Reviews (page 5 of 13)
I'd never heard this album from start to finish. It's a banger!
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.
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!
beautiful.
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
One of the best!
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’.
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.
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.
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..
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
YEEEES OMG WHY AM I GETTING THESE SO LATE 5
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.
Amazing.
The Queen of soul, says it all.
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.
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.
Every single one is a classic. Great stuff.
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.
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.
Vgood and nice
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.
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.
i wish i could have hugged this woman
Excellence!
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!
the perfect Saturday album
The Queen of Soul. How could it rate anything less than 5 *****?
"The Queen of Soul", nuff said! Awesome album by one of the greatest female rhythm and blues vocalists ever!
It's Aretha. And some of her absolute best.
Absolutely iconic and classic. Aretha is a legend.
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!
Amazing voice
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
Perfect grand lady to listen to on MLK Day is the USA. Love Ronald Isley and Aretha I had not heard before.
Loved finding new and old songs I love.
This album was absolutely brilliant. The voice of Aretha Franklin is just beautiful. Lady Soul she certainly was and always will be. ❤️
You can’t start an album with Chain of Fools and not have it be 5/5. The absolute Queen.
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.
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
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
Great from start to finish. Favorite song: Chain of fools.
great
Great album for doing chores around the house!
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."
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!
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
what more can be said shes a legend and this album and its ubiquity is well deserved
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.
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.
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!
TIGHT album by a legend. No notes, great stuff!
She’s got a reputation for a reason.
Good
She is so, so good. Infinitely listenable.
perfect in every way. what an amazing talent. even songs that are not originals. she makes her very own five stars
Wer kann sie nicht mögen
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.
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.
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.
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.
LOVE Aretha Franklin the absolute Queen🌟🌟🌟
live laugh love aretha franklin ♥️
The Queen lets it fly!!
Good vibes only
The queen of soul herself. Such great singing, lyrics, music, 5/5!
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
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
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.
Obviously
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.
9/10 classic album by an all time great artist
Amazing
all around very enjoyable
What Beyonce strives to be.
Beautiful, unexpected, and so smooth!
Album title is spot on. Soulful and relaxing.
I’m blown away this is so good
Amazing
Tasty
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.
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.
Loved it
finally some good fucking food... her voice is just so magical. the songs hit so deep. black excellence. 10/10 would listen again.
Absolutely amazing. So many classics and what a great voice. Even the gospel song had me singing along
Great album, some big hits but all the songs are solid.
- an album that has aged GRACIOUSLY - still amazing
Timeless soul album, one of AF's best albums.
Five stars awarded without any hesitation whatsoever.
great
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!
Think is great!
Just awesome singing, production, the supporting music is so beautifully played. Love listening to the guitar and bass along with Aretha.
If you already exist on a higher plane than every other human when you’re alive, what happens when you die? Aretha probably knows. Every song on this collection is jaw dropping. People should not have this ability, like it feels almost unnatural that her talent existed in nature. A voice like Franklin’s comes around once in a lifetime if you’re lucky. It’s sad to think we probably won’t get another like hers soon, maybe ever.
Cool album a must to buy
Every time I listen to Aretha Franklin I am reminded of this quote from Billy Preston: "I don’t care what they say about Aretha. She can be hiding out in her house in Detroit for years. She can go decades without taking a plane or flying off to Europe. She can cancel half her gigs and infuriate every producer and promoter in the country. She can sing all kinds of jive-ass songs that are beneath her. She can go into her diva act and turn off the world. But on any given night, when that lady sits down at the piano and gets her body and soul all over some righteous song, she’ll scare the shit out of you. And you’ll know—you’ll swear—that she’s still the best fuckin’ singer this fucked-up country has ever produced."
Classic
Loved the band, loved Aretha Franklin. Great album.
This is one of those albums that I don't necessarily come back to often besides a couple of tracks but when I do listen to it in full I am always taken aback by the incredible consistency of this album. Not a bad song on it and as much as the hits are great, the deep cuts are just as good and some are better. "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" is obviously the transcendent song on this album and it deserves all the credit it gets as it is an absolutely amazing song I listen to all the time. "Chain Of Fools" is a very strong gospel inspired song that opens this album perfectly with the perfect amount of energy. "People Get Ready" is a beautifully written track that unsurprisingly was originally written by Curtis Mayfield. That honestly is what stands out to me the most about this album is the insane amount of incredible artists that had their hands on this album. Obviously you start with Aretha one of the greatest vocalists of all time, Cissy Houston and the Sweet Inspirations on backup vocals, Eric Clapton & Bobby Womack play guitar on tracks who each themselves are incredible artists with their own incredible solo work and then you have songs written by/for Carole King, James Brown, Curtis Mayfield, the Young Rascals and Don Covay. It would literally be impossible to make an album that involves all these great artists and it not be good. All that being said I think my favorite tracks on the album are the aforementioned "People Get Ready", "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman", "Niki Hoeky", "Ain't No Way" and "Good to Me as I Am to You". A clear 10/10 album that is the perfect length to just throw on whenever you have a half hour of work or just need a short album to listen to.
