Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin (1942–2018), widely celebrated as the "Queen of Soul," was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist whose career spanned more than six decades. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, and raised in Detroit, Michigan, she became a global icon and a symbol of the civil rights movement. She was born on March 25, 1942, to Barbara Siggers and Reverend C.L. Franklin, a prominent Baptist minister with a "million-dollar voice". Franklin was largely self-taught on the piano and began singing solos at her father's New Bethel Baptist Church.
She recorded her first album, Songs of Faith, at age 14. During this time, she faced early hardships, including the death of her mother when she was 10 and becoming a mother herself at ages 12 and 15. Franklin signed with Columbia at age 18 but struggled to find her commercial niche as the label focused on jazz and standards. Her career skyrocketed after signing with Atlantic Records. Her first major hit there, "Respect," became a definitive anthem for the civil rights and feminist movements.
After a period of declining sales in the late '70s, she had a major comeback in the 1980s, revitalizing her career by transitioning from her classic soul roots to a modern pop and dance sound. She signed with Arista Records in 1980, initiating a decade of chart-topping success and historic accolades. She made a memorable appearance in the 1980 film The Blues Brothers, performing "Think," which helped reintroduce her to a younger generation.
Her Jump to It album (1982), produced by Luther Vandross, became gold-certified and brought her back to the top of the R&B charts. Who's Zoomin' Who (1985) became her first platinum-certified album, featuring hits like "Freeway of Love" and the title track. A duet with George Michael "I Knew You Were Waiting (for Me)" (1987) reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, exactly 20 years after "Respect".
Notable Collaborations: During this era, she collaborated with diverse artists including Annie Lennox ("Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves"), Keith Richards ("Jumpin' Jack Flash"), and James Brown.
She was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1987). Over her career, she won 18 Grammy Awards, received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and was a Kennedy Center Honoree. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005 and performed at the inaugurations of Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama. Rolling Stone twice named her the greatest singer of all time. Her voice was designated a "natural resource" by the state of Michigan.
Aretha Franklin died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 76 on August 16, 2018, in her home in Detroit. She was posthumously awarded a special citation from the Pulitzer Prize in 2019 for her contributions to American culture. She is remembered as an unparalleled musical talent and a powerful force for social change, influencing generations of artists and activists.
30 Greatest Hits
Written-By – Ronnie Shannon
2:44
1-2 Respect
Written-By – Otis Redding
2:27
1-3 Do Right Woman, Do Right Man
Written-By – Chips Moman, Dan Penn
3:17
1-4 Dr Feelgood
Written-By – Aretha Franklin, Ted White
3:21
1-5 Save Me
Written-By – Aretha Franklin, Carolyn Franklin, Curtis Ousley
2:19
1-6 Baby I Love You
Written-By – Ronnie Shannon
2:39
1-7 (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
Written-By – Gerry Goffin, Carole King, Jerry Wexler
2:43
1-8 Chain Of Fools
Written-By – Don Covay
2:47
1-9 Since You've Been Gone
Written-By – Aretha Franklin, Ted White
2:25
1-10 Ain't No Way
Written-By – Carolyn Franklin
4:12
1-11 Think
Written-By – Aretha Franklin, Ted White
2:18
1-12 I Say A Little Prayer
Written-By – Burt Bacharach And Hal David
3:33
1-13 The House That Jack Built
Written-By – Bob Lance, Fran Robins
2:21
