I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You

Incredible Album, Artist and Voice. Truly the greatest female vocalist of all time.

Great album. Respect is one of the all time great songs by anyone, and probably gives this 5 stars by itself. Fortunately the rest of the album is brilliant to listen to. A classic that can be played as nice background music or blasted at full volume.

I don't know how you could not like this.

VMP

V good, perfect for late night dinner party listening

Wow. 11 straight killer tracks added to the 1001 Experience Playlist. This was such a mesmerizingly beautiful album from the first note to the art. What a voice, what a talent 🔥

R-e-s-p-e-c-t. This queen has earned it.

If I could time travel to a moment of the past, it would be someone's living room playing this record for the first time when "Respect" comes on. A few songs in and I already know this album is a five. Easy listening in the background or sit and listen to every word Mrs. Franklin has to preach. Can't pick a favorite

Aretha! What’s not to love 😀

One of the best from the Queen of Soul. Absolutely timeless.

Have on vinyl. This is strong from start to finish with an excellent voice. Essential

Aretha Franklin’s I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You is a masterpiece that showcases her stunning, soulful voice in full bloom. The album is anchored by Franklin’s powerful and emotive performances, which bring a deep, heartfelt quality to each track. The arrangements are superb, blending classic soul with gospel influences to create a rich, dynamic sound. The title track, along with other standout songs like Respect and Do Right Woman, Do Right Man, highlights Franklin’s remarkable vocal range and emotional depth. The production is polished yet retains a raw, authentic edge that complements Franklin’s delivery perfectly. Each song feels like a personal revelation, making the album not just a collection of tracks but a profound musical experience. It’s a quintessential soul record that remains as captivating and influential today as ever. Overall, the album is a testament to Franklin’s extraordinary talent and enduring legacy. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 6 STAND OUT TRACK - I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You

She has such an amazing voice that each track is a treat to hear. I only ever heard the singles released until now. Glad it got on this list.

Absolutely lovely record! Some jazz-infused soul/ R&B with one of the best female vocalists of all time in the cent of it all. The arrangements and songwrigting are subtle, unexpected and perfectly configured without loosing the raw swampy feel. Of course her cover of respect is iconic and impassioned but I was pleasantly surprised to see there were a lot of them tracks on this record that rivaled its energy and magnetism. A career defining album for Aretha and I loved it!

Surprising that this was Aretha Franklin’s first breakout hit, and her 10th album. “Respect” is the obvious highlight, as well as the title track, but overall it’s probably as close to a perfect album as anything else on this list. It has a cohesive feel throughout, and the songs/performances are perfectly matched.

This is one of those easy 5 star albums. For me its the peak album of the best female vocalist of all time. Herr voice, the songs, the playing and the soul are all unparalleled. Just put this on and smile.

Amazing from start to finish!

I mean what can you say about this album. Absolute masterpiece.

A five for the first and last track alone. What a lady.

This album is top class. I absolutely get why this is on a list called 1001 Albums to listen to before you die, this album so deserves to be on it. Love it.

