it's aretha bitch
Lady Soul is the twelfth studio album by American singer Aretha Franklin released in early 1968, by Atlantic Records. In 2003 the TV network VH1 named Lady Soul the 41st greatest album of all time. In 2003 and 2012, it ranked at number 85 on Rolling Stone's list "The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time". It rose to number 75 in a 2020 reboot of the list. The album was rated the 29th best album of the 1960s by Pitchfork.
it's aretha bitch
A classic and nothing else needs to be said
Not something I'd usually seek out on my own but absolutely loved this album. Some really funky tracks in alongside the more soulful stuff I was more familiar with.
Arethaβs energy is absolutely infectious on this album. Something that surprised me on this is the instrumentals. Some really great horns, piano, bass, drums, strings, etc. It sounds a little dated, as far as recording goes. I wonder what it sounds like on vinyl. Man, this is so good
Finally! An objectively fantastic album! From start to finish, an auditory pleasure!
Beautiful voice, timeless rhythm and production
R&B was never the same after Aretha. Classic songs on this album still important today.
Chain of fools - excellent Money wonβt change you - very good People get ready - excellent Niki hoeky - good (You make me feel like) a natural woman - amazing Sweet sweet baby - very good Good to me as I am to you - good Come back baby - excellent Groovin - very good Ainβt no way - excellent 9.5/10
Amazing as always. Aretha Franklin had one of the most powerful voices in popular music. Lady Soul contains two of her greatest hits, but is enjoyable and explosive throughout. Her level of vocal control is remarkable and she never over or under sings. The musical backing is well arranged and highlights her voice well.
I have always focused on Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald neglecting Aretha because she had a Soul sound and I focused on the jazz sounds that the formers brought. BUT THIS IS INCREDIBLE one of the best Soul albums I have ever heard, and these are beautiful just mixed and sounding songs. AINT NO WAY IS ONE OF THE BEST SONGS I HAVE EVER HEARD GENUINELY. There is not a second a moment of filler anywhere on this album. The highs of Come Back Baby and the grooves of Sweet sweet baby. This is a template for what all the best music should be. I get actual goosebumps listening to this album over and over. Even slow songs like People Get Ready still feel beautiful and the drums feel like a train waiting in the station it is absolutely beautiful. I can hear all the music that has stemmed just from the lyrical and sonic genius of this. Money won't change me BUT THIS ALBUM HAS 5/5 one of my favorites so far.
All I know are the singles. My first voyage into the deep cuts of Aretha World. Man, what a delight. Interesting to be reviewing this right after reviewing Pearl. Because the two have a lot of commonality and I'm sure Pearl never would have existed without the influence of Franklin (and this record's release just two years prior). The ladies are going "five stars" two reviews in a row. Only because there isn't an option for 6 stars.
The OG Diva - and I mean that in the post positive sense of the term. Aretha is the shit. All "divas" since her (for better or worse - Tina, Whitney, Mariah, Adele, Beyonce, Lizzo) are emulating her - or trying. There may not be a better female (or male?) vocalist. But - let's also talk about the songs as a whole. I was really impressed with the arrangement of almost every track. These can be very simple, straight-forward songs - but they didn't settle for that. The horns, the strings, the little "kicks" and syncopations and chord structures - very well done. And - though I know it wasn't written for me - there may not be a prettier song than Natural Woman. I'm leaning 4 on this, but The Queen is getting a 5 out of respect (that's , r-e-s-p-e-c-t).
Amazing, packed with soul and hits. These are lady singing songs that are fun to belt in the shower and around the house.
Brilliant
What a great album. Great musicianship, a great voice, and great vibes throughout. Loved it.
The best thus far.
