Lady Soul

Great soul music, such a good voice

No-one who has any musical appreciation at all can doubt that this is an exceptional album and I would defend it as such. Aretha Franklin is one of the best female vocalists ever. The problem I have is that whilst I appreciate soul music and understand why millions if not billions love that music, I don’t. Yes I enjoyed the 30 minutes or so listening to this album from start to finish and there will be other occasions when I listen but I would never choose to do so if I was to sit down and think of an album I really want to listen to. Maybe I don’t have ‘soul’ but I would love to hear Aretha sing “Suppers Ready” or “21st Century Schizoid Man”. Imagine that if that’s not sacrilege? Feel as though I should give it 5 but to be true to the assessment system I have developed over the time of doing this can only go with a 2.5. But because it is regarded by others better qualified than I as the greatest album of all time, I will round it up to 3.

I could listen to Aretha sing anything and this album really showcases her talent extremely well. Somehow, I didn't like her interpretation of "People Get Ready" or "Groovin'" but everything else was a home run.

Every single one is a classic. Great stuff.

A little caterwaul-y at points but I liked it otherwise

One of the greatest singers ever! Groovy, soulful music! Love it

i was absolutely grooving listening to this

A great album, I love her voice! My favorite songs were Chain of Fools and of course (You make me feel) Like a Natural Woman.

1. 4.9 2. 4 3. 3.8 4. 4 5. 4.9 6. 3.8 7. 4.4 8. 4.4 9. 4.2 10. 4.5

Aretha uses her voice in ways basically no one ends did or can currently. There's a reason she's so highly regarded, and this is a great display of her ability. Unlike some of these, this is a classic that holds up because her voice will never be anything less than incredible.

Given the songwriting and selection (some originals but also many covers and refreshes), the production, and spectacular musicians and backup vocalists, this album would probably be considered a great album even *without* Aretha. But man, does she take this album from great to legendary. You haven’t heard “Chain of Fools” or “People Get Ready” until you’ve heard it come from Lady Soul herself. But each and every track is gem - I particularly love "Ain't No Way" ... a perfect end to a perfect album. Incredible.

Aretha is great and I liked this album more than I never loved a man more than I love you but it didn’t blow me away

Vgood and nice

Buena música!

Good god, I could listen to this every day. I went to see what the 1 star reviews could possibly be saying but couldn't find any.

Good stuff. Perfectly serviceable musically; lyrics range from "perfectly okay" to "hey, that's pretty good"; but goddamn can that woman sing.

If that's what it feels like to be a natural woman, I am about to update my pronouns. Shit gives me chillbumps, although I have to say its equal parts Aretha Franklin and The Muscle Shoals Sound that cause them.

As good as 20th century music ever got.

aretha e ju riktigt bra

i wish i could have hugged this woman

Excellence!

Chain of Fouls, You Make Me Feel Like - what can I say, the Queen of Soul, so flawless and magical

The absolute Queen. Yes, Chain of Fools, but People Get Ready but Good to Me and the incomparable Natural Woman. Just amazing.

Without doubt a great record. I never listened to it but I will definitely come back for it. This is so great!

I couldn't find myself wanting to finish the album in one sitting, for some reason. Maybe it's season of life. However, each song is incredible and written with audible conviction. I'd never complain if I heard one of these songs in my daily life.

the perfect Saturday album

Probably her best album, it's shorter than previous album that had some big highlights but lulls after the A-Side, but this one keeps it shorter and is consistently great. A

Respect!

The Queen of Soul. How could it rate anything less than 5 *****?

Liked it more than expected. Groovy, just can't help but dig it.

The Queen.

Not my go-to genre, but a few good songs on this album

Obviously amazing. But think it would be disingenuous to give a 5 as I’m unlikely to listen again. Simpsons reference: Yes

Very good.