1-14 See Saw
Written-By – Don Covay, Steve Cropper
2:43
1-15 The Weight
Written-By – Jaime Robertson
2:58
1-16 Share Your Love With Me
Written-By – Al Braggs, Deadric Malone
3:20
1-17 Eleanor Rigby
Written-By – John Lennon And Paul McCartney
2:33
2-1 Call Me
Written-By – Aretha Franklin
3:54
2-2 Spirit In The Dark
Written-By – Aretha Franklin
4:03
2-3 Don't Play That Song
Written-By – Ahmet Ertegun, Betty Nelson
2:59
2-4 You're All I Need To Get By
Written-By – Nicholas Ashford-Valerie Simpson
3:36
2-5 Bridge Over Troubled Water
Written-By – Paul Simon
5:31
2-6 Spanish Harlem
Written-By – Jerry Leiber, Phil Spector
3:30
2-7 Rock Steady
Written-By – Aretha Franklin
3:14
2-8 Oh Me Oh My (I'm A Fool For You)
Written-By – Jim Doris
3:42
2-9 Day Dreaming
Written-By – Aretha Franklin
3:59
2-10 Wholly Holy
Written-By – Al Cleveland, Marvin Gaye, Renaldo Benson
5:34
2-11 Angel
Written-By – Carolyn Franklin, Sonny Saunders
4:29
2-12 Until You Come Back To Me
Written-By – Clarence Paul, Morris Broadnax, Stevie Wonder
3:27
2-13 I'm In Love
Written-By – Bobby Womack
2:49
Label: Atlantic – 7567-81668-2
Format: 2 x CD, Compilation, Remastered
Country: Europe
Released: 1986
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Soul
A Rose Is Still A Rose
Written-By – L. Hill
Written-By [Contains Re-Sung Elements From "What I Am"] – J. Houser, A. Aly, E. Brickell, J.W. Bush, K. Withrow
4:27
2 Never Leave You Again
Written-By – C. Rooney, K. Price, S. Combs
4:36
3 In Case You Forgot
Written-By – B. Dickens, M. Gray, T. Gant
4:49
4 Here We Go Again
Written-By – D. Romani, J. Dupri, M. Malavasi, T. Lorenz, T. Broussard, W. Garfield
Written-By [Contains A Replayed Portion Of "The Glow Of Love"] – D. Romani, M. Malavasi, W. Garfield
3:30
5 Every Lil' Bit Hurts
Written-By – J. Dupri, M. Seal, S. Cook
4:07
6 In The Morning
Written-By – D. Simmons
4:56
7 I'll Dip
Written-By – D. Austin
4:06
8 How Many Times
Written-By – D. Foster, G. Charley, J. Winston
4:21
9 Watch My Back
Written-By – N. West
4:45
10 Love Pang
Written-By – M. Waters, N. Wilson
4:20
11 The Woman
Written-By – A. Franklin
7:41
Label: Arista – 07822-18987-2
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 1998
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Soul, Contemporary R&B
Amazing Grace
Written-By – Inez Andrews
7:29
A2 Medley: Precious Lord, Take My Hand / You've Got A Friend
Written By – Thomas A. Dorsey
5:34
A3 Old Landmark
Written-By – Carole King
3:40
A4 Give Yourself To Jesus
Written-By – Robert Fryson
5:16
B1 How I Got Over
Written-By – Clara Ward
4:22
B2 What A Friend We Have In Jesus
Written By – Traditional
6:03
B3 Amazing Grace
Written By – Traditional
10:45
C1 Precious Memories
Written By – Traditional
7:20
C2 Climbing Higher Mountains
Written By – Traditional
2:32
C3 Remarks By Reverend C.L. Franklin
Speech [Spoken Word] – Reverend C.L. Franklin
1:56
C4 God Will Take Care Of You
Written By – Traditional
8:48
D1 Wholy Holy
Written-By – Al Cleveland, Marvin Gaye, Renaldo Benson
5:30
D2 You'll Never Walk Alone
Written-By – Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein
6:31
D3 Never Grow Old
Written By – Traditional
9:57
Label: Atlantic – SD 2-906
Format: 2 x Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Gospel, Soul
Aretha
Written-By – Cohen, A.L. Walden, N.M. Walden, P. Glass
5:47
A2 I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)
Vocals, Featuring – George Michael
Written-By – Morgan, Climie
4:01
A3 Do You Still Remember
Written-By – Cohen, P. Glass, Afanasieff
5:02
A4 Jumpin' Jack Flash
Written-By – Jagger-Richards
5:02
B1 Rock-A-Lott
Written-By – Johnson, N.M. Walden, P. Glass
6:21
B2 An Angel Cries
Written-By – Morgan, Climie
4:59
B3 He'll Come Along
Written-By – Franklin
4:11
B4 If You Need My Love Tonight
Vocals, Featuring – Larry Graham
Written-By – A. Glass, N.M. Walden, P. Glass
4:30
B5 Look To The Rainbow
Written-By – Lane, Harburg
5:14
Label: Arista – 208 020