I went into listening to this album not knowing exactly what to expect. Obviously I'm familiar with Aretha's most popular songs, but I am not at all familiar with her extended discography. So, I was a little worried that there'd be some songs I vibed with and others not so much, but boy was I absolutely proven wrong and I'm so glad I was. There's not much for me to say beyond I loved every single song on this album. Like, every single one. I didn't know Chain of Fools by name, but recognized it immediately as soon as it started, and it started things off on a high note(I highly recommend the unedited bonus version that follows Ain't No Way) with everything that followed keeping that momentum. Aretha has an incredible voice that gives these songs appropriate power and feeling. To the point of giving me chills at times. Straight from my listening notes: "I am a sucker for a good pouring of the heart and I just love this. You deserve someone who makes you feel like A Natural Woman, Aretha. Yes." "YOU TELL 'EM ARETHA. THEY BETTER BE AS GOOD TO YOU AS YOU ARE TO THEM. Fuckin' love this one." "You're gonna catch me Groovin' with my baby on a sunday afternoon to this track for sure." I had more notes for each song, but you get the idea. I was on board the entire time. Not only will I re-visit, I think this entire album is going into my liked songs on Spotify and I eagerly await hearing them again. No doubt in my mind in giving this a 5.
5 One of the only - or quite possibly - the only album on the list thus far to have given me goosebumps. Her voice, her energy, her star power - Rolling Stone has now twice named the woman the greatest singer of all-time, and itβs hard to argue with that after listening to this. The album is a constantly swinging pendulum of fun and beautiful, and Aretha manages to knock it out of the park each and every time. Chain of Fools and (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman are classics, but the song that really moved me here was People Get Ready, a rendition of a song by The Impressions that was being used as the unofficial anthem of the Civil Rights Movement. Listening to perhaps the greatest singer of all-time spread a message of unity, pride, and power so beautifully during one of the most important chapters in US historyβ¦ goosebumps. Just goosebumps, man. While that was my favorite moment of my listening, truthfully, every song here is a highlight. I loved everything I heard and could probably go on about each, but the last thing Iβll touch on here is the closer, Ainβt No Way. One thing thatβs stuck out to me about a lot of these older albums is a lack of finality, like youβre given a sudden ending once your collection of music runs out, but man, the song just seems to effectively sum up everything that makes the album and woman so iconic - the kind of closer that makes you take a step back once you realize itβs all over and go βWowβ. Unfortunately, you donβt quite get that if youβre listening on Spotify, as the application bundles four bonus tracks at the end, but in the fairest of exchanges, you get more Aretha, and even though theyβre four tracks youβve already heard, the extended version of Chain of Fools may very well be better than the original. Great listen from front to back. As someone whoβs never claimed to be the biggest fan of soul music, Iβm not sure how someone couldnβt like this - at that point I think you just hate music. I really didnβt set out to give this album a 5 when I started listening, but to give it anything lower would feel like a disservice. Iconic all around.
Another extraordinary recording by Lady Soul, a magnificent showcase for her stunning, soulful, expressive voice. Unmatched as a vocalist, blessed with a warm, comforting tone, this is an album to sink into and enjoy not just the singing but the exemplary backing band (a special nod to Tommy Cogbill whose bass work is incredible). Chain of Fools and You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman are recordings for the ages. Rest in Peace, Miss Franklin, we miss you.
This is a powerful album, crammed to the brim with classic originals and covers. Each track shows Aretha's ability to connect the listener to the emotion and the meaning buried deep down in the soul of every song. The tracks 'Good to Me as I Am to You' and 'Ain't No Way' are so incredibly good.
Every song is a winner and Aretha smacks it out of the park, her vocals elevating already strong material even higher. I canβt find enough superlatives to describe just how good this album is. Itβs close to, (if not) the perfect R&B/soul album.
Kind of hard to hate Aretha, right? The more I listened, the more I realized I couldn't really find any flaws in it. Smooth soul and gospel backing a one-of-a-kind voice. Favorite tracks: "Money Won't Change You", "Since You've Been Gone", "Ain't No Way"
Before going into this I knew Aretha Franklin had a good voice but damn. This was great - loved every track, great mixture of blues and amazing vocals.