classic, soulful

OOOOOO I LOOOVE ARETHA. I'm just gonna say I have high expectations already. I probably know some songs off the album, I've seen this over too, haven't checked the songs on Spotify tho. Her voice, style and the way she delivers some lines is too good to ignore. Smn said Her soul doesn't sound good enough for modern ears, especially lyrics, but I kind of disagree with that, but there IS a chance that I might not even like this, however, I'm too positive about the album already to find it bad. I generally like women vocalists and Aretha is just one of them, I hope there's more of them here for me to check out. Why is there two \"respect\" on the album, weird, they must be the same songs too, also love that song, just don't remember it well. First song, Oooh movey and dancey jazz. The background vocals are what makes this a classic btw. The chorus is lyrically girlbossy and I'm here for it. Her voice is obviously amazing, don't even need to state that. Production is too good on this, those "ooh"s that match up with the beat, just satisfying. The bridge became popular at some point I think, because the delivery is very known to my ear. Second song, this one's slower, makes me want to learn the lyrics. Her vocals are impressive, but not overly unique. Idk why but she sounds young somehow. Sonically it's another adventure tbh, wouldn't say better than her vocals tho. That scream voice at the end killed the song, in a good way I mean. Third song, this one's also girl bossy in a way, but also about devoted love to smn who might not be deserving of it. I don't really look at the lyrics at the first listen, so if we don't count those two factors, it sounds quite fine. I just heard a guitar and that's rare with Aretha I think. It's getting louder and therefore better. 4th song, slow start. What a beat drop, god I enjoyed that one. This kind of jazz especially with a female vocalist is the best to me tbh. It has a walking beat which makes it fully better. Thing is each song sounds kind of same, which should be a problem, but somehow isn't, lyrics are the most different thing between songs, and I'll only be able to unlock that feature after a few listens. 5th song, bossa nova? Definitely not regular jazz. Piano appeared, probably for the first time. It's kind of r/b too. There was a sonical progression which quickly stopped and I loved it, but too short. Background singers came back, they're singing with her. Each song fades away, as expected. Didn't really likes this one, might be a grower. 6th song, lyrically I can hear it's about her loving smn, never really got interested who she married(if so). Background singers are singing the song title mostly. This one's dramatically slower than other songs. Trombone(idk) appeared and made the song a little better. Probably my least favourite off the album for now. It's too same, I can't hear chorus(if there is one) and that's bad for a song. 7th song, piano start. Idk what to write, they all sound to same for me to say something different that I haven't already said, does sound good tho. If I immerse myself in an old jazz bar and see Aretha singing this, than this becomes a veeery good song, but just looking at her album cover does no such thing. Also bad chorus here too. I always say whether songs are catchy and many of the last songs haven't been, they just background music for now and hear me out that's not a bad thing. The ending had a clear jazz appearance and I wish there was more of that. 8th song, this already is catchy with that start. Relatively fast and less boring too. I don't like how she sounds on these, she's quiet somehow, even though she has a powerful voice. Chorus is hearable and it's a good one I suppose. Realised that I haven't said a thing about verses, cuz they be basic af not sure. 9th song, now she has a clear voice here, also the album cover is changed, so is this the remastered version and that's why it sounds better? If so that's bad. Background singers appeared and not so successfully, but they catchy in a way. This is an emotional song definitely, just hard to feel anything without knowing what she yapping about, I'm not complaining if it sounds that way, just stating facts. This is giving, just divorced woman drinking and walking in a idgaf way, but slowly. 10th song, rock? Not a hard one, but definitely I hear a guitar of some type. Better lyrical delivery too. I was walking with the beat before and I realised that I haven't fast walked because songs were soooo slow and this made me do it, finally. She's vocalling more too. It has a "rescue me" vibe lyrically especially. 11th song, finally she vocalled a little more than expected. Start was slow and that's what the whole song is gonna be. She should have hired better jazz musicians, ik that fastness isn't what she was going for anyway, but she should have, though this album is for a rainy day, howeverrr since respect is here, I expected a more energetic one. Also the writers(in some songs Aretha is the writer so she might be bad at it too) are bad at delivering choruses and diverse songs. This one's kind of progressing sonically, but it ain't enough. 12th song, these last 3 songs were added in 1990s apparently, and this "respect" is a different version, but Idc, at least I'm gonna listen to this bop again. Background singers saying "just a just a just a" is such a good part, and this is what I mean by first listen doesn't say anything about a song, I might have a missed a lot already on this album, and even though I don't like that, I'm not gonna add most of the songs to my playlist, just gonna trust the process. 13th song, oh shit these are the same songs. Well I'll try them again, maybe I'll find some Easter eggs. I actually like the constant beat, idk the name, but there's some instrument delivering some good sonical line. There was a music stop at some point and she sang a capella for a short time, didn't notice that before, background singers sang along too. Oooh this is the one where guitar randomly appeared. Trombone(I think) is getting louder and me is loving it, of course that's the time when the song finishes. 14th song, sounded like a Christmas song for a second. It's actually funny how I talk the same amount as I first listened to those last two songs. The background singers are the best part here, I remember I said they were kinda catchy, and now them randomly appearing sets the vibe. Ooooh "show some respect for me" self references, you go girl. This sounded like bridge, because it had a different delivery, but also didn't make anything that was relatively more wowable. Well I expected a lot more than this. I was already ready to rate this 5 stars, but I'm now thinking 4. But thing is it's Aretha, I love her and these songs will grow on me one day or another. Also it's not even 4 or 5. So let's say it's a 4.5 album and rate it 5, because I can't do that to my girl. As a sum up review, I'd say this deserves to be here, but there must be other better albums than this. This WAS the vibe in these times so I can't complain about it being a little low on quality (ykwim), so I'm just gonna say I'm not impressed, but neither too disappointed.

the lazy and frankly Morally Despicable route that some have taken is to say that aretha herself is the "only reason" to listen to this record, even if that was true that reason alone is equal to ten reasons for a different record. the color and gravity and pathos and excitement here is all hers, propelled by the songs while also effortlessly spinning them into something distinct. the perfect soul performance, in other words! and the songs are ALL undeniable as far as im concerned...plus while the band is no wrecking crew, theres plenty of good moments for them too. the moments of genuine forward/authoritative sexuality (wrestled from songs written by men no less) are not only mind-expanding precursors to so many big pop divas afterwards, theyre also just good and interesting Art. so is everything here!!!

Soul perfection.

To state to the obvious...that voice. Finally it is matched with an excellent slate of songs, a great band and pitch perfect production. I prefer Aretha to swing rather that straight ballad as such - this albums dips a bit in the middle but overall - music of the highest order. And that voice. 4.5/5.

Ein Klassiker und das zurecht

Just another teen mom without a college education here… Okay, she also happened to be the Queen of Soul and the woman who shattered virtually every barrier in music. This album is a testament to genius, and I don’t use that world lightly. I heard Respect for the first time in the Blues Brothers and it quickly became a favor track (only later did I discover it was an Otis Redding cover). Dr. Feelgood is a fantastic look at her blues roots, while I Never Loved A Man was a soulful serenade made for weddings and anniversaries for generations. I thought it was interesting that Save Me was her lyrics and the background music for Them/Van Morrison’s Gloria, which predates this album by 3 years. But the Swampers were a powerful for a powerhouse. This album is a classic

Aretha Franklin is a national treasure. Five stars. But can we talk about that Lithonia video? And how it perfectly nails this one aspect of visual storytelling in this particular vein that is so effective with me? This isn't a place to talk about it. And I feel like this may be a throw away video for a lot of people. But this is exactly the kind of thing I signed up for when I signed up for watching things.

Wow amazing at loss for words. The pain. Dont know how she did this but I felt that shit in my heart Magical voice, amaizing feel, great song order, simply a masterpiece Ive never heard before

Tight set of beautiful Aretha classics. Wonderful, timeless album.

The Queen!!!!!

Another fantastic album. Every track is beautifully crafted. The covers of the Sam Cooke tracks are, arguably, better than the originals - and the originals are themselves incredible. Muscle Shoals and Stax are, imo, the studios that produced the best output in the 60's.

