I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You

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

There's a reason Aretha is one of the greats. Incredible set of pipes on that lady

Listened to half the album; loved it. RESPECT is a classic, though.

Another winter

Smooth easy soul.

Respect- Strong introductory track. INLAM-

What a voice, so much soul

I really liked this album. Aretha's voice is powerful and the music is absolutely good. Some songs are a bit too slow though.

Okay, chill music with highlight of the vocals.

Despite never listening to any of her albums had heard enough Aretha Franklin to know going into this I was probably going to like "I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You" and I wasn't disappointed. Outside of the music you hear at black folks church this is about as soulful as music gets and it does that perfectly. Aretha has an incredible voice and the drum work work behind it really brings the music home. Like most people I had heard Respect and I never Loved a Man (the way I love you) and they're just as good as I remember them but I also liked Baby Baby Baby and Save Me as much as the former songs as well. Everything on here is good. I think what drops this down to a 4 for me though is I would prefer it a bit more if there was more use of traditional rock instruments to add more of a blues element to her music. Maybe she does that on other albums? I'm more than willing to listen to the rest of her material to find out!

fantastic. not much else to say

Iconic and withstanding talent

Wow! What a set of pipes! This was awesome! Exactly why I joined this crusade! Loved this all the way through. It’s not perfect, but it’s bloody close.

That voice. Somehow sweet and powerful at once.

A brilliant album showcasing the majestic voice of Aretha Franklin. Contains some great interpretations of classic songs, including Respect, Do Right Woman, Save Me and A Change if Gonna Come.

everybody wants to party with Aretha! nice pipes Tamika

Powerful! Girls got pipes like Tamika

Soulful, some real classics on it, but a little samey by my tastes.

Some bangers

Great listen what a queen bitch. Best has to be respect worst don’t let me lose this dream

Great album, not really my thing but easy to listen to

"I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You" by Aretha Franklin is a landmark album that solidified her status as the Queen of Soul. Released in 1967, it marks a defining moment in her career, showcasing her unmatched vocal prowess and emotional depth. Tracks like "Respect" and "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man" are timeless classics that exemplify her soulful delivery and empowering message. The album's production is polished and soulful, elevating Franklin's performances to new heights. While some tracks may not reach the same level of impact as the standout hits, "I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You" is an essential and unforgettable album that remains a testament to Franklin's incomparable talent and influence on the music world.

What is there not to like? One of the best voices of our time. Classic music. Respect, Drowning in my tears, and Save me are my favs from this album.

The QUEEN You just gotta love it

More really good stuff from Aretha, including a couple of lesser beauties in Baby, Baby, Baby and Do Right Woman, Do Right Man. I'll think I'll just go sit down and listen to the album again...

Another elite because it’s the original. Shocked by the year it came out

You can’t deny her talent!

Classic Sound and Groove!

Honestly, I really enjoyed this despite not being the biggest soul/r&b type person. An album that doesn't contain too much filler and just sounds right. The instrumentals aren't supposed to be complex or anything, but they're nice to listen to. But what really stood out was Aretha's voice, such a powerful delivery and fiery passion I've heard from her compared to some other vocalists from this genre. Obviously, this contains the classic Respect, but I liked a lot of songs on here too (Never Loved a Man, Save Me, Soul Serenade, etc). Overall, a great experience I never knew I would have.

She can belt it out like no other. This was a pleasure to listen to

Aretha is at her peak here. The songs are carefully selected and the blues and gospel formats give her voice room to "stretch out". "Respect" is a great track that has become a signature song for the feminist movement.

Surprisingly doesn't fall off after respect. Pretty great

This is a good album for sure, probably her best. Some of it sounds very inspired and some of it sounds kind of run of the mill. Nonetheless a great Saturday morning record.

Smáskífurnar þrjár bera af, hin lögin eru svoddan filler, en konan gat sungið og grúvið er gott. Hún er svo mikið æði að ég hef fyrirgefið henni uppákomuna á Grammy verðlaunahátíðinni 1975.

Ja respect is een klassieker, maar het viel me op dat spul serenade, a change is gonna come en don't let me lose this dream ook echt mooie nummers zijn. Heb dit niet geluisterd sinds ik soul meer ben gaan waarderen.

Respect is zo'n harde banger, man. Op sommige nummers krijg ik iets meer van die soul-ad-libs dan ik chill vind, maar dat neemt niet weg dat de muziek lekker is en de vocalen super indrukwekkend zijn.

