Redding's Respect, I Never Loved A Man etc., actually manages to follow it up. Don't get me wrong, Respect is like probably one of the 100 best songs ever, so it is absolutely the best song here, but there is also so much to love here. Baby, Baby, Baby is an original, and it shows that Aretha was just as talented a songwriter as she was a singer. I love that, although this isn't a gospel album, you can absolutely hear the gospel influence throughout it. I'm glad I can say I've heard an Aretha Franklin album now, and it's definitely worth the hype. 4/5. Favs: Respect I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Loved You) Baby, Baby, Baby Least Fav: Soul Serenade
An absolute classic. The power and command she has over her voice is astounding!
half boring
Respect was so good they included it twice on spotify
Feels like I’m in my own private speakeasy / jazz club. Love it!
One of the best soul records ever.
Solid R&B album with some absolute classics.
Gotta give it the respect it deserves
This is a great one. One of Aretha's best. I think that generally, Aretha is not an albums artist. Her career is defined by her incredible vocal performances and electrifying presence. I think my favorite project by her is the gospel album, but in the form of the movie that was released a few years ago. It's a beautiful thing to listen to, but especially to watch. Having said that, this is a great collection of songs. The classic respect. Drown In my Tears has some the best vocals you can imagine. Baby baby bay is beautiful. Do right woman, do right man as well. A magnificent A Change is gonna Come as a closer. It's a very good album. I just don't find consistently thrilling as many others do perhaps. A strong 3.7 nonetheless.
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!
Decent album Soooo 6pm study music vibes Not sure whether I will come back, not really sure whether it’s the album for me 5.5/10
Hyggelig dette, usikker på om jeg kommer til å høre på igjen 🙃
Koseleg å høyre på!
Has some classics of course.
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 :-)
Raw and soulful.
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
Mostly mellow, some powerful vocals, including the iconic RESPECT.
Classic tunes you know - her voice is great
More moody and melodic than I was expecting. I was of course prepared for "respect" but I assumed a majority of the songs would be belters in a similar vein. However much of the album is more introspective, beautiful, bluesy melodies.
Loved this!
Before: All right, Aretha Franklin! This should be enjoyable. I do like her music but it's not my favorite genre so don't go out of my way to listen to her music. During: Enjoyable experience as anticipated but not one I'll be repeating anytime soon, by choice. After : The album is very good and I'm sure deserves to be on this list but I have to give it a three as it's not something I personally like a lot.
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
Some really good stuff on here, Aretha’s voice does some stuff I didn’t expect in this one. Also realized I had never listened to one of her albums all the way through before
Respect rips, obviously. The rest of the album didn't have as much energy but was still a solid listen.
vibey. groovy. makes sense why Respect was such a crazy cultural touchstone, but if the rest of the album had some more of that energy it'd be better for it. other than that my favorite is probably the title track, I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You) has got some of that spunk to it
Rating: 7/10 A consistently good collection of soulful songs from one of the most well regarded singers of all time and so I am probably definitely underrating it. I enjoy it, but I don’t know if this is necessarily a favorite at the moment. But yet I really think I could get into Aretha.
I Respect the album, it's pretty decent, but the vocals and general sound wasn't totally for me. A Change Is Gonna Come great song and great closer 5.8/10
Oh yes. Very good. Just what you’d expect with a couple of classics thrown in.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
i never really listen to this type of music but honestly such a vibe
Love! 8/10
Never thought that I would be listening to this genre. But, as it turns out, i like it. A big respect for her. The song Respect is LIBERATING! love moving to it
Mu weno mu weno mu weno, disfrutable así tranquilamente como bailable pero de fondo.
Berührt mich nicht
Very flirty for an album from the 60’s. Lots of modern samples.
Awesome to hear classics she has undeniable talent. Not for my playlist though zero saved
Five stars. Fight me. No, didn't think you would.
