Lady Soul

++: Chain of Fools, Money Won't Change You, Niki Hoeky, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone, Good to Me As I Am To You, Come Back Baby, Ain't No Way +: People Get Ready, Groovin' 9,5/10

Great some voice on the fuckin gal

Really good and brings back some good memories

Nice upbeat album thx :)

Incomparable vocalist RIP

She’s great isn’t she!

Great album

Effortless groove and energy by the Queen of Soul. From the high charting classics to the deep cuts, this album is about as perfect as you can get. Aretha's performance is sublime. Perfect for a sunny Sunday Morning. Best Tracks: - Chain Of Fools - Niki Hoeky - (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 9.5/10

Das zwölfte Studioalbum der amerikanischen Sängerin Aretha Franklin. Es wurde unter der Produktion von Jerry Wexler und anderen namhaften Produzenten im renommierten Atlantic Recording Studio in New York aufgenommen. Das Album stellt eine Mischung aus Soul, R&B und Pop dar und zeigt Franklin als eine der führenden Stimmen des Genres. Das Werk enthält mehrere herausragende Songs, darunter „(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman“, das von Carole King und Gerry Goffin geschrieben wurde und zu einem ihrer bekanntesten Titel gehört. Weitere bemerkenswerte Tracks sind „Chain of Fools“ und „Since You’ve Been Gone“. Diese Lieder zeichnen sich durch ihre emotionale Tiefe und die außergewöhnliche Gesangstechnik Franklins aus. Die Sängerin wurde in Memphis, Tennessee, geboren und wuchs in Detroit auf. Ihr Einfluss auf die Soulmusik und ihre Rolle als Symbol für die afroamerikanische Bürgerrechtsbewegung machen sie zu einer Schlüsselfigur in der Musikgeschichte. Mit diesem Album festigte sie ihren Ruf als „Queen of Soul“. Aretha Lady Soul ist ein gelungenes Beispiel für Aretha Franklins Talent und Einfluss im Soul- und R&B-Bereich. Die Produktion und ihre Gesangsleistungen zeichnen sich durch Authentizität und Kraft aus. Ein Album, das sowohl musikalisch als auch kulturell von Bedeutung ist.

Take me to church Aretha! What a voice! So much soul. And that backing band is on fire. The absolute definition of musical goodness. This is music that moves you. She's an undeniable force. This record is perfect top to bottom

60’s soul music always goes down smooth, and Aretha is one of the best to ever do it. The only song I would consider taking a star off for is “Niki Hoeky” but everything else is so damn good I couldn’t possibly! Her version of “Natural Woman” is one of the finest songs ever recorded.

One of the best soul singers to do it, backed by the Swampers. What else can you say? Fantastic song choices, interesting rearrangements, bitchin backing vocals, and a rhythm section that ain’t fooling around. Plus Aretha. I would gladly give Andy Phelps’s left nut to be hanging around at FAME or Stax during this period. The amount of talent that walked into those studios was just unmatched.

legendary vocalist, some tracks aren't my favorite tho

It's Aretha, need I say more?

I really loved this album! Chain of Fools was a really strong opening song, in my opinion. Found myself humming the song throughout the day after listening to it. The rest of the music is also really good, ranging from toe-tappingly groovy to slow and soulful. Also Aretha Franklin has a great singing voice.

Great woman

Not for me. 1/5

Finally a female artist! And the Queen of Soul no less!

It's old school cool.

Another tossup between 4 and 5 for me, and for shame, I do prefer Carole King’s version of “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” because I have a soft spot for songwriters getting to perform their own work. Also really made me look forward to whenever Tapestry will show up on this list

I mean, it's hard to rate this when it's permeated through almost every facet of culture.

Really enjoyed this some fantastic songs 8/10

it has words! i thought this album was very catchy, a little more upbeat than what i am used to. i knew you make me feel like a natural woman already. i listened twice to the album!

Love this, glad to finally have an opportunity to listen to Aretha properly. She’s one of the most famously great vocalists ever, so no surprise that this rocks. That said, the actual arrangement of each song is what stands out to me here - including a guest appearance by the reason for Rock Against Racism on guitar for one track. Huge fan. Three songs added to my playlist, five added to the 1001 playlist.

Excellent album but personally not much struck a huge chord with me. I'll be coming back to this again though and I'll see what grips me in future listens. It is interesting to finally listen to Natural Woman after knowing the Carole King version front to back. I definitely don't prefer Aretha's version but that might just be from a difference of familiarity. Highlight: Chain of Fools (the full bonus song is even better in my opinion)

Best female vocalist of all time. Very respectful nod to Whitney. This album is definitely in the top 100 all time. Maybe top 50. Aretha at her best. Easy 5 ⭐️

I feel like I'm getting easy handing out these 5s but how can I deny the ultimate queen? Absolutely flawless voice. Jamming music that makes you want to dance.

classic

Aretha is always great but I’m not feeling it so much with this album compared the the previous one in the project… a 3.5 but rounding down today.