She’s probably the GOAT singer she just really might be

Voice like a bazooka and songs to go with it. 5/5

Exactly how my wife describes my technique in the bedroom - completely effortless 4.7

🩵

6 stars, one of the albums that stand above all the rest!

I mean come on

First time listening to aretha franklin. Payed my respects and she serenaded my soul. good times

The "Queen of Soul". Her charisma and style make a lot of the songs entirely hers. She was that kind of performer with that kind of talent. An automatic 5 for this one!

Trailblazing. Epic. Aretha.

It's Aretha...how can it be anything other than amazing.

She is the best

An amazing voice that I could never get tired of listening to. Most of the songs were new to me.

An album that helped define soul.

It’s Aretha… Respect!

This is the second Aretha album I got in a week, and I think I liked this one better. It was more vibey and soulful, whereas the other one was more about showcasing Aretha as a powerhouse vocalist. Her voice is always fantastic, but I feel like her performances on this album are a bit more controlled, which I like — sometimes too much melisma gets in the way of the message. This album has the iconic "Respect." I also really enjoyed her cover of "A Change Is Gonna Come" — I love Sam Cooke, but it was refreshing to hear the song performed by a woman. 5/5

Great voice. Great production. Backup singers showing sisterly love.

LOVE. So good. Wow. Every song bangs.

Love her voice and the album as a whole - 9/10

I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You was released well into Aretha's career, but this was the album that made her the Queen of Soul. With tracks like "Respect" and "I Never Loved a Man...," Aretha made pop classics of her soulful efforts - these songs top lists of the "biggest" and "most influential" in popular music. Aretha had one of the most potent voices to make popular music. Her rich, expressive sound made her one of the central figures of modern music.

I have never listened to a full Aretha Franklin album. This is exciting!!! Looking at the songs on the album, I may have actually listened to this album -- just never in one listen. Holy cow every song is like a famous one every has heard somewhere sometime.

Aretha is an undeniable America treasure and an undeniable talent. So it's sort of discordant when I find myself swinging between elation for her splendid voice to deep annoyance with the persistent themes of being beholden to a man and their love. This discordance really comes to the fore when listening to Dr. Feelgood. Thankfully, her talent wins. Unfortunately, the battle is real and the winner isn't always as clear. Thankfully, I find myself swaying along to more songs than I cringe to. Overall, an important album that I really enjoyed. But I suspect that I'd save her work to pepper playlists and not necessarily listen to the whole album. This is one of the hardest albums to rate. A Change Is Gonna Come just destroyed me. 5 ⭐

A classic

hopeful, confident, romantic and god-conscious, this groovy soul album is straight from the heart, mind, and body. the first track is what most people know this album by, but the remaining tracks are something to listen to as well. a POWERFUL voice of a generation that nobody can match.

Good Saturday morning listen. Respect, Do Right Woman, Do Right Man were my highlights

Amazing soul (sometimes bluesy) trip. Masterpiece.

It's easy to understand why Respect is so popular, but there are lots of songs on this album that are more enjoyable to listen to.

Sing a song Aretha

Come on, its Aretha Franklin!

I mean, come on. It's Aretha. She has such a powerful voice, she has such a pretty voice... She has such a **voice**. It's what makes her music, more than anything else. Sure, you can argue the instrumental or the lyrics or the backing vocals aren't up to snuff, but as long as she's on her game vocally, it's hard to call it bad. And, hey, this album has "Respect"—it's one of those songs that by itself gives this album a 4, so good on the rest of the album for earning that extra star.

What a voice. And what an album.

Well, that’s a 5. I’ve only ever heard Respect off this album, and other than (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, I’m just not that deeply familiar with Aretha Franklin's work. I’m a moron for not being deeply familiar with her work – this album epitomizes soul, and it’s very easy to see why she was dubbed the Queen of it within her lifetime. Her vocals on this record are absolutely stunning, and the main highlight of an album that would not be anywhere as good without them. Even without the absolute monster of a track that is Respect, this album would absolutely stand up on its own, from the immediate power of her voice on Drown In My Own Tears all the way to the passion shown on A Change Is Gonna Come. Just a fabulous album; it’s a very well-deserved 5. A 10/10, even.

What a singer, what a voice. Incredible

Now *this* is music!

Aretha Franklin is such a queen! I'm surprised I had never listened to this album all the way through. Glad this list remedied that

Yes, the album may be old. But the music is great, just like Aretha's voice. There is music that almost only works in a historical context, for example because it was the impetus or expression of a new development, but sounds outdated and flat today. And there is music that was and is great. This album also belongs to this kind of music. 5/5

Fair play this pretty great stuff, banger after banger. Not something I’m going regularly whack out and play, but you can’t deny its greatness. Simpsons: Yes

True classic

Fantastic

Definitely a reason why Aretha is the Queen of Soul. R-E-S-P-E-C-T alone earned the albums 4 and everything else was icing on the cake.

Voiced by an angel and a torrent alike

Aretha is great, we know that, so I Never Loved A Man the Way I Love You was always going to deliver, and it does so from the first note of the first, most iconic song of hers, then doesn't let you down after. The only artist we've had so far who I'm confident has a better voice is Nina Simone but I'll be damned if she's not a very close second, she's the star of the show and the music is just along for the ride. Baby, Baby, Baby and Do Right Woman, Do Right Man deserve singling out for special praise too but this is another easy 5.

A level up from the other Aretha Franklin album we've had, which was really good. This is quality the whole way through, her voice is obviously fabulous, and the arrangements are designed to really focus attention on that. That comes with its downsides - there's nothing worth noting on here apart from her vocals - but the power and range she has overcomes that. I hesitate to give an album with so many covers a 5, but I can't not with this one.

