Reviews (page 8 of 13)
Makes me want to dance Full of energy Some songs are a bit boring
Bit samey but overall great
A Change is Gonna Come 3 *repeat* tracks Aretha has a beautiful voice. Most of these aren’t something I’d regularly reach for but nice slow melodies. 4/5
Funky, I love it... hadn't heard much besides RESPECT and now I know why she's a legend!
I’m going to cut to the chase. Is this album a five out of five for me personally? No. I do feel that the album gets a little monotonous after Respect, and a bit too much of the tracks sound a little like each other. I’m also not really the biggest fan of soul. But with the negative stuff out of the way, it’s still a half hour of Aretha Franklin serenading your ears, and that’s probably better than maybe more than half of the albums on here. Favorite track: Respect Other hits: Soul Serenade, Baby,Baby,Baby, Good Times, Do Right Woman,Do Right Man, Save Me, A Change is Gonna Come
this didn't have a lot of standout moments for me (besides Respect) but i did enjoy it!
this was a pleasant album and aretha has an incredible voice. respect is of course a bona fide classic. i also didn't realize how funny and fun some of her lyrics were, like in dr. feelgood and i never loved a man. the rest are solid tracks, even if they didn't grab my attention like those three. favorites: respect, i never loved a man (the way i love you), dr. feelgood (love is a serious business)
good
Bien.
é pur sempre Aretha...
Great
Soulful and body-piercing in the best way possible!
A very great and compelling album. Really no low points, just the fact that it's very simple in nature holds it back. But will keep listening. 4/5
She really sings her heart out in this one.
Classic, rock solid foundational soul from THAT VOICE! This is ‘comfort music’ (even though I have no particular personal emotional history with it).
Amazing singing. Classic composition. It feels very powerful. Standout track: A Change Is Gonna Come
Aretha's voice is just so powerful and enchanting. She really is one of the all time greats. The album itself had a nice progression- it highlighted the rral difficulties in relationships, while also capturing zuch raw emotion. Overall- I enjoyed it a lot. Probably a 4.5 star, but not quite a 5
Gotta love Aretha.
The queen of soul. This is a good album.
Thoroughly engaging, a real treat
Classic album. Some really good tunes. Whole album has a movie sound track feel. Got to be in the right mood to listen 7/10
So much better than just respect
Liv 3
If I could sing like this every problem in my life would be solved
Pretty nice sounding soul music. Stand out track: Respect
easily one of the greatest singers of all time. this is a great album
Really liked this album! Had not listened in full prior
Great soul from a legend! Not the most varied lyrics though. Love the hit Respect.
For someone to do an Otis Redding song better than Otis Redding garners my Respect.
Franklin's voice is incomparable. Some of her great hits on this one, as well as some other songs we didn't know but really enjoyed.
I guess this is the reason why Aretha Franklin is considered one of the best. This album was great. I love good vocal work. And she hits every note with ease. And you know there is no pitch correction or auto tune. Just straight up talent. Not sure why this record has 3 repeated songs. Is this just a streaming thing? Is it just the era of music? Unnecessary either way. Great listen.
Such a great voice!!
As R & B albums go, this is one of the most influential and recognizable landmark releases for sure. There is no denying her signature sound and style. My first introduction to her was actually in the 1980 film, “The Blues Brothers”. This is not a frequent go to genre of mine, but I do understand this contribution to the evolution of modern R&B/ rock history.
I was a bit surprised at how most of the songs fall into the same slower tempo. But it doesn’t matter with a voice like Aretha’s. Preach.
Aretha’s vocal talent is the obvious standout here, as the songwriting sort of out kicks its coverage. She could sing the dictionary and still get a 4, though.
Aretha’s voice gave me a hug and I liked it…a lot
Obvi great but doesn’t reach 5* for me personal ear holes. 4/5
Come on, it's Aretha Franklin. I've never listened to this album the whole way through, and I don't actually like Soul all that much, but this is good.
4/5
My only complaint about this album is that Aretha's voice can be overpowering. She swings for the fences on every track, which would be fine if she were the lead singer for Led Zeppelin, but too much of the material here is just softball stuff.
'Respect' so good they put it here twice. In all honesty, could have gone for a third.
Outstanding album. Another artist I've never really listened to but probably should. So soulful and groovy.
Beautiful album. So soulful, I could really feel everything.
She's the queen of soul, I can't help it
There's a reason why Aretha's called the queen of soul. This music is so well performed, and that voice! She's timeless! Liked songs added: - Respect - I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Loved You) - Do Right Woman, Do Right Man
Great
Beautiful soulful voice.
7.5/10
Restepce!
She's got a great voice and is known as the Queen of Soul. This album doesn't do anything to make me think differently.
Go power, vild åbner sejt album.
A bunch of standards performed to an incredibly high quality, can't ask for much better.