Not my era or genre of music and this album has done nothing to change that. This album did nothing for me. It's probably not half bad if you are into it. On a positive note its quite a short album

Aretha Franklins great and I enjoy all the songs but as an album it felt something was missing. Would just listen to individual songs as opposed to the whole album

"The Queen of Soul", nuff said! Awesome album by one of the greatest female rhythm and blues vocalists ever!

Iconic. I enjoyed the album more after watching the documentary about her as well as the biopic.

Great album

Some really great songs here.

I kind of wish I was around during this time. I feel like this is such feel-good music. This brought so many people together and gave so many people hope and made them see not only women but BIPOC in the spotlight. This is just music that you can dance to and feel good. It also reminds me of my childhood and even though I didn’t love having to watch Soul Train or I wanted to listen to this music, I can appreciate her voice and her messages and what it did during this time. She is an icon.

💖 come back baby 🗣️ 8️⃣

It's Aretha. And some of her absolute best.

Great! Short listen but quality throughout.

Absolutely iconic and classic. Aretha is a legend.

It was fine. +1 star for horns

Pretty good for background listening, would skip more times than not.

Album 295 of 1001 Aretha Franklin - Lady Soul Rating : 5 / 5 Favorite Track : Chain of Fools / People Get Ready / Niki Hoeky, etc, etc. Aretha singing some awesome tunes. What a great album. I tried to reason rating it lower, but couldn't. One of the best ever in it's category.

Perfect.

Great album!

They call her the Queen of Soul for a reason. Listened to it twice!

A great time

my before hand thoughts- no i am absolutely not listening to this. i'm about to pull up the album on my computer. anddd now it's playing. i don't really know what to say about aretha franklin- like it's fucking aretha franklin i can't talk shit on her but this is not my type of music... this is grandma black church radio music. so i do not think i will make it past the first three tracks. of course i appreciate soul music but i would never listen to it on my own. i think it's very satisfying to listen to. but after this first track, i think i might have to turn it off. i can't listen to too much of this at once not something i would ever really listen to... beautiful voice though! thank you 🎀

favorite tracks: Chain of Fools, Niki Hoeky Awesome album everything was enjoyable

Aretha cries power

Amazing voice

7.5/10 - 4/5 Standout song: Come Back Baby. It has amazing energy, so fun. The Queen of Soul. Some recognizable classics on the album. Varied energy, some slow, 1 real bop (Come Back Baby).

Aretha Franklin’s voice has always amazed me, but Lady Soul really drives home just how untouchable she was at this point in her career. From the very first note, the album feels confident, powerful and completely in control. There is that unmistakable Northern Soul energy running through it, but it is balanced with real emotional depth. She can sound defiant and gritty one moment, then tender and vulnerable the next. The band grooves effortlessly behind her, but it is always her voice that commands your attention. Every phrase feels lived in, every note deliberate. What stands out most is how timeless it sounds. These are not just great soul songs, they are performances that still feel alive decades later. There is not a weak moment here. It flows beautifully from start to finish and never dips in quality. Favourite song: Chain of Fools. A gritty, infectious groove that captures Aretha’s raw power and charisma perfectly. Least favourite song: None. Every track earns its place. Album artwork: Stylish and era defining. It matches the confidence and class of the music inside.

Not sure what everyone else is hearing here. It's fairly rudimentary and short. I found myself relieved when the 30 minute run time was over. I wouldn't count the singles Chain of Fools or Natural Woman as songs I ever get excited to hear either. A bit of a dud album really.

Its hard not to like aretha

Just delightful.

Whatever

I’m listening to this one early, so no track by track review. However, will update with top 3 and overall conclusion after finishing Update: This ~30 minute, 10 track album was tight from start to finish. It didnt feel as if there was any filler which you’d find in many albums today. The overall feeling elicited from this work is just a groovy one, perfect for the time it was released. Songs like People Get Ready, Come Back Baby, Ain’t No Way and Since You’ve Been Gone really shine on the first listen. The instruments powerfully enhance the already beautiful vocals and provide a stunning atmosphere of an album. Top 3: People Get Ready, Ain’t No Way, Chain of Fools Overall Rating: 8.5/10, 4.5/5

4.5 rounded up to 5. I don't know, this one is hard. It's great but would it make its way into my everyday rotation? Probably not. Can't fault it

Just classic really.