Aretha showing us in every track why she alone is crowned the Queen of Soul. 4.5/5

Chain of Fools - 9/10 Money Won't Change you - 9.5/10 People Get Ready - 10/10 Niki Hoeky - 10/10 (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman - 10/10 (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You 've Been Gone - 9/10 Good to Me as I Am to You - 8/10 Come Back Baby - 10/10 Groovin' - 9/10 Ain't No Way - 10/10 Overall - 85.5/100

A real vibe actually

Enjoyed this!

Best singer of all time

I love Aretha! Her voice is just incredible, and the songs sound great. The absolute queen of soul music, and this album is my favourite.

Soul of Soul

so good. rich and bright. perfect morning album

ну соул хороший уверенный старый архивный, по всей видимости легендарный, но я позер

not heard this before but it was tuff🗣️🗣️ ts not exactly my type shi but it was good

One of the greatest female Vocalist. She is truly a genius and talented and breathtaking. Great Album but next to the hits where not much that kept me on the same high. Still an all time great with all due respect. Maybe I was expecting too much because of her name and status. (3.5/5.0)

don’t listen to a lot of soul usually but this is a really good album!

Enjoyable but not particularly memorable

Jammin

Je passe. If i had to listen to soul music today, it would be something like Tower of Power with Rocco Prestia

Aretha, lady soul...what else? One of the most gifted R&B voices shines through the album...soulful, joyful, it's healing.

Bon album bien rythmé, j’ai bien aimé ce petit voyage dans le temps et dans la soûl Dommage qu’il n’y ait pas de grands tubes dans cet album

Truly and amazing album if it wasn’t for the fact that sometimes the singing comes from one headphone instead of two (depends on the song) it would be perfect

One of Aretha Franklin’s finest. Aside from the somewhat average production quality, everything is flawless. This album - among few others from her - blows away all the pale imitations up to today—who, by the way, readily acknowledge that Aretha was and remains THE queen. On top of that, blues and soul fuse in a way rarely heard since in soul music. An ode to love set against a backdrop of resistance to racial and gender oppression. To me, a landmark of the genre and I really enjoy it.

Queen

Me da alegria. Me relaja.

I don't think she ever did a bad album - certainly not in the early days. This is another belter.

classic

My love...

A generational talent on full display. Aretha is a voice that i doubt we will ever see the likes of again, and this is 50 yrs later. Shits crazy

Awesome, what an album.

Beautiful soul record with great song writing and s soaring vocals

soul on toppp

All bangers

Undeniably brilliant, and much more resonant to me than the first Franklin album I drew on this generator. I can't imagine myself going back to it much, but it's clearly masterful.

4.5/5

Aretha is a Queen of the first order. A voice and passion unmatched. An album full of indelible classics.

Stone-cold classic. Ageless.

Eu gostei de algumas músicas, principalmente as mais conhecidas

Another artist I wish I could have seen in her prime. A absolute legend. This album too is hit after hit. (18 known/29 new)

Goosebumps.

Wonderful. That's all I have to say.

kolmetoista kirottua kanaa kävelivät kadulla. pikkusen runoutta sinne. pikhasen runoilua tässä raikkaassa lauantaiaamusella. kysykää ihmisiltä: milloin viimeksi runoilitte aamulla. millon viimeksi tuli aamurunoiltuja. odota vastausta ja kuuntele. sitten kysy tämä ihmisiltä: milloin puhelinta plärättiin aamulla, ja milloin viimeksi plärättiin sitä puhelinta aamusella? sitten odota vastausta. ja sitten vertaile vastauksia. btw paska produktio ja incredublous voice. people get ready

Sensationally good.

Although I didn't love this enough for 5 stars, it's still incredible that Aretha can make me like music that would usually have me running for the door.

Classic

What a voice! Magical!

yeah i mean she's an excellent singer but it kinda didn't age well

ок

I like very very good, soulful

Solid soul album, some of Aretha's best songs on here. And shout out to Clapton for a guest appearance https://youtu.be/kwJFwhAuK2A?si=OIG9EqOoBG1TkOat

Soulful women that deserves the respect she demands, but this cracker wasn’t really picking up what she was putting down, yah dig?

Oh man, I knew I’d like this album - it’s Aretha Franklin, for crying out loud - but when Groovin’ rolled around it was a new game. I love that song and never knew she did that song. Everything she did was gold. Truly deserves the title Lady Soul.

Not really my thing

I listen to this album but wasn't focus on it so kinda complicated to judge and I didn't have the time to listen to it again but actually as I listened to it without being annoyed or anything like that I guess it was enjoyable and Aretha had a really nice voice anyways so that's clearly not bad and I recognize some bangers so it's a good one.

So old yet it sounds so.. modern ?? I have the feeling this very album paved the way for the future of soul music. Every song is good wtf

fantastic, ain’t no way is an all time closer

This is a great album! Aretha Franklin is a great artist, and this album is good top to bottom. Already had one track from this album in my favorites, and now I have two. 4/5.

Just excellent

Lady Soul is right! Easy 5 for Aretha. As you would guess she hits it out of the park on this one. Just good deep hitting soul music by one of the best to do it. Chain of Fools starts strong and keeps the momentum going.

Pretty easy 5. Aretha Franklin is the Queen of Soul for a reason (although at this point I guess she was just Lady Soul. The Queen hadn’t passed away yet). Just great song after great song. “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” really struck me this time. Just a gorgeous performance. How can you ask for anything more? I guess my only critique is it doesn’t gel as an album but as a collection of great songs it doesn’t miss

Classic

Mmm good stuff.