I mean, come on. It's ARETHA FRANKLIN in her prime. You'd never guess any of these were covers because she OWNS every track with those massive powerhouse pipes. If you're into this style of music it's a must-listen

Every song on the album is a banger.

her voice is ephemeral, not gunna lie. some really great soul music here.

Amazing.

Very good album. Like the shorter song length time for a change. Beautiful voice and this album has her biggest hit Respect. Rating: 4.0

Works pretty well together with a glass of wine in the afternoon.

otrolig röst har hon! men blir försiktigt repetitive :/ men finns några riktiga bangers på plattan så blir ändå en 4a! Aretha är aretha

Pretty good.Ashe has a wonderful voice.Respect is obviously the best song but the rest aren’t bad.Wouldnt mind a re listen.Very of its time.

Connecting some dots to songs I'd heard before without realizing it.

She had an excellent voice. I've been curious about this album, so I'm glad I finally got it. It was a pleasant thirty minutes for sure. My favourite song was Respect.

Man, something about Aretha Franklin's vibes just make the realization that I'm probably gonna have to work through the holiday this monday so much easier to process. Good feels all around. Speaking of good feels, I'm a little concerned about her dating Doctor Feelgood, I'd highly advise anybody and everybody from dating Gene Simmons.

What can you say? Aretha Franklin is a formidable talent who deserves all the accolades. The album trailed off a little toward the end, but hard to complain about the songs when it kicks off with "Respect." Fun fact, this was released three weeks before the day I was born. So... there's that.

This album is nothing but a powerhouse in soul and singing performance. This is a statement to why Aretha Franklin is regarded as maybe the best singer of all time. Franklin's soulful vocals and emotional delivery make it an instant classic with highlights like "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man,", "Dr. Feelgood," and the mega hit ”Respect”. The last being named as the greatest song of all time by the popular music magazine Rolling Stone Franklin's incredible range and ability to convey deep emotion through her music is well accompanied by the album’s production, which was handled by Jerry Wexler and Tom Dowd, two legends in the music industry. The instrumentation and arrangements are greatly crafted, and they perfectly complement Franklin's vocals, creating a rich and powerful sound. This album is very very close to a five star rating, but falls just short due to the smaller lack of versatility on the record, it’s a fantastic listen though.

Che voce! E che canzoni...

4.5

A great album from the Queen of Soul. What a voice she had!

4.25

I mean, if you're going to listen to an album by Aretha Franklin you might as WELL start off with "Respect." The title track is a pretty damn good one too. The instrumentation and back up singers do make it seem a little dated, but Aretha BRINGS IT. Pretty much trumps over the dated feeling of the songs. I never realized how short "Respect" was. I mean, they always wanted the songs to be less than 3 minutes. The more times they can play it, right? But only 2 1/2? Wow. In fact, none of the songs are very long at all. The longest just barely crosses over 4 minutes. And yet they don't feel short or long they fit right in the amount of time necessary. I mean, "Respect" alone makes the album rank pretty high in my book. But the other songs do it justice as well. I'm only dinging this a little just because it sounds a little dated, but Aretha does a lot to keep it sounding pretty fresh. Still quite enjoyable.

So, this was her tenth album in her first seven years of being a singer. Wow. Respect (see what I did there?). Her voice of course is outstanding. Respect is a massive song and no one does it better than here, though many have tried. She also does a very powerful version of A Change is Gonna Come, even though Sam Cooke's original is electric (and Otis Redding also recorded an excellent version prior to her). Overall, the album feels like an old-time movie. If you're from that era and caught it when it first came out then it's amazing. If you're not then it feels a bit grainy and dated - still cool, but what are all these older folks talking about? I'm not from the Motown era, so to me it was good but not amazing. My apologies if I'm not old enough to fully get it.

genieten. Respect en A change is gonna come, bangers;

Aretha altijd genieten

Yeah it’s good, I preferred lady soul but this is still a great album 4/5

Respect

Big respect

This is historically some of the best music ever made. It’s before technology had an impact on music and artists had to be talented. Aretha sings her heart out on this album. Every song is well made and sounds great. This is an album that is done the way music is supposed to be made. 7.9/10

мне понравилось

Il y a respect haha

PREFS : Respect, I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You), Soul Serenade, Don't Let Me Lose This Dream, Do Right Woman, Do Right Man, Save Me, A Change Is Gonna Come MOINS PREF : Dr. Feelgood

Respect

can you imagine listening to this album for the very first time, and the opening track "respect" absolutely knocks you off your feet? wow! this is a beautiful album. aretha franklin had the most heavenly voice, and she's absolutely wonderful here. her voice is so well suited for these songs. these songs are silky smooth and her voice is like honey on top. what stands out is how accessible this is. this is soul music sung by a black woman, and it's just so darn easy to listen to. something shocking is the track listing. two dynamite songs bookend the album: otis redding's "respect" (which she undoubtedly made her own) and sam cooke's "a change is gonna come" (considering more people know of her version than cooke's, she did the same here, too). there are good songs in between, but nothing comes close to the power those two have. not to mention, it isn't easy at all to create the most popular or well regarded version of a damn good cover.