Perfect grand lady to listen to on MLK Day is the USA. Love Ronald Isley and Aretha I had not heard before.

I guess “Natural Woman” is the most well-known song here. I only know “Chain of fools” because of the kid with the amazing voice who sings it in Scool of Rock. And “People Get Ready” from a Rod Stewart / Jeff Beck cover version. Anyway, I loved this album! It seemed like a great weekend morning funky chill soul album to listen to with a cup of coffee. I only had time for one listen but I look forward to returning to it.

Beautiful.

Like what it says on the tin

Loved finding new and old songs I love.

Plenty of hits… surprised how many of the songs I knew

This album was absolutely brilliant. The voice of Aretha Franklin is just beautiful. Lady Soul she certainly was and always will be. ❤️

Yup

Good stuff

You can’t start an album with Chain of Fools and not have it be 5/5. The absolute Queen.

Groovy like the vibes. This is not my usual style of music I would listen very jazzy, soulful and funky. Already knew songs chain of fools and (you make me feel like) a natural woman. They are great

Well this was a treat. I don’t think I really appreciated Aretha enough, but this was incredible. Perfect listening after a challenging few days. The music, her voice, the lyrics, all coming together to create a wonderful aural experience. Sent me down an Aretha avenue of sound.

Love it

Really good. All bangers, good variety. Aint no way ! The triumph, the soul, the power, the emotion.

Masterpiece

Incredible vocals from an legendary artist. Influential and outstanding

Very good, but the "hits" sound stale due to being in commercials

Step below I Never Loved a Man... but still a must-listen.

Just incredible. Her voice is perfect, the instrumentals are on point, and there isn't a single low point on this album. One of the greatest voices ever.

Great album - forgot what a singular craftsman she was. Silky smooth and brilliant voice. Great album. Need to get it on vinyl.

Hell yeah

Obviously a classic, iconic songs. Maybe didn't gel with me, but glad to have listened to it

5/10

So it turns out Eric Clapton (very bad) has contributed to something good (this album) after all. Good vibes all over, and powerful performances. Unlike so many of the other albums on the list, it respects my patience. 4.2

I went into this thinking it’s a 2. Maybe a 3. But Aretha is in fact the Queen of Soul. Chain of Fools and Natural Woman are obviously truly incredible songs. But everything in between is also fantastic. Her voice is second to none, the energy is more than expected. 8.4/10

Great from start to finish. Favorite song: Chain of fools.

Aretha lavede simpelthen nogle KÆMPE bangers på det her tidspunkt, vildt at denne og Aretha Now blev udgivet samme år

Vanvittig stemme og fed lyd!

Virkelig god plade, med mange gode sange!

Almost a ez 5. Chain of Fools is amazing. Great vocals and great groove. Ez 4.5

boring

Excellent vocals

great

Powerful. The tune "You Make Me Feel" still sounds like a commercial but I could hear the soul coming through the rest of the album.

Great album for doing chores around the house!

Listened Before? N What can I say about her that hasn't been said before? I've never listened to this beginning to end but it was really good and has a lot more peppy songs than I thought. I enjoyed it. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Chain of Fools

Aretha Franklin has one of the greatest voices to ever record popular music. Her skill as a soul/gospel/R&B singer is unmatched. Her incredible voice changed popular music. Aretha showed that world that gospel and soul music were potent elements to add to R&B and rock. Lady Soul includes some of Aretha's most famous tracks, and shows her impressive range. The album includes 60s rock classics like "Chain of Fools," and soulful ballads like "A Natural Woman."