Classic for sure. Not necessarily something I'd think to put on, but I won't complain when I hear it.

Vissa ok låtar, men stör mig lite

Funkier than I thought! Amazing album, need to re-listen. 4.5

Cha-cha-chaiiiin. Can any syllable boast so rich a contribution to music as “cha”? Aretha Franklin has the sort of voice that can give any syllable substance, form and impact – and there are some properly iconic songs on this record, big tug at the heart moments of musical history. Unfortunately, I feel a bit like those songs’ ubiquity distracts a bit from their effect; kind of precession of the simulacra style. It’s not much of a criticism, granted … but if I’m destined to be a link in a chain of fools then on my head be it!

The hits are huge, the deep cuts very solid.

4.5. An essential album

I need more than 5 stars for this one. 500 stars maybe.

Personal enjoyment: 5 Relevance to this list: 5

yes please

All killer, no filler by the undisputed Queen of Soul. Absolutely deserves its status as an all-time classic record in the genre and beyond. Looking forward to her other albums on the list.

Lady Aretha - what else

chain of fools- 7 or 8 money wont change you- 6 or 7 people get ready- 6 niki hoeky- 8 or 9 natural woman- 7 or 8 since youve been gone- 7 good to me as i am to you- 8 come back baby- 6 or 7 groovin- 8 aint no way- 8 thank you aretha

Powerful and beautiful album. Owned this record for 30+ years and remains one my favorites.

Nuria: histórico. Jaime: está bien cansado pero lo valora con 4 sobre 5, muy bien.

Queen! The queen of soul. A million stars

My first perfect 5 award. Soooooooo good. Amazing listen from start to finish. Adding this to my permanent collection and will be revisiting often.

This is the 28th album I’m rating. I really only know Respect but that song wasn’t that bad so this is probably pretty good. I’m glad this is short because those albums over an hour long are getting really tiring. Chain of Fools - Adding to my Playlist. This is a fantastic song. I can see why she is so well liked. Money Won’t Change You - Adding to my Playlist. Aretha Franklin is a fantastic singer. People Get Ready - Not Adding to my Playlist. I’m starting to get bored. Niki Hoeky - Adding to my Playlist. This isn’t boring. Best song so far. (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman - Adding to my Playlist. That singing is really good. (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You’ve Been Gone - Adding to my Playlist. A part of me was wishing this album was worse because I feel like I’ve been on too good of a streak. Good to Me as I’ve Been You - Not Adding to my Playlist. The singing is a bit annoying. Come Back Baby - Not Adding to my Playlist. I feel like at a certain point everything begins to sound the same. Groovin’ - Adding to my Playlist. This sounds a little basic but it’s pretty groovy. Ain’t No Way - Not Adding to my Playlist. I’m sorry but I can’t add this it’s just too basic. All in all I liked 6/10 songs. Aretha Franklin is pretty good and I’ve had a stretch of some pretty great albums so far.

Just ain't my thing, but A Natural Woman is of course lovely, and Good to Me as I Am to You is sexy (some stressful capitalisation choices in its title though). Backing vocals on Ain't No Way are really cool and unearthly.

I got my soul back!

Good music thf will listen to more

Goated, multiple classics

Soul powerhouse, what else can I say? Aretha Franklin's voice paired with a selection of great soul cuts, from an equally great lineup of writers.

Hard to go wrong with Aretha. Weirdly, this album doesn’t hit me quite as nicely as I’ve Never Loved a Man… But there are still some real showstoppers here. I mean this feels unarguable. Just a great album from a great artist.

Aretha is amazing. This album is full of really solid blues/soul songs, but what really makes them shine are her performances and energy. No real low points on this for me, other than a few stretches where things felt a bit same-y. 8.5/10

So that's where that 'shame shame shame' joke from American Dad came from People Get Ready goes crazy. Something about this era of music makes short songs feel longer. I assume it's because there's much more going on dynamically than modern pop

If you do not know what soul is, this is definitely a defining album. Every song sang not only beautifully but with emotion. You don't just hear this album, you FEEL it.

The album has a great, iconic vibe. "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" had a pretty interesting string part. The arrangements are very competent (pretty much perfect) throughout the album, and the mix is extremely clear. The riffs in "(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone" were very sick. The fact that almost all of the songs end with fade-outs was kind of repetitive. Also, even though all the songs are quite short, sometimes they felt drawn-out — maybe it's just because I'm tired while listening to it(?). "Ain't No Way" is a beautiful way to end the album—except for the fade-out. :( Aretha's singing was expressive and tasteful, and, along with the carefully composed accompaniment, gives the album a very high-quality sound. However, the thing with the fade-outs and the fact that I did not really care for a few songs means that I don't see myself re-listening to the whole thing, but probably I'd listen back to a few songs individually.

Chain of Fools - 5/5 Money Won't Change You - 3/5 People Get Ready - 4/5 Niki Hoeky - 3/5 (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman - 5/5 (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone - 5/5 Good to Me as I Am to You - 3/5 Come Back Baby - 3/5 Groovin' - 3/5 Ain't No Way - 5/5 Average score: 3.9/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Powerful voice. Enjoyable listening experience. Two songs stood above and sort of dwarf the others to me.

