Reviews (page 10 of 14)
aretha is really just that girl 9/10
Straight grooves - 8/10
I remember my high school math teacher played the Chain song when we learned about the chain rule. Felt pretty much the same about this as the last Aretha Franklin album.
kinda whack how we r getting two Aretha Franklin albums so close together. I haven't listened to the other one yet tho. good but not something I see myself listening to all the time.
I feel like the soul albums are so much more consistent than the rock albums. They’re just usually good. Especially when it’s Aretha Franklin. 8.5/10
8/10 - I do not know if I was just in a bad mood or if these songs were better than the other Aretha Franklin album but I enjoyed these songs so much more. I felt like the music as a whole was simply better.
Liked this a little more than the Aretha Franklin album from a week ago. Again, just a really good album
Aretha's version of People Get Ready is my new favorite version. It's great as a Curtis Mayfield song, but she brings so much to it. I never realized how much I liked her ability to elevate everything she does. This album is funky, even something with corny lyrics like Niki Hoeky is funky as hell. This album is a great example of the Muscle Shoals sound. (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman is the biggest hit off the album but it might be my least favorite song on it. Good to Me as I Am to You is a great song I'd never heard. I can't imagine anyone doing these songs better than her. Ain't No Way is the perfect song to end the album on.
be.you.ti.ful. gosh this woman has some lungs on her! So much talent.
Beautiful. Aretha’s voice was so POWERFUL. Fantastic throughout.
My 200th album! Her voice is so impressive, she just kills every song on here. I'm not sure I'd ever go out of my way to listen to this but it's just so impressive.
LP
No es el tipo de musica que elijo escuchar frecuentemente. Pero es una experiencia muy llevadera, el album se deja escuchar muy facilmente y tiene la posibilidad de plantear canciones con melodias mas tristes y otras alegres.
It's incredible, obviously.
Giving this a 5. I don’t quite love every single track, but they’re all good and a lot of them are great. Her voice is incredible, most of the lyrics are compelling, and the musicianship and backing vocalists are all great. She’s the queen for a reason. Highlights: Chain of Fools, People Get Ready
3/10 Хз, хуйня какая-то, негрица поёт, лол. Услышал первую песню - считай все послушал, сказал я и скипнул.
She can sing. And while I know some of the songs, there are some l didn’t know and they were equally as good. This is an awesome album that makes you want to listen to more of Aretha.
Just so good. The best are so good and the other songs are still great to listen to.
Some great songs but not sure I’ll listen to it again
Wow. Hadn't heard this one before. Rock solid, classic Atlantic session packed with hits!
Quite a classic album, and a refreshing change of pace from recent selections from the collection. Given how ubiquitous many of the song on this album have become, I find it hard to imagine what an album like this must have felt like when it first came out. But gauging by its chart performance, I'm guessing it was an instant classic. And rightly so, as she sings her own as well as other people's songs with a lot of style and soul. It's a shame that the songs are so short, as you just get started with them when they end soon afterwards; I'm guessing that was probably a consideration for the radio, sadly. It was nice with the CD reissue, though, that they released an unedited version of "Chain of Fools"; I wish there were more unedited versions, honestly.
Chain of Fools and Groovin are the standouts here. Never been a fan of Natural Woman.
Luv
I like it but can only handle so much at one time.
Not my mood, but recognize gratness
Awesome !
It's the damned Queen of Soul. Start it up and get hit in all the feels. Gorgeous.
Chain of fools 8.5/10 Money won’t change you 5/10 People get ready 5/10 Niki hoeky 8/10 You make me feel like a natural woman 9.5/10 Sweet sweet baby since you’ve been gone 7/10 Good to me as I am to you 7/10 Come back baby 7.5/10 Groovin’ 6/10 Ain’t no way 9/10
Arethaaaaaaaa
soulful goodness
what a voice she had. annoyed me that so many of them faded out though
the girl can sing, thats for damn sure. Aretha Franklin certainly deserves her spot in history. there are a couple of her classics on this album, but i think everything on here is really good. this would be a great vinyl record to own, and just have playing around the house.
Fanáticos
Very good 👍
Definitely a classic- it was wonderful listening to this while I worked. I don’t know if any of the songs necessarily stood out to me, but they came together to create a fantastic atmosphere.
I did not expect to like this album that much. Boy was I wrong. I guess there's a reason she's such an icon. This album was killer.
This album has some very famous songs on it. I enjoyed it a lot, the songs were really groovy and she has an awesome voice. It's her twelfth studio album, which is nuts. My favorite songs were "Money Won't Change You" "Since You've Been Gone" and "Come Back Baby". 8/10
Some classic R n B soul music
Really enjoyed this, another great Aretha album.