No misses on this one.
good
Fantastic voice, lots of soul in the best way. I wish more of her tracks were played in rotation, seems like Respect is the only track anyone plays by her
The very best of the genre. My Favorite songs are Respect and I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)
When there's "Respect" opening the proceedings, how can you *not* select this album in a list such as this one? Aretha transcends Otis Redding's song and her choices of vocal arrangements are so effective and soulful that the original version pales in comparison, as nice as said original version already was (and who among general audiences even remember it today, right?). The thing is, as far as essential or near-essential albums go, *Aretha Now* has more hits, and it's also clear to me that *Lady Soul* is an even better record than *I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You*. Let's face it, those other Aretha Franklin albums have a far more dynamic tracklist, with a perfect balance of lively cuts and slower ones. Conversely, *I Never Loved A Man...* mostly comprises ballads, and if the four that follow "Respect" are stellar (special mention for the bossa nova tones of ""Don't Let Me Lose This Dream"), the ones at the center of the LP ("Baby, Baby, Baby" and "Dr. Feelgood") are quite lukewarm. And most of all, they sound too damn similar. Sam Cook-penned "Good Times" is a bit more enticing, but it's also somewhat mundane and quite predictable as well. Which is not the case for another tune written by Cook, closer "A Change Is Gonna Come"--Aretha's performance on this ballad serves its oh-so-topical contents in such a moving way that the song soon becomes quite anthemic. And the two other highlights on side 2 are "Save Me", with its pop-rock overtones, and "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man", with its tense-yet-sensual mood and its dramatic background vocals. As such, those three standout tracks make up for the relative loss of momentum that has occured right before their appearance, at least... So yeah, maybe that's a slightly overrated album in my book, but the overall message of emancipation conveyed by a lot of those songs, plus Aretha's legendary singing chops, still make this one a keeper... And if you think I'm splitting hairs here, look at my final grade. 4/5 for the purposes of this list of "essential albums". 9/10 grade for more general purposes (5+4) Number of albums left to review: 123 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 381 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 225 Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 283
This is easy: great artist, great music, great album.
Queen of Soul with her signature song, Respect. So amazing they had to put it on the album twice?! Ok, maybe one is a mono version and the other is stereo. No reason though to not listen to Respect twice. I can't say I've listened to much Aretha besides the hits but this was a solid listen and I'll have to put this into the rotation.
Committing a heresy here - I'm not a huge fan of Franklin's voice, despite its might and resonance. But - this is about as perfect a vehicle for her talents as can be imagined. The backing band add a little grease. Although it can get a little soupy at times, this is a bona fide triumph.
Bangers
A great collection of songs mostly well sung and played. Sometimes I wish Aretha would back off on the impro and just play it straight.
she's the queen for a reason !!
Respect is such a powerful opening track, I wish I could hear it for the first time again. It's a tough one to follow though, and I honestly can't remember how any of the other songs sound now that it's been a few days. But I know it's a joy to listen to her sing, and I'll plan to give this another listen sometime.
The lyrics can get repetitive, but Aretha's voice partially makes up for it.
I find the environment I listen to these can really matter for my experience. This one was unexpectedly perfect from that perspective. I listened to this while walking from hotel to the US Capital while on vacation. It was great so walking and strolling. I’ve hear this one before on another long list challenge. Great song choices. Great performances. All around wonderful record.
After all the psychedelic hippie bullshit and completely unremarkable Brit pop on this list, it is so refreshing to hear pros that are masters of their instruments (watch the Muscle Shoals documentary if you haven’t yet) backing an amazingly talented singer and making perfect pop/soul/R&B songs. There should be way more albums like this on this list and way less of the garbage that’s actually on here. The title track and “Do Right Woman” are incredible and “Respect” deserves its reputation as one of the best songs ever recorded. The rest of the albums is less impressive, but is still worth hearing. This album captures one of the greats of American music in her prime.
„Respect“ auch Soul kann fesselnd und spannen sein. Es wir mutig provoziert, jedoch bleibt die Klarheit und Ausducksstärke der Stimme erhalten. Texte und Konzept des Albums sind gut. Es bringt einen gedanklich in eine Südstaatennacht nach New Oerleans.
Pretty good. I liked the general theme of the album and some of these songs were very fun and catchy. Overall I enjoyed it
I think I didn’t give this one enough attention. Really loved some songs though so should revisit on a day not directly before a show lol. Happy opening to twelfth night!