Wow! This is amazing. Not a style of music I'd usually seek out, but I really enjoyed it and may well revisit. Incredibly, powerful, melodic, rhythmic and soulful. Not a weak track on the album. It's difficult to imagine how R&B music (or any music for that matter) could be better than this. Objectively and subjectively this can't be anything other than a 5.
Yeah, this is again in my favorite eras and genres of music, so I am a big fan of this. Also, I was surprised to see that this was her 12th studio album! I didnβt realize she had recorded so many by this time!
La grandeza artΓstica que tienen algunas personas a veces es abrumadora y eso sucede con Aretha, vi que estΓ© ya es un disco recopilatorio pero estΓ‘ tan bien mezclado que no tiene un pero; soul, funk, R&B, Gospel y su maravillosa voz son una mezcla perfecta
One of the most powerful voices in music. Just turn off the lights, stare at a wall and understand what music is all about
I'm familiar with a few Aretha Franklin songs, but this will be my first time listening to one of her albums from start to finish. Soul has been one of my favorite genres so far on this project, so I have high hopes that I'll enjoy this album. Overall, I found this album to be pretty middle of the road. Aretha Franklin is undoubtedly one of the best vocalists in music history, and she showcases a wide range of vocal abilities on this album. She harmonizes, she croons, and she can wails at the top of her lungs, all with a level of control that few singers can duplicate. On top of that, this album has some simple but well executed musical arrangements. The bass line on "Niki Hoeky" is fantastic, and "Money Won't Change You" and "Come Back Baby" have some fantastic horns. But rarely did the vocals and music combine to create something new and interesting. It's not that this album is bad, but I just wasn't wowed by it. Of course, the shining exception to this is "Natural Woman." Aretha delicately sings the verse before delivering the powerful chorus. Her intensity picks up perfectly over the course of the song, as she lets her emotion steer the song. The orchestral arrangements compliment her perfectly, and even though the strings and horns are beautiful, they never once steal the spotlight from Aretha's singing. As much as I love the Carole King version of this song, Aretha's version is something else entirely, worthy of all the praise it gets. Even though this album wasn't really my jam, I know it represents a watershed moment for Aretha Franklin, and it's a massive influence on soul music. Aretha opened the door for so many black women to be able to shine on their own, and her influence as a vocalist still reaches into popular music today.
This is the album that has two of the four Aretha Franklin songs that you know (Chain of Fools & Natural Woman). I was expecting to really love the album. But when it was over (it's only half an hour), I was a little disappointed. I didn't think it was bad. Aretha is in fine form. And I know Jerry Wexler is a legend of a producer. But I didn't hear anything in the song arrangements or the playing that I felt rose to the same level as the Stax or Motown recordings of the same period. The songs written for Aretha/the album (Chain of Fools, Natural Woman, Since You've Been Gone, and Ain't No Way) all sound vital. The covers (Money Won't Change You, People Get Ready, Come Back Baby, and Groovin') all sound like filler. This is a rare occasion when I wish there were half-stars. I don't think the album warrants a 4-star rating. But 3-stars feels a bit low. I wish there had been more of the fresh new songs, and less of the filler covers. The singles are great. The album is mid.
So much of this is canon, I find it easy to miss how much brilliance and labour went into the making.
A short and sweet, very well produced album, with one of the greatest voices ever. What is here not to love? It absolutely deserves a 5.
The Queen of Soul!!!
