Reviews (page 9 of 14)
Good
Impossible to have a bad word to say about this soul masterclass.
Great album, maybe a bit short. I hadn't heard Chain of Fools before so the album was off to a great start right away. Aretha Franklin has a great voice and wields it well throughout this album.
This lady is awesome
love obviously…chain of fools is definitely in the top 25 best songs ever in the world. idk i agree with everything laura said but i don’t wanna be a copycatter….
LOVE!! Love Chain of Fools, absolutely one of the best songs ever....it's still definitely my favorite even after hearing the rest of the album (which I did like though). Not many thoughts about this I guess other than It's Very Good
A really great record filled with a mix of soulful and funky tracks. The power and energy of Aretha’s voice really shines in her more soulful songs and the instrumentals are top-notch throughout the record. From the funky bassline and upbeat drums of “Come Back Baby” to the uplifting accompaniment of strings, horns, and piano in “Ain’t No Way” and “A Natural Woman”. Aretha is truly one of the GOATs of Soul music. Favorite Track: (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
Aretha móét je goed vinden en dan gaan bij mij juist altijd een beetje de hakken in het zand. Zeker omdat het niet echt mijn muziek is. Persoonlijk ben ik namelijk niet heel erg kapot van het vaak vrij harde zingen dat ingekleurd wordt met nóg luidere uithalen. Ik vind dat wat vermoeiend. Alsof ze me loopt te commanderen. Qua album heb ik deze liever dan "I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You", die ik reeds eerder moest beoordelen. Na een half uurtje is het ook weer voorbij, dus tante Rita doseert het wat dat betreft nog best prima. En ze beheerst haar vak, net als haar minions op de achtergrond, natuurlijk wel. Dat valt niet te ontkennen. Ik zal een 3 geven voor het vakmanschap, maar dan heb ik dit voor de komende 10 jaar wel weer gezien. Al valt aan 'A Natural Woman' nooit lang te ontsnappen op één of andere manier.
Strangely enough I was given another female singer's album from the late 60s, Dusty Springfield's in Memphis right before this one. I enjoyed it but it didn't blow me away. This album on the other hand is a masterpiece. It only took a few songs in before I realized what I was listening to was absolutely the type of work that should appear on a list like this. There's not a bad track on it, and a great variety from more soulful tracks to funk to slow jams. Aretha Franklin can really, really sing and she goes all out on this one. Truly a classic.
This is why Aretha is a legend! 40 minutes that seemed like 4. This is good music!
What a voice. Great album, not something I would put on but well enjoyed, production was very tinny annoyingly. Might be the version on youtube music?
Beautiful! What a voice! Such a huge vocal range. Some great songs on here including some classics such as (you make me feel like) a natural woman which was composed by the brilliant Carole King. You can't be a music fan and not be able to appreciate a bit of Aretha. It's just a shame that some of it sounds like it was recorded in a garden shed
Solid stuff. This is true soul music. Hugely influential. Definitely belongs in the book.
Her voice is so incredible I’m tempted to give it 5 stars, but the gospel takes it down a notch.
A great album that probably should be in more lists but doesn’t. I wonder if it is because the album cover isn’t iconic? It feels like it was thrown together without any thought.
A masterpiece of soul. The standard for which every soul singer should set for themselves. This is outstanding. 5/5.
I love Aretha Franklin and this album is great. (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman might just be my favorite song of hers of all time. There are some other moments here but also some forgettable songs too. Overall, the album is great to showcase her amazing talent, but as an album, it's good but not great.
absolute slapper
Don't normally listen to this type of songs but this is just so entertaining and so beautiful! Her voice is such a bless. Simple good music. 4.5/5. My favorites are Ain't No Way and People Get Ready.
A fun listen. She sure can sing
I cant argue soul is the most technically advanced genre This is still a serious groove
Incredible - excellent from start to finish.
I mean it's Aretha Franklin, it's gonna be great. Although it's not exactly my favorite genre of music, I always appreciate someone with this kind of ability. Great voice, great musicians, great sound. I feel like this is one of the records that, regardless of your musical taste, everyone will appreciate. 4/5
This is going to be short: it’s friggen Aretha Franklin being the Queen of Soul. This album is a testament to her raw talent. You don’t listen to it, you feel it. Key tracks for me (all) are especially Chain of Fools and Since You’ve Been Gone, particularly because I love Tommy Cogbill’s bass playing.