Nice but not my favourite stuff of hers

Vad trevligt med musik som gör en glad. Skolboksexempel för ”musik var bättre förr”. Vet inte vilket gäng som står bakom instrumenten men varenda en som är inblandad här är en mästare. Trots det ingen låt som riktigt står ut på egen hand.

Lady Soul indeed. Holy smoke.

Hmm... not so sure about this one... there are songs I recognize (and like better) that were done by other artists, leaving "A Natural Woman" as the only song of real value... which I can't say I love, either... At the end of the day, I prefer singing to screaming, but there are far worse albums on this list...

Like she is Aretha. That alone warrants a high score. Every song is great. I don’t think that I can give it a 5 though. Just cause I doubt I will be adding this album to my regular play list. I still would consider this a high 4.

Oikein kiva

great for doing chores to

It’s Aretha Franklin. Good stuff.

Great, album. Great vocalist. Just... top notch.

I mean, they don’t call her the queen of soul for nothin’.

Lovely couple of starting tracks, Chain of Fools is a banger. Really all around lovely album, love her voice and the vibes are excellent. Easy listening for sure.

If you ever had any doubts that Aretha Franklin was the Queen of Soul then this album will lay them to rest. Starting with the definitive version of Chain of Fools, Aretha’s voice swoops and soars with effortless grace. These are mostly secular songs but she also includes a gospel track, People Get Ready, for old times sake, in case y’all could do with some churchin’ up. Fun fact - one of the backing singers is Cissy Houston, mother of Whitney!

I'm not a huge fan of the genre, but she has such a voice and the music is really good too.

I knew, from the start, this was gonna be a banger. The few songs I knew prior to this blew me away, and I'm glad the rest of the LP is great as well.

Good soul, enjoyed

Sounds good but I am still not into it after a few years

The most popular song is by far the lamest on the album. There are some total bangers on this album and damn what a voice. Better than expected

I enjoyed this one! Lots of classic tunes that I didn't know came from this album.

Enjoyable

Just gorgeous.

great vocals and lyrics just not my vibe

There are reasons Aretha is called the “Queen of Soul” and this is one of them. Beautiful album.

That's a powerful voice for a 25 year old. She also arranged and played the piano - often overlooked.

Such a joy to listen to Aretha

Aretha..Atlantic...Muscle Shoals... this album is a monster.

PURE SOUL. The "Queen"

I've never listened to this before and I don't know why. It's easily 5*, couldn't possibly rate it any lower. Fav tracks: A Natural Woman, Chain of Fools, Groovin'

Incredible.

Just a fantastic album from beginning to end.

Precioso sonido soul. Producción muy sencilla y poco recargada lo que hace que la voz esté en primer plano. Melodías vocales sencillas que sólo explotan 3n momentos muy puntuales. Y el disco tiene 2 temas clásicos!

Loved it. Last track best track.

Great upbeat album

I was just thinking we need more Aretha on this list. Hell yeah. Love her.

The mood of the album was very enjoyable. Lovely songs.

Chain of Fools, Natural Woman

4.5, lots of classics on this one.

A classic voice for sure! The hits are the stars here. The rest is really good too, but don’t stand out next to heavy hitters like “Chain of Fools.”

That voice!!!

Classic.

The Queen

Great album, can’t beat Aretha’s voice.

Feels wrong to give anything less than a 5*

Exceptional album, classic songs and great sound from a legend, I’ll put this one in repeat!

What a voice. Classic songs. Wonderful album

Aretha Franklin's singing voice is something powerful. I definitely shivered at more than a few points while listening to this. she's often imitated but never duplicated, as they say. "Chain of Fools" and "A Natural Woman" have been butchered by many a cover artist, but the genuine article reminds you just how brilliant they truly are. most of my favorite soul music leans heavily on influences from classic jazz and, eventually, fusion; this earlier, Southern example of the style leans more heavily on the blues, with a little bit of rock n' roll in there for good measure. there's even an Eric Clapton jumpscare on side B! spooOOOOky! lots of these sixties albums have been just under half an hour in length, which is a really interesting amount of time. it's a duration that, nowadays, a lot of pop artists think of as being too short to make fully cohesive as an LP-length project or, if they're cynical, game the streaming algorithms in their favor. but, for whatever reason, I really think it works for albums like Lady Soul. things really started to increase in size and scope as the seventies rolled on, which had its positives, but it's nice to be able to squeeze a whole album into a standard lunch break. decent 7/10.

Está negra es una genia. La voz y el swing que tiene mamaaaa.

The queen herself, timeless classic with Chain of Fools

the problem with foundational artists is the fact everything builds on them means they can seem unoriginal, really solid album though. really like chain of fools and sweet sweet baby.

One of the best records of one of the best recorded voices in music history.