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: Europe
Released: 1986
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Disco
Aretha Arrives
Written-By – Mick Jagger, Keith Richard
2:35
A2 You Are My Sunshine
Written-By – Charles Mitchell (3), Jimmy Davis
4:18
A3 Never Let Me Go
Written-By – Joe Scott
2:50
A4 96 Tears
Written-By – Rudy Martins
2:12
A5 Prove It
Written-By – Horace Ott, Randy Evretts
2:58
A6 Night Life
Written-By – Willie Nelson
3:10
B1 That's Life
Written-By – Dean K. Thompson, Kelly Gordon
4:25
B2 I Wonder
Written-By – Cecil Gant, Raymond Leveen
4:21
B3 Ain't Nobody (Gonna Turn Me Around)
Backing Vocals – The Sweet Inspirations
Written-By – Carolyn Franklin
2:31
B4 Going Down Slow
Arranged By – Aretha Franklin
4:27
B5 Baby, I Love You
Written-By – Ronnie Shannon
2:39
Label: Atlantic – SD 8150
Format: Vinyl, LP
Country: US
Released: 1967
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul
Hey Now Hey ( The Other Side Of The Sky )
I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You
Written-By – Otis Redding
2:26
A2 Drown In My Own Tears
Written-By – Henry Glover
4:00
A3 I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)
Written-By – Ronny Shannon
2:47
A4 Soul Serenade
Written-By – Curtis Ousley, Luther Dixon
2:30
A5 Don't Let Me Lose This Dream
Written-By – Aretha Franklin
2:22
A6 Baby, Baby, Baby
Written-By – Aretha Franklin, Carolyn Franklin
2:48
B1 Dr. Feelgood
Written-By – Aretha White, Ted White
3:18
B2 Good Times
Written-By – Sam Cooke
2:05
B3 Do Right Woman - Do Right Man
Written-By – Chips Moman, Dan Penn
3:15
B4 Save Me
Written-By – Aretha Franklin, Carolyn Franklin, Curtis Ousley
2:20
B5 A Change Is Gonna Come
Written-By – Sam Cooke
4:15
Label: Atlantic – SD 8139
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1967
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul
Lady Soul
Written-By – Don Covay
2:45
A2 Money Won't Change You
Written-By – James Brown, Nat Jones
2:02
A3 People Get Ready
Written-By – Curtis Mayfield
3:35
A4 Niki Hoeky
Written-By – Jim Ford, Lolly Vegas, Pat Vegas
2:33
A5 (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
Written-By – Carol King, Jerry Goffin, Jerry Wexler
2:37
B1 Since You've Been Gone (Sweet Sweet Baby)
Written-By – Aretha Franklin, Ted White
2:18
B2 Good To Me As I Am To You
Written-By – Aretha Franklin, Ted White
3:25
B3 Come Back Baby
Written-By – Ray Charles
2:29
B4 Groovin'
Written-By – Eddie Brigati, Felix Cavaliere
2:45
B5 Ain't No Way
Written-By – Carolyn Franklin
4:12
Label: Atlantic – SD 8176
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1968
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul
Live At Fillmore West
Written-By – Otis Redding
3:56
A2 Love The One You're With
Written-By – Stephen Stills
4:21
A3 Bridge Over Troubled Water
Written-By – Paul Simon
5:49
A4 Eleanor Rigby
Written-By – John Lennon & Paul McCartney
2:33
A5 Make It With You
Arranged By [Horns] – Larry Wilcox
Written-By – David Gates
4:32
A6 Don't Play That Song
Arranged By [Horns] – Tom Dowd
Written-By – Ahmet Ertegun, Betty Nelson
3:17
B1 Dr. Feelgood
Written-By – Aretha Franklin, Ted White
7:02
B2 Spirit In The Dark
Written-By – Aretha Franklin
5:20
B3 Spirit In The Dark (Reprise With Ray Charles)
Written-By – Aretha Franklin
8:38
B4 Reach Out And Touch (Somebody's Hand)
Written-By – Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson
2:39
Label: Atlantic – SD 7205
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1971
Genre:
R&B Soul
Style: Soul
Aretha Live at Fillmore West (1971) is widely hailed as a landmark live album, capturing The Queen of Soul at her peak, blending soulful funk with the psychedelic rock scene, featuring iconic covers like "Eleanor Rigby" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water," and highlighted by a legendary impromptu duet with Ray Charles, solidifying its status as an essential, powerful document of her artistry.