This was even better than the previous Aretha album in my opinion. This just hit perfect for a Monday morning. Chain of Fools and Natural Woman were great to hear in context of the rest of the album. I can see how Aretha blew up in 1967-1968 with these releases and probably never reached those heights again but she kept on making music and displaying that incredible voice for another 50 years. I see why she was crowned and the Queen's legacy lives on!
Great songs, great voice, classic soul sound. Not much to dislike here.
Eh, It's just a soul album
Favorite Track: (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
Aretha Franklin is just a great singer. It’s not perfect, but it’s good that she has a couple of albums here (and that her full albums are still good enough to deserve inclusion).
Niet mijn stijl
What's there to say, enjoyable and classic!
GOAT
So beautiful
less poppy then the earlier album i rolled from her, goes further on the harder rnb/deep soul edge to rly amazing results i think even those who werent into that other album could appreciate. just extremely vivacious and lively music, barnburners all over the place, even in its slower ballady moments it kinda makes me sweat just from the grit and weight. been acquainting and re-acquainting with a lot of legendary soul vocalists over the course of this project, and while nina simone is prob my personal fave there's nobody who quite matches aretha's Bright Belting , feels like the sun
-her voice is majestic as hell and none of the songs really stood out to me as bad. I’m glad this challenge/project thing has turned me on to 1960s soul and jazz because they’ve been some of the most consistently enjoyable genres for me. RIP Aretha -Favorites are Chain Of Fools, Niki Hoeky, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, and Come Back Baby
Yeah, this is the good stuff.
Difícil encontrar el álbum, pero la gran Aretha saltó del gospel hacia el vacío y nunca defraudó con la voz inigualable que la hizo incomparable al resto de mujeres de su época. Aretha siempre fue Aretha y ninguna sombra asomó su brillo. Me gusta mucho
I definitely know Aretha. Literally what the album is the Lady of Soul. Stoked to check out this allbum.
Aretha had a way of eliciting hope even when she was singing of pain. Her voice was very powerful, and this album is a good demonstration of her range. Respect.
bom p caralho
pedrada. que vozerão do carai
Just one of the greatest vocalists of all time at their peak. I think I prefer the two albums on either side of this one, but this is a solid 4
A classic R&B album Lady Soul herself- Aretha Franklin. Some forever classics on this record.
Similar to the other Aretha album I ranked. Heavenly voice but I don't connect with it. I find this record however better. Livelier maybe?
I mean this opens with a banger, and is truly ,objectively, an excellent album. I just feel like it contains some of the pap of the time, buy maybe that's an era thang.
obviously very good
Aretha could probably sing the dictionary and find a way to make it a must-listen. This one has some of her most well-known songs, including the opener "Chain of Fools" and the legendary "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" (I'm also partial to the Carole King version that's on Tapestry, she did write the song after all). "People Get Ready" also might showcase her voice as well as any of her songs too, it's beautiful. On the whole, while this was highly enjoyable, I felt that it was just a little less compelling to me than I Never Loved a Man the Way I Loved You (album #41 for me). I can't even really say why because her voice is the main attraction here and it's as good as ever, but it is what it is. These ratings are mostly vibes anyway, so that's what we're leaning on. I might be wrong. Favorite song: (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman Other: Chain of Fools, People Get Ready, Niki Hoeky, (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone, Good to Me as I am to You, Groovin', Ain't No Way 10/15/24
Listened to most of it while taking the bus home from school one evening. Comfortable and happy feels.
Engage all 25,000 in-ear nerve-endings. Listen to it, savor it, soar it up. The high notes, that energy. Pure soul. Angelic. Mmm. That's a ten!
Aretha is great. Overall good album, but not my favorite one.
Queen of soul!
85% Best: Chain of Fools; Niki Hoeky; (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman; (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone; Groovin' Must-Hear? Sure
Not my bag
Soul is in everyone. The feeling we get when we listen to soul music, is what makes us, US.
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.
Amazing vocals gorgeous instrumentals and feminist lyrics. It's hard to not love Aretha Franklin 9.1/10
Great R&B/soul record
Good stuff. No notes. I feel like I'm cheating it by going 4/5 but, as much as I like it, 5/5 feels a bit much.
Day 49 - No idea when this album was generated lmao In Aretha Franklin we trust o7! 5/5
The queen, do I need to say more?
You can just list listen to an "average" track on this and it just slays everything you've listened to in the previous week. Joyous.
Aretha Franklin has the greatest singing voice of all time. Combine that with some beautiful instruments, her high energy, and deep lyrics, you have one fantastic album. I thoroughly enjoy every song. Favorite Track: "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman".
Pretty Good stuff. If you like that stuff.