Each song conveys extreme emotion, as well as vocal range and talent. Aretha sounds pristine, elegant, and crystal clear on every track. She communicates such intentionality and grace and seems to command every note she sings on this album. This album was a defining moment for women in music and continues to be absolutely timeless. Also, back in the 1960s, it was not every day that a woman could cover not one but two tracks on the same album and make those songs so dominantly their own. Aretha's version of Respect is not ONLY amazing, it changed the course of music forever and is still one of the greatest recordings of all time. But this album is among the greatest for another reason. This album is an act of persistence and perseverance. Aretha had nine albums before this that just didn't do well, due to her record label trying to silo her into jazz music. But pushing on still, "I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You", her tenth album and first under her new label, finally saw success when she was allowed to create soul music. It tapped into her true talent and allowed her to showcase it. This album changed and pushed Aretha's music career, cementing her as the queen of soul once and for all, and it changed the face of music itself forever. This is a powerful album by a powerful woman.

Liked this album. Was nice and I'd listen to it again. I don't have a ton more to say beyond that. 3.75/5

Aretha was the Queen for a reason. The power of control on her voice is incomparable. No one could match her, and the music behind her is just as good, shuffling between R&B, rock n roll and jazz with ease. A-, just missing one more classic to drop the minus.

Nice

Respect is a soul classic, the title track was a great song as well, jazzy, soulful, just overall great. I will say that her version of "a change is gonna come" is one of the best I've ever heard. Aretha was one of the best there ever was.

Overall good album, same vibe throughout, Dr feel good - best song so far Do right women - good slow sad song

It's a really nice time. She has such a lovely soulful voice (I mean, obviously).

lovely voice

Another iconic voice! Aretha is one of the greatest of all time, truly remarkable.

Respect! Aretha in her prime.

4 stars like the other Aretha Franklin album we had so far. Great voice, good songs (although I disagree with considering Respect one of the greatest songs ever, very good but not THAT good) and also some good covers of soul hits. A pretty nice album, but not one I'd have spinning on repeat.

a solid 4 Wow could this lady belt it out. The vocals on the title track esp are tremendous.

The blues influence and great vocals make this album pretty timeless despite the kind of dated sound. She good.

We all know Aretha can fucking wail, that’s a given. And you gotta give respect to “Respect”, because it is a powerful track we all know and love, but it’s fucking fun too! This was a great listening experience overall.

Incredible voice, great album!

There’s a reason she’s the Queen of Soul. This album is full of it and damn she can sing. I was bored at times but that’s a me thing, cannot deny this woman was talented as hell.

Solid album. Memphis soul stuff. Not stax but it sure sounds like it.

Day 1: Lush vocals, chilled Motown vibe.

So good! Opening the album with RESPECT is a great move. The perfect music to put on while cooking dinner or going through an evening settling routine.

This is a lovely warm, album - short sweet to the point - it can't get wrong with 'Respect' as an opener. Aretha's voice here is immensely beautiful - one forgets and might take it for granted - but hear her sing is a wonderful pleasure.

Yndisleg plata. Dásamleg rödd!

Before this, I had never listened to a full Aretha album front to back (I was only familiar with her hits), so this was quite the treat! I'm glad to have discovered some of her deeper cuts, and it makes me want to go back and listen to her other albums now! Highlights: Drown In My Own Tears I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You) Baby, Baby, Baby p.s. I recommend watching this video on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qz2efshhuq4

I never loved a soul singer the way I love Aretha Franklin. Good album.

I enjoyed this, Aretha and her band were crisp and all tracks hit. This was bluesier than I thought it would be which was a nice surprise. Great pipes, great band, great album. 4 stars

very good - timeless.

Last three tracks are immaculate. Everything else is real solid.

Not sure on where this fits chronologically but feels like it could be a blueprint album for a lot what came after. Love the light touch on instrumentation, highlighting her voice. Funny how the wave of nostalgia makes this sound modern.