Y'know, as much as a part of me would hate to have this review be just "It's Aretha Franklin" without much further explanation beyond that... I mean, it **is** Aretha Franklin. Most people would completely understand the 5/5 I'm giving this album from just that alone. Her voice? One of the most amazing and powerful in all of soul music, whether it's on a slow ballad or one of the harder tunes. The accompaniment, from the instrumentals to the backing vocals? Always a pinpoint and perfect compliment, helping Aretha's voice soar even higher than normal. It's just a marvel to behold; simply incredible. I find it interesting that on the 2012 Rolling Stone 500, this is so close to the other Aretha album my group has looked at, I NEVER LOVED A MAN THE WAY I LOVED YOU. In fact, LADY SOUL is **one spot** below I NEVER LOVED A MAN: 85 and 84 respectfully. Like, to ears in 2012, they were just that close in quality, that I figure the big reason why I NEVER LOVED A MAN got to be higher was because it had "Respect" — and it's hard to compete with that. And in fact, it's so hard that in 2020, while LADY SOUL rose to 75, I NEVER LOVED A MAN went all the way up to **13**. Nearly a top 10, eight years later. It's nuts. And to my ears, I don't mean this as a negative to either album, but I feel like it made more sense when they were closer together. Maybe my ears are just that ignorant, but I really can't hear a difference between them. They're both just that good. Force me to pick between them, though, and it could be recency bias here, but I'd honestly pick LADY SOUL over I NEVER LOVED A MAN. It's just so smooth, and at only 28 minutes, it's no big commitment whatsoever. (As if 32 minutes is really that much more, but y'know what I mean.) But, really, it's no competition; they're both 5's. Heck, I say actively don't choose. Just listen to them both and bask in how amazing of a singer Aretha was. Do yourself that favor, come on.

There's a reason why Miss Franklin has the Queen of Soul moniker, and it just oozes in these songs, because that voice is simply just magical. Solid 5 Stars.

I’m at a 10. I’ll keep this short – I’m not gonna write a whole soliloquy & I’m not gonna use every adjective in the book, because there’s only 3 words I need to describe this album: it’s Aretha Franklin. When we got I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You a while back, I mentioned that the only other Aretha Franklin track I really knew about was “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” and I didn’t realize that track was on this album until I peeked at the track list. I also realized that I’m a liar, because Chain of Fools is also on here, and I adore that track. Going into this, I figured those songs, by themselves, would carry this to a 4, bare minimum – the rest of this album is just unbelievably good, and an even better showcase of her vocal power. Every single track is stellar. This album is simply driven by her ability to pull the most emotion out of her material, in a way that makes the listener feel it in the same way that she’s delivering it, and she does it perfectly, beautifully, and brilliantly. It is a feeling that simply cannot be understood unless you listen to her voice & the instrumentation that anchors it. Even at just 29 minutes, this is such a rich & fulfilling album, and I’m simply left stunned & wanting more. Go listen to it -- it's a 10.

Quality

Divine.

Bitch, please. Ain't nobody like Aretha!

What a queen. She's so incredibly good. There really isn't much to say about this album at all, other than, she's among the best to ever do it, and this is her at the height of her powers. Favorite Song(s): People Get Ready, (Your Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman

fast and to the fucking point. Love it.

Just

No notes.

Incredible. Aretha Franklin really is the ultimate diva. This album is jam packed with sensational vocals. I can only imagine what it must have been like to witness her live. Jam packed with hits and soul and music that gets your foot tapping and keeps it like that for the entire album. I need to own this album

Don't listen to Marco, you rock Aretha.

Nice!

Iconic songs, but cannot stand them for too long

So great! Solid vocal performance plus great backup vocals

Great album.. I don’t think I’ve ever just listened to the whole thing

i‘ve got flu, so this album in combination with ginger/lemon tea, made me feel much better.

Nelose, nije moj dir, ali mozda koja pisma moze na playlistu

That was brilliant. Starting an album with Chain of Fools like that is outrageous. What a great January pick-me-up on a cold morning. Easily 5 stars. Will purchase for my CD collection.

Queen of soul

TIL this is where Tomika got that song in School of Rock (2003)! Track #11 not Track #1, although they are the same song

FANTASTIC, might be 9/10 or 10/10 and Lyrics still hold up in addition to her voice!

3.5

Aveva una voce bellissima.

La donna più potente dell'universo

I liked this album. It wasn't fantastic or anything, but it was solid. Aretha Franklin is a fantastic vocalist (obviously). Actually a 3.5. Liked Songs: "Chain of Fools" , "Money Won't Change You" , "Niki Hoeky" , "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" , "Good to Me as I Am to You" , "Come Back Baby"

Aretha is extremely talented. That said, I know this is from the 60s but there are some odd production choices. Like, why are the drums panned completely to the right? I felt off-balance the entire album. Overall, it's good. 3

Unbelievable. ‘Nuff said.

To była królowa. Głos nie z tej ziemi. Nie przepadam za tym gatunkiem, ale nawet zatwardziały przeciwnik zmięknie przy tych utworach. Piękne aranżacje, cudowny głos i coś, co zostanie z nami na zawsze. 9/10

i dont think i connect to this album at all, not my sort of music, but you really can't deny how great it is. absolutely flawless

solid jazz album. liked the variety

I was never the biggest fan but I gotta admit that the deep cuts on here really slap.

So good

We had the house rocking to this yesterday, and it felt like we were preaching to the choir in the front row of the first church of Aretha.

Aretha takes it to church every single time. This gorgeous woman sings with every ounce of power and life within her. Straight fire. Outside of the vocals this album has some of the funkiest bass lines. Really great listen.