Obviously a household name!! But I have to say I’ve never put on an Aretha Franklin record. So I’m really exited to get into her discography today. Update: I’m on “Ain’t No Way” and have been completely immersed. Love it! It’s not what I would normally listen to but she’s an undeniable powerhouse
Classic 5/5
Come on it’s the Queen of Soul, when Rock and R/B were fighting for the top of the charts. FYI, just learned today that Whitney Houston’s mother did the incredibly high backing vocals on Ain’t No Way, she passed today at 99, RIP Cissy Houston.
equal parts intensity and femininity. what a voice. they didn’t call her the queen of soul for nothing. highlights: “chain of fools” “(you make me feel) like a natural woman” “ain’t no way”
Excellent album.
Wow that was pretty great
Some modern day singers couldn’t hold a candle to this voice and no tricks to help out with the sound. Super.
Amazing.
Great album. Aretha is so smooth, yet powerful in delivery. Chain of Fools so so so good.
no finess smh smh
Just the best
Okay album, some good moments but I was bored by some songs.
I mean, duh!
I heard someone say once that Lady Soul is Aretha Franklin in her prime... and I was like, and when the hell wasn't she in her prime? Easy 5 stars for the greatest singer of all time!
Classic album. Many of the tracks I've heard a million times over the years. Overall very good album. I really enjoyed it.
4-
Fun listen. An incredible vocal performance on an album that is tailor-made to show off her vocal chops. However, besides her performance I don't think the album was particularly novel or really pushes the R&B / soul envelope, even for its time. 7.5/10 if I could, but will round that off to a 4/5 here.
Aretha my goat. Thoroughly enjoyed the entire album.
incredible! her voice is amazing and the songs were fun.
Aretha got bangers for sure, can’t help but move to some of these songs.
OK
What do you get when you combine virtuoustic vocals, positive and hopeful messages with in songwriting, iconic instrumentation, and expansive genre blending? You get Aretha Franklin in Lady Soul, an absolutely dynamite motown rythmn and soul, r&b, and gospel pop album. My momma loved this album, so did my grandma, and I continue 3 generations of musical appreciation for the Lady GOAT!
Yes
Albumi #62, 28.09.2024 Käheä-äänisen jazz-laulajatarlegendan viimeinen julkaistu albumi hänen elinaikanaan vuodelta 1958. Hienostuneita jazz-balladeita, mutta ei kovin kiinnostavaa musiikkia omaan makuuni.
Great classi!
Lady has the soul. Good record!
Has some classics - natural woman and chain of fools are fire. But i wasn’t into anything else.
I will never not enjoy listening to this great woman.
Chain of Fools just hits right in the soul and is a can't skip song. This song does indeed make me feel like a natural woman. I'll never forget my first exposure to Aretha, which was the Blues Brother, and she's always been a great staple. Mo-town did so much for music; I don't think most people realize its impact.
I wonder what she would sound like with modern recording gear/techniques. It's impressive how good she sounds when it seems like it was recorded through a cardboard tube from two rooms over. Assuming this was originally Mono and converted to Stereo, it's interesting how they split between left-ear right-ear so definitively. Modern music generally only requires one earbud in. Basslines are fire. Fav Track: Niki Hoeky
It was great! I found 2 songs that I absolutely love from the album.
Aretha is Queen.
Very strong start with Chain of fools. Unsurprisingly very soulful. Powerful. One you really want to turn up and belt in the car. Every song has incredible energy. Also deeply cool. Aretha is a force of nature. Incredible intensity. Would put this on at a party and everyone would love it.
3,5
Great album. Standout songs: Chain of Fools You Make me Feel like a Natural Woman Come Back Baby
Praise lawd
Nothing great stuck out.
Soul is not my preferred genre so found this a rather dull listen. 2 stars
No soul more like
All the tits 66 wahaeeeyy
Daddy ?
Ha would be rated more if possible.
One of the greatest
Very good, but I wasn't stunned. Obvious respect to the queen though.
quite pleasant
This is a new favorite
War nicht meins aber ist okay
Soul ist nicht so meins... :D
хочу себе на винил, прям хочу хочу хочу хочу
Who doesn’t like a bit of Aretha? Her version of (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman was the first one I heard, and it came as a big surprise to me when I found out it was written by Carole King. I adore how different both versions sound though, each absolutely bringing their own style. The rest of the album has a very similar sound and is an enjoyable listen, but did seem to end sooner than I wanted it to. I guess it’s not a bad thing to be left wanting more.