Aretha's voice is powerful and resonates with you.

love, love, love!!!

Uuuh yesssss Aretha isch echt eifach die best. Denn vergisst mer amel wieder das sie die best isch und denn losisch und denn isch wieder klar Aso respect natürli scho mol grösste banger ever. Oooh drown in my own tears soo schön. Sie spielt klavier! So guet. Uii dr. Feelgood soo starch. Sie het de blues. Do right woman fangt so aa als wärs bitz langwiilig und nocher isch huuuere geil. De text au mega ume. I lieb.

WHAT YOU WANT brudi aretha afoch unantastbar. unangefochten. wexler production plus wie sie klavier spielt. fuck. drown in my own tears eig. ein vo mine liebste ray charles songs. aber jo aretha machten au ganz easy. BLÖDER WIIICHTIG. ihri schwöstere ade bgvs au uuultra wichtig title track meeeega energy bruudi. etz 3 tracks sfoch glost ohni schribe und s passt afoch allles alles zeme. bassline bi save me isch huere geil to cogbill fitzt ane. a change is gonna come isch soo schön mann wie sie ahfangt. füfi. füfi. füfi.

The album is fabulous, "Baby, baby, baby" is my favorite track. Miss Aretha Franklin can do absolutely no wrong in my eyes. Rest in peace, Queen!

Aretha is iconic and this album is a big reason why. Simply incredible.

Oh my. Doesn’t get much better than this!

Just an awesome voice. Amazing album.

Aretha’s voice is simply amazing. Many of these songs are covers (was quite common then), but her vocal style made her renditions her own. Is the sound engineering up to current standards? No. But the recordings are balanced, the instruments clear, and her amazing voice shines through it all. The pacing is decent. All around, it’s a pleasant album to listen to.

noh tässäpä on amerikkalaisen populaarimusiikin huippu. neljä kymmenkunta vuotta levytettyä tuottoa kansan konsumerismin täyttämiseen... ja tähän jäi laadunkasvun päättöpiste..mitä vittua. toki suomalainem oululaine bändi blind channel ehkäpä rikkoipi katon läpi sirpaleiksi mutta ei niitä lasketa...alieneja... tuetävät vähän enemmäm audiokeinoista lun maanpäälliset, sekulaariset "musiikkiteoria" nörtit vittu... vähän enemmän tietää blind channel... osaavat hypnoosiin laittaa. ihan hulluksi.. pähkähullut kaduilla...hurraa hurraa...me olann, blind channel fanit.. respect

Very great. Classic soul for the list works for me.

Respect

This album is a work of art straight from Aretha’s soul. Powerful! ❤️

It's one of the pivotal albums of her catalogue and the era. Godmother of soul.

Good shit

👑

Great album!

Easy 5!

Aretha Franklin was not just the Queen of Soul, but one of the greatest vocalists of all time. This album bridges the gap between gospel and soul, showing that when all is said and done, love songs are the same no matter who you are singing them to. The music sensibly does not get in the way of Aretha’s voice, which soars with emotion on every song.

I mean, they don’t call her The Queen of Soul for nothing.

RESPECT!

What’s to say, other than it’s Aretha! The best album on this list so far.

My Queen.

Great album start to finish!

#51 This is a beautiful album that really reflects the youth in AF voice from her beginnings. Very easy to listen to and enjoyable

Really really good! Plenty of good songs. Respect is amazing (obviously) and iconic. Aretha’s voice is heaven like. It’s probably all been said before. Excellent album!

Damn

Definitely a different style than I normally listen to, but the talent and the musicality is undeniable.

Hors concours! Giving this one five stars feels wrong, The album is in a league of its own. This is Aretha's first classic album and it did nothing less than open up a brave new world of emotional possibility for pop music.

It's Aretha. She can sing anything and make it better. If Aretha don't get your left eye to jumpin' it's not Aretha's fault.

No notes. Perfection.

I'd listen to this album anytime. Amazing voice that carries you gently through the soulful melodies coupled with an empowering message. Great!

I am loving this.

Low expectations but damn this album slaps

I listen to this at least once a week because she is the greatest person to ever pick up a microphone except for maybe Etta James. It'll be hard to include an Aretha album here that isn't 5 stars for me lol

Legendary voice

Got this on International Women's Day, which is a happy coincidence. Because what a voice! Obviously I was familiar with some of the tunes here - and have already had the Otis Redding album that the original of Respect is on and which also happens to have a version of Change if Gonna Come on as well. There are a couple of slightly weaker spots on the album, but on the whole Franklin's voice carries anything that isn't perfect. And what a voice. Iconic, and for that alone this is worth 5 stars. I played this four times on the day I got it and have played it more since. It's class.

gotta r-e-s-p-e-c-t it.

Queen of Soul

Timeless, beautiful.

I mean, what’s better than peak Aretha Franklin? Every major performer has aspired to recreating the power and magic of Respect. No one has ever come close and no one ever will. Since nothing further needs to be said about this masterpiece, I’d advise anyone who reads this review to please go watch Aretha Franklin’s funeral concert. It’s a who’s who of holy crap, all singing Aretha’s hits. And she organized this herself, before she passed. Cecily Tyson’s hat alone is worth the trouble. You’re welcome.

10/10

Mad respect for the Queen. She slays!

