5
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
Aretha’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
Beautiful voice, timeless rhythm and production
Brilliant
Amazing, packed with soul and hits. These are lady singing songs that are fun to belt in the shower and around the house.
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
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!
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! 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!
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 it’s 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 history… 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 I’ll touch on here is the closer, Ain’t No Way. One thing that’s stuck out to me about a lot of these older albums is a lack of finality, like you’re 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 it’s all over and go “Wow”. Unfortunately, you don’t quite get that if you’re 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 they’re four tracks you’ve 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 who’s never claimed to be the biggest fan of soul music, I’m not sure how someone couldn’t like this - at that point I think you just hate music. I really didn’t 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.
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.
gude
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 ??"
Not my cup of tea but fantastic vocals
a massage for your inner ear
Probably not an intergalactic paedo
That voice.
Nothing better than listening to Soul while walking in the Woods.
Un 9;5
Excellent album full of power ballads.
All timer
She's amazing, such a great voice and an amazing artist.
Amazing.
Truly great soul album and you have to love Arethas voice.
Would definitely buy. Had never heard (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone.
Classic
It's hard not to love this. Aretha's voice is next level
Brilliant. Absolute classic
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
i love her
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”
What.a.voice.
Proper classic soul. That voice is incredible
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.
Una maravilla de principio a fin. Capaz de mejorar hasta el peor de los días.
Perfection. People get ready and you make me feel top versions.
Eeeeeyassssssss
Loved it!
The voice of soul, the music of soul, brilliant!
Fantastic!
know most of the songs , but first time hearing full album
Wow
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
Literal chills from cover to cover.
Classic. The queen.
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
Potente poderoso portento vocal.
Fantastic album . Strong from beginning to end. 5 🌟
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.
Awesome
She made me wanna make an apology for all the men that did her wrong.
a real classic
Loved it!!
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.
Very good
Chain of Fools!
Aretha on the top of her game. Enough said
Everyone a banger
Good
Beautiful
Thoroughly enjoyed this. It's bluesy and soulful and Arethas voice is amazing.
#/5 -
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.
All hail Lady Soul. It's just that simple.
Gotta give it up
Amazing album ! Listened to it 3 times
Boggling amount of iconic soul classics packed into one relatively brief album
Absolutely fantastic!
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 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Loved to be able to just disappear into the music for a bit
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.
Unbeatable voice
This would get 5 stars for Natural Woman alone. My only complaint is it's TOO SHORT
Great Album!
A true American icon.
Awesome