I'm very surprised at just how many 2- and 3-star ratings there are, with a significant number of them being some variant of "Respect is great, but the rest is meh." Nah, no way. This is easily a high 4-star album, if not 5 stars. There are a couple of factors holding it back. Like Lady Soul (another album on this list), the production is noticeably poorer than more modern soul material - which aligns with Franklin's releases having performed poorly on the charts prior to this one. The mixing is typical for old-school blues/soul, bringing out all vocals much more clearly than the rhythm section. This is a little problematic for the backing vocals, which sometimes overpower Franklin's lead (and/or the horn/piano parts) when they shouldn't. Otherwise, though, there's nothing to fault. The lead vocal is stellar. The songs - many of them covers, by the sound of it - are fantastic, paying homage to the original versions while (almost always) brilliantly overshadowing the original with soulful, powerful vocals and instruments. The piano is also really good throughout the album. 4/5 Key tracks: Respect, I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Loved You), A Change Is Gonna Come, Soul Serenade
Very good but not her absolute best.
Great album!
Respect is one of the most important tracks ever made. The rest makes an important and classic soul album.
Great voice, great album, but not nearly as great as Aretha Now and Lady Soul. Nevertheless a timeless soul classic. 3.7*
Fabulous voice, love Respect. None of the rest of the tracks stood out to me but I enjoyed the album. 3.5 rounded up to 4.
although a great and solid album, it lacks versatility
Aretha is fantastic. Enjoyed this one. She is so revered for a reason. 4/5 Will listen again
Amazing classic soul
It’s Aretha. So you know it’s classy. Kicking off with Respect is setting the bar ridiculously high for an album. I thought I would know more of the tunes. There aren’t many of the bangers. Surprised to see it made Apple’s 100 as it hasn’t left that much of an impression one me. But it’s Aretha.
Fantastic R&B album by the Queen of Soul. A joy to listen to, and even better when the running time clocks in at around 33 minutes. Fantastic!
Solid fucking R&B album that was really more bluesy to me. This was an unexpected pleasure.
Very Soulful indeed.
The Queen. Can you imagine these lyrics today, though?
Kiva että hitit tulee lopussa vielä uusiksi, niin ei tarvitse käännellä levyä. Okeiiiii on hyvä levy, asenne pysyy läpi levyn: ei ole ”baby please” -biisejä vaan asiaa. Eheä kokonaisuus, vaikka sinänsä toivoisin muuta kuin sinkkukokoelmaa. Kolme puol pyöristyy neljään.
Tämä hittiparaati ei välttämättä kolahda heti, sillä kappaleet on rakennettu (tai lainattu) ennen kaikkea esittelemään artistin verratonta laulutaitoa ja -ääntä. Mutta hiljalleen biisit avautuvat ja paljastavat koukkunsa, jotka syntyvät milloin mistäkin: torviriffeistä, yllättävistä osista ja tietenkin ihan vain melodioista. Tämä levy täytyy kuulla.
No much to say. Just Aretha.
It's Aretha. C'mon.
Freakin fabulous
Brilliant voice, brilliant songs, properly stopped me in my tracks at points. The title track, A Change is Gonna Come and, of course, Respect were highlights. Four stars - although very very close to the full five!
Sublime soul songs, didn't expect anything else. 4.5*
Probably not something I'd listen to often, but this is no doubt excellent.
I was listening to this in the car and my dad said that Aretha Franklin was in the Blues Brothers movie so we watched that, and she had a whole musical number that’s pretty good. Too bad that was not on the album. The album itself is great as a whole, but outside of the first song not many stood out by themselves for me.
Great! I loved the hits I knew but the rest were good too. 8/10
Really really good. Super close to giving it a 5 but I don’t know how many of these songs I’ll actually listen to frequently. Album was a great listen though
Incredible vocals and very well produced. Great. 4.
very good songs
Excellent songwriting and one of the most timeless voices in music. Probably not the best to listen to right after a breakup
Absolutely outstanding voice and songs. One of the best all time singers in history. Much enjoyed
"A Change is Gonna Come" The Queen of Soul.
For what it is, I think it’s pretty good, but I don’t listen to this kind of music regularly. She’s obviously very talented. It was a good listen.
Energetic
I don't know why I don't have any of her albums. This was wonderful.
great
Would I listen to it again: yes Is it a no-skip album: yes Do I like it: yes
Voice, composition, on point
Not my style, but she has a great voice and the songwriting is also quite fascinating. Lyrics are quite boring though.
Legendary Aretha Franklin. Fun to hear! This album took me by surprise and was way better than I'd expected. I half expected it to sound quite dated, like some of the 50s albums we've had on the list. And it did to some extent, but mostly I was surprised how it sounded relatively modern, and almost all songs on the album were quite good actually! I enjoyed listening to it back to back, and I never felt like I zoned out and just forgot about it. Every song took my attention even though I was working. Not a lot of albums do that!
Aretha Franklin really is one of the all time greats when it comes to Motown, soul and gospel. This collection of tracks really showcases her singing with instrumentation that really lets her voice shine. "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man" is a favourite of mine. For some reason on a few tracks i think her vocals are to quiet in the mix. Anyway the big hitter is of course "Respect" which make Redding's creation Franklin's in the first few seconds. If you are in the mood for motown this is a great place to start. It's just all in all a very good album.