La música popular tiene una de sus cumbres en la primera canción de este disco. "Respect" lo tiene todo: ritmo, melodía, alma (soul) y contenido. Es quizás la más hermosa reivindicación de los femenino con impulso feminista. La canción que da título al álbum es otro temazo, pero en realidad todo el disco en su conjunto es una obra de arte. Merecen ser mencionadas las versiones de "Drown in My Own Tears" de Ray Charles y "Good Times" y "A Change Is Gonna Come" de Sam Cooke, porque no sólo están a la altura de las grabaciones originales, sino que Franklin les da una nueva vida con su propia alma. y por supuesto merecen ser citadas las canciones propias de la reina del soul: "Don't Let Me Lose This Dream", "Baby, Baby, Baby", "Save Me" y "Dr. Feelgood (Love Is a Serious Business)".

I’d never listened to an Aretha album despite being familiar with her hits. This isn’t my favorite type of music, but this was good! Everything about this album felt on point.

Aretha Franklin is THE voice. Soul, as a genre, has turned out some of the greatest artists of a generation: Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, countless others. One name stands head and shoulders above all, one who will almost certainly be remembered for her artistry long after her death. I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You is considered her seminal work and for good reason! Not a single loser on this one. You get the finest performances, the finest songs, the finest of everything Soul. If you wanted it any other way, then you probably didn't want Soul.

I listen to several songs by Aretha and have them loaded on my mp3 player. Respect is one of them.

Soulmuziek zoals het bedoeld is. Aretha heeft echt een dijk van een stem, en Respect is een muzikale mijlpaal, die geflankeerd wordt door een sterk album zonder ook maar 1 slecht nummer.

People talking about this is 'just covers' need to give singing and delivery some serious credit. There's a reason "I Will Always Love You" and "Nothing Compares 2 U" are famous that have nothing to do with their original writers (no shade to Dolly or Prince.)

Classic song after classic song with simple, uncluttered arrangements that hi-light the melodies and of course the voice. 5 stars

I can’t give Aretha anything less than five.

What a great performer! These songs have burned themselves into the consciousness of a large part of the world.

soul jazz for my jazz soul

How can you give the album that birthed a classic anything less?

Back to back Aretha! Another excellent album from the Queen of Soul. While I enjoyed Lady Soul more due to it's overall uptempo nature. This album is also incredible and further cements her status in pop culture history. Also starting out the album with Respect definitely let's you know that you are in for a banger.

Back to back Aretha albums? What a lucky man I am. Once again I can't compliment her vocals enough. So many vocalists today sound 'perfect' without casting a spell on me. It's like comparing an all white and grey modern 'open concept' home, devoid of any feeling yet looking great - not something you'd want to raise a family in. Ms Franklin however, is like a family cabin. Looks amazing and you can't wait to go back and visit again, a lifetime of feelings and memories contained within. Even if there is an imperfection, it's executed so well it becomes part of the art. Opening with 'Respect' and ending with 'A change is gonna come' is a feat few artists will ever be able to accomplish. While the middle might not've hit me as hard as Lady Soul, that's of little consequences to me as both of these albums are masterpieces.

Outstanding

Its great, what can I say?

I never realized that this was Aretha's breakout album and she was kind of obscure before this. Anyway, I think it's illegal to not like this album so I'll just give it a 5 and move on. Everyone knows what the best song is so I shouldn't have to spell it out.

Don't think I've ever said this, but this album is too short! What a set of songs delivered by a truly incredible vocalist. This is a 5++.

The voice is incredible. Excellent covers (including \"Respect\" the greatest cover of all time?) and great originals too. Love the title track, and what a killer band! The Queen of Soul has this title for a reason.

Love it

Enjoyed this one by playing my VMP mono edition which was perfect on a cold, snowy Colorado February morning. This album could ride just on the strength of the well-known hits but it's so much more. Aretha in her prime with a dedicated rhythm section, and solid writing? What else is needed?

There's a reason she's voted the world's best singer.

You have to R.E.S.PE.C.T. that voice. This is an amazing album. The biggest shock to me in this album was the song Save Me, as it is the same guitar riff as Gloria by Van Morrison. I'm not sure who ripped of who, though it does raise some questions. Is the idea of spelling a word out (Respect / Gloria) also a borrowed idea? Idk and I don't have time to do the research right now.

"Respect" by itself would earn this album five stars. This is one of those times when it almost doesn't matter what the artist is singing or playing. Aretha is singing. That's pretty much enough.

Aretha Franklin - I Never loved a man the way I love you The Queen of Soul takes us all to church. Her voice is a religion! 5/5

RESPECT to Aretha. Great album

Wonderful classic album by the great singer Aretha Franklin. Contains a lot of the well known, but also some of the lesser known songs. A gem!

Remains one of the best of all times

Respect may be the best known cut off this disc, but the whole album is fire. Loved her version of Let the Good Times Roll.

I would give this 5 stars just for Reapect.

Straight up great blues singing.

i mean, amazing voice, amazing songs, great soul, nothing wrong with this one

Excellent album.

I’ve never sat down and listened to a full album of Aretha’s before and I am so so sad I haven’t before now.

Incredible.

Powerful, emotional vocals in beautiful songs of heartbreak and a relationship gone bad. RESPECT is a classic, Drown In My Own Tears is relatable for anyone who's had a relationship fall apart. The guitar at the end of I Never Loved a Man was a nice bluesy touch. Baby, Baby, Baby 10/10 twists who hurt who in the relationship from the rest of the album. Good Times brings the mood up with early rock style guitar and piano. Incredible cover of Sam Cooke's A Change Is Gonna Come to close out the album.

loved it

I am a big soul fan, and this is a classic. It feels a little aged still though, but it doesn't knock it too much. Respect is such a good song.