God I love how 60s soul albums were mixed

Absolute classic, Aretha's voice is incredible

Another banger all the way through just like Lady Soul

R E S P E C T

Actually enjoyed this way more than I expected! Do Right Woman, Do Right Man slaps

Great voice! Some big hits, some songs I liked, a few songs I didn't

Respect is one of my top 10 covers so yeah. It takes a fresh listen to remind myself how damn good it is. And also that the iconic spelling refrain is not a chorus but more like the bridge/outro. The rest is very soulful and good writing, but I have to admit the recording is a little distracting. She’s pitchy sometimes and even overmodulated a bunch on the title track. So not a perfect album but pretty close.

Bien.

Such a classic, what a voice

What a voice.

This was a perfect listen for a Sunday morning, and a great way to start 2023. Absolutely the Queen of Soul.

Exquisite! Aretha's voice is both powerful and calming, and these songs do her every favor possible. It's soulful and emotional, and it makes you feel things. That's how you know that the music has done its job. Although there are a couple of tracks that don't match up to this record's highlights, it's a high, high 4-star and I have absolute respect for the queen. More Aretha has to be on the way in this list, right? The standout tracks here are of course, Respect, as well as Drown in My Own Tears, Do Right Woman, Do Right Man, and that beautiful title track.

One day, Aretha explored the domain of soul. She conquered it ever since.

Essential. Especially on vinyl.

Hard to lose after opening with "Respect" and with all her soulfulness and that explosive voice. Side note, I did not realized that Otis Redding wrote Respect!

Queen.

Contrairement à ce qu'en a pensé eltrapeze, il s'agit d'un album très solide. Il prend encore plus de sens lorsque l'on a vu son biopic au cinéma cette année, ce qui n'est pas mon cas.

I love Aretha! This is such a great album to put on in the background but then her vocal delivery grabs your attention and makes you listen to the lyrics.

Yeah very good, respect (wink). Powerful voice and seemingly lyrics, gonna have to give this a 4, always tough to give a 5 if I haven't heard it before

Aretha is a classic I loved hearing more of her work here

Awesome voice and talent. Did make me want to listen to the Commitments album though 😁

I will never not enjoy sitting down and having a listen to some classic Aretha Franklin.

Quite a nice little album. Nothing too special though but could see myself listening to it again.

Respect immediately brings this album to a 4. I've always considered it better than the original, not only because flipping the genders makes it a lot more fun (and less mean-sounding), but also because the execution is just so well done. The rest of the songs are very well done as well, but don't grab my attention in the same way.

The singing and vocals is really what makes this album, and it certainly does that exceptionally well. Definitely not the kind of music I usually listen to, though it was a good listen nonetheless.

Though I prefer Lady Soul (of the 2 Aretha albums I’ve listened to in full), there’s a certain gift in performing decent songs and making them sound like the anthem of a generation. Those Redding & Cooke covers, they’re enough to justify listening to this in full. HL: “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.”, title track, “A Change is Gonna Come”, “Save Me”, “Don’t Let Me Lose That Dream”

What an icon.

Gute Platte, die neben Respect noch weitere Perlen enthält. Don’t Let Me Lose This Dream ist der heimliche Star des Albums.

First of all, they need to remaster this on Apple Music. The sound levels are way low. There's so much great sound on this, and you have to crank it up to hear it. Respect to Respect. What a hit this song is. Aretha's perfect sound, the Motown sound, the rhythm, the sax, it all works. This song will live on forever. Nothing subsequently reaches the heights of Respect, but it's a nice little gospel, jazzy little album, clocking in around 30 minutes. The cover of Sam Cooke's A Change is Gonna Come pushes it to the 4-star level!

Outstanding vocal performance.

Good singer. I like her music. "Respect" is fine. Also "Dr. Feelgood" and "I never loved a man".

The problem with an album like this is that the opening track is so perfect that anything that comes after it pales in comparison. Respect is such a fucking amazing song that everything else just feels second rate after it.

She's the queen of soul for a reason. I don't listen to a lot of soul normally, but I'd happily put this album on.

Lovely album, great voice.

Soulful and bluesy with gospel underpinnings. Classic.

Ok

She was so talented!

