Lady Soul
Aretha Franklin
1968
Album Summary
Lady Soul is the twelfth studio album by American singer Aretha Franklin released in early 1968, by Atlantic Records.
WikipediaAretha’s 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
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.
R&B was never the same after Aretha. Classic songs on this album still important today.
Finally! An objectively fantastic album! From start to finish, an auditory pleasure!
Chain of fools - excellent Money won’t 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 Ain’t no way - excellent 9.5/10
Amazing, packed with soul and hits. These are lady singing songs that are fun to belt in the shower and around the house.
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 didn’t realize she had recorded so many by this time!
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.
Nove. Os miúdos estão deitados. A sala já não tem desenhos espalhados, uma casa no campo, figuras de pauzinhos sem mãos dadas, pétalas do tamanho do sol. Ele já dorme, ou acorda, ou luta de olho semiaberto contra um loop de televendas que ninguém vai comprar. Os copos vão para a gaveta, os talheres para o alumínio, iluminado o frigorífico que me acolhe as marmitas, cada vez mais curtas. Amanhã começa-se cedo, em casas que não a minha. O sol já não me desperta há muito. A noite acolhe-me com alento, no barulho incessante dos camiões do lixo e o bruto arrancar do padeiro que não põe mudanças desde '97. Amanhã, como sempre, o mundo começa cedo. Abro a rolha, pop!, gulp gulp gulp da garrafa, não acorda ninguém. 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"
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.
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"
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).
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.
Every song is a winner and Aretha smacks it out of the park, her vocals elevating already strong material even higher. I can’t find enough superlatives to describe just how good this album is. It’s close to, (if not) the perfect R&B/soul album.
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.
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.
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 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.
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!
One of the most powerful voices in music. Just turn off the lights, stare at a wall and understand what music is all about
J'ai bien aimé cet album mais j'en veux à cette dame d'avoir popularisé les expressions "Où est le respect ?" et "C'est le cousin à qui encore ??"
Would definitely buy. Had never heard (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone.
La grandeza artística que tienen algunas personas a veces es abrumadora y eso sucede con Aretha, vi que esté ya es un disco recopilatorio pero está tan bien mezclado que no tiene un pero; soul, funk, R&B, Gospel y su maravillosa voz son una mezcla perfecta
Wow, mycket bra. Väldigt souligt, men i alla dess olika stilar. Bra musik, och damn hon e bra Aretha. Ångrar lite att jag inte lyssnat mer tidigare, får bli ändring på!
she's a singles artist type to me usually but this is an excellent collection
Dato inútil: este disco lo conocí gracias a Selma Bouvier. Ok, vamos a lo importante. Existe el Soul.... y existe Aretha Franklin. Está en otro nivel propio y es de esas contadísimas cantantes que de verdad sí se ganaron a pulso esos títulos como "Reina del Soul" o ser nombradas una diva. Nadie puede cantar como ella, la potencia, la emoción, la cadencia. A Natural Woman es de esas canciones icónicas que de manera perfecta reflejan como fotografía musical perfecta toda una época y género. En realidad creo que no puedo ni tengo que decir mucho más... 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, también en su perfecta medida sin opacar pero con suficiente presencia. La música puro soul puro, algunas rápidas, algunas lentas, algunas modernas algunas que se les siente el fondo de su origen en gospel. No hay pero para este disco.
Wow… really great album. It’s a shame songs from this area go by so quick. Favorite tracks: “People Get Ready,” A Natural Woman,” and “Chain of Fools”
Não é o meu rolê, mas tenho que reconhecer que é uma voz FODA cantando músicas TOP
Amazing album by Aretha Franklin, great discovery, I have heard one or two of her songs, but this album is incredible.
Dang, what a voice. Great instrumentation as well, super tight band. Difficult to fault.
What a pleasure to listen to. This could've been longer and I still would've enjoyed it just as much. 4.5/5
Rating: 9/10 Best songs: Chain of fools, Money won't change you, People get ready, Niki Hoeky, A natural Woman, Since you've been gone
Great soul music from the queen of it. Some songs you've heard plenty but don't get tired of. But the album cuts are great also.
Queen of jazz, blues and just great love ballads. 🥰you years ago and still rank you in my top 20 best female artists. “You make Feel, Sweet Baby, Chain of Fools are classics
13th September 2021 Listened in the car on the way to get my hair cut at jess's. Very timely given there is a biopic currently out about Aretha starring Tiffany haddish. Some absolute classics combined with some gorgeously soft and mellow songs. She's the OG queen.
Thoroughly enjoyed this. It's bluesy and soulful and Arethas voice is amazing.