Wonderful
Such a powerful and soulful voice. Some timeless classics in there. I’d definitely listen to some of these tracks again, some stood out a lot more than others though. Highlights: Niki Hoeky Come Back Baby
Always good to hear a legend in a music style that I don't typically like. Soulful (surprise) voice and music that did not detract from this.
I mean it’s Aretha Franklin. She’s chill
+3
Notable tracks: (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, Chain of Fools, Niki Hoeky, Come Back Baby, Ain’t No Way
Good for corn walkki g
delightful album! it's not quiiite as hit parade as the other Aretha album we had, where it truly felt like every other song was a hit song. But you've got some stunners! And any day I get to hear Aretha sing is going to be 50% brighter. What a treat. Incredible voice. 4/5
Queen of soul
the 12th studio album by Aretha Franklin hit a peak of number 2 on the Billboard Top 200 Pop Charts and stayed at number 1 on the R&B charts for 16 weeks straight. It's frequently ranked in the Top 100 albums by major publications and it's easy to see why. The smooth jazz-influenced R&B instrumentation perfectly highlights Franklins powerful and complex voice. Perfect album.
I love this album! It’s so great!!
8/10 There’s not much you need to do when Aretha is in her pomp: point her at a song and she will do the rest brilliantly. Here the songs and arrangement are good too, so it is an overall winner When she steps on the gas her voice is breathtaking Best: A Natural Woman
Loved it! Straight on the "to buy" list
All I could think while listening this was: what a voice and what an incredible collection of songs. This belongs with the best things I’ve heard so far doing this.
Not as good as last Aretha but solid all the way through
This is good! Classic! I feel like once I get older I can appreciate this a lot more.
Goddess
no
Slay Queen. 5
This album makes me feel like a natural woman.
When this album came up, I was kind of frustrated. I've been craving something more modern and within the last 20 maybe 30 years. But I put it on instead of waiting for another song the next day. This record was great! I hate that I was hesitant. Every song is sung with perfection. Aretha Franklin's voice is so incredible. The control that she has is unparalleled. No wonder why she is considered one of the greats. I enjoyed her last album. But I think I liked this one more. I am looking forward to more of her.
Stellar voice with some tracks that I enjoy but overall I didn’t connect with it much.
Klassiker des Souls.
It was okay, not really my style but I knew one of her songs.
A classic. Hard not to like Aretha! Shaped my date night music on Friday night.
Got some pipes
You’d think this was her “best of” album, but nope.. just that amazing of an album! Love Aretha, and that fact her name sounds sexual..
Of course, an absolute classic. A bit too short? Maybe. A bit rough around the edges? I can see that argument. But otherwise, this is an absolutely fantastic album from start to finish.
the bass on come back baby is fantastic
They don’t call her the Queen of Soul for nothing. Some genres are made by their vocalists, and you can’t sing soul if you can’t sing. Aretha can sing.
4/5
Lovely album, You Make Me Feel is obviously the classic song on this but Chain of Fools was the highlight of the album for me
They don't call her the Queen of Soul for nothing. Her voice is melodious and hits every right note. The songs are refreshing, with each one sounding different, yet still retaining her signature sound. There's nothing to complain about here.
God bless Aretha!
Aretha’s 12th studio album. Some classics on this one like chain of fools and natural woman, and a few I discovered that I really love, like her cover of people get ready, originally by the impressions. Can’t go wrong with Aretha.
NOW THAT'S A VOICE!!!1
When Aretha sings, the world stops and listens.
[Posting this in both Aretha Franklin entries on this list.] Aretha Franklin was especially prolific during this period, releasing no less than seven albums in three years. All of them are fantastic and she more than deserves her title of "The Queen of Soul." You need listen to at least one of those albums before you die in order to be a proper human with an acceptable life. But... Having more than one of her 1967 to 1969 albums on this list is just gilding the lily and taking space from other deserving artists.
A perfect gem. Have to give it 5 stars on the strength of Aretha Franklin's voice alone. So much excellence compacted into 30 minutes. This is the music every Soul/R & B artist forever after was trying to be (with a couple exceptions obviously, Stevie Wonder among them). Such a classic, unbelievably well executed, deserving of its accolades.
Did anyone know this lady can SING?
Nice R&B vocals!
Classic Motown style appropriates the groovy rock sounds of the psychedelic 60s for a powerful high energy backing band supporting the virtuoso of virtuoso vocal performances.
Wow!
Feel free to tell me how I know nothing about music, but I thought this album was incredibly boring. The backing tracks feel uninspiring, and the songwriting is nothing special. Only good thing about this album are her very good vocals.