Not a fan yet
Fantastic album - always a great listen.
It is not as good as "Lady Soul" but still nice.
I never loved a man the way I love Aretha Franklin
Very good all the way through, I just didn’t quite love it enough to give it a 5
Good stuff
Noice. It makes me wanna dance but I’m single. :,)
Beautiful
Ну она легенда. Это очень крутой альбом, все круто Алкоальбом: твое любимое пиво
I've Never Loved An Aretha Record The Way I Love This One.
Like others, I feel like Respect carries the album.
Great voice. Loved the album
Great album
Her voice is so powerful. I 100% see why she's still revered as one of the all-time greats because it's clear from one note why that is. Her piano playing on here really adds a lot too. It's cool to hear how central it is to the entire songs.
queen
Everyone knows Aretha can belt. I'd like to shout out her lower softer voice, which is also very nice. Good well-rounded singer
Such pain and passion cannot be overlooked.
Respect is the best song by quite a bit, even though the whole record is really good.
ARETHA es ischsoo warmi musiig ja i müed a change is gonna come hend ja alli coveret hahahah aber s tönt rechr andersch, coole cover ich villnz müed zum gross öppis schribe ABER 4I
What a voice!
This is such a great record, every song and vocal performance is fantastic.
The only song I knew well was RESPECT but I came out loving the album as a whole.
Respect is a perfect opener - it’s often heralded as one of the best songs of all time and is somehow not overrated, and never feels overplayed no matter how regularly I hear it. The title track is insanely good as well, as is the closing track (an incredibly powerful cover of Sam Cooke’s A Change is Gonna Come). The rest of the album is very good, but it does drop a little bit outside of those three magnificent songs
Very solid soul album.
Awesome album, I enjoy the organ/churchy sound in a couple of her songs. Some great soul music.
If you like this style of music, you'll like this album.
As I normally do everyday when I wake up, I reached for my iPad to check out my album of the day. Great! after a few duds an album I could get my teeth into. As I only have a bedside HomePod to listen to in my bedroom I decided that as this album is regarded so highly I would wait until I was up and able to listen on my Hifi combo. I then learnt that today was also a musical momentous day in that Taylor Swift had released her new album The Tortured Poets Department. Reviews of this indicated that this album was likely to make the 1001 list sometime in the future. So I began to listen to Swifty on my HomePod. Halfway through track one I gave my head a shake and wondered what I was doing. Was it not blasphemous to pick the Queen of Pop over the Queen of Soul? Yes I decided. I then snuggled down and blissfully spent a fantastic 30 minutes with Aretha. Now I’m not a soul music lover at all. Up to a few years ago I would have avoided it like the plague but I’ve always given it a little respect (geddit?) as half the world’s population cannot be wrong in liking soul. I’ve never listened to this album before but most of the tracks were familiar to me. You cannot help but be drawn in by Aretha’s outstanding vocals and the musicians behind her. I can understand why people can be reduced to tears and this album is full of tearjerkers. I was nearly there myself with the final track A Change Is Going To Come knowing the political and social message behind it. This album will not alter my opinion of soul music but will certainly make me more receptive of it. As for the Taylor Swift album, as she would probably admit herself it comes nowhere near the majesty of this album and is a sad reflection of the standard of today’s music. But maybe that is an unfair comparison but I can’t help making it (I later listened in full to the Swift new album and surprisingly I loved it. Another 4/5 when next edition of book is published) 2nd listen was a FLAC Tidal stream and is absolutely beautiful. A sonic delight. 4/5 19/4/24
First and foremost I'm a fan of Rock, Metal and heavy boundary pushing extreme music. I of course had heard Aretha and was familiar with what her deal is, but it wasn't until I heard this album about 10 years ago (I found it at a thrift store) and was pretty blown away by how great this is. Gospel/R&B/Soul from 1967. There's only a couple songs on here that are really memorable for me, but it's so enjoyable to listen to. Musically I like the way it sounds, but it doesn't really have any personality. Aretha is all the personality! I think the production is just fine. It also all feels like mid tempo burners. If the musicians pushed harder and the production punched harder this would be a 5/5. But, that's not what this was intended to be and it still an all time great!
Great album
While I'm not expert in this style of music, I can see why she was held in such high regard. Talent for days.
No music can be everyone's cup of tea. This kind of music is not mine. Nonetheless, this record should be a milestone in female R&B self-empowerment. That alone would make it valuable as a historical document. But for me, even though I rarely listen to this kind of music, this is also a great performance. The sheer energy that Aretha Franklin brings to the table, her power and presence make it a really, really enjoyable listen. She may not have been the best voice of all the "divas" (and I've always wondered why she was given such a derogatory label), but she was certainly the powerhouse.
It's not exactly my cup of tea, but she has an incredible voice and the music is pleasant to listen to. Probably won't listen to it again willingly, but happy to have heard it at least once.