Hearing “chain of fools” as an opener to an album is such a confident, quiet first few seconds of an album, with straight fire for the rest of the song. Goddamn. I already know I’m going to listen to this again before getting to track two. 🤯 Had no idea she had a “People Get Ready” cover. Floored.
Incredible album from start to finish. A true classic.
Just amazing
Pretty outstanding. It's hard to pick out a favorite song from this as all of them are truly great. Parts of 'Chain of Fools' and '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman' had been buried into my subconscious.
I mean... giving the Queen of Soul a low score? Not going to happen. Particularly with the song line-up on this album: "Chain of Fools," "Natural Woman." Standards. Covers of the time: "People Get Ready," "Groovin'". It's funny because we had just heard the original take in the latter recently. I'd ding "Ain't No Way" slightly, the background "whoa" effect has not aged well. But that's a quibble. I really wish there was a better personnel listing for the album, track by track. I only know that Eric Clapton played guitar on "Good To Me As I Am To You" because he put it on an anthology. The other players on the other songs, I have no idea who did what on what. I was saying about how the strings in the previous album I listened to by Tim Buckley really made the song sound like it was of that era. "Natural Woman"... it does too, but in a proper way. Like a document as important as the Constitution, it's of its era. I'm glad I got to listen to the album, it was definitely a great one by her. Bordering on classic, so I am definitely going to give it that 5-stars now.
Now on this album, the Queen of Soul is on fire. Her earlier album (with Respect on it) felt dated or like it was missing something from time to time. But not this one. Lady Soul yanks your soul right out of your body. My spine tingled (I am not kidding) on 4 out of the first 5 songs. Chain of Fools and Money Won't Change You are absolutely electric (the latter just as electric as its maker James Brown), and it's Aretha's vocals that do it. And then her voice soars on some of the slower ballads like People Get Ready (a great remake) and A Natural Woman. If you don't know why this woman is so revered (I admit I didn't totally understand), listen to this album and now you know. Damn, what an absolute treasure she was.
first album ive heard from aretha franklin. such an amazing singer. eric clapton is also playing guitar here. really cool
Fantástico.
Five stars is too low of a max when dealing with the greatest vocalist these united states have ever produced. I tried to consider stand out moments, but the whole thing is amazing. All hail the queen. twenty-five million stars given.
An iconic album, and while I wouldn't normally reach for it I had a hard time critiquing it. I was transported to its release and it seemed like such a game changer. She was a powerhouse from the first line of the first song.
Such a great album! Aretha is a classic star with a beautiful voice.
Classics only! Aretha Franklin is an icon. One of the greatest singers of all time. The album title says it all. Many of these songs are remakes or have been remade by so many others, but nobody does it better than Aretha. Her version of A Natural Woman is the only one any of us ever needed. She takes us to church on People Get Ready. Groovin’ is barely recognizable as a total remix – the best way to redo such a popular song. Make it your own. My mom sings Since You’ve Been Gone just about everyday. It’s just a song that lives in her head rent-free. Ain’t No Way lives in mine. I’ve been mesmerized by that song since I was a child. I didn’t understand the draw then, but now, as an adult who’s been through some life and had some loves, I now know that operatic wail in the background vocal is what raw emotion sounds like. So, I'll repeat: Aretha Franklin is an icon. One of the greatest singers of all time. The album title says it all.
A no-brainer. That voice gives me goosebumps. I feel every word she's singing.
Nothing matches her voice
What a powerhouse she was. Incredible album.
From the word "go", Aretha Franklin settles down firmly into her given moniker of "Queen of Soul" with this taut yet no less impactful array of songs that due diligence to her immense talent and emerging status in not just her genre but in all of music. What this Lady does in just short of thirty minutes on this album will (and probably has) put most of her contemporaries and those she's influenced to shame.
A classic.