Eh
Aretha IS the poo. So fucking awesome. 😍 I wish I could have witnessed this live, her energy is transmutable across wavelengths.
Nothing super great about the album. Sure she’s got the vocals but it’s just about average to me at this point.
Beautiful voice
good album, amazing voice, really catchy short tracks that were fun to listen to, few sounded pretty similar but was good overall
Come one, it’s the Queen of soul.
Really enjoyed it...especially after some of the duds we had to listen to earlier in the week.
Never heard album before, but have heard some of the songs. Listened 2x. Solid album with a few classics on it. Aretha is great. "Get hip to the consultation of the boolawee"
Classic that still holds up well.
Great album, through and through. A few gems I'm not as familiar with alongside iconic bangers such as Chain of Fools, People Get Ready, Natural Woman, ect. Lots of raw, gritty emotion and early touches of funk throughout. Love that it's not overly-polished. This one sounds fantastic on wax!
Good
Danced through the dishes with this one.
Played this and Aretha-adjacent jams all day. Was a good day.
It's got some of the big hits for sure. I've never been enamored with Aretha Franklin's deepcuts for some reason, which prevents me from giving it 5 stars.
Take me to church. 5
Indisputably fine. There has never been a female voice to equal Aretha's. Unrivaled. The accompanying music is angelic. Sit my ass down on the screened and porch, give me the lightning bugs, and a sweet tea-- and this album and let me close my eyes for a while.
Not just “Lady Soul.” That’s some kind of minor member of the court of soul, vying for the attention of the elites. But Aretha vies for nothing. She’s the queen. Beyond the known hits, I dug “Niki Hoeky.”
The voice. The Voice. THE VOICE!!! She’s incredible and the songs were more interesting on this album as compared to I Never Loved A Man The Way I Loved You.
As the title says it's soul - not one of my usual 'go-to' genres - but pleasant enough. Not good, not bad imho.
some of the greatest
Aretha is great. This album doesn't disappoint and has some of the classics.
2 songs from this album were already on my main playlist which confirms I have excellent taste in music.
8.5/10
A list like this without at least one LP by the Queen of Soul wouldn't be taken seriously. And I guess *Lady Soul* is the one album where all the stars align to display Aretha Franklin's vast array of skills as a performer. You 've got timeless hits ("Chain Of Fools", "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman", "People Get Ready"), lively and enticing groove machines ("Niki Hoeky", "Since You've Been Gone", "Come Back Baby") and the slower-paced yet equally timeless blues-infused pleas ("Good To Me As I Am To You", the stellar and moving closer "Ain't No Way", with its incredible vocal arrangement in the background). Of course a greatest hits compilation is also mandatory on your shelves to own all of Aretha's signature songs not found in this particular LP. But as far as studio albums go, this is the ideal entry point here Number of albums left to review: 185 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 354 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 204 Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 259
Solid album. Lots of hits and classics. I need to catch up so my reviews can be better.
Holy hell, what a voice. There’s so many classics on this album, and even though I like some versions more than Aretha’s, it’s still a great listen. Her vocals on Ain’t No Way were incredible.
A bunch of hits on here and the rest is great! You can't go wrong with Aretha. One of the best voices of all time with variety of songs with meaning behind them. Even if you don't like this genre of music, you can't deny its brilliance. I'm embarrassed to admit that I thought "People Get Ready" was by Rod Stewart, but apparently it's not by Aretha Franklin either. It's originally by the The Impressions. I'm surprised that the anti-trans far right movement hasn't co-opted "You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman". Get a blond white woman singing that with a country twang, and you have a new confederacy national anthem.
Great album with chains, natural Plus Motown in general is just my vibe
Already heard, phenomenal album 9/10
Just awesome.
Amazing voice, my day instantly started great when I found out that this was today's album.
If you had a dollar, and I had a dime I wonder, could I borrow yours as easy as you could mine? Because when you need my love, and I give time after time And turn around to find me no returns, then, my friend, you've used my dimes! If there's water in the pitcher, and we both need a drink To stay alive, my darlin', I'd need less water than you think My love, my love, these things, I swear, I say are true And all I'm really saying is be as good to me as I am to you Oh, yeah Perfect. Everything about this album is perfect. 5/5
Simply stunning.
3.75 stars. Beautiful soulful voice!
Great voice and bluesy feel. Great opener in Chain of Fools.
I honestly can't imagine anyone not liking this album! It's beautifully orchestrated and amazingly performed by band as well as the queen herself. Listening to this 56 years after its release, it sounds mindblowingly timeless. Apart from slightly better microphones today, this sounds like it could hit just as hard today.
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.
One of the best things from this project is my appreciation for soul music. It really speaks to me. And Aretha Franklin has such an angelic voice. It’s just beautiful
There's really no choice here. It must be heard.