7.5/10 Highlights: Money Won't Change You Natural Woman Chain of Fools Niki Hoeky

Muito bom!

Powerful voice, but the songs themselves are also great (Adele, take notes).

Lady Soul has got herself a genuine voice. Some recognizable hits, though she’s beltin’ it out from start to finish. We’ll be listening to her yet again (after it’s only 1968 and early in her career.) Probably gonna be one of her live albums. This one comes in at 4.2*s) The lady can sing…

Aretha isn't something I'd put on but she deserves to be on the list for her monumental vocals, embodiment of soul, and civil rights activism. This album had a lot more brass and piano on it than expected. The hits are there, as well as some sleepy slower tracks, but the recording sounded very dated and it's just not really my thing so 2.0 for the Queen of Soul.

The Lady (of) Soul Aretha was a force of her day and I can hear her through so many other R&B female artists of the last decades. This album is right around her peak. All good songs even though none are ever a go to for me. I can appreciate the list spot and do think you gotta hear AF before you die...2.25.

I went in expecting 30 minutes of outdated soul music. While that's what was delivered it was probably the best version of it I could have expected. Aretha and her backup singers are pretty great throughout the length of the album. Not sure I want more of it, but Lady Soul held up pretty much all the way through the 30 minute run time which is more than I can say about many of the albums on this list. Prior to this listen my exposure to Aretha Franklin outside of the song RESPECT was minimal. I was aware she was lauded as an iconic vocalist and I can see why. 2.02 stars

urethra franklin!!

Ah, the Queen of Soul. I don't think I've ever heard a bad song from Aretha, and this album just amplifies that thought. It's truly great. Her voice, the compositions, and the overall sound are all perfect

Classic voice. Great album

Rich. Rich richness. Ain't No Way...I can't even. Would be number one except for the short number of tracks / repeats. Wow.

Just really good. Maybe even a 4.5, but I'm giving it a 4 cause I have to

Amazing

I didn't think this would be for me. At this point the well-known songs are so well-known as to be a bit exhausted. (Chain of Fools, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman) But some of the deep cuts had great musicianship and were good to hear.

Great.

The iconic songs are indisputable. The rest are best left for a soul fan. I’ll wait to hear the best on compilations and scores. I don’t need to listen to a full album.

I want to fight anyone who thinks this is anything less than a five. Come ON.

I have it five out of R-E-S-P-E-C-T but I don’t enjoy 60s R&B and am very tired of the hits off this album.

# 386 : They've done a pretty decent job, it's a good album, it’s enjoyable and fun overall. Everybody loves this, but to me it is better then ok, but not 5 star material

Успокаивающая музыка, приятный голос, но не мой жанр

It’s got that classic 60’s sound (that I’m admittedly not a huge fan of) but she’s a GOAT for a reason.

Good smooth and happy

She’s a talented vocalist but I don’t know if that’s what I really look for in music. This is the second Aretha album I got on this site and I liked the first one a bit more. In this one, there were a couple songs (Groovin’ and People Get Ready) that didn’t move me as much as the originals. Also I just don’t like the song (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.

I liked this better than the other Aretha album we've had so far (I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You). Feels like the Aretha I've come to expect - vibrant, powerful. I think the star tracks (Chain of Fools and A Natural Woman) are the clear standouts. 3.5/5 stars.

Absolutely incredible

Perfect, no notes. 10/10

She's the queen for a reason

Aptly named. Recording is a little dated, but the arrangements are great. And, as always, what a voice.

Beautiful stuff. A reminder of why Aretha is one of the greatest.

Excellent! Easy 5 stars. Excellent vocals and fun instrumentals. '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman' was my fave.

Really enjoyed it. I didn't realize her music could be so funky. The basslines in particular were quite groovy, and of course her voice is just amazing.

Sturluð söngkona. Geggjuð plata sem rennur alltaf vel í gegn. Gott soul slær flestu við IMO.

Alveg einstök söngkona. Mjög þægileg og góð plata í heild.

The first 45 seconds of vamping groove (edited out of the single version) changes the context of the familiar and absolute classic "Chain of Fools" and sets an ominous tone for the song that starts this 1968 soul gem. Despite this and other classic songs/performances ("Natural Woman"), this doesn't feel like a cohesive album. Aretha never sounds anything less than amazing, but, for instance, going from the emotional beauty of Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready" into the goofball "Niki Hoeky" is just odd. "Groovin'" is here too for some reason, and doesn't really improve the original. The last song is what I don't like about when r&b singers "go too far". Regardless, this album is worth having for the two incredible singles alone.

Some really great songs and a powerful album overall. I enjoyed this one.

An incredible voice; an incredible talent. Aretha Franklin's Lady Soul is a statement: "Chain of Fools", "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" are the major hits, but honestly the whole album will have you groovin'.

Tremendo disco. El soul es el precursor de lo que luego los blancos llamarían rock, y se nota bastante tiene mucha potencia este disco, es muy adaptado al oído de hoy en día, a diferencia del de Janis Joplin que es una tortura. Me encantó, tiene temas muy buenos.