Amazing voice.
My mom played this album growing up. Hearing it again now I can appreciate it even more - she's a lyricist before her time.
Man that woman could sing. It's kind of funny how many versions of all of these songs I've heard over the years. From this record Respect gets all the attention but I've always just been kind of lukewarm on that one. My favorite is I Never Loved a Man, the guitar part in the middle always sounds so great. But this album starts super strong and then kind of drops off in the middle for me a little bit. For me personally, this isn't an album I would listen to all the time. It's great, sure, but it's just not my thing. I'd give it a 3.5/5 but will round up to 4 because it's Aretha and regardless of taste, that woman was amazing.
Partly heard before Saved 7/11 Top track: Respect
As usual Aretha Franklin does not disappointed. Jazzy chords and powerful singing that takes over. 4.5
Weird title for an album. Great voice, really good songs. Not much more to say.
I believe this was Aretha's first album with Atlantic after she moved from Columbia Records. Her cover of Otis Redding's Respect has become the new standard for that song. Even Redding admitted she had taken the song from him. There's nothing on this album as good as Respect, but this is still a solid R&B/Soul album by the Queen. I almost gave the album a 5 based on Respect alone.
Its was great! I really liked it.
Respect would have been a better album title! This song topped the US charts the day I was born. Always my own personal trivia. Standouts: Respect, Don Right Woman, Save Me, A Change is Going to Come The entire album is well above average. I’ve been a fan of here because she just sings other people hits…l but This album is something special. 4/5
3/27/24. Aretha is the queen! Her soulful voice is unmatched and each song suits her perfectly.
nice , smoothing and energetic
lundi matin mood
Nothing but top notch Soul
Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.1
4-4.5
It’s all about Aretha’s voice. Nothing else particularly earthshattering, but that’s enough to make it good.
Die Stimme des R&B, Respekt, der Song des Feminismus, der bis heute Geltung hat, dieses Album war Aretha Franklins Durchbruch.
Great stuff
Beautiful album.
Wonderful album with some truly beautiful moments
Oh boo, my review didn't get cached. Another great, this one with RESPECT, but not my kind of fave album.
Such a powerful voice, and a great album that felt relatively short.
Such a beautiful and powerful album
Frankly, this is a classic!
Bangee
Love listening to this music, gotta put this in my rotation way more. She's classic and soulful.
Such a good one wow. So thats ehy I hear this womans name all the time
respect
soul music just hits
respect
An enduring classic.
Timeless. Holds up so well.
This album is really good. Her voice is amazing. It reminds me of the "Blues Brothers" style of blues and it's got a great feel. With that said, some of the songs are a bit played out sounding as, although the musicians do a great job, this style has been done and done again.
My mom loves her
+1 bara för Respect. Inte hela 5 stjärnor dock, svänger lite för mycket i vilka låtar jag tyckte om och inte.
Really fun listen. The soul sound and piano on this is so good.
WOWSERS. Aretha Franklin is absolutely the queen of soul and it is easy to see how her voice has greatly influenced many vocalists today. I loved listening to this album, her extremely expressive and passionate musical power and interpretations really make this album fantastique to listen to. The background singers and band were also killing it.
I dont like Queen
Aretha is always a classic
dobro je ovo bilo
Title track has awesome guitar solo. Baby, Baby, Baby is an incredibly sad and dark song.
That was great. Though I've always liked some Aretha songs, I've never listened to a full album. It's an easy 4, with a five being I'm buying it now.
It was good, I love albums with a theme especially when it's relevant to today. I don't know if it'll stick however.
Fun stuff.
With classics like Respect, Good Time and A Change is Gonna Come I feel like 4 has to be the lowest I can give this
Love Aretha! Enjoyed listening to her belt out the songs on this album
Gear: Focal Clear Mix (Stereo): Respect! Musik: Wahnsinn (mit Fillern) Wertung: 🌹🌹🌹🌹(🌹)/5
Me ha gustado porque Aretha Franklin es muy guay, sobre todo la de Respect.
Nice
<3 Alles van Aretha is amazing.
4.5 stars. "Respect" cover is one of the best songs ever recorded, so powerful. Showed what soul could be. "Save Me" underrated, fun groove musically.
Such a powerful voice! I hadn't heard past "Respect" and woah she is unreal. "Soul Serenade" stuck out for sure. The whole album is strong and her voice and the backing instrumentals are insane, I liked some of the slower, ballad type songs such as "A Change Is Gonna Come" too!
"Respect" is a strong 5, but the rest of the album doesn't quite reach that level.
I received this and Lady Soul three days apart. I think I preferred that one. Respect is an all timer. Her version of A Change Is Gonna Come is also great. It isn’t as great front to back and has a few key memorable songs.