Great album!
Love this one.
Don't think I've ever listened to an Aretha album in full before, just a greatest hits compilation. Glad I have now, this is a great one. Her voice is incredible and the songs are very well written, although a lot of them are covers I think. The production quality is a bit disappointing, makes it sound a bit tinny. But it does give the album a nice vintage sound! 9/10
cool. 3.4/5 listened 1x
Another perfect album. Bonus version of (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman from yesterday's album. Nice one.
What can you say but beautiful! This voice can move a room and the arrangements are top notch. The first half of the album is astounding. Once you get to the b side, it’s still all there but something is just missing and I can’t put my finger one. Great album but a few tracks away from 5 stars for me.
It's hard to rate this because her voice is obviously incredible, and the two most popular songs on here are undeniable classics. The rest though, while not bad, doesn't hit that same quality level or really get close to it. I feel this way about a lot of these old soul albums. At least there's a good bit of energy to some of the tracks.
Chain of Fools and You Make Me Feel Like. A Natural Woman
Good sunny day soul
Big lady sing song good
wat een stem... wat een persoonlijkheid... wat een band...wat een achtergrondzangeressen...wat een songs
listened to again still slaps
Aretha got soul
Another one that makes me grateful for this exercise - such an amazing and powerful voice. Obviously I’d heard some of these hits, but never all together and even piecemeal was always happenstance. I’m delighted I gave it more concerted attention. I had that fuck yeah feeling as soon as the first riff ripped, and just sunk deeper into it through to the end.
A little Aretha Franklin is always good and more is better. This certainly applies to this. Easy 4 stars.
"Lady Soul," the iconic album by Aretha Franklin released in 1968, stands as a testament to the Queen of Soul's unparalleled talent and influence in the realm of music. In this in-depth review, we'll delve into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and its lasting influence, while also highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. ### Lyrics: Aretha Franklin's lyrics in "Lady Soul" reflect the depth of human emotion, ranging from love and longing to empowerment and social commentary. Tracks like "Chain of Fools" and "Ain't No Way" showcase Franklin's ability to convey raw emotion through her powerful vocals and poignant lyrics. Whether expressing heartache or resilience, Franklin's lyrical prowess shines throughout the album. ### Music: "Lady Soul" boasts a diverse musical landscape, blending elements of soul, R&B, gospel, and blues. Franklin's dynamic vocals are complemented by intricate arrangements and tight instrumentation, courtesy of the renowned Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. From the infectious groove of "Think" to the soul-stirring balladry of "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," each track on the album is a masterclass in musical craftsmanship. ### Production: The production on "Lady Soul" is top-notch, thanks to the collaborative efforts of producers Jerry Wexler and Arif Mardin. The album strikes a perfect balance between polished studio sound and the raw energy of live performance. Every instrument and vocal nuance is meticulously captured, resulting in a sonic tapestry that captivates the listener from start to finish. ### Themes: Thematically, "Lady Soul" explores a wide range of topics, from love and relationships to social justice and empowerment. Franklin's impassioned delivery infuses each song with a sense of urgency and authenticity, making them resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level. Whether celebrating the joy of newfound love or confronting the pain of heartbreak, the album's themes are as relevant today as they were upon its release. ### Influence: "Lady Soul" had a profound influence on the music industry, shaping the landscape of soul and R&B for generations to come. Franklin's revolutionary blend of gospel-infused vocals and secular subject matter paved the way for future artists and set a new standard for artistic excellence. Countless musicians have cited "Lady Soul" as a primary influence, attesting to its enduring legacy in popular music. ### Pros: 1. Exceptional Vocals: Aretha Franklin delivers powerhouse performances on every track, showcasing her unmatched vocal range and emotive depth. 2. Diverse Musical Palette: The album's eclectic mix of soul, R&B, gospel, and blues appeals to a wide audience and showcases Franklin's versatility as an artist. 3. Timeless Themes: "Lady Soul" tackles universal themes of love, heartache, and empowerment, ensuring its relevance across generations. 4. Stellar Production: The album's polished production enhances its overall impact, capturing the essence of Franklin's live performances while maintaining studio precision. ### Cons: 1. Lack of Diversity in Songwriting: While Franklin's interpretations of classic songs are stellar, some critics argue that a greater emphasis on original compositions could have further showcased her songwriting prowess. 2. Limited Experimentation: While "Lady Soul" excels within its chosen genre, some listeners may find its adherence to traditional soul and R&B conventions somewhat limiting in terms of musical innovation. In conclusion, "Lady Soul" stands as a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences with its unparalleled blend of soulful vocals, compelling lyrics, and impeccable musicianship. Aretha Franklin's legacy looms large over the musical landscape, and "Lady Soul" remains a shining example of her enduring influence and artistic brilliance.