This is a great collection of the most well-known songs of Aretha Franklin. I like the mixing - it doesn't make any element of the music, whether voices nor instruments, overtly dominant.
This was a great album. The vocals are nothing less than incredible, and the other parts pair perfectly.
In a completely expected turn of events, Lady Soul by Aretha Franklin kicks major ass.
I mean, it's Aretha Franklin, some of her greatest hits, and an overall solid album to boot. Her voice is incredible and I'm looking forward to more of her on this list!
An objectively perfect album from start to finish. I'm so happy I got this album on my birthday. There are few, if many vocalists better than Aretha.
Lightning in a bottle
Uretha Frankin 👍
7/10, 70%
day 34 - the first album I’m seeing with an avg rating over 4, and deservedly so. I don’t know what I can say that hasn’t been said before, Aretha is simply incredible. I was smiling and grooving from that first “chain chain chaaaainnn” all the way through. The production, arrangement, overall flow of the album are all stellar and highlight her voice so perfectly. I don’t think I can find a flaw in this album. Natural Woman is my favorite, but of the tracks new to me I really loved Good to Me as I Am to You and Groovin’. easy 5/5!
From the opening line, a classic I've not appreciated. Very, very good.
5-stars, would recommend
WOW! This is an amazing album. It has been a long time since I've heard something off this list that has blown me away and this album brought a huge smile to my face. I raved about it to my beautiful wife last night. Some times you forget just how good the old R&B music was, still is and always will be. Hell, I let my Spotify play this genre all day, after this album finished. Simply the best. Every single song was outstanding. I have heard Curtis Mayfield's version of People Get Ready, which is excellent. Somehow the Queen made it better. I think I could write a brief comment about every song, but I'll save everyone their time and just say this is a must listen. My personal favorite is Ain't No Way. Immediately downloaded on my Spotify, but again, this entire album gave me goosebumps. This album will be played this weekend as I'm enjoying a few beers, a few tokes and the summer sun. I say this a lot, but I do love me that R&B sound and this is right at the top of my list. What a wonderful, wonderful album. She is truly amazing! 5
Man, what to say about Aretha Franklin? Obviously of course she's Matt 'guitar' Murphy's controlling but hilarious wife in both Blues Brothers movies. so I've known about her and been familiar with some of her work my whole life, but also who the fuck hasn't? She's the queen of fucking soul for a reason. She is a once in a lifetime - humankind maybe - talent. An OG music legend. I very much recommend her biopic "RESPECT" if you want to see how much respect she commanded. Also Jennifer Hudson kills it. 5
Masterpiece from front to back! Like, seriously, if you don't find yourself jamming out to every track on this album, your soul is LONG gone... is there really anything else to be said? (Favorite Tracks: Chain of Fools, Money Won't Change You, Groovin', Ain't No Way)
Classic
amazing, nice album
Pure class
4.5 The fast ones were absolute perfection for me. Personally, not quite as keen on some of the slower ones but they're still great. Fave songs: Chain of Fools, Niki Hoeky, come back baby, Groovin'
Flawless! Take us to Church!
Timeless. 5/5.
What a voice
Chain Chain Chaiiiiiiiinnnn! This album is such a treat. A Natural Woman is a great song. Every song is a soul bop.
Pure class
Top shelf. You're all thinking it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTXszRHc0qs
Just a reminder that her name is not "Arethra" Franklin
Fave
Amazing voice of course, and some of the top classics of all time.
Recongised Chain of fools from a bakermat remix and instantly knew this would be a banger. This is what I think of when I think of Soul.
Just a very pleasant listen! Saved tracks: Chain Of Fools, Ain’t No Way, (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You’ve Been Gone, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
Me gustó ♥
The Queen of Soul in her prime, with the killer Muscle Shoals swampers backing her. An absolute classic.
Absolute perfect album in my opinion. The whole band and Aretha are I'm perfect sync in every song. Have to love some great horns to go with such a powerful singer. I wish somehow Aretha and Dusty could do a duet album.
The fact that I know half of these songs already over 50 years after this album's release shows just how many classic hits it contains.
Outstanding album.
You'd have to be a bit of a fuck to not get around this. Everything about this album is just so great. It's hard not to be utterly enamoured with it throughout. So much passion, so much groove. Instrumentally banging. Great range of tracks. Her ability to be such a powerful yet emotive vocalist is quite something. One of those albums that really makes you feel alive. Fav Track: Good to me as I am to you
I mean its an unimpeachable record. The songs that aren't massive hits are so short you can't tire of them before they're over. 5 easy
Nothing to say. Aretha is the Queen of Soul and this is one of her best.