It just doesn’t get any better! 🩷🩷
The Queen. That's all you need to know.
Pretty cool. Gotta respect Aretha's tunes. 6/10
Perhaps surprising as a big Aretha fan but I’m not crazy about this record. The recording quality isn’t great, which deadens her vocal performance, and I don’t feel as if her range was well utilized. Second half is stronger than the first and there are def a few classics though. Listened to: on LVRT. Favorite tracks: People Get Ready, A Natural Woman, Good to Me as I am to You, Chain of Fools
1968 must’ve been a hell of a year to go the record store. Tough to argue anyone’s ever had a better voice than Aretha, but I’m not sure if most of these songs take full advantage of it. It’s one of the rare albums that’s too short and some of the songs are under 3 mins and don’t totally feel finished.
4.0 Very solid but pretty short. Can always go for more Aretha
Pretty good
Aretha at her best. The band adds just enough to give the melody and enhance her vocals. She was blessed with an incredible voice and we are lucky to have heard it.
This had great great energy from start to end. The production was really tight too allowing the instrumentation moments to shine without taking away from Arethas and her vocals.
The absolute GOAT of soul music.
Great album
This is one of those albums that I don't understand how it could be anything other than a 5. Everything about it is top notch.
beautiful
Amazing voice - brillant music
Classic soul album, one of the best.
Still top notch over the years.
Timeless classic
Wow! This is great. This album feels like a gold standard a few different ways.
Geez, another perfect record! There’s no denying the power of Ms. Franklin’s voice. And the songwriting here is top shelf R&B songwriting, Natural Woman, Chain of Fools and even the lesser known ones are unimpeachable. Definitely belongs on this list.
I’ve always been a big Aretha fan. This is an easy 5, and would probably come in the top 3 if I were to rank her albums. My favorite album of hers is “I Never Loved a Man…”
4/5
Mashing 5 stars as hard as I possibly can. May sneak into my top 5 in this project so far. Absolutely amazing.
iconic, genre defining. Very good!
She was cookin.
One of the essentials of Aretha Franklin, between this and I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You, but I reckon this is her best work and you won't find a better soul album from the 1960's. There's not a single song on this album that I even remotely dislike, it was a pleasure from start to finish. With classics like Good to Me as I Am to You, Ain't No Way and CHAIN OF MOTHERFUCKIN FOOLS. People Get Ready is probably a standout for me, that song is special and I adore it - though it reminds me of Changes by Charles Bradley vaguely. Easy 5 - if you don't like this album idk what to tell you man you're either a contrarian fuckwit, a racist, or your music taste just fucking sucks.
Unfortunately this [REALLY GREAT] website seems to have lost everything I had written for todays album, this makes me sad as I had actually written a bit more than I had initially expected for this. To summarize my initial thoughts, this was an unexpected surprise for a genre I think almost everyone is familiar with but is not something most people from our generation would consider themselves 'fans' of. 'A Natural Woman' is the song I am both most familiar with as well as it being by far my favorite track of the album. Lastly I wanted to emphasize how well her vocals complimented the energy of the instruments. Using a comparison with Dexy's Midnight Runners from last week and how I thought the stroke the caught on live mic from the vocalist was a detriment to the rest of the album and did not match. This album was the complete opposite. Despite my positivity though I am not sure where to put this with my final rating, as good as it is I do wonder if this is something I would regularly listen to, as I feel like that should be criteria for giving something a perfect rating.
Wow, the lady from the Blues Brothers had a great solo career, that's awesome. Ain't No Way, Chain of Fools, Money Won't Change You, A Natural Woman, all bangers. Niki Hoeky is a bit weaker compared to the other hitters. I think I would have enjoyed going to church more if they busted out numbers like People Get Ready. Aretha Franklin is one of the best to ever do it, without a doubt. She only got better after this album particularly with a higher calibre backing ensemble, but this album is strong overall nonetheless.
lately ive been enjoying rnb a lot more than soul but i listened to a fair amount back in the day and the queen of soul always made it into my playlists. at first i was going to point out individual tracks and why i liked them but then i realized thats kind of pointless. every song is really good for both their own reasons and the same reasons. that being that the instrumentality is obviously great and aretha franklin sings in all of them. its just a good release, one if the ones that would actually be made worse by my feeble minded attempts to review or critique it because its coming from someone that just is good music. in all her interviews she talks about the love and joy of making music instead of the dumb boring technicalities most artists talk about and thats a good indicator as any that she really understands what makes good music good. anyway go listen to this shit.