88/100
Aretha at her finest - beautiful range, dulcet tones and great interpretations of the songs that weren't originally hers. Classic R&B doesn't get better than this.
An absolute classic soul album, sung by possibly the best to ever do it. Respect is a brilliant way to start and A Change is Gonna Come ends it very well. Not every song hits hard but the ones that do are sensational. Fav songs: - Respect - I Never Loved a Man - Baby, Baby, Baby - Dr. Feelgood - A Change is Gonna Come
not a perfect album, but it's incredibly close. extremely powerful and iconic voice that carries the songs, some songs slowed down a little too much for my liking but this album is a testament to why everyone knows her name
I'm not a huge fan of the genre but the singing is pretty impressive
Thank God for Aretha Franklin. And thank God for Jerry Wexler who figured out how to use that mind-blowing talent that had overwhelmed the brain trust at Columbia, and who then convinced Aretha to give him and Atlantic a shot. You can hear them all pushing the boundaries in various directions; sometimes leaning back towards her Columbia sound and sometimes going for a straight Stax sound. They'd perfect the sound with the masterpieces of the next year. But this album is really special. Holy Macaroni.
mmmmmhmm
Can’t beat that opener. The rest is also very good but just not my thing. High 4.
This is an album that you need to R-E-S-P-E-C-T. I've obviously heard the hits, but with Respect being the only big one on the album, and it being the opener, I was a bit worried but I shouldn't have been. Aretha really brings it home with her performance.
A beautiful album, obviously important for her breakthrough. Doesn't quite hit 5 because it's mainly a covers album and I have rules.
Brilliant, should be on everyone's list.
Echt heel vet, zoveel nummers die ik ken. Qua originaliteit sowieso een 4. Ik kan het geen 5 geven omdat ik aan het einde van de dag hier niet uit mezelf naar zou luisteren, los van de top 2000.
Great album
It’s hard not to like Aretha. Soulful, powerful voice with great range. Can sing everything from gospel to blues to pop with equal sincerity.
Rounding up to a 4, because even though this won't make my regular rotation, Franklin's voice is just that good.
Solid set of tracks, I am going to check out her other albums since I feel like they probably will fit my taste better. A good start to getting into Aretha
Profound and moving. While listening to this album you can hear Aretha's steps rising to the soul's throne as the undisputable queen. And there she still remains.
so much power in that voice 4/5
Ganska standard Aretha. Första låten såklart ikonisk. Alltid trevligt med Aretha.
Favourite song - soul serenade
Fantastic album from the "Queen of Soul." Many hits and each song is good.
aretha franklin is a fantastic vocalist but it's nothing i'm gonna listen to again
not my genre but i doubt any of the albums on this list are. solid record, had some real bops like respect but honestly i liked every track
Can't give Aretha Franklin any note lower than for out of respect for her, and mostly because of Respect. Beautiful voice, timeless compositions, endless entertaining values. Aretha is sitting high on the music pantheon, and this album surely reflects that.
Damn what a voice, this album is timeless. It loses a few points because alot of the songs sound the same, but that same song is pretty good. Favorite track was I never loved a man.
Definitely a classic record. Hard to harp too much on any of it since I do love me some old-school soul and Aretha brings tons of energy and passion to the songs as well. 7/10
If you like Aretha, you'll like this one. Solid album. No complaints.
Aretha, always good
Fantastic album. 4/5
good vibes
Mad respect for Aretha for this one!
What a voice. Powerful and gritty and soulful. There will never be another like Aretha. The piano playing kicks ass, too.
Irreplaceable
If you don’t like Aretha Franklin, there’s something wrong. Just pure classic soul music. Something so comforting about listening to it at home, especially on vinyl. Listen again: yes Purchase for my collection: own it Favourite Song: Respect! But I Never Loved A Man is a close second.
I loved this album, has a sound to it, a few bangers and overall a true message throughout. Listened to it on repeat throughout the day and saved a few songs. RESPECT
Amazing singer and band. The way she took me from a song asking a man for some standard respect to that man leaving and her being upset about it and then crawling back to then disrespectful man then partying then getting back with him and ending with change is gonna come. A masterpiece of rollercoaster
Amazing album
Enjoyed this Aretha album, though it didn’t blow my mind.
Aretha lives forever.
Just not my jam.
Solid. Would by the LP and put it on Sunday mornings
What a friggin set of pipes. I've always had a soft spot for Aretha and it is always nice to hear her. The immortal Respect is on this album as well as a few other stellar tracks.
Beautiful classic.
She’s Aretha for a reason, not every song is a banger but she’s fantastic on them all
Love Blues, but never really listened too deep to Aretha Title track really got me groovin'; the next several really took me back to childhood with the sound and feel (child of the 60s). The song Save Me really moves me. A really good album, but outside of what I would normally be inspired to listen to.
Dynamics, rising action, soul, free singing, magnetic vocals
Aretha mit junger Stimme - und dennoch ausdrucksstark!