A clear 5. Classics throughout delivered perfectly
The Queen has arrived. What a voice, and what an excellent group of songs. I don’t have much original to say here, but I will never forget her performance if you make me feel like a natural woman to honor Carole king at the kennedy center honors. It was spectacular and it’s such a shame that the song’s outro is faded out here.
Soul doesn’t get much better. Though not all of these tracks are classics, the vocal presence on each is simply undeniable.
Beautiful
Obviously breathtaking, she's the GOAT
One of the greats
Another fantastic album
This album is perfection.
Pretty undeniable collection of tracks. Whatta voice! Great grooves! Power and passion! What more can ya say? Another strong four and a half and only accounting for my taste. Fave track: Groovin' / (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
Amazing
Clearly 5 stars. Fact.
- album flows amazing - takes you in for 30 minutes -amazing vocals -Chill instrumentals - Could listen to it many times
WOW! I've heard soo much about Aretha but never really got to listen to it, and it's just INCREDIBLE she has a amaing voice and vocal control, all the songs are extremaly impactfull and the album as a whole has a great vibe to it
You make me feel like a na-tu-ral womannn! This is very cool. Great pacing too, it's hard to not like this!
Perfect
I didn’t consider myself an Aretha Franklin fan but I listened to this four times through. There’s something to be said for 30 minute albums that don’t overstay their welcome - no weak tracks, no fluff, no filler.
Never a bad listening to Aretha. Album really shows her capabilities as an artist.
I would have rated this 5/5 in any case, but given I just watched the Muscle Shoals doc the other day about the background musicians at Fame, it was already top of mind. And I'm a sucker for any version of People Get Ready, and this one is stellar.
That was a lovely way to spend 30 minutes.
the Queen at full power here favs: Ain't No Way, A Natural Woman, People Get Ready, Sweet Sweet Baby, Groovin least fav: ...ig Come Back Baby if I had to choose...
Perfect. As were the two albums before this one.
Beautiful album. Absolutely timeless voice, could have listened to the album on repeat all day
Queen of Soul
Yeah this is an easy 5. just incredible heartfelt music. voice like no other
Ridiculously great album.
Lovely classic album. Finally a great one after a while.
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman!
There's a lot to consider with Lady Soul: the production, the studio, the players, the producer and the song writing. Jerry Wexler did the world a favour when he recognised what needed to happen with Aretha, without him she would have gone down as a minor gospel singer, like a b grade Jean Wells. First thing he does is get her to play the piano and sing, smart move. Then he gets her to New York and Muscle Shoals, and that brings her into the world of Spooner et al, match made in heaven. And then there's the tunes, the songwriters. Don Covay, James, Curtis, Eddie and Felix from the Rascals, and of course the perfect meeting of Aretha and Gerry and Carole, I'd argue as close to perfect until she decided to take on Hal and Burt's I Say a Little Prayer. Wexler has the vision and the chutzpah to pull it all together and bring together all the right elements for a another critical stage in the evolution of pop music. You simply can't imagine a pop music world without Aretha from Lady Soul on, she's out there in our pop music DNA. A beautiful record.
Classic! One great soul track after another. I could possibly get picky after a close listen, but why would I do that? After a long hard day this album really lifted my spirits, and both of us could enjoy it together.
My parents were huge Al Jolson fans &, subsequently, so was I. In 1961, when Columbia was trying to turn Aretha into a lounge singer, they released a single of her covering the Jolson classic Rock-a-Bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody. It was the first song I ever heard her sing. reached #20 on the 2UE Top 40 & at age ten, I bought that single & still have it. She could sing the phonebook, which is why Rolling Stone voted her the Greatest Singer Of All Time in 2008. There’s a clip you can catch on Youtube of Aretha on Shindig in 1964, performing The Shoop Shoop Song, which wasn’t a song she ever recorded. This was when she was still signed to Columbia, before Atlantic stole her away & gave her the chance at true greatness. And as she absolutely tears the song up, Darlene Love, performing backing vocals with the house girl-group, The Blossoms, starts waving & shouting encouragement at Aretha, because she can see just how good she was. It’s one of my absolute favourite pieces of live 60’s TV. What a voice. This is a truly great record. And it’s not just her doing - the material is outstanding - the cream of American songwriters from that period - Curtis Mayfield, James Brown, Don Covay, Goffin & King, The Rascals & Aretha herself. The producer, Jerry Wexler & the engineer, the great Tom Dowd. And, as well as the cream of Memphis’s Muscle Shoals musicians, there’s Clapton, The Sweet Inspirations, Cissy Houston, & the great King Curtis. And Aretha was never in better voice. A true classic.