Classy lady
The Queen of Soul announces herself
As expected, fantastic vocals. Songs felt a little samey across the album, but loved it either way. Respect being the highlight, though I also liked Save Me a bit (hadn't heard it before and it was a bit different)
3.5/5 https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/aretha-franklin/i-never-loved-a-man-the-way-i-love-you/ Sure, Respect is a bonafide classic, but other that that it's not for me. Bit too much of the same.
One banger, then a bunch of good singing on mediocre songs.
Listening to this album just feels right. The music is good but Aretha’s voice is obviously the star. She’s smooth and warm on some songs and sharp and commanding on others. Her range is incredible and she comes across as emotional but controlled. I would listen to her sing just about anything.
There is a reason Aretha was dubbed “The Queen of Soul”. When it comes to the best singers of all time, Aretha is without a doubt in the conversation. Her power, control, range, and power are just ridiculous (…did I mention her power??). This album can easily be listened to purposefully or as the background sound to whatever low-key activity you are doing. This album shares a couple of her greats and the rest of the songs are enjoyable. Aretha is a timeless artist due to her talents and I would anticipate listening to her music for decades to come.
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.
Every song is distinctly different, yet they each hold emotional impact. I adore her voice.
A compilation of songs more than a cohesive album. Still some absolute bangers. If you love this type of music, easy 5. A great voice with decent backings.
Listening to Aretha sing is a beautiful, joyful, and glorious experience. I can't believe she made 10 albums before this one that weren't successful. Someone clearly did not know how to guide her into using her voice at Columbia. Not all the tracks were my style so this one gets a 4 but hot damn, Aretha. Girl, you can sing!
great
Powerful voice and messages
Very good listen!
Королева
Good one
It's okay and I respect the first track. But even Aretha's voice can't save the fact that this is a one trick pony. I'm not really interested in Aretha's romantic longings, so three stars feels appropriate.
Aretha Franklin, the so-called Queen of Soul? Nah, I didn't cast my vote for her. My pick has always been Tina Turner. Take her album I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You, it's mediocre at best. Sure, 'Respect' is a killer cover of Otis Redding's original and stands out as a classic. But everything else? Just decent filler, the kind of stuff that fades into background noise. I actually had to listen to the whole thing twice before I even noticed 'Respect' popping up for the third time.
I didn't find this very exciting. The vocals are good but everything sounds pretty samey and the instrumentals are nothing noteworthy.
What an absolute classic. Incredible stuff.
P-e-r-f-e-c-t
Solid
Nothing but respect for Aretha - she can do no wrong with her voice, and this is entirely a pleasant experience. But...is this an album, or a compilation of ballads? There is no adventure or excitement here, just a perfect voice singing bog-standard R&B/soul grooves.
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.
6/10
60s soul from an absolute legend. Her breakthrough and considered one of the greatest albums. Respect.
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.
First album of the challenge so marked the vote accordingly. Would be closer to 4 than 3.
It's good just not my thing
What? I'm supposed to be upset that Respect is on this album twice? Get real.
pretty good, not something I'll come back to much but i definitely see the appeal
Great album. Went out and bought some Aretha Franklin on vinyl after
It was nice. I guess.
There’s a clear reason why she’s called the queen of soul. Just her voice alone carries the absolute passion that these songs tackle topically. Her wants and needs are clearly delivered vocally with freedom but still with accuracy. The production only adds to that with riffing instruments during these moments only emphasizing the pure heart and soul in every song. Now sometimes this freedom and structureless of the songs come at a downside, as they become slightly forgettable, but luckily the band keeps up the groove. Favorite song: Drown In My Own Tears
this a banger
Thoroughly enjoyed this one, my only real exposure to Aretha Franklin before was "Respect" and "The Blues Brothers". "Respect", "Drown in My Own Tears", "Good Times" & "Do Right Woman" were all fantastic tracks. Really like the singing and the band compliment everything so well. My only critique really is that theres not a whole lot of diversity, but that could be just me not not being used to this genre.
Aretha is dope! Loved the Sam cooke cover
Great album
Respect
Respected it more than I enjoyed it, undeniably a goat in soul music.
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.
Some great tracks, not a great 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.