Very good. Duffy and the estate of Amy Winehouse owes Aretha a lot of royalties. Loved the last track Ain't No Way and People Get Ready.

It's prime Aretha! This is one of the rare cases where I don't necessarily think the album as a whole is "perfect", but there are so many elements of it that are beyond "perfect" that it more than makes up for whatever slight missteps that might be found. The songwriting is wonderful and important. The instrumentation is on point and suits every song. The vocals are some of the best ever recorded. "Chain of Fools" slaps you in the face with soul, and "Ain't No Way" will haunt you to tears with it's beauty to end it. In between is some of the best soul music ever recorded that build it's case upon repeated listens. Perfection doesn't need to be perfect. 1960's Aretha is perfection!

Love Aretha

The Queen of soul for a reason, beautiful voice.

Hun synger jo merega godt og virkelig meget sjæl i stemmen, men det er bare stadig for 60’er kedeligt. Det lå til tiden men mangler energi for mig

First time I've taken time to listen to Aretha. I was not expecting to enjoy this, but here I am loving this album. 4/5

The band sounds great, and the main talent is truly displayed. However, Lady Soul seems to have set the precedent for over-emotive zero-to-hundred vocal performance that characterize a lot of more contemporary pop-star singers. It appeals to the "people", but I guess I'm not a person. Gentle reader of reviews, please forgive my flak towards the so-called Queen of Soul—I'm just not into it, and would sure prefer the more restrained substance of a Roberta Flack.

Didn’t expect to love it as much as I did

Awesome listen, feels like it should be on when you are cooking something good and got friends over.

Incredible artist.

How could you give this voice any less than 5 stars?

1ro de enero, 1er disco del año y comienzo del viaje. El Album de Aretha está cargado de condimentos y emociones, y me hace dar cuenta de lo inmenso que puede ser el género Soul.

Genial

Everybody wants to party with Aretha!

que dire un giga classique légendaire

c'etait chouette

Made me smile throughout. Felt the pain, angry, and happiness

very good

what more can be said shes a legend and this album and its ubiquity is well deserved

Typical soul voice for her time.

There is a reason she is the queen of soul. Worth diving into the deep tracks for some real bangers.

Legit. Quick and heavy

A powerful classic

Aretha giving it what for and killing it.

Fantastic. One of my all time favorite voices and several of her best songs. 5 stars.

She can electrify you along the bluesy grooves. She can also blow you away with those slow, winding ballads. Truly among the greatest voices in music.

Can't go wrong with Aretha

Stark 3 Blev glad av det här albumet

This album is wonderful Aretha Franklin can really sing

Doesn't get better. 5 stars always.

Perfection. Effortless. Just so so good. I actually think her slower songs are her best and loved discovering songs I've never heard. "Ain't No Way" and "Good to Me" are hidden gems, at least to me. I guess it's hard to say that when they have millions of Spotify streams.

Aretha is obviously a classic, and even as someone who doesn't care for R&B, I can't deny her genuine, authentic talent, and the songs are just all so solid. I personally prefer Carole King's version of (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman. However, Franklin's version is also great. I'm not sure I'll go back to listen to this album again anytime soon, but it is deserving of all the praise.

Pop R&B at it's best due to the incredible soulful Aretha Franklin. From the kick-off "Chain of Fools" through the ending emotional "Ain't No Way", this half-century old album still holds up sooo well. The backing music is occasionally big-bandy, occasionally jazzy, and balances so well with the singing as it never takes over but is always catchy. Great cover versions of classic soul like "People Get Ready".

Loved it! Aretha is the Queen of Soul!

Not necessarily my cup of tea, but I respect the vocal chops a lot, and I appreciate the succinct nature of the album. Nothing overstayed its welcome. Fav tracks: Chain of Fools, Money Won't Change You

Zwar nicht meine Musik aber für 3,5 reicht es.

What a voice! Ah-mazing!