Reviewers praise her commanding vocals, inventive reinterpretations of contemporary hits (like Stephen Stills' "Love the One You're With"), and the stellar backing band, though some modern audiophile releases offer superior sound quality for the immersive experience.
Franklin seamlessly integrates her gospel roots and R&B power with the hippie San Francisco scene, winning over the crowd with covers of popular rock/pop songs.
The album showcases her raw, unrestrained power, with critics noting moments where her voice cracks, adding to the authenticity and soulful delivery, especially on "Dr. Feelgood" and "Spirit in the Dark".
Her reimagining of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" is frequently called one of the best versions ever, and her take on The Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby" transforms it into a personal anthem.
Backed by King Curtis and the Kingpins, with special appearances by Ray Charles and Billy Preston, the musicality is top-tier.
It's considered a definitive live record, offering an unparalleled glimpse into Franklin's live artistry, making it a must-have for fans.
While the original recordings capture the energy, some reviewers find the sound quality of earlier versions lacking, with later audiophile pressings (like Blu-ray or specific vinyl reissues) offering improved depth and clarity.
Some listeners find the playlist unusual or prefer other live albums like Amazing Grace, but acknowledge its unique appeal.
Aretha Live at Fillmore West is an essential, powerful recording that captures Aretha Franklin at the height of her powers, redefining popular songs and showcasing her undeniable dominance as the Queen of Soul, making it a high point in live music history.
Love All The Hurt Away
A2 Hold On I'm Comin' 5:14
A3 Living In The Streets 3:53
A4 There's A Star For Everyone 4:26
A5 You Can't Always Get What You Want 5:18
B1 It's My Turn 5:30
B2 Truth And Honesty 4:15
B3 Search On Me 4:47
B4 Whole Lot Of Me 3:23
B5 Kind Of Man 4:19
A1: Love All The Hurt Away
Writer: Sam Dees
4:09
A2: Hold On I'm Comin'
Writers: Isaac Hayes and David Porter
5:14
A3: Living In The Streets
Writer: Rod Temperton
3:53
A4: There's A Star For Everyone
Writers: Allee Willis, Don Yowell, and David Lasley
4:26
A5: You Can't Always Get What You Want
Writers: Mick Jagger and Keith Richards
5:18
Side B
B1: It's My Turn
Writers: Carole Bayer Sager and Michael Masser
5:30
B2: Truth And Honesty
Writers: Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager, and Peter Allen
4:15
B3: Search On Me
Writer: Chuck Jackson
4:47
B4: Whole Lot Of Me
Writer: Aretha Franklin
3:23
B5: Kind Of Man
Writer: Aretha Franklin
4:19
Label: Arista – AL 9552
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1981
Genre: R&B Soul, Blues, Pop
Style: Eighties Soul, Ballad, Disco
Runnin' Out of Fools
Written-By – Charlie Foxx, Inez Foxx
2:38
A2 How Glad I Am
Written-By – Jimmy Williams, Larry Harrison
2:32
A3 Walk On By
Written-By – Bacharach And David
2:47
A4 Every Little Bit Hurts
Written-By – Ed Cobb
2:47
A5 The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss)
Written-By – Rudy Clark
2:23
A6 You'll Lose A Good Thing
Written-By – Barbara Lynn
2:36