There is no way I will give it below 5 stars. π€©
A perfect album I think. Captures the essence of the Muscle Shoals sound and Aretha Franklin gets to showcase every aspect of what makes her so incredible. Special mention to the Franklin sisters who give a masterful performance on backing vocals. Ainβt No Way is probably top 5 love songs of all time and needs more, well, love
Love it
If there is a album with a more famed and established list of songwriters I would like to put it head to head with this one and watch the world explode. James Brown and Curtis Mayfield alone puts this album in a separate category, but you also have The Vegases and Jerry Wexler. And of course not to mention the combination of Carole King and Gerry Goffin who are one of the best songwriting combinations of all time. And I won't even begin to list out the legendary list of artists that played on this album, as I already know this review is going to be substantially long. But damn, is that just as impressive if not more impressive. "Chain of Fools" is a fantastic opening track followed by a couple of solid fillers. Then you have the one and only "(You Make Me Feels Like) A Natural Woman" the fact that this is just the end of the A-Side is possibly the one disappointment of this album. It rightfully belongs as the culmination of a fantastic album (as Carole did on her fellow 5 star album Tapestry). "(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone" is a great open to the B-Side. But the groove of "Good to Me as I Am to You" speaks to me in a special way. What a work of art on the bass! "Groovin'" is exactly what it claims to be. "Ain't No Way" is the only song that I can understand putting at the end over "A Natural Woman". The only way to end an album other than a song that powerful is with a song this heartfelt and powerful in a completely different way. All in all this is an album that you could apply every positive adjective you could ever think of to and it would be accurate. A masterpiece of an album! Anybody that gives it lower than a 4 star rating should be declared incompetent. That being said it should absolutely be a 5 star album!
Everyone deserves the privilege of hearing Aretha Franklinβs vocals at least once in their life. And this album (her twelfth, unbelievably) sees her on spellbinding form. Thereβs music for the head and music for the soul, and sometimes you can be so immersed in the groove or struck by such depth of feeling before even realising what youβve been listening to. At its best, βLady Soulβ is one of those albums. Here are 28 words to summarise my thought process listening to its rapid 28 minutes: βI think Arethaβs quite overra- wha? whaaa? How does she do that?! Wow. Sheβs goingβ¦ it went higher! Christ. All that GRIT! And sheβs ROCKING! Sheβs a storm! Sheβs an icon! Holy shit.β The album is a lot more upbeat than I expected, though two of its strongest cuts are showstopping ballads (βPeople Get Readyβ and, of course, βYou Make Me Feel Like a Natural Womanβ). Across the board, Aretha, the band and the backing vocalists (Sweet Inspirations, who last blew me away in βDusty in Memphis) give performances overflowing with passion and power. Thereβs four-to-the-floor rock, brassy Motown, lush soul ballads and smoky blues. On first listen, I was ready to nitpick and say it wasnβt flawless (the meandering blues of βGood To Me As I Am To Youβ lost me a bit). But sometimes, I should stop trying to dissect everything and write ten paragraphs per album, and just let myself be swept away. βLady Soulβ is one of those albums, and they donβt come around very often. What a thrill to spend half an hour with talent like this.
This is a glorious album and is well deserving of a Five Star rating. Aretha near the peak of her powers. Her voice throughout is strong and powerful, yet she can ease back when required, as in a controlled rendering of Curtis Mayfield's 'People Get Ready'. There is a surprise hint of tape hiss, and as a result it brings a bit more warmth and heart to the performances.
You got a problem with Aretha? Yeah? Then you have a problem with me. Don't mess with the Queen of Soul.