3.7/5 A couple of stellar hits and some medium stuff. Best track: (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman

The Queen of Soul never dissapoints.

TIGHT album by a legend. No notes, great stuff!

Well, after 45 albums, I have finally hit my first repeat artist that being Aretha Franklin with Lady Soul. And i believe it is a step above I Have Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You. The songs had more energy and were a bit more fun to listen to. Aretha's singing has also shown improvement from this album. Yeah, I think this album is pretty good. Best Song: Come Back Baby Worst Song: Chain of Fools

She’s got a reputation for a reason.

Aretha... the queen of soul... enuf said.

Good

She is so, so good. Infinitely listenable.

Dusty fan myself, but this is class. Her voice is obviously incredible, the songs are nicely put together. Doesn't quite do enough to make a 5, but it's a safe 4.

Ikke så ille når alt kom til alt. 3 til 4. Var et par kjente sanger: Chain of Fools, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman og Since you've been gone

some absolutely gnarly soul bangers from one of the best to ever do it. Though the b-sides on this one are noticeably weaker... 4/5

perfect in every way. what an amazing talent. even songs that are not originals. she makes her very own five stars

She has a great voice and the music is pretty good. I don't have a lot to say, but my experience with this album was a very pleasant one. My favourite song was Groovin'.

Wer kann sie nicht mögen

Some set of pipes

Not my thing but it's very hard to ignore pure class

2+ Stars (6/15)

I like Aretha

Loved this

Still prior to cohesive 'album' era but undeniably banger after banger.

Amazing album from the Queen of Soul. Couple of the classics on here such as "A Natural Woman" and "Chain of Fools", the latter of which is a personal favourite. But it's the uptempo, Northern Soul, almost Gospel banger "Come Back Baby" which is the standout track for me, followed by the laid-back Jazz of "Ain't No Way" which showcases Aretha's unbelievable vocal talents and cements her position, not just as the "Queen" of soul, but the goddamn ruler of all she surveyed.

Aretha, always familiar even if you don't know the lyrics.

What a voice. The band/ backing vocals add to every song. Even the songs I've never heard are great. The tone on every instrument is incredible.

Decent for what I listened to

It's a gem. Aretha's vocal prowess is on full display – that powerful, soul-stirring voice of hers gives the whole album this incredible depth. The arrangements are tight, and the mix of R&B, gospel, and jazz is just perfection. Tracks like "Chain of Fools" and "Ain't No Way" hit you right in the feels. The way she brings out the emotion in every lyric is a masterclass in soul singing. "Good to Me as I am to You" is under appreciated. The way she lays down those lyrics with such raw emotion is captivating. The arrangement is on point, and the bluesy vibe adds this extra layer of depth to the whole song. "Lady Soul" is a timeless classic.

Pretty cool

Iconic voice, some great songs on here, way ahead of its time

Loev Aretha, wát een stem heeft ze ook! Dit is wel het eerste album dat ik van haar luister, ik zet meestal toch gewoon een enkel nummer aan ofzoiets. Ik zou ook eerder een best/greatest hits ofzoiets op vinyl kopen dan een album omdat je dan alle topnummers in 1 keer hebt. Hier staat You make me feel op wat echt een knaller van een plaat is. Ook de andere nummers op het album zijn ontzettend fijn om op weg te dromen. FAVO: A Natural Woman, Since you've been gone, Groovin'

A really good soul album. Aretha could sing my grocerie list and i'd still give her 5 Stars

What a voice. Very accessible. Height of her powers.

Was Groovin’ listening to this one. People Get Ready to listen to this one.

This was actually phenomenal. So good

Rating: 9.5-10/10 Absolutely incredibly soul album. Aretha Franklin's vocals are unbelievable, she has technical ability of hitting all of the notes while having so much charisma, she's called the Queen of Soul for a reason. Instrumentally this is absolutely fantastic as well, very soulful with some blues and funk elements. Very tight songwriting on this album, no song overstays its welcome. Definitely need to give this many more listens, a fantastic introduction to soul. Favorite songs: Chain of Fools, Money Won't Change You, People Get Ready, Nicki Hoeky, Come Back Baby, Groovin'. Least favorite song: Good to Me as I Am to You.