4 STARS!!!

9/10, rounding down. This is my favourite genre in music so uhh, yeah! I am rating this high

There were individual songs that I loved. But as a whole album there are a few dull parts. 3.5/5

A classic soul album by aretha franklin, solid overall but not as many highs as other albums

Loved it! Several of her hits, but she just has such a lovely voice, I dug the whole record start to finish.

El disco de Soul perfecto. Desde la apertura gloriosa de un clásico como Chains of Fools hasta ese maravilloso final que es Ain't No Way (compuesto por su hermana que le hace un coro majestuoso). Por el medio versiones estupendas como People Get Ready, Groovin o (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, esta última se puede decir que es la mejor versión del tema. (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone es una joya, no muy conocida pero que tiene una calidad imparable. Es uno de lo discos de cabecera de cualquier interprete del Soul. Imprescindible.

Raw, soulful and fun. Overall a solid classic.

6/10

Aretha Franklin is certainly one of the canon of soul singers. There is nothing to "rate" really. She is legend. I find that I am not as moved as many merely by the fact I am not particularly big on the genre. It has nothing to do with her pure talent or appeal. I was listening and felt like I would be blown away if I was more specifically interested, or my mood was different. Thus "rating" something like this is difficult. It is brilliant and amazing on one hand, and sort of specific as a genre and won't automatically suit the mood of the room. I suppose that is how music works. If nothing else it is a part of music history worth exploring.

Preferred the set of songs on the other Aretha album I had. Still very nice though.

Warm colorful soulful Beautiful vocals Great instrumentals

Amazing to listen to a full album

Top drawer

Lovely album, I liked it more than the previous Aretha Franklin album, though that one was still good. This one felt like it swung harder.

undoubtedly fire but not really my thing once more

Sing it grrl Worthy of her Queen of Soul title

Some solid old school R&B!

A truly one of a kind voice. The production hasn't aged a day. It's lush. it's grand, it's groovy, it's comforting. Wonderful

Aretha has one of the most distinctive and individual voices in music. And she also plays piano and saxophone. This album contains the classics “Chain of Fools”, “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and “Sweet Sweet Baby (Since You’ve Been Gone)” and excellent versions of “People Get Ready” and “Groovin’”. The remainder of the album sparkles almost as brightly, Aretha’s stunning gospel vocals raising even lesser numbers close to the heights of the hits. Such was her talent that there was no such thing as filler on Aretha’s late ‘60s and early ‘70s albums.

Would I listen again: no Best track: Good to me as I am to you. Worst track: people get ready Surprise awesome track: sweet sweet baby since you’ve been gone. Weirdest track: groovin Lyrics: good typical sixties blues r&b lyrics. No skips?: I could skip the whole album respectfully. Cover art cool?: na it’s just a pic of her. Notes: At the outset let me say I have no issue with Aretha Franklin in general and I totally like her voice and every song of hers I’ve ever heard. That being said, I have never sought out an Aretha Franklin song to listen to because I was a fan of that song, I have never heard one that made me say hmm that’s interesting, and I have never listened to one of her albums all the way through. I am hopeful that this album is interesting enough to me to make this listen through pleasurable annd interesting and not repetitive and boring. Am anticipating a fast moving album short songs with funk and groove. But nothing to deep or anything bought provoking. Chain of fools heard the song. A million times but never listens. Drummer is great. The rhythm he hitting on that ride cymbal is great and groovy. Barrie one if Bass vi or whatever it is is great too. Not feeling this version of people get ready. Like this is all great. She great the music is great but nothing here will bring me back to listen to this again. It’s great and I like listening to it but I don’t care about it. I wouldn’t seek this out. I’m not sure why. Nothing I’m listening to will make me a repea customer. It’s good my meal was good everything about it checks out but I’m never coming back to this restaurant because it just doesn’t have anything that particularly stands out to me. I say this while completely recognizing and acknowledging the social and cultural importance of this woman and her music.

Love her work.

Absolutely loved this! Only issue I had was walking into work feeling like a natural black woman in chains, at least I think that’s what she was singing about. In all seriousness, I have a real affinity with this era of music. I grew up listening to a lot of these songs thanks to my mom. Chain of fools, A Natural Woman and Aint No Way are 3 classics but People Get Ready is one of my favourite songs of all time. Admittedly I prefer the original and I was in horror when I covered that Bob Dylan had the sheer audacity to cover the song, if I die having never heard that version I will count that as a successful life. Good to Me as I Am to You starts so beautifully and only gets better when Aretha starts to belt and shows why she is the queen of soul. I appreciated the sprinkling of more upbeat “poppy” songs like Come Back Baby and Niki Hoeky intertwined with soul and talent across the rest of the album. I struggle to listen to aretha without being in awe of her power as a vocalist mixed with such soothing tones in her softer register

Lovely album, lovely voice, enjoyed it quite a lot. The songs varied a bit too so it didn’t really get boring and there were plenty of familiar songs. Would listen again

I'm rating this a 4, which is a number less the 5 but greater than 3. 4 (spelled F O U R) is an even number, and interestingly, it is twice as many as the number 2. It is also the only number, in English, to be spelled with the same number of letters as the number itself. Further to this, it is the fourth number to follow the number zero... wait, is zero a number? Or is it the absence of numbers?.. like the colour black.. which is the absence of colour, instead of actually being a colour. Does that mean black people don't exist? Contrary to what you might read on some far-right forums, this isn't true and Aretha has done wonders to dispel this myth, with an album bursting with more soul than you could shake a white stick at.. a white stick, incidentally would be a stick made up of all colours.. ironically blind people use them. But then again, who needs sight, when you can listen to Aretha.