This kind of music is just so easy to love. It’s hard not to have a good time listening to these songs.
Not my style at all but what a powerful and beautiful voice.
She had a golden voice
maybe I'm soft but most of the soul,r&b, motown stuff I grew up hearing will always have a place in my heart. Aretha kills is on this album, Respect is a timeless banger and she's a legend for a reason!
“I don’t like Aretha Franklin. All she does is scream” - my mom Mom’s wrong this album slaps
Klassikee
Very good, I like it a lot. Also reminds me of my mom. Yeah, but needless to say, Aretha is a wonderful singer, just a joy to listen to.
Fantastic soul record that should be a part of every good record collection
Broken hearts and civil rights. Track to listen to again - Save Me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Coming out the gates is an understatement we all understand. Her roots show and provide color for the overall album structure. It makes introspection easy and available. It’s good but anchored by the biggest song ever. 4/5
Aretha Franklin is so talented
Dripping full of soul instead of jazz that stunted her, this tenth album rocketed Aretha to the top with “Respect” as well as the title track. It forever placed her in an echelon of musical greats. Released March 10th 1967.
Right from the lead off track, Respect, it's obvious this is an essential listen. Aretha at her peak and really there isn't much to say that hasn't been said already and through the rest of the album she's in fine form with some great songs. Not usually my genre of choice, but you have to respect the influence and impact this music at the time and even today.
Queen of soul for a reason! Opens with respect so what can I say…the her beautiful tones drift through a great album.
What a distinctive voice! Respect, of course, is a classic. Her voice just shines and it feels life she lived every moment. I can't believe she was 25.
wonderful album, So much more besides 'Respect". Enjoy!
Love it - 4.5 Great voice, great instrumentals Maybe could have some more energetic songs but honestly all the songs are so nice.
Cette voix là me berce le soir avant les gros dodos des justes
Prachtige muziek, swingt en rockt. Mooi album
Aretha is great. The band is great. The song selection and sequencing is ok. Except for Respect. That song is an all time banger.
Great Album, 4/5
A pleasure to listen to
This was pretty good. I like Aretha Franklin. I didn’t listen closely to this album but I enjoyed it
I highly enjoy the energy of the album and the music but it's so new to me, that I don't know what to comment
respect so good they put it on the album twice
classic
I had only heard the singles but all her stuff is great
It's a classic right! My first intro to Aretha was when I was quite young with the Bridget Jones soundtrack, which for some reason was Jacob classic for a good few years and we listened to it loads in the car on holiday. Respect featured on that! As I've got older I've dipped in more, Do Right Woman reminds me a lot of my mid twenties for some reason! Even though it is a bit depressing as she's clearly trying to leverage basic respect from her partner... probs just ditch him if you need tell him that women are flesh and blood like a man... But overall it's soulful and such a pleasing listen. Sleepy Saturday morning all over. Lush!
Bien.
A characteristically regal performance – such depth of soul, such a fluid and credible way through all of the songs. Who knew she played the piano so well?
we're going for the 1967 release, not the 1995 reissue which has three "bonus" tracks (stereo versions of three other songs on the album) track 1, Respect: absolute classic of a song 10/10 no notes track 2, Drown in My Own Tears: extremely solid blues track. on the slow side for my liking but everything is done right, 7/10 track 3: I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You): titular song, excellent loud saxophone. 7/10 track 4, Soul Serenade: compared to the prior track, sounds somewhat samey to me, but that doesn't make either track any worse. 7/10 track 5, Don't Let Me Lose This Dream: jazzy smooth elevator music but also entirely listenable on its own, 8/10 track 6, Baby, Baby, Baby: i'm usually not a big fan of songs this close to a waltz (6/8 instead of 3/4, but slow enough to nearly be there) but this is really solid! 7.5/10 SIDE 2 track 7, Dr. Feelgood: oh the HORNS. OH these horns. once again i am finding myself jamming to a slow song. have all the slow songs i've heard before just not been my style? 7.5/10 track 8, Good Times: nothing particularly jumped out at me on this one, solid 6.5/10 track 9, Do Right Woman, Do Right Man: same as above to be honest 6.5/10 track 10, Save Me: oh i immediately feel more energy in this one. might be the backing guitar. 8/10 track 11, A Change Is Gonna Come: another slower song, still good. 6.5/10 overall: 7.4/10 -> 4/5. nothing in particular to talk about, just good ol' music here.
Respect is one of the goats and the baseline for save me is incredible. I'm not sure I've heard any of her songs outside of the titular track and respect but they all hold up well. Album is like a snapshot into her life at the moment.
Love that
I'm betting this is a 5* album in the context of it's release. In my modern perspective, it offers ubiquitous sounds that I've grown up hearing!
An all-time great song to kick off the album. The rest was fine.