If every white boy was forced to listen to this album racism would not exist. I have been walking around the house singing these certified ear worms all day. There are no bad songs on this album. I swear allegiance to Aretha Franklin. Let any who besmirch the name of the Queen of Soul (PBUH) suffer before my blade!
Not much to say here, sorry for the short review. I think it's a Masterpiece, my top 2 highlights are Ain't No Way and (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman. 10/10 Fav tracks - All -1 Least Fav - Groovin'
BIG FAN finally some good ass soul. The voice and the ability this woman has to make yah feel is great. I enjoyed most of the songs on this album but even the ones i wasn't head over heels for i still didn't mind because Aretha was singing it. 4/5.
The fact that Eric Clapton played guitar on this album and is still racist is proof that God has a sense of humour. Rolling Stone has listed Aretha Franklin as the greatest singer of all time on multiple occasions and they are 100% right. 'Despite' the fact that she was an alcoholic and a chain smoker she had a voice of solid gold just leading to proof that partyphobic movements like anti-smoking and anti-drinking laws are stifling an entire generation of future soul singers. No two ways about it, this album is perfect. Back to back hits, no song misses in any department at all. There's nothing negative I can say about this album at all except that it is a crime that in my 27 years I had not heard 'Ain't No Way' before.
Va be è Aretha
Aretha is great and her versions of songs usually beat the original.
Aretha! The album title says it all “Lady Soul” is the perfect title for this amazing voice.
It's Aretha and the album starts with Chain of Fools? Count me in! Could have done without Eric Clapton's "blues" guitar wanking on "Good to Me as I Am to You" but that's a me problem.
Really good album!
Yes very nice
Really nice. Not quite a 5 for me but I found myself really enjoying this.
The queen of soul baby. Love Aretha. Love her voice
Not my thing most days, but there really isn’t a bad song on here.
A wonderfully paced and executed album. Every song is unique but adds to the whole. Aretha's voice is spectacular.
Soul
Rip the goat
rip queen
Pretty good! Nothing I'll ever listen to again, but great vocals. 3.4
I am glad to see that the waitress from The Blues Brothers has so many great songs. :)
The OG of Soul! Even this 4+star review seems dis-R-E-S-P-E-C-T-ful!
Aretha Franklin has a wonderful voice. The album has held up fairly well, but it's not really something I groove all that much with. Soul isn't much of my boat, although I do love some of the jazz and funk elements that exist throughout the music. Maybe if I enjoyed the genre more, or was in a different mood. Some of the songs are fairly chill however and overall I can vibe with it as decent background music. ~2.5
Liked Song Chain of Fools
Du bon soul, c'est Aretha, je sais pas quoi dire de plus. 6/10
- Zwei Franklin Alben so kurz hintereinander, die für mich auch im direkten Vergleich, nur schwer auseinanderzuhalten sind. - Die Frau hat eine bombastische Stimme und großen Wiedererkennungswert. Daneben sind auf dem Album "natürlich" viele Hits. - Dennoch herrscht bei mir ein ähnliches Gefühl wie beim anderen Album: Hat mich kalt gelassen mit einigen "Oha"-Momenten 2,5/5
- entspannt, aber würde ich wahrscheinlich nicht wieder hören
All class all the time. Standouts like Chain of Fools and People Get Ready and Natural Woman deservedly lionized. When was the last time you heard this Groovin?
Classic
Great! But I have to be in the mood for the Queen of Soul. Fabulous when I am but sometimes I just feel it’s a little tedious.
This is a fantastic example of Aretha's prowess and power and exemplifies why she's part of music royalty. I'll admit, I sometimes find her voice can get a bit shrill when she's really going for it, but I didn't experience that at all on this record.
Yeah, damn, that's a helluva album. Other than the hits, I'd never heard it before. Boy was I missing out. Obviously her vocals are stellar. But the musicianship, arrangements, and material are incredible as well. (Loved the background singers, too!) I particularly enjoyed Franklin's take on James Brown's Money Won't Change You, but everything was top-notch. Clearly I need to listen to more Aretha albums.
To hear Aretha Franklin with fresh ears reminds me life is sweet.
3.9. What a talent
Classic. Don't like Chain of Fools.
mi sono commossa. che donna, che potenza, non per niente è la regina indicussa del soul. rest in power.
La Queen
Eh va be è Aretha
Queen of soul
The first two songs were great, then it tampered off just to get better at Respect. Overall good.
One of the greats.
Good album.
Really good album with memorable vocals.
No big standouts, but it's Aretha. Its great
pretty good
Possibly best in genre
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, chain of fools.