B1 I Can't Wait Until I See My Baby's Face
Written-By – Chip Taylor, Norman Meade
2:43
B2 It's Just A Matter Of Time
Written-By – Belford Hendricks, Brook Benton, Clyde Otis
2:57
B3 Runnin' Out Of Fools
Written-By – Kay Rogers, Richard Ahlert
2:30
B4 My Guy
Written-By – Smokey Robinson
3:03
B5 Two Sides Of Love
Written-By – Roy Alfred
2:17
B6 One Room Paradise
Written-By – J. Leslie McFarland
2:05
Label: Columbia – CS 9081
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1964
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul, Rhythm & Blues
So Damn Happy
Written-By – Gordon Chambers, Myiia Davis, Rick Williams, Troy Taylor
3:07
2 Wonderful
Written-By – Aleese Simmons, Katrina Willis, Philip "Silky" White, Ron Lawrence
4:04
3 Holdin' On
Written-By – Bruce Miller, Earl Klugh, Mary J. Blige, Troy Taylor
4:36
4 No Matter What
Written-By – Bruce Miller, Mary J. Blige, Troy Taylor
4:32
5 Everybody's Somebody's Fool
Written-By – James Wright, James Harris III, Terry Lewis
4:35
6 So Damn Happy
Written-By – Aretha Franklin
4:28
7 You Are My Joy
Written-By – Aretha Franklin
2:33
8 Falling Out Of Love
Written-By – Burt Bacharach, Jed Leiber, Jerry Leiber
4:30
9 Ain't No Way
Written-By – Barry J. Eastmond, Gordon Chambers
4:36
10 Good News
Written-By – Norman West
4:53
11 You Are My Joy (Reprise)
Written-By – Aretha Franklin
2:33
Label: Arista – 82876-50174-2
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 2003
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Soul, Contemporary R&B
Soul '69
A2 Today I Sing The Blues (Curtis Lewis 4:22)
A3 River's Invitation (Percy Mayfield 2:38)
A4 Pitiful (Charlie Singleton, Rose Marie McCoy 3:01)
A5 Crazy He Calls Me (Bob Russell, Carl Sigman 3:24)
A6 Bring It On Home To Me Sam Cooke 3:39)
B1 Tracks Of My Tears (Tarplin, Robinson, Moore 2:53)
B2 If You Gotta Make A Fool Of Somebody (Rudy Clarke 3:06)
B3 Gentle On My Mind (John Hartford 2:26)
B4 So Long (Melcher, Harris, Morgan 4:33)
B5 I'll Never Be Free (Bernie Benjamin, George Weiss 4:11)
B6 Elusive Butterfly (Bob Lind 2:44)
Label: Atlantic – SD 8212
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1969
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Soul/Jazz/Blues
Soul '69 is the fourteenth studio album by The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, released in January 1969 by Atlantic Records. The album is notable for its strong jazz and blues influences and use of sophisticated arrangements, making it a stylistic departure from Aretha's previous, more characteristic soul albums.
While primarily a soul album, it prominently incorporates jazz and blues elements, featuring an eclectic mix of material that goes beyond standard soul fare. The arrangements often lean towards jazz, thanks to the presence of respected jazz musicians like Kenny Burrell, Ron Carter, Joe Zawinul, and David Newman.
The album is composed entirely of cover songs from a diverse range of artists - from Smokey Robinson to John Hartford - a collection chosen with Aretha's characteristically eclectic taste.
The album was critically well-received upon release; Rolling Stone journalist Stanley Booth described it as "quite possibly the best record to appear in the last five years".