I thought I had a Greatest Hits album of Aretha Franklin all this time, but I think the Greatest Hits album is just this album, because THIS is the greatest hits album!! There are so many hits on here it's stunning. I Never Loved A Man, Do Right Woman, Respect, Dr. Feelgood. These are all INCREDIBLE songs and Aretha can sing anything and I'll listen. 5/5. Take this album to my grave.

The one and only Queen of Soul fully on display. This album just can't be beat.

***** Fantastic album! Absolutely a classic that everyone should know. It opens with R-E-S-P-E-C-T, but still has Do Right Woman and A Change is Gonna Come.

Great album. Aretha Franklin is one of the most iconic voices of recent times. Each track held its own and the ones that were more on the simple side were aided by Aretha’s impressive vocals.

not overrated

Love it

R E S P E C T

This is one of the 100 best ever classics. Respect, Aretha

10/10 Repsect and the whole albim is legend, but the last 3 songs are a repeat - why?

✔️

Holy crap, this needs to be in my rotation. Solid blues and r&b throughout and her voice is why she's a legend.

Outside of the brilliance of the two singles, I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You is really interesting as a consolidatory record for late 60’s Soul. It may not be the first album to approach Soul the way that it did, but it does it so well, and with such authority that I can’t help but see it as a definitive statement on what Soul should sound like. Genuinely the only thing I’d change is turn the mixing down on the backing singers, and turn Aretha herself up. She’s the damn star, she shouldn’t be drowned out by her back up singers

love her

9/10

Stunning from start to finish. A masterpiece of the genre.

Den helt gode soul, kraftfuldt, stemningsfyldt, vokal on point

hey there is nothing better than aretha in her prime. this album is very 1967 soul, so probably not mindblowing for most people, but this album, to me, cemented aretha as the legend that she became. obviously one of the best singers of all time and with classic production and the session musicians from muscle shoals, you really can't go wrong

Classic album. Usually the first Aretha album I grab to play

Maravilloso

What a set of lungs!

Pretty darn perfect. That voice, and some wonderful grooves. And of course, soul, in bucketloads.

This was the first time I ever listened to a whole Aretha album. Some people were just put on this earth to shine.

Classic. Timeless. It's aretha.

I’m not as into soul as I used to be, but she is one of the all time greats and this is a brilliant album.

Some of Aretha’s best work and all on one album. A real powerhouse. The writing, production, and instrumentation are all incredible. Above all else, Aretha’s voice carries this album to another level. Can’t get enough of it. 5/5

The Queen.

Respect- 5/5 Drown in My Own Tears- 5/5 I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)- 4.2/5 Soul Serenade- 4/5 Don't Let Me Lose This Dream- 4.7/5 Baby, Baby, Baby- 5/5 Dr. Feelgood (Love Is a Serious Business)- 4.8/5 Good Times- 4.9/5 Do Right Woman - Do Right Man- 4.3/5 Save Me- 4.8/5 A Change Is Gonna Come- 5/5 Total- 4.7/5

December 5, 2023 Unreal, the voice and the music are perfect.

Great album. Made me realize I should listen to more Aretha! Love that 60s soul.

Genius, simply genius. Great songs, great production a Jerry Wexler and Swampers triumph.

Amazing album

Another blistering album from Aretha Franklin. Because her most well-known songs are 'really' famous, I think that does some of her lesser-known ones a disservice. Kicking off with "Respect", the track that arguably defines Aretha, while it's a hugely recognisable groove with a killer hook, "Drown In My Own Tears" just pulls at your heart strings with its laid back waltz juxtaposed with the pure heartache emanating from that voice and the complex chord progressions accented by the piano line. The title track for example, is such painful, bluesy, soulful brilliance. The boogie-woogie "Good Times" is the best NYE party-starter tune you've possibly never heard. The rockier "Save Me" showcases a harder sound before segueing in to the simply beautiful "A Change Is Gonna Come"

The Queen of Soul... Lovely, lovely album. I've learned a lot of new songs listening to it. Special mention to her rendition of A Change Is Gonna Come

It's Aretha at the height of her career. What's not to love???

True classic. Great production fantastic voice. Doubt anyone has that range these days without autotune.

Loved this album. It makes me want to have a powder blue church suit with a handkerchief waving in the air, wiping off my face as I listen to the gospel of love and heartbreak. This gurl can sannnngggg

This was beautiful I just got these real nice Bose headphones and this sounded heavenly on them. Was mostly drunk when I listened to this so I can’t pick out too many favourite moments but I was loving it the whole time what a voice -B

Good

WHAT. A. VOICE.

groovy

Amazing

Wow just wowwee! Incredible songs, voice, range....much more to her than Respect obvs

De koningin van de soul, zo'n ontzettend krachtige stem en zo'n prachtige muziek. Een van mijn favorieten platen die ik bezit

Queen.

Amazing!

"Respect" was one of the tracks from my crappy mp3 player when I was 16. So I was like: "Hey, Aretha! How's it going?" and she was like: "I've been dead for 5 years!". So that's that. Aretha has a powerful voice and the music is also really good. While I'm not super into each and every track here, it is a thing worth listening. Would recommend!

Phenomenal. You can hear the soul oozing out from Muscle Shoals (and other studios!). Hearing Aretha breathing and intoning every syllable is just brilliant. You can hear her voice sounding a little hoarse but that adds to the brilliance. The (relatively) simple recording that was happening allows so much to be heard from vocals, piano, guitar and bass. And the ratio of incredibly strong songs is vast. Impossible not to luxuriate in a beautifully crafted classic album. Listen, then listen again.

Very soothing. Great album.