It is really good, some really strong songs, I liked it more than the other album of hers on this list. Still not gonna be a go to for me but was good to listen/know about this one. Will I listen to again: 25%
This album has two killer songs (Chain of Fools and You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman). The rest of the tracks are OK, but Aretha has a 5-star voice, so it pulls it up for me.
The thing with only being exposed to an artist late in their career is that you tend to only hear their 2 or 3 biggest hits. So, it was good to hear Aretha's amazing vocals on other songs... even if the songs themselves and production don't hold up as well.
This boasts inarguable classics (Chain of Fools, Ain't No Way), along with deeper cuts that make no bones about soul's gospel roots (People Get Ready) - which also happen to be total bops. & that's not even touching on Aretha's insane vocals that set the standard for multiple genres for decades. Plus, you know, 'beautiful gowns.' Gotta love the shade.
Could use a remaster, but nothing to complain about with Aretha!
The First Lady of Soul. Possibly President Soul.
r e s p e c t
I enjoyed this. Didn't overstay it's welcome like some of these older soul records do. Could probably have listened to at least another half record of this. Nice.
Incredible
Undeniable talent from Franklin herself and some absolute classic tracks.
7/26/24. The Queen of Soul! Love her voice and music.
Solid, front to back. Worth a listen.
Another very easily likeable record. Just pleasant to listen to.
I like Chain of Fools, (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You’ve Been Gone; I kind of like Come Back Baby
What a great album. Great musicianship, a great voice, and great vibes throughout. Loved it.
Great album by Aretha. More upbeat than the other one I recently heard on this list. 3.5/5 Might listen again
Tremendo
I wouldn't really class myself as an Aretha fan, but then I listened to this album. Yeah, that's changed. This album is phenomenal, and definitely a must-own. In conjunction with her 1967 I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You, I see now why she is the Queen of Soul. Good God.
A certified legend
The best thus far.
enjoyable
I’ve long known Aretha Franklin was a vocal master, but this amazed me beyond all expectations!
I'm familiar with a few Aretha Franklin songs, but this will be my first time listening to one of her albums from start to finish. Soul has been one of my favorite genres so far on this project, so I have high hopes that I'll enjoy this album. Overall, I found this album to be pretty middle of the road. Aretha Franklin is undoubtedly one of the best vocalists in music history, and she showcases a wide range of vocal abilities on this album. She harmonizes, she croons, and she can wails at the top of her lungs, all with a level of control that few singers can duplicate. On top of that, this album has some simple but well executed musical arrangements. The bass line on "Niki Hoeky" is fantastic, and "Money Won't Change You" and "Come Back Baby" have some fantastic horns. But rarely did the vocals and music combine to create something new and interesting. It's not that this album is bad, but I just wasn't wowed by it. Of course, the shining exception to this is "Natural Woman." Aretha delicately sings the verse before delivering the powerful chorus. Her intensity picks up perfectly over the course of the song, as she lets her emotion steer the song. The orchestral arrangements compliment her perfectly, and even though the strings and horns are beautiful, they never once steal the spotlight from Aretha's singing. As much as I love the Carole King version of this song, Aretha's version is something else entirely, worthy of all the praise it gets. Even though this album wasn't really my jam, I know it represents a watershed moment for Aretha Franklin, and it's a massive influence on soul music. Aretha opened the door for so many black women to be able to shine on their own, and her influence as a vocalist still reaches into popular music today.
Oozes class from every fibre. Blues, soul,, rhythm, class. Unrivalled Queen for evermore
Cracking album
forgettable
Classic for a reason. Not something it’s typically think to put on myself - and some of the impact is dampened a bit by exposure - but it holds up very well. Favorite track: Chain of Fools
#283. It's Aretha Franklin. 4/5: great. Song added to playlist: (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link
Chain of Fools and (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman are the two songs that made it from this album. You Make Me Feel has been ruined by commercials. The rest of the album was mostly background noise for me. Nothing really stood out. Aretha's definitely got a voice, but this isn't for me.
Bluesy and old timey. Not bad, but definitely not a first pick for me.
Um, she’s got a pretty amazing voice. Don’t know if anyone had said that yet. I’ve never listened to Aretha Franklin outside of movie trailers and commercials, I guess, so it was nice to actually listen for listening’s sake. Might revisit this one. Nothing helpful to add.
incredible voice
#51 - Legendary voice and decent songs!