Sometimes, there is no insight, no process, no coming to terms when presented with such infinite gifts. You just let it happen. That said, hearing the actual wood and humanity in the recording was a respite. A piano that breathes as the woman breathes reminds me of my own human self. Fucking stone classic.
Favorite songs were Ain't No Way and (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman. Really fun to listen to the latter versus Carole King's version (also on this list) 4/5
Lovely and filled with classics.
This is maybe not the thing I’m supposed to take away from an Aretha album but I really liked the harmonies
This was just so good. It is always fun to listen to Aretha Franklin's vocals, and there was some incredible songwriting on this album. "Chain of Fools" is such a catchy song.
*love* aretha. no notes.
I always wish there were like three more songs on this album
I feel like the mixing on this album was weird but I still liked it, I listened to the mono version of Ain’t no way and it was better than the stereo one
A classic album. Not one i'd listen to but I respect the craft. I liked the cover of Groovin'.
A nice one to get back on the bandwagon with. Aretha Franklin's voice is really the highlight of this album and i especially enjoyed "chain of fools". While nothing outstanding its still a very enjoyable album.
undeniably powerful singer
A bit too Jesus-y for me at times, but she's got pipes and knows how to use them
first listen
Great voice but not my style of music
The queen for a reason
Obviously Aretha's vocals are the star, but this album is funky, swing-y, and generally a really fun listen.
Итс олрайт. Лучшая песня - Ain't No Way.
Very enjoyable in that 60s R&B way. Not enough standout songs to reach the top.
Il godimento di quest'album. Preferisco la prima metà onestamente. Regina del soul, non c'è molto da aggiungere. Forse ascoltare più volte diminuisce la carica, ma comunque grande grande album. Preferita in assoluto "Chain of fools". 4.5/5
This one is great. Biggest surprise: Ain’t No Way 4.5
Classic! Great background listening. All good stuff.
Great
What a voice! Great to listen to
Ahhhh shit. Swampers and Aretha at the height of their powers. Love some Roger Hawkins drumming, some Spooner keys. Apparently Clapton and Cissy Houston too? Whoever did the high pitched note at the back of "Ain't no Way" earned it a five right there. Also the hollering on "Good to me."
Excellent
Absolute classics by Aretha Franklin
This album lives up to its name. This album is soulful as heaven and Franklin puts her own soul on every track. Enjoyable listen.
Very talented lady of soul. Classics all around, I enjoyed it. Interesting version of People Get Ready. Chain Of Fools and Natural Woman were my picks.
This is the type of record that I know is good and deserving of respect. But I don't like soul music. That said, giving it less than a 3 is allowing my personal taste to creep in too much.
After listening to a load of wannabes this transcends a mere album to be honest. Quite simply a legend and even the album fillers are good.
Aretha being Aretha
Great Aretha
Insane voice. Album goes by in a flash, which is a good thing. Everything is concise, and as a result - perfectly hit. Lady Soul - A Grand start.
Iconic, high energy singles, but I found it hard to listen to a full album.
Def a great record - that backing band really did it for me. "The Swampers" knew how to do it! Also just like what the hell with Aretha's voice man... she is incredible. I would not call this 'my kind of music' really but she had me groovin' plenty of times. She just felt every move of every line of every song - never phones it in EVER.
It's truly great music. The main thing holding it back from 5 stars is the low production quality, which is impossible to ignore once you notice it. There's a fuzziness to every instrument's track during quieter moments. Could definitely do with a remaster. The songs, for the most part, also aren't super impressive. It definitely sounds like 60s music. Not a big fan of the album cover either, which is about as basic as you can make artwork containing Aretha Franklin's face. But that's where my criticism ends. The songs are performed spectacularly. Aretha's vocal is gorgeous, soulful, and full of spirit, all while letting the other instruments shine. Chain of Fools and A Natural Woman (you make me feeeeelll!!) are 60s soul classics, and the remaining 10 or so tracks are full of great moments too. Good to Me as I Am to You, with its slow, lilting feel and prominent bass, is a highlight. Ain't No Way, a jazzy, emotional piano-based ballad, is also fantastic. In terms of actual performance (not songwriting), pretty much every single track delivers. 4/5 Key tracks: Chain of Fools, A Natural Woman, Good to Me as I Am to You, Groovin', Ain't No Way
This was great to listen to. Not sure it'd be in my regular rotation but still a phenomenal album.
Amazing stuff from the Queen.
This album just makes me happy. It's so damn groovy. The production is upbeat as hell and keeps me interested throughout, and the vocals are beautiful. This is a very solid entry, and very digestible compared to a lot of other music of its time- we actually get subject matter that's both meaningful and impactful. (sorry boomer bros there a lot of cringe in this era)
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.