This is a really solid album. Aretha Franklin is on top of her game here, she sounds amazing and the songs are great. I don't have a ton of specifics to add, it's just really good and she has a beautiful voice. I think it's got to be a 5/5. Standout Tracks: Respect, I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You), Soul Serenade, Don't Let Me Lose This Dream, Dr. Feelgood, Good Times, Save Me, A Change Is Gonna Come

Otherworldly. Such a.pleasant listen from the lead vocals to the harmonies to the music. It just doesnt get better than this.

Loved it

Lovely, an absolute belter right here.

REALLY GOOD

OP. This album is OP/OD.

Wonderful. She's so great. Reminds me of Janis Joplin, and I wonder how their styles were connected?

Great vocals and songwriting. Amazing Soul vibes with some bangers. Best of the genre.

My mom and I finally agreed the world wants us to listen to this album together, so we listened, drank wine, and had a blast.

Simply stunning.

A great album from the first lady of soul music. Features the classic track "Respect" written by Otis Redding.

QUEEN OF SOUL! While I have never sat down and listened to one of her albums, I am so glad I have now. She really was one of the best to do it. Great song writing and emotional singing.

It's a solid album overall. Gospel will never really be y things, but the overall vibe s fantastic. respect is still a bop forever

she's the queen. this shows why. 5 Stars

The absolute queen of soul, motown and Gospel.

A fantastic soul album! Aretha fills every song with emotion whether its anger, pain, or joy. Pleasantly surprised to find a couple of Sam Cooke covers on the album too!

What an amazing set of songs. Aretha can take any source material and just turn it into hers. And the thumping rhythm section and horns just complement her incredible voice so well. Great work all round team.

Having never listened to a full Aretha Franklin album prior to this, and only knowing her music from the few singles everyone knows, this album was a wonderful suprise. Her voice is famous for a reason, it has so much soul to it, and it never suffers from over-singing, something I tend to dislike in a lot of famous singers. The music is very heartfelt, yet plenty of the tracks contain swing, and a good beat to them, so the album appeals both to the heart, as it does to the feet. I'm definitely spinning this at a later point. Wonderful album!

Just amazing. No notes. Just perfect.

First album Lucía & I listened to as part of this musical journey

It’s a five star album, classic Aretha, glorious

Arguably the quintessential Aretha Franklin album and the most definitive version of Respect ever committed to tape. From there on out, I Never Loved a Man The Way I Loved You is a tour-de-force that serves as a masterclass in Aretha's vocal prowess, with the production and arrangements matching up with the elegance and grace provided. No other words are needed to express how good this is. Have a listen.

The Queen of Soul’s masterpiece and a near-perfect album! favs: Respect, Soul Serenade, Do Right Woman-Do Right Man, I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You, Good Times least fav: Don’t Let Me Lose This Dream (the only song I’d rate a 4/5 rather than 5)

The album where Aretha became ARETHA. One of the greatest soul records ever recorded.

Although Respect stands out as the only hit from this album all the other songs stand on their own and don’t sound the same or repetitive like in Let’s Get It On.

What a powerful voice she had

Hey nineteen, that’s Aretha Franklin; she don’t remember, Queen of Soul.

Yes more Queen of Soul. Sock it to me.

Loved it.

Yes

Always excellent. 👸🏾

I kind of feel like Aretha is a bit of a one-trick pony, but that one trick is an incredibly good one that doesn't really get old. Her voice is just phenomenal, and it hits right from the beginning with Respect as the opener. I think there's a few spots where the album lulls a bit, but even in these spots her voice just carries the song. I don't have much else to say on this one, just an incredible singer with a really solid album top to bottom. I learned that this was her first breakthrough album commercially, but was actually her 10th studio album. Hard to believe it took so long, but it makes sense that it eventually happened. Favorite song: Respect Other: Drown In My Own Tears, I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You), Don’t Let Me Lose This Dream, Good Times, Do Right Woman Do Right Man, Save Me, A Change Is Gonna Come

Made me feel like I was done wrong by the man of my children and we had the ugliest divorce. This album shows such resilience for Aretha. She wasn’t considered to “breakout” until this album (her TENTH) and wow what a breakout it was. Especially so considering this album contains a ton of covers. Also TIL that Respect is not Aretha’s originally. Also can we give a moment for the album cover? Gorgeous.

Love it. Incredible for family cooking.

I only knew „Respect“ but the rest of the album is great! I listened to it twice because I was so blow away by its moods, melodies and the greatness of aretha Franklins voice.

Great album, enjoyed the guitar, enjoyed Aretha's voice. Definitely her BEST album. She's a classic.

First 5/5 album of the list so far. It’s incredible.

Damn, so good

I bought Aretha's 'Original Classics' series of five albums, in which this features, after hearing another of her albums earlier on in this list. I've only bought three other albums from this list as being without them in physical form is unthinkable having heard them. Surely the greatest female singer of the last fifty years.

Beautiful album

Absolute Classic. Good for the soul.

One of the best soul albums all time no doubt. The selection of song’s showcases the power and sensitivity of Aretha’s voice at her prime. Is there a more sublime moment in popular music than the chorus of the title track? Love this album.

Exudes passion

What a voice. These are all classics and still sound relevant.

So good I listened to this twice in a row beginning to end. "Good Times" probably my favorite track outside of Respect. Holds up really well, and Aretha's voice is just incredible.

this would make some great cooking music

I don't know why I'm even a bit surprised. There's a reason she's known as the Queen Of Soul. And no one can touch her. Close to perfection.

The quern

The Queen of Soul ascending her throne once and for all. Wow.

I seem to only know Ms Franklin from compilation album, big mistake! Soulful, voice like no other, it has been added to the library.