I thoroughly enjoyed this album. So soulful. I enjoyed every minute of it. Especially (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone.
It's a 60's/70's Aretha Franklin album. You don't need to listen to it to know it will be a 5. But I did, and it is.
Boggling amount of iconic soul classics packed into one relatively brief album
Aretha is incredible. I was in a bad mood and cheated her out of a perfect score from the group when I only gave a 4 on the last album. It can't make up for it, but this is a 5 for sure. wall-to-wall winners on this one.
Didn’t actually listen to this, but it’s Aretha, so she gets a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Aretha Franklin is in that small number of iconic artists about whom whatever I might say or write feels redundant. In her case, it's for very good reason. What else can I say about the Queen of Soul? This is brilliant, beautiful, and I love it. That's plenty.
You got a problem with Aretha? Yeah? Then you have a problem with me. Don't mess with the Queen of Soul.
This would get 5 stars for Natural Woman alone. My only complaint is it's TOO SHORT
It’s Aretha, of course it’s a 5 star. I would give it a 10 if I could!
60s music was really good, wasn't it? This is powerful but effeminate without ever being cloying.
10/10, Aretha Franklin is the best favorite track is probably Ain’t No Way
What a beast of an album from a legend of a talent. Aretha always demands my attention and this album won my heart. So good.
Great variety in sound, vocals and instruments in glorious harmony, fun and heartfelt
Outstanding. A quick 30 minute primer into one of the greatest singers of all-time. Many hits and a few I'd never heard before. "Niki Hoeky" in particular is a banger. But they're all good - literally. It's Aretha, and prime Aretha. A great variety of up-tempo and more soulful/mellow. Just listen, buy it, save it, all of the above. 9/10 5 stars.
This is an outstanding album, Aretha Franklin at her peak. The songs are rich, soulful and beautifully arranged, and Franklin herself has never sounded better. When she sings, you feel it in your bones. Easy 5. Fave Songs: Ain't No Way, Chain of Fools, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, Good to Me as I Am to You, People Get Ready, (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone
10/5…They don’t call her the “Queen of Soul” for nothing…fantastic..loved her since day one….this album is grade A prime
03/19/2022 Giving this anything less than a 5 is a straight-up war crime.
Everyone deserves the privilege of hearing Aretha Franklin’s vocals at least once in their life. And this album (her twelfth, unbelievably) sees her on spellbinding form. There’s 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 you’ve been listening to. At its best, “Lady Soul” is one of those albums. Here are 28 words to summarise my thought process listening to its rapid 28 minutes: “I think Aretha’s quite overra- wha? whaaa? How does she do that?! Wow. She’s going… it went higher! Christ. All that GRIT! And she’s ROCKING! She’s a storm! She’s an icon! Holy shit.” The album is a lot more upbeat than I expected, though two of its strongest cuts are showstopping ballads (“People Get Ready” and, of course, “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman”). Across the board, Aretha, the band and the backing vocalists (Sweet Inspirations, who last blew me away in “Dusty in Memphis) give performances overflowing with passion and power. There’s four-to-the-floor rock, brassy Motown, lush soul ballads and smoky blues. On first listen, I was ready to nitpick and say it wasn’t flawless (the meandering blues of “Good To Me As I Am To You” 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. “Lady Soul” is one of those albums, and they don’t come around very often. What a thrill to spend half an hour with talent like this.
5.0 + Wonderful. So much power in Aretha's voice and she tempers it so masterfully with that spark of joy and love. This is a record that showcases all of her talents. Despite being featured in a litany of tampon advertisements, "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" still sounds beautiful as ever. "People Get Ready" feels timely as ever. I even like the alternate version of "Chain of Fools" with the extended guitar intro.
This album is fantastic from start to finish. There is a great mix of upbeat songs and slower ballads. Aretha commands every note of every song with her one-of-a-kind voice, in a way that only Aretha can do. Her impeccable abilities are so dynamically on display here, flexing crystal clear high notes, rumbling low notes, and everything in between. A special shout-out to (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman. This song sends me every time. This is easily one of the greatest songs of all time, and the way she owns every moment and every emotion of this song deserves acknowledgement. I don't even know what else to say that hasn't already been said. Aretha is a one-of-a-kind legend and the queen of soul, and this album is just one reminder among many as to how she snatched that crown.
Her voice is so incredibly emotive and powerful that I would listen to her sing nearly anything. I still hate "Chain of Fools", though. 4.5/5 --> 5.