Good, need another listen as cant really remember. I know I enjoyed it. 3.8
I'm not sure Aretha has bad songs, like any of them.
Again, another artist that I've never listened to a complete album of theirs. I appreciated this quite a bit. Might be good background music for certain tasks. Her voice and style is spectacular though! The emotion really comes out.
Obviously give it up to Aretha Franklin for the amazing vocals, but my man Tommy Cogbill on bass elevated this.
Not for me
Amazing
Pleasant to the ears :) cool a black some power house pit this out in midst of Covil rights movement 1968
Previously rated: I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You (4/5) ************************************************* I liked this one a bit more than the previous album. Better album title too. It has my favorite Aretha song, Chain of Fools as well as a new favorite, Niki Hokey (nice bassline on this one).
“She’s the greatest singer of all time.” — Elton John "I wish I could sing like her. She sings like a dream, she doesn’t have to think about it.” — Freddie Mercury “I just lost my song. That girl took it away from me.” — Otis Redding "How the fuck did that bitch do that?" — Etta James https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/aretha-franklin-singers-praise-best-8470536/
Fam, you can’t even deny this album. 5 stars, 6 of it was possible!
Urethra Franklin is one of the best singers of all time!
No.
This was pretty good but my main gripe with it was just how short the songs were. It didn’t really give me time to get into them and meant the whole album just kind of came and went. The one exception was ain’t no way which I found a little boring. 60s soul also doesn’t overly interest me to begin with but the songs were catchy and I could get behind a lot of them.
I liked this one another really fun listen
can't do it much better than the queen of soul herself.
Очередная скучная старая хуйня. Вырубил на начале первого трека.
First Impressions: Incredible vocals. A case where the mono recording really helps the the backing vocals are amazing as well. 7.5/10 Standout Tracks: People Get Ready Good to Me as I Am to You Groovin Aint No Way Chain of Fools
A very quick half-an-hour meal of Soul food. This album is worth listening to just hear her work the lyric "Everything is copacetic now" into "Niki Hoeky" just as naturally as the wind whispers. Highlights on this virtuoso soul album include the classics "Chain of Fools", "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman", "Sweet Sweet Baby (Since You've Been Gone)", and "Ain't No Way", but really there are no weak tracks on this album. I was blown away by how lush Tommy Cogbill's bass was on all these tracks. After Aretha's voice, his bass is the thing that keeps all of these Soul and Gospel tracks bubbling, bouncing, interesting and constantly propelling forward. He and drummers Roger Hawkins and Gene Chrisman do a great job of leaving enough space for Aretha and the backing singers, which by the way includes Cissy Houston (Whitney Houston's mom) and Franklin's sisters Carolyn and Erma to spiral around Aretha, as she explores the vocal melodies.
I always feel like listening these albums in mono, because the localised trumpeting in my left ear annoys me to no end. It's genuine headache stuff - next to that, Aretha Franklin has great vocals and the lyrics are catchy. Losing a lot of point for the stereo in this one. 4/10
Holy crap! I went in with the expectation it'd be a nice listen, but it was really good! Not a bad track on it. Powerful voice, good instrumentals, and as the title implies it's got soul.
Can't knock that whatsoever
Full of soul and good tunes.
classic tunes, certainly an album that belongs on the list. not my style, but can appreciate it
Really enjoyed - incredible voice, great catchy songs and very tight album
not4me 1
I can understand why people like the genre. But it's still not my jam.
Hands down queen of soul
Beautiful voice and some great songs.
It's relaxing and soothing but it's not really my genre.
3.5 per track. Good stuff!
I enjoyed this a good amount.
great
Enjoyable listen, amazing vocals, not my cup of tea.
It’s hard to get away from the context here – Aretha is a legend and this is a legendary album. With Chain of Fools kicking things off, and the soaring soulfulness of A Natural Woman, Franklin’s vocals are so silky and on point, you might not notice Cissy Houston singing back up or Eric Clapton playing guitar on one of the tracks. I’m not sure I’d feel compelled to listen to the album in its entirety very often, but there’s no doubt it’s a key part of R&B history. Favourite track: (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
This is a difficult one to rate, incredibly timeless and objectively a brilliant album but I find certain elements to be quite predictable and somewhat repetitive. The vocals are an absolute rush of energy and the instrumentation is gorgeous in many places. Overall it is full of life and a very enjoyable listen but not my personal type of music- though I feel it may grow on me in the future. Favourite Track: Ain’t No Way Specific Rating: 3.6/5
Great soul!
Beautiful
Beatiful, classic souls music right here. “Chain of Fools” is probably my favorite on this album. Amazing vocals by Aretha, great instrumentation; a very enjoyable listen. Four stars!