It is hard to say anything new about Aretha, at the height of her amazing powers here. Even the filler tracks ("Niki Hoeky", anyone?) are funky and she sings the hell out of every song, and there is a reason the standout tracks from this record are absolute classics. An unambiguous five-star all-time classic album. I could listen to this every day. Damn it, I _should_ listen to this every day. Most surprising moment; her two whoops right at the end of "Good as I am to you"
Yes please!
Queen
Men hade hon stått pall för pressen i Idol?
Classic
Classic. Classic album Almost a no skip 5/5
Queen of Soul for a reason, amazing album.
50 Million Elvis Fans Can't Be Wrong, But They Are, Because Aretha Was 50 Million Times Better Than Him
Welcome to Club 5 Star! This album is an absolute gem, and I can never get enough of it. As a man I will always proudly sing (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman whenever I’m feeling good. Then we’ve also got Chain of Fools, Ain’t No Way, People Get Ready, AND (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You’ve Been Gone. Mmmm. Delicious. The whole album is just so well done, you can feel Aretha’s presence through the album, and you quite literally cannot skip this album if you want to know how modern music evolved. Truly magnificent through and through.
Chain of Fools and a Natural Woman? Five stars.
Lady Soul indeed.
Awesome
Perfect
Very good
Full of bangers. Had a lovely sing in my car.
A brilliant album by the Queen of Soul, @ArethaFranklin. Released in January 1968. @Spotify then played a sublime selection of recommended songs when the album was finished.
Literally every song is a banger.
9/10
9/10. Excellent stuff!
Damn this is good. 9/10
Just fantastic. I could listen to this all day - in fact I just did.
Absolute classic.
Great voice, I’ve heard chain of fools before
Powerful Roman, enjoyed
Short 10 songs all great quality not my kinda thing but I’ll give it a 5/5.
What a powerhouse.
Stellar.
"Lady Soul" is the 12th studio album from Aretha Franklin and has both cover and original songs. Standing out are the backing vocals from The Sweet Inspirations including Cissy Houston and Aretha's two sisters, Carolyn and Erma Franklin. The album was a huge success on the Billboard charts: #1 in Black albums, #2 in Pop and #3 Jazz. Strong backing vocals cascading from The Sweet Inspirations begin the album in the hit "Chain of Fools." Joe South delivers a great 60's-sounding guitar. She's one of her boyfriend's many girlfriends and she needs to break that chain. The pace is slowed in Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready." Aretha delivers a more soulful and gospel-like version with a great finish. A song of hope for freedom and heaven. Side one ends with the incredible "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Women," written by Gerry Goffin, Carole King and Jerry Wexler. The piano. The strings and arrangement by Ralph Burns. The harmonies of Aretha and The Sweet Inspiration. The uplifting message of finding someone who makes you whole. Side two starts with two songs Aretha wrote; "(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone" was the third single and brings the groove. Horns. And, of course, Aretha brings it as well. Eric Clapton adds a bluesy/soulful guitar to "Good to Me As I Am to You." Horns. No backing vocals as Aretha ends wailing. She's given everything but gets nothing in return. The album ends with my favorite song on the album and one her sister, Carolyn, wrote "Ain't No Way." With the horns, an almost baroque pop ballad start. Maybe, Aretha's most emotional vocal performance. Soulful. Beautiful. How can I love you if you're tying my hands. Just a few weeks ago I had Aretha's 1967 album "I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You" which was I liked a lot. I like "Lady Soul" more. More soulful. Her voice fits the music perfectly. An album absolutely worth a listen and owning.
Na Sam Cooke heerlijk nog meer soul. Geweldig stemgeluid, lekkere muziek. Een liveplaat hiervan zou helemaal de naden uit je broek swingen. Getwijfeld tussen een 4 en een 5, omdat een paar nummers toch een beetje kapot zijn gedraaid op de radio. Maar omdat dit zoveel bezieling heeft (in contrast tot de gladde robotmuziek van Abba) verdient dit lekker toch een 5.
For those who didn't get how great she was. For those who didn't understand the fuss. It's all here. Chain of Fools at the open is absolutely killer.