Ekki fyrir mig

Not really my cup of tea but hugely influential of course

Apart from the religion really like it

LOVE Aretha Franklin the absolute Queen🌟🌟🌟

live laugh love aretha franklin ♥️

The Queen lets it fly!!

A classic.

Old school love music

Queen!

Really good vibes. Funk, soul and gospel. Aretha has an amazing voice and pacing.

3/5

Cool & School

So this is pretty awesome Top to bottom great songs and fabulous vocals (obviously)

Queen of soul. Ce serait pas mon <<go to>>, mais je comprends pourquoi c'est une légende. Quelle voix pour les années 60.

Tolle Stimme

I’m cool on it.

Good vibes only

The queen of soul herself. Such great singing, lyrics, music, 5/5!

i mean yeah come on. just the voice alone is worth it.

Natural Woman made me cry today. As cliche as it may be, it is exactly how I feel about my husband. This album is amazing and Chain of Fools is a banger.

cool

NOICE

Classic Aretha, nothing much to fault here but not necessarily her most engaging all the way through

If you like soul, then I completely get why Arethra is the absolute gold standard, or GOAT in the parlance of today's youth. I can take or leave soul, but her voice alone makes this a pretty beguiling listen. In short: glad I listened and experienced the album, unlikely to be playing it back again

What a voice - famously. I think it's a product of the era, but always a bit disappointed when a good song ends with a fade-out. An actual ending would be so much better to Chain of Fools for example. Pretty good overall, but expected more tbh.

Hell yeah, now we're cookin. First time listening to this full album. I'm absolutely blown away by the bass playing of Tommy Cogbill. On my first listen I pretty much spent the entire 30 minutes reading more about him. Definitely an unsung hero of soul bass history, right up there with Duck and Jamerson. Had so much fun listening to this one. 5 - All-time classic

Not many were better than Aretha when it came to singing. This album is pretty much all hits thanks to her amazing singing style. All in all she really could sing about anything and make it great. For my whole life I thought chain of fools was started by her singing change multiple times. The more you know. This is great and will always be great. 8.0/10

We talkin' Aretha. We talkin' the mf queen of soul. RIP

Aika tuommoista perus soul musiikkia. Ei oikein mun juttu niin ei osaa sanoa juuta eikä jaata, mutta ei se paskaa ole

Great grooves, short and sweet album. Fantastic vocals as would be expected

One of the greatest of all time

delightful album to drive through northern michigan at sunset to. they should make more music like this.

Her voice gave me chills and I loved the lyrics. The songs are solid. The album is solid.

4.5

A classic of course. I didn't find the album tracks hit as hard as the hits.

REALLY GOOD I LIKED IT. Not my usual genre but I quite enjoyed this. I was locked in while listening too. Might even add it to the rotation! My favorite might have been the closer "Ain't No Way" all though that could be recency bias.

Obviously

chain chain chaaiiinnn chain of fools money won't change you people get ready niki hoeky groovin' ain't no way

A pesar de ser el doceavo disco de la carrera de Aretha Franklin, este clásico del soul suena tan fresco como un debut y se mantiene increíblemente bien a pesar del paso del tiempo. El LP ha sido seleccionado por diferentes medios como uno de los mejores discos de la historia, y creo que es una decisión correcta. Este disco es uno de los pináculos del género del Soul y R&B.

I’m struggling with Aretha’s album. I was prepared to give it a 5 without needing to listen, but the production really bothered me. They could have done a much better job of showcasing her wonderful voice and not just her vocal extremes. And like a lot of stuff from that era, it’s way overproduced. You don’t need strings or horns to fill every empty space! Let her voice shine. She is the queen, after all.