Not my cup of tea
Incredible sound. Loved this album. Obviously there’s a reason Aretha Franklin is a legend but I never heard anything outside of major hits really. Loved all the songs here
Nice easy listening
Good voice
Good
One of my favorite female vocalists of all-time and this is one of her best albums. I could listen to it all day long. Classic!
Outstanding album.
Aretha Franklin is fantastic as always Top tracks: Chain of Fools, Niki Hoeky, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
The QUEEN.
Every song on this album is a good song!
So good
What a voice!!
Clearly an exceptional voice, a talented band, and timeless classics. Prefer to listen to the songs individually amongst other singers rather than the full album in one go. Found the pitch of her voice too intense in some parts.
What. A. Voice.
It was great to hear Areatha Franklin again. A wonderful voice. Thrilling music.
She preachin
Flawless.
Album Nr. 64 Soulmusik ist zwar nicht meine Welt, dieses Album lässt sich aber dennoch gut anhören.
This is far from my era or genre but Aretha makes it hard not to take notice.
It’s Aretha, of course it’s 5 stars
Lady Soul I’m pretty familiar with this although haven’t played it in a while. It’s right in that ’67 to ’72 sweet spot for Aretha albums after she moved to Atlantic, from I’ve Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You up to Amazing Grace. Some great songs and some superb covers in there (including her fantastic version of The Weight). Chain of Fools is rightly a classic. Money Won’t Change You carries on the fantastic start before the slowed down People Get Ready changes the tempo nicely. Great bass driving Niki Hoeky and a great vocal (although obviously every song has a great vocal) brings the tempo back up again before You Make me Feel Like a Natural Woman. Again one of those overfamiliar ones but this is just another level of brilliance. Sweet Sweet Baby kicks off Side 2 nicely and brings more of that gritty guitar and uptempo, brilliantly propulsive soul sound. The superbly bluesy Good to Me as I am to You (with Clapton), followed by the energetic Come Back Baby is a great one-two. Groovin’ takes things down a notch with a relatively restrained vocal and arrangement before the emotional punch of Ain’t No Way ends things on a big dramatic note. The playing on this is exceptional, as you would expect from the Muscle Shoals band and the various guests, but the rhythm section of Spooner Oldham and Tommy Cogbilll in particular stand out - tight, melodic, propulsive, sympathetic to the songs, just fantastic. 28 minutes, not a duff track or duff moment. Combining this choice of songs, that playing, Jerry Wexler’s production and smart arranging (and great track sequencing) with Aretha’s voice and presence is always going to be a winner and this is superb. I don’t think it can be anything but 5, as an example of late 60’s southern soul it’s hard to surpass it. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hauntingly beautiful and great to bang to
Very good. Mix of soulful blues and Motown vibes. No wonder she's the Queen of Soul Highlights -Chain of Fools -Money Won't Change You -Good to Me as I Am to You
Es un disco bonito, pero ya se me hizo un poco pesada Aretha Franklin.
Groovin' Nada que ver con nina simone
Lady Soul
dobar
Hard to go wrong with Aretha’s voice! This album doesn’t include Respect, but did have Chain of Fools, which I prefer, twice. Unfortunately of the 14 tracks, 4 are bonuses which just repeat sings that are in earlier in the album. So it’s really only 10 distinct songs.
Juuh
Nicht mein Geschmack
Loved this energy! Makes me want to listen to more Aretha in my regular rotation
NOT a big soul fan, but this is Aretha. Great album of Aretha in her prime.
Great
This is really good.. better than I expected
Great voice, amazing music. 5/5 would listen again! Recommend!
The greatest voice in soul at the vertiginous peak of her formidable power. Where is it coming from? How does she do it? One of those people whose talent does appear to be supernatural. This is an old fashioned singles and album-tracks album so I can’t quite feel a 5 coming on. That said there’s loads of great tracks on here, and if this album did have a theme it’s simply “sit back and smile as you get joyfully atomised by a force of nature”. Aretha is just rolling along like a river of soulful lava here. It’s not just the staggering range, power and flexibility of her voice either. Like Sinatra she is the perfect interpreter, the perfect conduit to get the song across to the audience, she embodies every song completely and effortlessly you just know that all the things in the song have happened to her personally (even if they haven’t). I think this is my favourite recommendation of an album I’ve not heard so far. Amen.
First time listening to a whole Aretha album. Chain of fools already starts so iconic. Incredible, clean voice. 4* only because it's not my type of album, but I have no complaints about it. Added to library. Highlights: chain of fools
For being so famous, it wasn't as soulful or memorable as I thought it would be. 3.5 stars
4.5
4.9 - this was an amazing album, fave track was good to me as I am to you. King Curtis and Eric Clapton as well. Just great.