Nove. Os miΓΊdos estΓ£o deitados. A sala jΓ‘ nΓ£o tem desenhos espalhados, uma casa no campo, figuras de pauzinhos sem mΓ£os dadas, pΓ©talas do tamanho do sol. Ele jΓ‘ dorme, ou acorda, ou luta de olho semiaberto contra um loop de televendas que ninguΓ©m vai comprar. Os copos vΓ£o para a gaveta, os talheres para o alumΓnio, iluminado o frigorΓfico que me acolhe as marmitas, cada vez mais curtas. AmanhΓ£ comeΓ§a-se cedo, em casas que nΓ£o a minha. O sol jΓ‘ nΓ£o me desperta hΓ‘ muito. A noite acolhe-me com alento, no barulho incessante dos camiΓ΅es do lixo e o bruto arrancar do padeiro que nΓ£o pΓ΅e mudanΓ§as desde '97. AmanhΓ£, como sempre, o mundo comeΓ§a cedo. Abro a rolha, pop!, gulp gulp gulp da garrafa, nΓ£o acorda ninguΓ©m. Um copo para o caminho. Um dia havemos de chegar. MotA: Chain of Fools (extended cut) "For five long years, I thought you were my man / But I found out, love, I'm just a link in your chain"
Dato inΓΊtil: este disco lo conocΓ gracias a Selma Bouvier. Ok, vamos a lo importante. Existe el Soul.... y existe Aretha Franklin. EstΓ‘ en otro nivel propio y es de esas contadΓsimas cantantes que de verdad sΓ se ganaron a pulso esos tΓtulos como "Reina del Soul" o ser nombradas una diva. Nadie puede cantar como ella, la potencia, la emociΓ³n, la cadencia. A Natural Woman es de esas canciones icΓ³nicas que de manera perfecta reflejan como fotografΓa musical perfecta toda una Γ©poca y gΓ©nero. En realidad creo que no puedo ni tengo que decir mucho mΓ‘s... es un disco que dudo haya alguien que no pueda apreciar su calidad. Voz espectacular. Una banda de estudio maravillosa con un punto de funk perdido en detalles, una cantidad perfecta de metales sin exagerarlos. Coristas de fondo excelentes, tambiΓ©n en su perfecta medida sin opacar pero con suficiente presencia. La mΓΊsica puro soul puro, algunas rΓ‘pidas, algunas lentas, algunas modernas algunas que se les siente el fondo de su origen en gospel. No hay pero para este disco.
What can I say? Incredible this was an actual album and not a best-of. What a time to be alive
Lovely album, lovely voice, enjoyed it quite a lot. The songs varied a bit too so it didnβt really get boring and there were plenty of familiar songs. Would listen again
Nr. 173/1001 Chain of Fools 3/5 Money Won't Change You 4/5 People Get Ready 4/5 Niki Hoeki 3/5 A Natural Woman 5/5 Since You've Been Gone 4/5 Good to Me As I Am to You 3/5 Come Back Baby 4/5 Groovin' 4/5 Aint No Way 4/5 Average: 3,8 Probably the finest voice in popular music.
J'ai bien aimΓ© cet album mais j'en veux Γ cette dame d'avoir popularisΓ© les expressions "OΓΉ est le respect ?" et "C'est le cousin Γ qui encore ??"
gude
Probably not an intergalactic paedo
a massage for your inner ear
Not my cup of tea but fantastic vocals
A gorgeous voice from such an immense talent. The style just isn't for me, but that doesn't away from being able to objectively see what made Aretha so great
Yeah, she is lady soul
Beautiful! This album is so soulful, funky, and full of emotion. Aretha's singing is on a different level, and the backing vocals complement her well. The musicians are on point in every song; groovy drum and bass, and melodic horns and guitar. Fav tracks: "Chain of Fools", "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman", "Good to Me As I Am To You", and "Ain't No Way" 5/5 Soul is my genre of choice, but this was so great
One of the best to do it.
5/9
although this is my second fave aretha album itβs objectively her best
One of my favorite soul singers of all time. Ms. Franklin sings on a level that can't be compared.
Lordy what a set of pipes this woman had. RIP to the Queen.
The Queen of Soul at her peak.
What a powerhouse
Oh yes
So many songs which became hits and then the classic standards of the genre era.
This is one of those generational albums that changed music.
+ Background vocals, Instrumental-> Bass/guitar/Sax, Lead Vocal, - Fav Tracks: People get ready, A Natural Woman, Since you been gone Least fav Tracks: Niki Hoeky, Good to me as I Am to You Mentions: Guitar Licks bei People get ready, Sax Bride Money won't change you, Strings und Chorus auf Natural Woman,
Fantastic. Absolutely great. I love her.