It was Franklin's sixth album to reach number 1 on Billboard's R&B albums chart, though it ended her streak of Top Five pop albums, peaking at number 15 on the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart.
Despite its initial success and critical acclaim, the album is often considered one Aretha's most overlooked '60s albums, appealing more to the aficionado than a general audience.
Producers Tom Dowd and Jerry Wexler produced the album, capturing Aretha's powerful vocals and piano work at Atlantic Studios in New York.
Two singles were released from the album: "The Tracks of My Tears" and "Gentle on My Mind." Both were only moderately successful on the pop charts.
The album was re-released on CD by Rhino Records in the 1990s after being out of print for many years, and is now available to download from Amazon in high-quality MP3 format.
(Provided by SoulYears.com)
Sparkle
A2 Giving Him Something He Can Feel 6:15
A3 Hooked On Your Love 4:57
A4 Look Into Your Heart 4:01
B1 I Get High 4:08
B2 Jump 2:18
B3 Loving You Baby 3:45
B4 Rock With Me
Produced, Arranged and Written by Curtis Mayfield
Label: Atlantic – SD 18176
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1976
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Spirit In The Dark
Written-By – Ahmet Ertegun, Betty Nelson 2:48
A2 The Thrill Is Gone (From Yesterday's Kiss)
Written-By – Art Benson, Dale Petite 4:40
A3 Pullin'
Written-By – Aretha Franklin, Carolyn Franklin, Jimmy Radcliffe 3:32
A4 You And Me
Written-By – Aretha Franklin 3:30
A5 Honest I Do
Written-By – Ewart Abner, Jr., Jimmy Reed 3:10
A6 Spirit In The Dark
Written-By – Aretha Franklin 3:59
B1 When The Battle Is Over
Written-By – Jessie Hill, Malcolm Rebennac 2:52
B2 One Way Ticket
Written-By – Aretha Franklin 2:48
B3 Try Matty's
Written-By – Aretha Franklin 2:28
B4 That's All I Want From You
Written-By – Fritz Rotter, M. Rotha 2:38
B5 Oh No Not My Baby
Written-By – Carole King & Jerry Goffin 3:10
B6 Why I Sing The Blues
Written-By – B. B. King, Dave Clark 3:08
Label: Atlantic – SD 8265
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1970
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Spirit in the Dark is considered one of Aretha Franklin's most emotionally raw and overlooked masterpieces from her prime Atlantic era, praised for its deep integration of gospel and blues roots with powerful soul. Critics laud it as an exuberant and remarkably consistent effort, despite its lower commercial success compared to earlier albums.
The album is noted for being intensely personal and introverted, with many reviews speculating on the influence of the recent breakup of her marriage to Ted White. This personal turmoil results in a cathartic and authentic emotional delivery that some consider her "truest" record.
Franklin leans heavily into her gospel background, particularly in her piano playing and vocal delivery, while the backing band (including the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section and Duane Allman on guitar) provides a raw R&B and blues foundation.
Franklin co-wrote five of the album's twelve tracks, her most on any single original album, and these originals ("Pullin'", "Spirit in the Dark") are highlighted as strong compositions that effectively showcase her talent.
The production, handled by Arif Mardin, Tom Dowd, and Jerry Wexler, is lauded for creating a rich, full sound that captures the energy of the sessions. The background vocals, in particular, function almost as a "latter day Greek Chorus," adding depth to Franklin's impassioned confessions.
Key Tracks:
"Don't Play That Song (You Lied)": A number one R&B and top 20 pop hit that sets a tone of excellence for the album.
"Spirit in the Dark": The funky, gospel-infused title track that became another major hit single and a classic.
"The Thrill Is Gone (From Yesterday's Kiss)": A chilling B.B. King cover given a powerful, world-weary interpretation that climaxes with an interpolation of "free at last".
"Pullin'": An infectious, gospel-rooted original composition featuring a joyous rhythm that builds to a feverish pitch.