Superb voice

"I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You" is the tenth studio album by Aretha Franklin and the first released under her Atlantic contract. She departed Columbia after nine disappointing jazz-standard albums. The album began recording at FAME in Muscle Shoals, Alabama and later finished at Atlantic Studios in NYC due to an altercation between her husband, a band member and the producer. Some might notice the difference in the two recordings due to tape recording speed discrepancies between the two studios. The album was a big success reaching #1 in the US. This album is worth listening to if just for Aretha's voice. What can you say? The album begins with the classic cover of Otis Redding's "Respect." Horns and a guitar intro. Outstanding backing vocals by three women which persists throughout this album. Aretha's forceful voice. Hard to not put this song up near the top songs of all time. A slower pace led by the piano fuels the soulful "Drown In My Own Tears." A Henry Glover cover. Aretha's soulful delivery! The first single was actually "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You). More of a blues beat led by the organ, piano and horns. A lying, cheating man but she loves him nonetheless. A highlight of the second side is "Good Times." A Sam Cooke cover. More blues than soul. Guitar. No backing vocals. Aretha slows down her delivery in the excellent "Do Right Women, Do Right Man." A soulful ballad. Excellent backing vocals. Need to treat your women right. The album ends with another Sam Cooke cover, "A Change is Gonna Come." The original is such a good song and Aretha does it right. Slower, more soulful. I don't know if I've heard a better vocal performance than Aretha on this album. And, I don't know is this is breaking any new ground with music but Aretha takes this to another level. An album obviously worth checking out.

Very good

Lovely! What a voice. A sweet and warm listen, a nice mix of smoothness and intensity. No song ever drones on and on, they're like little tasting samples, in the best way possible! Ideal length. Really enjoyed the bossa nova influence in Don't Let Me Lose This Dream. This one is one that will enter the rotation for a rainy, grey weekend morning.

Elevating and beyond soulful, or rather definitively soulful. One thinks the back-up singers get perhaps less credit than they deserve. Gospel never sounded so sexy, or love songs quite so upstanding. The playing is solid +, letting the Queen do what she could do. The reinterpretations of Redding and Mayfileld shows how she can have her way with a song, and it's how she inhabits the song, not just singing it, that makes AF the Queen of Soul, right? And she is indeed Queen of Soul AF.

The Queen!

Respect is so good they put it twice on the album. 5 4

An amazing classic beautiful album with a beautiful album cover!

Classic and timeless

Cool

Motown classic

Soul. R&B

Very, very good. Should listen again

How can you not like an album which includes the greatest song ever, 'Respect', as determined by the unassailable metrics imposed by Rolling Stone Magazine? Joking aside, Franklin truly is at full force on this record, making incredibly good choices in the songs she covers. A highlight is of course 'A Change Is Gonna Come' - Franklin might be one of a handful of artists capable of matching Sam Cooke's emotion and strength on this song.

What a voice; absolutely surreal that it took 10 albums for her to finally strike some much deserved success. It really sets the bar high opening with “Respect” and while the A-side continues to deliver solid songs, it’s not until Franklin herself gets songwriting credit on “Don’t Let Me Lose This Dream” and “Baby, Baby, Baby” that I can really sense her full presence accompanied beautifully by her sisters on backing vocals. I would’ve liked for the drums and guitars to be a bit more present in the mix, which is heavily dominated by bass and the horn section. But with Franklin’s vocal in front, it doesn’t bother me that much.

Great soul album, killer voice and the songs were solid.

Queens tend to be a sensitive subject these days. Aretha was more of a force of nature than a regal entity. Respect is such a perfect song.

Skide god. Hun synger mega godt, ved dog ikke om der er noget jeg kommer til at lytte til mange gange

hoe

LETS FUCKING GOOOOOOOOO 3 repeated songs at the end? Not a bad thing, just strange

Looks like we are getting some awesome albums this week. I don’t know if this is her most famous, but I thought this album was fantastic. Some songs weren’t, but overall this was a great soul album from start to finish.

Here's a winner! The other from Aretha that I have on vinyl. In college, a coworker once asked me if I could only listen to one song for the rest of my life, which song would I choose? I took a few days to think about it, and came back with "Respect" by Aretha Franklin as my answer. Timeless, fits different moods, just one of the all-time greats. It opens this album, which is full of plenty of other great tracks along the way, including a cover of Sam Cooke's masterpiece "A Change is Gonna Come," which is not on the sole Sam Cooke album featured on the list. This is a fantastic album. Favorite tracks: Respect, I Never Loved a Man, A Change is Gonna Come, Do Right Woman, Drown in my Tears, Good Times. Album art: About as ethereal as a portrait shot from an album this old could be. Looks vaguely like a wedding photo, or maybe she's supposed to be an angel in heaven? Either way, I do enjoy this one, and I like the old school font. 4.5/5

Just an absolutely stunning voice every time. Not as good as Lady Soul was, but still a transcendent talent. Favorite track, non-Respect division: Good Times

Amazing voice and talent

One of her best. Got it on vinyl.