Might just be my new favorite album by Southern Soul legend Aretha Franklin - granted I've only ever heard two of her other records, both great. Still, this album delivers such a deep punch instrumentally, and especially vocally that just wasn't *as* present in her other efforts. Versatility in Franklin's vocals is what rounds out this record, whether she decides to harmonize on the slower cut 'People Get Ready', or bring out this slicker drive on a song like 'Chain of Fools', her talents are continuously put on full display. One thing's for certain, no matter what direction she goes in vocally, the backing band is there to support and elevate her performances - I love the guitar and especially that bassline on 'Niki Hoeky'. And don't get me started on the orchestral backing on the masterpiece that is '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman' - such a grandiose demonstration of everything that made this genre great in the late 60s. A truly fantastic soul record - but I expected nothing less. An album that holds Aretha Franklin's best vocal chops - proving that she'll always be one of the greatest singers of all time.
Amazing voice and songwriting
Beautiful gowns
This album is great with a lot of standouts and familiar music that was fun to listen to going up and back down Mt Etna
Was surprised at how listenable this was and not just “old- time classic” you have to take like medicine. Good for the ride from Taormina to Palermo.
it was nice idk sorry i did not feel overly passionate
Riktiga bangers här! Favoriter: • Chain of fools • Niki Hoeky • (you make me feel like) A natural woman Krävdes att lyssna några gånger för att verkligen komma in i låtarna men de var lättlyssnade.
Tyckte de va najs vibe, bra variation på mer groove å chill! Hon har ju helt sjuk röst, men jag känner att det blir liite repetitivt att allt ska pressas upp och jag känner att de gör lite ont i mig haha men de e sjukt groovigt! Också störde jag mig på att stämmorna i chain of coola typ va falska😀 och operan i bakgrunden av sikt ni way va sjuk! Favoritlåtarna va Niki hoeky, groovin och people get ready
Didn't expect to enjoy this as much as I did! When the album ended I started it again reflexively! :)
Awesome
Soul två dagar i rad. Jag klagar inte. Första låten en solklar 5a och rösten är 5+. Det rullar på med bra låtar. People Get Ready t ex. Det blir 4a i betyg
Det är skönt. Inte favoritgenren. Lite snabbare än dusty (som jag nog diggade lite mer), men ändå i samma ball park.
Det blir typ inte bättre än så här inom genren. Enbart hennes röst gör detta till en femma, men leveransen i övrigt är också oklanderlig. Riktigt hög nivå rakt igenom.
5 stars for this legendary album, and an 5 auxiliary stars for Latrice Royale's legendary lipsync to "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" on Drag Race season 4.
Timeless
Going to give this one a rare 5. It's got everything. Great vocals, fun instrumentals, and a varied song list. This album never got stale and was enjoyable from start to finish. Some amazing hits and even the deep cuts were good. 9/10 (4.5/5)
Really enjoyed listening to this album. What a banging collection of songs / everlasting hits. Brilliant performance from the GOAT.
7/10 Aretha is such a good singer but not my vibe
This is the album that has two of the four Aretha Franklin songs that you know (Chain of Fools & Natural Woman). I was expecting to really love the album. But when it was over (it's only half an hour), I was a little disappointed. I didn't think it was bad. Aretha is in fine form. And I know Jerry Wexler is a legend of a producer. But I didn't hear anything in the song arrangements or the playing that I felt rose to the same level as the Stax or Motown recordings of the same period. The songs written for Aretha/the album (Chain of Fools, Natural Woman, Since You've Been Gone, and Ain't No Way) all sound vital. The covers (Money Won't Change You, People Get Ready, Come Back Baby, and Groovin') all sound like filler. This is a rare occasion when I wish there were half-stars. I don't think the album warrants a 4-star rating. But 3-stars feels a bit low. I wish there had been more of the fresh new songs, and less of the filler covers. The singles are great. The album is mid.
Aretha Franklin was sent down from heaven with all the angels voices inside of her!
Pepinazo importante
What's not to like!
A good, classic album with a few standout tracks. Chain of fools is always great and A Natural Woman was a great surprise. 3/5
Wonderful voice. Great to listen to.
Classic Soul, muy disfrutable.
Excelentes coros, instrumentación, voz asombrosa. Buenísimo, me encanta
Excellent.
It's Aretha.
One of the best to ever do it. What else can one say?
Boring
This is excellent, so filled with emotions and soul. But she kind of butchers People Get Ready, it has to be said.
Goodish
Such a beautiful voice. Easy listening.
Ooh, definitely an album I'll have to return to the future. I can imagine myself getting some good relistens out of this one and appreciating it more and more each time.
Great vocals Great rhythm section 5*
The Queen of Soul. This album is pure gold!