Trop bon, ce genre d’album c’est. Raimemnt de petites perles dans cette liste et ca vaut la peine a 100%
Chain, Chain, Chain...... what a start to a classic album, Aretha really was the queen of soul even in 1968. Beautiful songs on this, I believe to be, one of her best records. Really showing her gospel roots that lead to her brilliant soul career. Favourite Tracks the aforementioned "Chain Of Fools" her cover of Curtis Mayfields "People Get Ready" is the definitive version I think. "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman" So many classic soul songs on this album. Love it and Justifiably on this list. Top marks from me!
Wow. Pleasantly surprised, there was so much gold on this. Great vibe, excellent musicianship and powerful voice.
The big note in People Get Ready…GTFO. Instant 5 stars. Instantly in love. Everything on this album is CRACKIN’!
I think I just heard the best version of People Get Ready. Ain't No Way is the deepest cut with the biggest emotional punch.
The Soul GOAT. Or whatever a female goat is I guess. A doe is it? We'll go with that. The Soul DOE.
This is just bliss. Hearing songs I've never heard before that are phenomenal. The best example is Good To Me As I Am To You. That song has everything! Aretha blows every other singer into the weeds. Then it's followed up by Come Back Baby which has that classic groovy bass that signified the late '60s/early '70s.
I mean... five stars. How do you argue with this? Even the no-name songs, they still have Aretha singin' on 'em.
"Chain of Fools"... is there a better song in the realm of soul music? Oh yea, maybe it's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman", which is only four songs later on this same record. JEEEZ. I also really liked track 4, "Niki Hoeky", which surprisingly had the lowest amount of plays on the album on Spotify. The bass line pushes the track forward so well. After starting with a bop it really just continues. This album slaps you so hard all you can say is "thank you may I have another." Everything is so well done.
Like WOW. She is just such a legend with a voice like no other. Easy 5 for me!
A powerhouse singer with a killer rock and soul band backing her. Great songs too.
5/10 songs went to my liked songs on Spotify and I couldn't really decide between 2 songs for my playlist so a good album for sure.
Amazing music. Aretha's voice really shined, but I love the background singers and musicians as well.
Great album, voices, backing vocals, melodies, arrangements. She's Aretha Franklin, what more can I say? 10/10 Favorite tracks: People Get Ready, Groovin'
The first album of 160 or so that after listening I went 'I need to buy this album.'
Southern blues Soul, true R&B with big band style brass. Incredible voice and a good variety of songs/styles. Impressed with the diversity of styles as each song was very different from the last. The instrumental parts were great throughout but i particularly liked them in Since you've been gone.
One of the greatest albums of all time? Possibly. This isn't even her greatest hits. Listen to a couple of songs you might not know that have staggering depths to the levels of soul then relish in Natural Woman (one of the most spine tingling tunes ever). Utterly 5* and I'd be happy if I never heard Chain of Fools again.
Magnificently sung, regally arranged, bursting with joy and power. All hail the First Lady of Soul.
Damn, my first record using this site. I'm ashamed I didnt know all these songs are on one album...
I could have listened to this album on repeat all day. Favorite track: Niki Hoeky
Almost nothing beats a night alone listening to an album like this while just chilling out. I love soul music and there are a ton of soul classics on here from chain of fools to natural woman and all the rest are just as banging. You know an album is usually a 5 when the spotify radio that comes on afterward is also awesome
Aretha at her best! Lady Soul is one of her best. Good to Me as I Am to You is one of the least recognized masterpieces of Franklin.
A superb album, combining Aretha's majestic vocals with great musicianship and memorable tunes. Natural Woman is the stand-out track, ably supported by Chain of Fools, People Get Ready, Since You've Been Gone and Groovin.
God damn, what a voice. Recognized more songs than I thought I would. She is certainly the queen of soul and this album showcases that perfectly.
Wow, thank you for this. I don't think I've ever listened to a whole Aretha album all the way through before. I got chills during "Good to Me as I am to You." What an amazing talent.
This isn't even really my type of music and I have to respect it. Really great stuff.
Ah, Aretha... What a voice! Showing the Aretha-lite wannabes how to do it: great songs sung with intelligence and righteous power. Nothing forced, nothing faked.
Jeez she makes singing seem easy. Best vocal performance (and also one of my all time favorite ballads) is Ain’t No Way. What I wouldn’t give to hang out with her for a day.
Amazing. Aretha is the best and everything she did with the muscle schoals boys is incredible. Every song is a classic. On the bonus version of chain of fools the baritone guitar is so badass
Wow so many of her classic songs are on this record. Deeply satisfying listening experience from beginning to end. It’s the perfect album.