Gotta give Aretha her respect, but most of the start of this album is very bland. However my favourite tracks were the last two. 3.1/5
Soulful. Can’t think of a single critique.
Yas
Aretha Franklin was known as the queen of soul, years before the current crop of singers were even born. And she deserved the title. Recorded in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, this is not as “pop” as what Motown was doing, and has more of that Deep South soul. This is a great album, exhibiting her talents well. Not just technical singing, but she really brings the soul and feeling into these songs. The album was hugely successful, reached #2 on the US album charts, #1 on the R&B charts. The 3x singles all were Top 10 hits (Top 2 on the R&B charts), and all the rest of the songs are equally worthy. This is one of the best female soul albums of the 60’s and one that everyone should hear. Yes, I own this album. 5/5
2,5
prime aretha is some of the best music of all time. her voice is unparalleled and the production by jerry wexler is iconic. aretha could have touched any song in this time period and turned it to gold. maybe not even gold, but platinum. unobtanium. whatever. it's fantastic stuff.
ну норм
че ожидал то получил в целом
banger
Tiukasti 3/5 On se 3,7/5
Aretha's title as Queen of Soul is well deserved. Nothing else needs to be said in praise of her or this album.
Such a great album by the Queen of Soul! Contains her hits Chain of Fools and (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, and great takes on The Rascal's Groovin' and Curtis Mayfield's People Get Ready. My favorites are Groovin', (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone, and Ain't No Way.
Felt very samey but chains stuck out to me
One of the most beautiful voices ever
When I saw her name I knew that it will be good album. You can't go wrong with Aretha. Great voice, great music. Albums like this are essence of this list.
This is quintessential 60's soul and R&B, complete with the powerful tones from the Queen of Soul herself. I've gotta be honest though, I never really dug deep into Ms. Franklin's discography before this, as I was only really familiar with her hit singles. Will definitely be checking out her lesser-known work after this. As for the album itself, every track is just a joy to listen to as you can feel the energy and spirit radiating from Franklin's voice. Evident immediately after starting off with a bang in "Chain of Fools". The same feeling applies to the slower songs from the album as well, such as with "Ain't No Way" and of course the massive "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman". It's infectious, really.
I'd never heard this album from start to finish. It's a banger!
Not my style. But classic
æi ... nenni ekki alveg
It was good, I recognized a few songs, but it just wasn’t the kind of music I like.
Ace
Aretha! The Queen Of Soul! I only knew her from songs on the radio. After listening to her on this LP it is amazing how she crafts every song she sings in to an Aretha song.
What a voice !
Incredible voice. Chain of Fools and You Make Me Feel are incredible songs. My fave from this listen is Niki Hoeky such a different fun wacky vibe.
An easy 5 - phenomenal voice, and some amazing songs. Interesting to note that, unlike most albums on here, this one doesn't have a bunch of 1 star reviews bumped up into visibility. Now that's r e s p e c t! Fave tracks - "Chain of Fools" from the ones I was familiar with, "Good To Me As I Am To You" from the others - that song slaps!
Album title says it all minus one thing: Queen of Soul.
I don't know if any more of her albums are on this list, so even though it's not on this album I gotta make hay while the sun is shining on my incredibly original take: Aretha Franklin's sure got my R-E-S-P-E-C-T
beautiful.
ICONIC. So many hits from this album. Truly one of the GOATs of soul. Will be back 4/5
Couple of hits. Very talented singer.
The Queen of Soul comes out swinging with "Chain of Fools" and never let's up. This is a solid album with little filler.
So much soul.
Songs: 5, Performances: 5, Production: 5. This one is all-killer, no-filler. I listened to it twice in a row.
Even better than I Never Loved A Man, better sounding, Aretha’s voice is more prominent in the mix, and the songs are all fantastic
Aretha Franklin Lady Soul 76.53 Chain Of Fools(82) Money Won't Change You(79) People Get Ready(82) Niki Hoeky(60) (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman(89) Since You've Been Gone (Sweet Sweet Baby)(77) Good To Me As I Am To You(69) Come Back Baby(56) Groovin'(67) Ain't No Way(89)
Very nice :)
One of the best!
Pretty solid album, nice morning vibes.
Finally! An album to love!
So many amazing things about this record. It's filled with so much emotion and just amazing vibes. Instrumentals vocals and songwriting are all on point.
I knew this album was great when immediately after finishing I restarted it. Just great songs from front to back. Favorite songs were Money Won’t Change You, People Get Ready, A Natural Woman, Come Back Baby and Groovin’.
This is a tough one to review. Her voice is undeniable. Classic and easy to listen to and understand why she's a name. Could be the day for me but I can't push myself to a five.