This album just flies by, didn't even stop it when it restarted just so I could hear Chain of Fools a second time. Natural Woman, Groovin, People Get Ready (but not my favourite version) ...this album is top of the line.
Beautiful
My introduction to Aretha was as Matt Guitar Murphy's husband in The Blues Brothers. And then she had that huge hit a few years later with "Freeway Of Love". It wasn't until she performed duets with George Michael and Annie Lennox that I realized that she was much more than a sassy diner waitress who sassed Jake and Elwood Blues for ordering four fried chickens, dry white toast and a Coke. If only I would have just started with this landmark album. No wonder Belushi, Aykroyd, Lennox, Michael and millions others went out of their way to honor the one and only Queen of Soul. This is as good as it gets right here kids.
Aretha is cool and badass.
Amazing!
Aretha. Enough said.
This is the second album by Aretha Franklin that I've gotten in this album generator. This particular album is her 12th studio album, and was made 2 years after the first album of her's that I listened to (I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You). This album definately feels more polished, and complete. The backing band are more lively, and add a funky/bluesy feel to the music. Aretha's vocals, as always, blow the roof off of the place, and the addition of Cissy Houston (Whitney Houston's mother) and her group the Sweet Inspirations, along with Aretha's sisters Carolyn and Erma Franklin as background vocals just added that little bit of contrast to elevate the whole album that much further. There isn't a bad song on the album. Things of note that stood out: 1) People Get Ready has a fantastic gospel feel to it, 2) Eric Clapton was brought in as the guitarist on the song Good to Me As I Am to You, and his bluesy rock style was awesome, 3) Chain of Fools is a phenomenal song. Every time I hear the lyrics: "You told me to leave you alone, my father said "come on home" , my doctor said "take it easy", oh, but your loving is much too strong, I'm added to your, chain, chain, chain... " my mind goes back to the movie School of Rock when Tomika is convincing Dewey that she can sing. Amusingly enough, I referenced School of Rock with my first Aretha Franklin album as well. Favourite songs: Chain of Fools, People Get Ready, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone, Good To Me As I Am To You, Groovin', Niki Hoeky, Money Won't Change You Least favourite song: if forced to pick one, Ain't No Way. Still phenomenal, just not as much as the other songs on the album. Easy 5/5
Amazing.
Aretha Franklin is a legend for a reason. This album was amazing with excellent music accompanying her vocals
This lady got soul. Best Tracks: Chain of Fools; (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman; (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone
Queen of Soul ❤️
HL: “You Make Me Feel”, “Chain”, “Ain’t No Way” Easy listen, was surprised by the haunting final track “Ain’t No Way” as well as the rockin’ “Good to Me”. Also a fan of Aretha’s interpretation of “People Get Ready” October 15, 2022
incredible
Queen.
Wow so many of her classic songs are on this record. Deeply satisfying listening experience from beginning to end. It’s the perfect album.
Amazing. Aretha is the best and everything she did with the muscle schoals boys is incredible. Every song is a classic. On the bonus version of chain of fools the baritone guitar is so badass
Jeez she makes singing seem easy. Best vocal performance (and also one of my all time favorite ballads) is Ain’t No Way. What I wouldn’t give to hang out with her for a day.
Ah, Aretha... What a voice! Showing the Aretha-lite wannabes how to do it: great songs sung with intelligence and righteous power. Nothing forced, nothing faked.
Lady Soul indeed.
Amazing album from an amazing artist in her prime.
Classic soul!
Awesome. Timeless.
This isn't even really my type of music and I have to respect it. Really great stuff.
Yes.
Wow, thank you for this. I don't think I've ever listened to a whole Aretha album all the way through before. I got chills during "Good to Me as I am to You." What an amazing talent.
God damn, what a voice. Recognized more songs than I thought I would. She is certainly the queen of soul and this album showcases that perfectly.
Come on! It is Aretha Franklin! ‘Nuff said.
Simply great! What a soul in the music!
A superb album, combining Aretha's majestic vocals with great musicianship and memorable tunes. Natural Woman is the stand-out track, ably supported by Chain of Fools, People Get Ready, Since You've Been Gone and Groovin.
Aretha at her best! Lady Soul is one of her best. Good to Me as I Am to You is one of the least recognized masterpieces of Franklin.
Almost nothing beats a night alone listening to an album like this while just chilling out. I love soul music and there are a ton of soul classics on here from chain of fools to natural woman and all the rest are just as banging. You know an album is usually a 5 when the spotify radio that comes on afterward is also awesome
pure r&b