This lady got soul. Best Tracks: Chain of Fools; (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman; (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone
Aretha Franklin is a legend for a reason. This album was amazing with excellent music accompanying her vocals
This is the second album by Aretha Franklin that I've gotten in this album generator. This particular album is her 12th studio album, and was made 2 years after the first album of her's that I listened to (I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You). This album definately feels more polished, and complete. The backing band are more lively, and add a funky/bluesy feel to the music. Aretha's vocals, as always, blow the roof off of the place, and the addition of Cissy Houston (Whitney Houston's mother) and her group the Sweet Inspirations, along with Aretha's sisters Carolyn and Erma Franklin as background vocals just added that little bit of contrast to elevate the whole album that much further. There isn't a bad song on the album. Things of note that stood out: 1) People Get Ready has a fantastic gospel feel to it, 2) Eric Clapton was brought in as the guitarist on the song Good to Me As I Am to You, and his bluesy rock style was awesome, 3) Chain of Fools is a phenomenal song. Every time I hear the lyrics: "You told me to leave you alone, my father said "come on home" , my doctor said "take it easy", oh, but your loving is much too strong, I'm added to your, chain, chain, chain... " my mind goes back to the movie School of Rock when Tomika is convincing Dewey that she can sing. Amusingly enough, I referenced School of Rock with my first Aretha Franklin album as well. Favourite songs: Chain of Fools, People Get Ready, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone, Good To Me As I Am To You, Groovin', Niki Hoeky, Money Won't Change You Least favourite song: if forced to pick one, Ain't No Way. Still phenomenal, just not as much as the other songs on the album. Easy 5/5
My introduction to Aretha was as Matt Guitar Murphy's husband in The Blues Brothers. And then she had that huge hit a few years later with "Freeway Of Love". It wasn't until she performed duets with George Michael and Annie Lennox that I realized that she was much more than a sassy diner waitress who sassed Jake and Elwood Blues for ordering four fried chickens, dry white toast and a Coke. If only I would have just started with this landmark album. No wonder Belushi, Aykroyd, Lennox, Michael and millions others went out of their way to honor the one and only Queen of Soul. This is as good as it gets right here kids.
For those who didn't get how great she was. For those who didn't understand the fuss. It's all here. Chain of Fools at the open is absolutely killer.
Na Sam Cooke heerlijk nog meer soul. Geweldig stemgeluid, lekkere muziek. Een liveplaat hiervan zou helemaal de naden uit je broek swingen. Getwijfeld tussen een 4 en een 5, omdat een paar nummers toch een beetje kapot zijn gedraaid op de radio. Maar omdat dit zoveel bezieling heeft (in contrast tot de gladde robotmuziek van Abba) verdient dit lekker toch een 5.
"Lady Soul" is the 12th studio album from Aretha Franklin and has both cover and original songs. Standing out are the backing vocals from The Sweet Inspirations including Cissy Houston and Aretha's two sisters, Carolyn and Erma Franklin. The album was a huge success on the Billboard charts: #1 in Black albums, #2 in Pop and #3 Jazz. Strong backing vocals cascading from The Sweet Inspirations begin the album in the hit "Chain of Fools." Joe South delivers a great 60's-sounding guitar. She's one of her boyfriend's many girlfriends and she needs to break that chain. The pace is slowed in Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready." Aretha delivers a more soulful and gospel-like version with a great finish. A song of hope for freedom and heaven. Side one ends with the incredible "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Women," written by Gerry Goffin, Carole King and Jerry Wexler. The piano. The strings and arrangement by Ralph Burns. The harmonies of Aretha and The Sweet Inspiration. The uplifting message of finding someone who makes you whole. Side two starts with two songs Aretha wrote; "(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone" was the third single and brings the groove. Horns. And, of course, Aretha brings it as well. Eric Clapton adds a bluesy/soulful guitar to "Good to Me As I Am to You." Horns. No backing vocals as Aretha ends wailing. She's given everything but gets nothing in return. The album ends with my favorite song on the album and one her sister, Carolyn, wrote "Ain't No Way." With the horns, an almost baroque pop ballad start. Maybe, Aretha's most emotional vocal performance. Soulful. Beautiful. How can I love you if you're tying my hands. Just a few weeks ago I had Aretha's 1967 album "I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You" which was I liked a lot. I like "Lady Soul" more. More soulful. Her voice fits the music perfectly. An album absolutely worth a listen and owning.
aaaah aretha <3 im only familiar with one song, i need more listens for this to appreciate each but all songs are always a good background
Short, sweet, and excellent. So many hits packed into a classic album. Really showcases not only her vocal talent, but the talent of the backing band as well
Great Album! Never listened to her other than the few radio hits but she managed to cover several genres and has such a great voice.