Her voice. The bass playing all through this one. Some hits. Some fun songs you can dance to. Her version of People Get Ready is pretty moving. Her passion.
Classic and timeless. Never listened to most of the songs on this album.
Powerful voice and also a great sounding album overall
A pretty good album from a legendary singer, what more needs to be said?
Great
So soul so jazzy
There's a reason they call her the Queen of Soul, and this album certainly showcases that. The album starts off very strong with Chain of Fools. It's a perfect statement to establish what this woman is all about - a powerful voice coming from a strong woman. She's definitely not here to suffer any fools. Some songs really exemplify Franklin's power, while others highlight the tenderness and subtlety she has with voice. I think this comes through best on (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman and Ain't No Way. This album is a tour de force that should be enjoyed top to bottom.
There's not much I can say about this classic R&B. It's just plainly enjoyable.
Classic lady doing classic shit. 1968 was a fire year for Aretha between this release and the later Aretha Now and the fabulous Aretha in Paris live album. Easiest 5 stars yet..
nice and groovy but not really my favorite style of music best known: chain of fools
Obviously she has an amazing voice, and there were more groovy and upbeat songs than slow and sad ones, which I appreciate
Amazing voice, iconic. Good album too.
Unreal good, surprising no-one
Incredible album, incredible vocals, and with a bunch of known songs too in "Natural Woman" and "Chain of Fools". 9/10.
Beautiful. Aretha is the greatest soul singer of all time. No notes.
Cool
What a powerhouse of a singer! I really appreciate when talented people also write their own songs, but to read that she gave most of the musical direction is equally as impressive to me. I may have to revisit this album to pick out some knew karaoke tracks for my repertoire.
A classic from the Queen of Soul. Every track is unmistakably Aretha. The hits are the standouts but it’s a solid listen throughout.
One of the greatest voices I've ever heard. There are better Aretha albums (Aretha Now, for one), but Lady Soul flows so well and is a great "clean your house" album. You WILL sing into a broom.
YEEEES OMG WHY AM I GETTING THESE SO LATE 5
Ég er algjör blúsbróðir og myndi vel vilja hlusta á hana skamma kúnna á dinerum hvaða dag sem er. Þetta er plata sem ég mun setja aftur á af og til, til að komast í stuð.
This is Aretha Franklin. What else do I need to say?
Well, absolutely!!
A truly wonderful album from Lady Soul.
Aretha Franklin was always part of my family’s record collection and Aretha appealed to me through every phase of my life… no less today than when I was a toddler. Such joy as my critical ear took the day off while I grooved around the living room with my cats.
Love it
Superb album!
Good to me as I am to you. Awesome.
One of the greatest voices of all time, alongside excellent blues-y background tracks, makes this one of the greatest albums ever made. Emotional and Exciting, Aretha Franklin can hit a riff that makes you audibly go "oh damn" on the bus.
This album is funky. With catchy choruses and wild multi-octave singing, this album is one of a kind. The instruments that back the vocals are also great, with funky rhythms that remind me of classic soul and R&B. While this is not usually my go to when I want to listen to music, it was still good. It was fun to listen to something I never would have listened to otherwise.
Amazing.
A goddamn feast for my ears Niki Hoeky - the guitar in this is funkayyy Groovin - very groovy Good to Me As I Am to You - soul music at its best Ain't No Way - miss Carolyn Franklin the artist you are I cant even choose a least favorite song, I liked them all. Favorite is probably Niki Hoeky
The Queen of soul, says it all.
Just a classic album
Superlative
I mean classic after classic non stop bangers n mash
There is a reason that Aretha is the Queen of Soul. This album is incredible. Franklin's voice paired with an excellent mix of instruments makes this a must listen to and one i will definitely come back to.
Incoming boomer moment - this album oozes everything about when music was just better and pure. There's a sense of musicality that is lost on a lot of albums, yet this albums feasts on it. Aretha has a voice that will not only stand the rest of time, but probably outlast humanity. The rhythm section is perfectly in the pocket and stands out as to complement the vocals and story without stepping on any toes. Perfectly executed, tight track list, and a golden voice. One of the best albums I've heard.
Certainly soulful and a great set of pipes.
It'd be the height of churlishness to criticise any of the performances on this. Not perfect, but close to it.
The production, songs, everything on this album is top. A lot funkier than I was expecting.
Peak soul music from the Queen herself. This is what the genre was always meant to be - music that truly touches you within
One of the strongest collections of songs from one of the strongest artists in history.
3/5.
Classic. Her voice is so strong and undeniable. Some pretty huge songs on here too. Rightfully dubbed the Queen of Soul. 4.5
Really good album, never listened to it. Will definitely listen to it a few times a year now.