9/10 classic album by an all time great artist

8/10

Not my jam

Amazing

all around very enjoyable

What Beyonce strives to be.

Sympa, mais un peu vieillot par moment (chansons courtes, fondus exponentiels). Dommage !

Enjoyable. Nice voice.

Very soulful, we love it

"Queen of Soul" is not a title that came from nowhere. It is reserved for the greatest.

Beautiful, unexpected, and so smooth!

This is great 4

It's good but it's no I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You

Lots of hits here. Very good

Kinda all sounds the same, even the lyrics are repetitive. There is even a copy of the chains of fools song later in the album, like what the hell

Album title is spot on. Soulful and relaxing.

About what I expected, but good.

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

She truley is THE lady soul, enjoyed this album and she’s got a hell of voice Highlight is You make me feel like a natural women ✨

She got some pipes! I like this one, was ready any moment for someone to jump out and start whaling an electric guitar solo but never happened! Good one tho

prety gud

I’m blown away this is so good

Pog

She sings the hell outta this album. Generational vocal talent. Adele, Karen Carpenter, Aretha Franklin. Can't think of many other singers who stick the landing on EVERY single note like this. Unless that new Ringo Starr album HITS XD

Oh my

I mean, she just IS soul. If you have a problem with this excellently paced and pitched album, I think you have a problem with the genre.

Amazing

Very good

setting aside the shade aimed at the rap queen nicki minaj and offering a respectful assessment, i find her album to exhibit a commendable sonic quality; it provides an enjoyable auditory experience, thanks to her vocal performances and captivating rhythmic elements

This album surprised me. I have never been a fan of Motown necessarily. I generally stray away from it. I have always liked "Chain of Fools" and "Natural Woman." Both classics and the rest of this album was very nice as well! I'm glad to finally enjoy the majority of an album. I would like to give 3.5 if possible, but will lean towards 4.

Tasty

Den ersten Song kenne ich sogar, jedenfalls teilweise. Ganz schön eigentlich. Zwei Songs recht schnell, der dritte dann ziemlich balladig. Gefällt mir insgesamt gut, aber die langsamen Sachen sind nicht so richtig meins.

I have just realised you could legitimately pronounce Aretha as "Ar-thur". Now I can't get the idea out of my head that in a parallel universe there is Arthur Franklin - a Yorkshire coal miner that hit the big time belting out deep Northern Folk bangers about how is Missus has run off wi’ t'butcher. Not only has he lost his love, but also can't get a decent sausage roll without heading to the next town. 17 miles away. 'Sweet sweet pastry (Why did it have to be that bastud?)' topped the UK alternate universe charts for 3 weeks in 1967. This album? 5 stars. Obviously. It’s Aretha.

Like yeah, its Aretha so ofcourse its good... But this record has very clear highlights (which are amazing) which makes it so that the deeper cuts dont feel that special anymore. Still essential ofcourse, but as a full album listen, i dont think i will return to it much, ill just listen to my favorite songs from it instead.

Yeh she's a great singer but this isn't my kind of music, I can see the appeal though.

Probably my favorite Aretha album

YOU MAKE ME FEEL… YOU MAKE ME FEEL…

First Aretha Franklin album I’ve listened to. I can see why they call her the Queen. No skips on this

aretha's voice and style bring such a caracteristic and unique atmosphere to the songs, an atmosphere that can either be of pure dance or sentimental. the mix of beautiful ballads and classic pop tunes on this album makes it one of her best works. i love her version of natural woman, although different then what would become the song on Carole King's voice some years later, it gives it a new and different voice, in a way that would have aged badly in anyones else voice, but its fucking Aretha Franklin, so it sounds incredible. Such an emotional and soulful album, as claims the title. Aretha do be bitchin' here

Oh man this goes off. What a voice. Power and tenderness all at once.

It's Aretha's masterpiece.