No such think as bad Aretha
5!
So good
I completely understand how this is an iconic album, i have had this on repeat. The uplifting tones, the angelic like voice .
Great album. It showed off Arethaβs pipes on some soulful songs.
Great voice and a short album. Sign me up.
Fantastic album, fantastic voice. This was a winner from start to end. 5
beautiful, soul crushing, stunning voice.. Aretha Franklin really is the Queen of Soul What a genuinely lovely album, full of unbelievable vocals, guitar and bass..I waited for some good jazz/soul/blues and finally my wish came true:) I was not disappointed I have to say
Aretha Franklin is so fucking good
Amazing
This album is the literal sweet-spot for the type of soul I love. Nearly every song is a classic and even the few that aren't are still bangers. Aretha truly is Lady Soul.
Perfection
That voice and those bass lines
50% funky, 50% soul. Aretha es icΓ³nica y este disco me hace sentir groovy y poderosa al mismo tiempo.
This is excellent all the way through. Sing along to the ones you know, marvel at the ones you don't.
The best at her best.
Absolutely amazing. Sort of a greatest hits.
Okay, this album is so ridiculously catchy, groovy, and beautiful that I can't really fully put it into words. There were moments while working that I had to fully stop what I was doing and just sit and appreciate the music for a second... it's THAT good. Aretha was truly on another level.
Holy Crap, what a voice. Every song on this album is a banger. Love this!
Aretha Franklin's voice is truly incredible. This album really is fantastic.
Aretha is unparalleled on this release.
Exceptional, as the one before
This was fantastic, her voice is obviously incredible but it just has the uplifting and joyful vibes that great soul music can bring at its best. Loved it
This is amazing - legendary and incredible
Aretha Franklin was a once in a century talent.
All-time fav song: Chain of Fools It's Aretha Franklin. She's the forever great grande dame diva, so of course this album is amazing. Her ability to interpret songs is bar none.
Stemme for ein generasjon, nyyydelegt
Fantastisk. En ekstremt bra vibe te sitronpastaen vΓ₯rπ₯°π₯°
Voice of an angel. One of my go-toβs. Love everything about it.
How can you not love Aretha. So much energy, such PIPES. Makes me feel like a natural woman
And just like that, we're back! Loved every second of this. Feels like sonically so much in common with the swamp rock of CCR, and active around the same time, so am kind of surprised to learn they never crossed paths musically. Slot this in the same tier and vibe as Elvis and Dusty. Elvis and Aretha didn't cross, but she and Dusty did. These are fun: A chance meeting and a memorable compliment: Dusty Springfield recounted a moment where Aretha Franklin, upon exiting an elevator, touched her shoulder and said "Girl," which Springfield considered a great compliment. "Son of a Preacher Man" connection: This iconic song was initially written for Aretha Franklin, but she turned it down. It was then given to Dusty Springfield for her album "Dusty in Memphis". Later, Aretha Franklin recorded her own version after hearing Dusty's successful interpretation. Dusty Springfield herself reportedly preferred Franklin's version, even adopting some of her phrasing when singing the song live. Springfield was a strong advocate for Black American soul artists and Franklin even nicknamed her the "Queen of blue eyed Soul".
Amazing.
Enfin une femme. Et quelle femme! C'est toute une voix. You make me feel like a natural woman, toujours un classique. Je ne connaissais pas vraiment les autres, mais Chain of Souls Γ©tait solide. Un album qui s'Γ©coute bien et qui coule. Paul a bien aimΓ© aussi. Γa semble avoir rendu le tummy time plus tolΓ©rable. .
ππΏββοΈππΏββοΈπΈπΏπ«¦π
J'accumule les 5 Γ©toiles... Il en est ainsi.