Brilliant voice, good collection of songs, a nice listen. Her music probably doesn't get enough play time in the UK, given the volume of work that she has produced.

What. A. Voice. Incredible that this was her TENTH album and it took that many to get to this point. 5 stars, 10/10, A*

Aretha is always good!

Aretha in my heart for ever

Album full of great soul!

Now, I don’t mind company. Because company with Aretha’s LP is perfect.

El décimo álbum de Franklin marcó su ingreso a la cultura popular norteamericana. Una colección de canciones increíbles, con singles impresionantes como “Respect” o el homónimo, que dejan en claro el talento de la cantante. Un indispensable para cualquier fanático de la música.

If I lose this dream It's goodbye love and happiness Yes you're the one I need I don't want a love that's second best There've been things all of my life I wanted to do that made me blue Help me hold onto this dream For sometimes dreams often come true And they all come true they all come true For me and you Wait a minute baby This album is so fucking good that it makes up for all the awful britpop and UK post punk shit that I've had to endure on this list. This is a solid soul album that will change your life the first time you experience it. 5/5

Hade gått långt i Idol.

Love it!! Aretha is indeed the queen!!

It’s like listening to the voice of God

nenhum defeito

This is good shit

it’s flawless

i mean it’s aretha

Aretha doesn't get reviewed. She gets 5*s and we all just move on to the next one just that little bit happier

R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Ms Franklin spells it out for us on the opening track of this classic album. A song that is woven into the fabric of music history , because of this album and the voice of this woman. There are many good singers in the music world, there are few superstars, Aretha Franklin is one of that rare breed. Across these eleven songs her voice is pitch perfect. During recording the session musicians were in awe of her power and poise. It’s an album that can work at any time. Sunday mornings lazy listening to bring on a new day, or Friday night kicking into the weekend. It is perfection and a record every serious collector should own.

Wow. MS. Franklin is the GOAT. What a gorgeous, lyric, voice she has. And the music is so easy to listen to! Love.

Phenomenal album with standouts in Respect, Drown In My Own Tears, and I Never Loved A Man.

What a voice.

You start the album with RESPECT?? Where do you go from there? One of the greatest voices created one of the best albums of the 60’s

I love

So sick. Aretha a goat fo sure

What can I say - it’s Aretha!

Easily 5 stars. Need to purchase. 5/5

9 unsuccessful jazz albums on Columbia and then Atlantic and Jerry Wexler roll out the MF Queen of Soul. RS said "It rings out like revealed truth happening in real time, a declaration of independence." A masterpiece.

Great album

Another absolute classic album!

Another Aretha Franklin, another instant 5. Amazing voice, great songs, and doesn't overstay it's welcome. Seriously, what's not to like?

Genres: Southern soul Formed: Detroit, Michigan, USA in 1966 Run time: 14 songs, 41 min 26 sec The tenth studio album by the singer. Referred to as the "Queen of Soul", Rolling Stone twice named her as the greatest singer, and listed her as the ninth-greatest artist of all time. The least popular song is track 5, “Don’t Let Me Lose This Dream”, with over 1.6M plays. The most popular is track 1, 12, “Respect” with almost 500M plays on Spotify. She has such a powerful voice that is as clear as a bell. She could sing the contents of a newspaper and it would be a hit. As well as being a great songwriter, she has some fantastic covers on this album. Not only can she cover Otis Redding and Sam Cooke, she makes the song her own and probably does it better than the original. Listen Again?: Yes and then some. My Rating: *****

Really enjoyed this album. Respect is a great song and one I’ve heard many times, so it was really cool to hear the rest of the album.

An album that can be appreciated on every level. No filler, the band is super tight, and Aretha kills. A no surprise 5.

i’ve always been torn about albums full of covers, but i totally get it now. these are all well-written songs, and the greatest singer of all time is performing them. the easiest 5 i’ve given so far

Ça force le respect

trop bien

Perfection!

Amazing album, amazing voice. I knew of her hits of course, but never fully listened to an Aretha record before. Every song was just amazing.

Amazing. Stunning voice, great songs. Brilliant album.

Glorious. Freed from the shackles of Columbia, the switch to Atlantic Records allowed Aretha to soar to the heavens. 5 stars from me, and anyone who rated this less than 4 stars should have their ears chopped off >:[

Not for nothin' is Aretha the Queen of Soul! Her voice and her ability to emote are unbelievable! She just oozes talent and soul

Great throwback. Smooth voice, highly recommend

It's Aretha, anything below a 4 would be criminal. "Respect" is by far the best song on the album and by a slimmer margin the best in her catalogue. I didn't like this album quite as much as Lady Soul, but this is still a damn good album. Other highlights for me were "Soul Serenade", "Baby, Baby, Baby", "Save Me", and "A Change is Gonna Come". All in all a great album from an all time LEGEND.

I love her. Great album.

Começa com um hino, iniciar a audição com Respect é ter certeza de vivenciar por 41 minutos a atuação carregada de potência e emoção. A satisfação de está em contato com uma obra-prima de soul e pop notável.

Everybody wants to party with Aretha!!! Such a beautiful album. Her voice brings me back to my childhood. Love love loved every second of this.

GOAT

This was an album I had not heard most songs on! I have been dabbling with modern R&B and neosoul, and I really like this sound. This album is sooo good. Aretha Franklin's voice is amazing. To me, this album is when you're at home making food with a romantic partner. Some favourites were "Soul Serenade," "Save Me," and "A Change is Gonna Come."

You absolutely MUST respect the Queen of Soul. This album is magnificent, start to finish, and anyone who says otherwise is objectively wrong.