Love this album, the iconic Respect is such a rocker.

I liked this. What do you even say about an album that has “Respect” on it? I don’t think I’d listen to this album again, but I enjoyed it all the same.

19/8

She’s the Queen for a reason

I have heard some of Aretha Franklin, but "Respect" was the only track on I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love you. "Respect", "Good Times", and "A Change is Gonna Come" were my favorite tracks. Aretha does a good cover of "A Change is Gonna Come", easily making it her own. I enjoyed listening to this album. I wouldn't skip a single track on this album, and I think I could grow to like the album even more.

A great voice, Respect is a classic and saved another.

Aretha’s reputation as the queen of soul proceeds her. With the focal point of the album being her soulful voice that strikes a balance between power and tenderness - there is no denying the emotion in the music. The horns and saxophone are used perfectly to accompany her impressive vocals. Some tracks do seem to blend into others but the feel of the album is never lost. The standout tracks are the iconic Respect and her rendition of a change is gonna come.

4/5 An amazing album powerful do emotional

Soul music just sounded so much better in the 1960s. I remember talking to a producer about why albums didn't sound like they did in the 60s and 70s anymore and he told me that they could do it if they wanted, they just don't want to. I feel this is a bit of a lie because if you could make albums sound this warm or make drums sound like John Bonham, you would.

Transformative.

Superb. Pure classic.

Great album

Queen

Solid

Out of the gates fast with RESPECT. Solid effort with a Fantastic voice.

Fun

Goede vibes

I really enjoyed listening to this one. I had never listened to much Aretha before. Her vocals are incredible and I was surprised at how strong the album was all the way through.

shes one of the greats

Really enjoyed this one

Great songs, love Aretha

How could I give the queen of soul a 3 or below? Soul isn’t really my thing personally hence the 4 but my favorite track was respect, understandably her most well known song

Prime slice of 60's soul. If you don't like this then you can fuck right off. Best Tracks: Respect; I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You; A Change Is Gonna Come

R E S P E C T

Whatever you think of the lady she had one hell of a voice- this is the pinnacle for what it is. Powerful, soulful and refreshing.

Always a delight these 60’s Aretha albums

Great soul album, incredible soul singer. I should check her other albums one day.

Historic album, we all know the hits.

Her voice is amazing. Incredible soul album. She deserve all that RESPECT

Very enjoyable album. The opening massive hit "Respect" puts you in the mood for a 1967 soul music ride. I always loved the sounds and tones from this period, especially the brass sections and drums. Aretha Franklin is a unique and powerful singer. A must listen.

-"Respect" is obviously super famous and a top quality song -"Dr. Feelgood (Love Is a Serious Business)" is not related to "Dr. Feelgood" by Mötley Crüe at all. -"Dr. Feelgood (Love Is a Serious Business)," "Good Times," "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man," 'Save Me," and "A Change Is Gonna Come" are all relatively upbeat tracks (compared to some of the earlier more ballad-like songs) -Generally Aretha Franklin always balanced the calm, sad parts of songs with strong, powerful finishes that stops entire songs from being low-energy. her band is always consistent with keeping a strong background top not just leave it as her voice, which is obviously great and powerful and handles all the songs beautifully.

Respect is a timeless classic. Aretha is a legendary singer with a truly powerful voice that rings with emotion. I loved listening to this album, as I wasn't familiar with most of the songs on it.

Obviously a really great R&B album, and Franklin’s singing is stellar throughout (especially considering she was just 25). But the musical accompaniment and songwriting aren’t as consistently great (though this is partly the reality of leading with the absolutely dominating Respect, which overshadows the rest of the album). Not to say any of it is bad - indeed mostly it’s very good - but the first song sets the bar so high it’s hard not to see the lackluster entries among what follows.

Such an amazing and soulful album. Can’t wait to give it another listen!

Two things: Aretha Franklin is awesome, especially in the 60s. And this 25 minutes of Aretha. Love her. (8/10) FT: Respect, Dr. Feelgood

8/10. Henceforth, I shall remember the Queen of Soul.

Very nice, they have an amazing voice and the songs are well written.

Classic, have it on vinyl. I think it's very close to 5 stars, but there are a couple snoozers on side 2.

9/10. Some of the songs went on a little to long but everything else was AMAZING

Absolute classic. Great album.

A nice listen

4/5 i liked it..