Ah.. The late great Urethra Franklin... It is her shoulders that which all these young talented black female singers stand upon today. Without her, the likes of Beyonce & Misha B would be on street corners, wafting their snatches about for a spare bit of coin from strangers and dirty married men with sneaky habits. Her voice is sensational, of that there is no doubt. The epitome of Soul. BUT... She did steal her hairstyle from Amy Winehouse, and maybe even Marge Simpson the way it's all curly. That's enough about the woman though, how about this album...? Iconic. So many songs on here I knew just from growing up and hearing so infrequently but so consistently that it made it feel like new music that I could sing along to, which made it very enjoyable. That could also be to its detriment though, as not much of it surprised me, so it felt rather run of the mill. If I could give half stars, this would've been 3.5, but I can't, so I'm sorry Urethra, but your piss bag name is enough to make me round you down to 3 stars here. P.S. Seal's version of 'People Get Ready' is way better.

There's no denying she had an unstoppable voice, and there are some iconic songs on this album. However it doesn't do much for me, I found it samey at times and lost interest. I'd probably give it a 2.5, so I'm bumping down to 2 because the album cover art is incredibly dull.

28/11/24 This is a good album.

toller sound aus den 60/70er - wenn nur mehr künstler noch heute den mut und das können für simple arrangements und puren sound hätten. arethas stimme ist wundervoll, schwer heute nur einen song zu wählen, es hat einige tolle davon.

So gut kann R&B sein!

A perfect album I think. Captures the essence of the Muscle Shoals sound and Aretha Franklin gets to showcase every aspect of what makes her so incredible. Special mention to the Franklin sisters who give a masterful performance on backing vocals. Ain’t No Way is probably top 5 love songs of all time and needs more, well, love

What a beautiful powerful voice. I love this genre but for some reason the songs here don't grab me. Chain of Fools is the front runner, but the others don’t do much for me.

Queen Aretha, we bow.

I mean, she’s the queen, what other score could you give her?

A great palate cleanser after the corporate committee based musings of Beyoncé and Friends.

There’s no doubt Aretha can sing and she has a very powerful voice. I just didn’t really get into this album, just didn’t quite enjoy it as much as I was hoping I might.

Clearly got a great voice and the album has a smooth feel to it, but not really my thing.

It’s just nice to break out of man rock sometimes innit. Classic, classy and timeless. Other than Nina Simone, so far no vocal performance touches this, and doubt will on this list. Some bangin tunes too. Fantastic album.

Takes you straight back to the 60s and makes me feel like a natural woman.

very funky and lovely with many favorites.

I put this in moments before getting on absolutely packed train. I was having a bad time, but then I just focused a bit more on the music and how much Aretha's performing prowess comes through. Even stood in that carriage sandwiched between people dressed in our winter coats like some kind of human sardine, I was still made to feel like a natural woman. (nb I am a man)

Turn it up, and drink it in. Aha, Aretha covered the Young Rascals! I never knew.

An R&B classic

An amazing singer and performer at the top of her game, the best session players in the world at that time who had the sound of the moment, solid songwriting and choices of covers, and the genius to limit your album to ten songs and thirty minutes. Everything about this album was done right. An absolute masterpiece.

Every nice thing written about this lady has to be true. The richness of her voice.... Golly, so wonderful

Even as somebody who is generally apathetic towards Soul and most 50s music in general, this was kind of impossible to not enjoy. Short, sweet and catchy. "Chain of Fools" is so good that they put it on the album twice. Banger.

DOPE

Another person I've never really listened to before, but this album was a vibe. So soulful and beautiful.

Wow, I don't even know what to say. I didn't expect to like this as much as I did. Great album.

Zarąbiste, 5/5. Na bardzo miłe wieczorki wspólne romantyczne

Не поёт, а кричит. Не понравилось

SO GOOD!!!!!!

Never listened to a full Aretha album, man she's got pipes. I also love the Mo-Town production style, so many harmonies and cool arrangements and stuff. It's interesting how short all of these songs are, definitely wish some of them had more to them, I guess short and sweet is cool though. Interesting that almost all of the songs fade out instead of having an actual ending.

3.9

Great jazz, fantastrc voice

Amazing album, I dare anyone listening to this to try keeping for foot from tappin or your hips from groovin. Add me to the chain

Pretty good Aretha record. I already like Chain of Fools and Natural Woman, but I've never heard her version of Groovin' before. I don't really reach for soul records often, but it's for sure one I wouldn't turn down if it came on. 3.25/5

Pretty good stuff. Not really my gendre, but she's good. I was grooving. 3.49/5

She seriously had the best voice ever, and basically each song she touched was tailor made for her inflections. B+

So many classics

It's been a while. As good as I remember.

I had other albums by Mrs. Franklin. But this to me is the epitome!

She’s a true classic

Groovy, baby. Chain of fools is soooo good. 4/5