Pretty good stuff.

its ok

Legendary powerhouse singer. Amazing stuff

Loved it

- fantastische Songabfolge: ständig wechselnde Rhythmen, Melodien und Tempi - wunderschönes Instrumentearrangement in Natural Woman - schönes Abschlusslied - sehr kurzweiliges Album

This album is not my thing, but it sure as hell is essential listening.

finally some good fucking food... her voice is just so magical. the songs hit so deep. black excellence. 10/10 would listen again.

WOW - Fantastic early Pre RESPECT Aretha. A treasure Thanks for bringing it to our attention

Not my chosen genre, but I can appreciate the talent on show here, exceptional voice. Sunday morning/easy listening music.

Pretty nice easy to listen to

There is only so much Motown I can take and this is about just enough. There are 3 standards on this album but thankfully not the overplayed Respect. Whilst the blues musicianship on “Good to me as I am to you.” Is wonderful, Franklin’s voice is too pure for the genre. And she doesn’t groove, for me, on “Groovin’l But solid Motown from an era where albums contained too much filler.

Absolutely amazing. So many classics and what a great voice. Even the gospel song had me singing along

Lots of upbeat songs, great horns and vocals

Great album, some big hits but all the songs are solid.

excellent, the passion i deserve to hear!!!

Amazing album by one of the greatest singers ever.

- an album that has aged GRACIOUSLY - still amazing

Couldn’t get into it

Outstanding album! Upbeat, rich and Aretha is bringing her A Game.

One of the top queens of soul/R&B. Defined an era. Great sound. Powerhouse, but a little yell-y.

The voice here is amazing, and (obvious take alert) the songs are generally amazing. I did find a few of the selections here a little too syrupy for my taste, but any album with Chain Of Fools and People Get Ready can't be bad.

Raw as fuck. If this was a 2023 release, then the production would drown out the voice. Not so in 1968. The vocals lead, with everything else added as backing only. It's great to hear the classic soul starting to stray in new directions. Jazz, rock, even a little country soul. Sexy as well.

Not much really needs to be said, because you can't go wrong with Aretha. Standouts are Natural Woman and Groovin'.

Det må være den største mængde af Aretha Franklin sangeren har lyttet til, men musikken var i den stil jeg forventede ud fra det jeg havde hørt tidligere. Super fint album.

Great album, amazing artist.

Pretty lame. Almost liked groovin' but it's also not greatly interesting. -S It was ok, but nothing catched my attention -a

Timeless soul album, one of AF's best albums.

Five stars awarded without any hesitation whatsoever.

Very enjoyable album by an iconic singer.

I enjoy it as a casual listen! Dont know how often ill come back to it, but she is incredibly talented.

Solid music for the soul.

All around decent album, not exactly my genre but there are plenty of recognizable tunes and that iconic voice is undeniably fantastic.

music where the main selling point is that it sounds amazing is never something that really appeals to me, but holy hell i've gotta admit aretha franklin knows how to do it. this sounds so *good*! "ain't no way" is what convinced me to give it a 4 instead of a 3, but if amazing sounding soul is what you like then look no further

Pleasantly Suprised Not so much a sing-along album as a vibe album If I ever get a record player I would want to buy this album This album made me grove. I was feeling myself listening to it. Favorite Song: (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone

Classic.

great

cool guitar, beautiful voice, not my style tho

Not my thing but was okay.

What a classic. Aretha had such a powerful voice. I wish I could have heard these live (or recorded on modern equipment). So many great tracks on this album and the bass playing supports so well.

One of the best voices in history. An amazing album showcasing an amazing talent. She is the Queen. ‘Nuff said.

Brilliant album. Every single song is a masterpiece; very rare for me. Great recommendation!

Not my type of music, but cannot dislike this goddess of soul

Great album, great voice, awesome soul!

Think is great!

Amazing voice and ambiance

Amazing piece of soul

I liked this now!