Perfect introduction to soul for me, love the feminism, the struggles of the woman. and the theme overall on this album.
Sometimes, a record starts so strong it renders the remainder almost disappointing by comparison. If I were deciding the track listing, I'd make you work for Respect. That said, it's a brilliant half hour with one of the most perfect voices on music. So little to complain about. The band are incredible as well.
The queen fo rizzle
By the time “I Never Loved a Man The Way That I Love You” rolled around in 1967, Aretha Franklin had already released nine albums, burnt through a contract with Columbia Records, and performed more nightclub and theatre shows than most would manage in a lifetime. Released two weeks before her twenty-fifth birthday, the resulting tenth album is an immensely assured sound, a mastery of soul standards, and (of course) a timeless, mature-beyond-its-years voice. “Respect” is a two-and-a-half minute crash course on how to repurpose, repackage and revitalise a song. While it was originally released by Otis Redding to little fanfare, Franklin and producer Jerry Wexler upped the horn section, introduced irresistible backing vocals, added the iconic “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” breakdown (arguably the song’s defining moment) and amplified its message through Franklin’s incredible vocal. They ended up with a feminist anthem which has perfectly endured the intervening fifty-six years, now seen by many as the greatest and most significant song of all time. Quite a glow-up. The rest of “I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You” never quite escapes “Respect”’s enormous shadow, despite consistently knockout vocals. Wexler was keen to return to Franklin’s roots and pursue gospel-tinged R&B: understandable, but it results in a glut of lilting 3/4 or 6/8 (“Drown In My Own Tears”, the title track, “Baby Baby Baby”, “Dr. Feelgood”, “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man”, “A Change Is Gonna Come”). I would have liked a little more of the driving, both feet forward stompers like “Respect”, or gritty bluesy, guitar-driven jams like “Save Me”. Still, this record excels at what it does. And even away from Franklin’s vocal, there’s a lot to love: “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man” is a pristine gospel package, all bluesy piano trills, sustained organ chords, lush backing vocals reciting the chorus. “Soul Serenade” is driven by the horns punctuating its chorus, and the whole ensemble tear up the last minute of the title track. And then there’s the two Sam Cooke covers: “Good Times” is great and adds a little more lustre to the original, but it’s a truly beautiful “A Change Is Gonna Come” which is the real heart of the record. So while it may not shine quite as brightly as her subsequent effort “Lady Soul”, “I Never Loved a Man….” is a cozy and lush slice of soul.
Really liked it. 8/10. Super modern sounding for its time, really powerful voice and amazing backing singers. Also we were playing chess when we listened to it.
Favorite Tracks: Respect Baby,Baby,Baby Do Right Woman, Do Right Man Save Me A Change Is Gonna Come
4.5 if I could I like: Respect Soul Serenade Baby, Baby, Baby Good Times Do Right Woman, Do Right Man A Change Is Gonna Come
-notas perdidas- La batería no hace cosas novedosas, se mantiene dentro del Grove y lo que necesita la canción, aunque tiene buenos fills y es atenta a los cambios y acentuaciones. El piano toma protagonismo y lleva a Aretha a buen puerto. Excelente uso del Rhodes y de ciertos leaks tanto en inicios como cambio de secciones. Vientos que en ocaciones lo son todo y en otras están de total relleno monótono y hasta casi molestos. Los coros a veces no aparecen y otras acompañan sin mucho. Aretha lo es todo en este disco, no tiene sentido su rango, su potencia y en ocaciones su sutileza en cuanto a su delivery. Hitazo: respect Canción favorita: do right woman, do right man
Good album, amazing vocals
Respect is a classic song! God she's good. Better than Dusty Springfield (who ain't bad... just saying)! The A Change Is Gonna Come dedication! 😭 Easy 4 here. It's only missing the cohesive front-to-back that 5s have... So, while there are multiple must-listen tracks, as an album it's a B.
3.82 average per track.
Blues singer legend. Four stars. One of the best singers ever.
Really enjoyed this one; Franklin has a beautiful voice.
Sounds amazing, and feels amazing. The bangers are timeless for a reason. You're better googling a professional review than reading my twaddle!
Quite nice. I enjoyed the album, good to go beyond the standards.
Aretha Franklin.
I throughly enjoyed this. Well outside of my "norm" but a pleasant push of the boundaries. And I mean, c'mon "Respect" of course.
Great for background, great as sole focus
Absolutely fantastic, Aretha is wonderful.
This record feels like dancing the heartbreak away, all alone in your living room, with a cigarette in one hand and a glass of whiskey in another
Nice but overplayed songs
I was familiar with Aretha’s big, iconic songs, a few of which are here. But I don’t think I’d ever listened to an album of hers front to back. My goodness, what an absolutely heavenly voice. This is exactly what I wanted out of this list. Top 3 Respect Dr. Feelgood Do Right Woman, Do Right Man
bangers