Overall, Spirit in the Dark is a highly recommended, essential listen for soul fans, offering a masterclass in vocal performance and a compelling artistic statement that only grows in stature over time.
Sweet Bitter Love
A2 Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive
A3 Nobody Like You
A4 Today I Sing The Blues
A5 Sweet Bitter Love
B1 Try A Little Tenderness
B2 Skylark
B3 Johnny
B4 God Bless The Child
B5 If Ever I Would Leave You
Label: Columbia – PC 38042
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 1982
Genre: Jazz, Soul
Style: Sixties Soul, Rhythm & Blues
"Sweet Bitter Love" is a compilation or reissue album that primarily features Aretha Franklin's early recordings from her time at Columbia Records in the mid-1960s, showcasing a different, more jazzy and sophisticated side of her voice before her iconic R&B/soul breakthrough at Atlantic Records.
Reviews from listeners are generally very positive, highlighting the raw talent and potential present in her youth, Many reviews praise her voice as "pure, sweet, and spectacular," showcasing a broad and expressive vocal range even at a young age.
Fans appreciate the album for offering a glimpse into "early Aretha Franklin's early songs," presenting a different musical style from her later, more famous soul work. The album is often described as a "must buy" for serious Aretha lovers or anyone who appreciates "just great singing".
The title track, "Sweet Bitter Love," is considered by some to be one of her best songs, noted for its emotional depth and the artist's personal connection to the lyrics.
The production quality is typical of its time (mid-60s Columbia sound) which some note can sound dated compared to her later, more dynamic Atlantic recordings.
The album leans towards a more "vocal jazz" or classic pop approach, rather than the R&B/soul style that would make her a superstar, a distinction that might surprise listeners only familiar with her hits like "Respect".
In summary, the album is a highly regarded look at the formative years of a legend, showcasing a beautiful, powerful voice in a different musical setting.
The Queen In Waiting... The Columbia Years (CD1)
Written-By – J. Cleveland
2:23
1-2 Once In A While
Written-By – L. C. Cooke
2:31
1-3 Maybe I'm A Fool
Piano – Aretha Franklin
Written-By – J. L. McFarland
3:15
1-4 Muddy Water
Written-By – H. Richman, J. Trent, P. De Rose
2:24
1-5 Bill Bailey Won't You Please Come Home (Alternate Version)
Written-By – H. Cannon
2:14
1-6 Hard Times (No One Knows Better Than I)
Piano – Aretha Franklin
Written-By – R. Charles
3:09
1-7 Today I Sing The Blues
Written-By – C. Lewis
2:44
1-8 Won't Be Long
Piano – Aretha Franklin
Written-By – J. L. McFarland
3:18
1-9 Nobody Knows The Way I Feel This Morning
Written-By – P. Delaney, T. Delaney
5:10
1-10 Evil Gal Blues
Written-By – L. Feather
2:41
1-11 Lee Cross
Written-By – T. White
3:22
1-12 Walk On By
Written-By – H. David, B. Bacharach
2:50
1-13 I Wonder (Where You Are Tonight)
Written-By – A. Franklin, T. White
3:21
1-14 God Bless The Child
Written-By – A. Herzog Jr., B. Holiday
3:03
1-15 Blue Holiday
Written-By – L. Dixon, W. Denson
2:54
1-16 Looking Through A Tear
Written-By – A. Resnick, B. Scott
3:03
1-17 Tiny Sparrow
Written-By – B. Scott
2:49
1-18 Here Today And Gone Tomorrow
Written-By – B. Gonzales
3:29
1-19 Little Brown Book
Written-By – B. Strayhorn
3:18
1-20 Without The One You Love
Piano – Aretha Franklin
Written-By – A. Franklin
2:47
Label: Columbia – COL 508621 2 (CD1)
Format: 2 x CD, Compilation
Country: UK
Released: 2002
Genre: R&B Soul, Blues
Style: Rhythm & Blues, Sixties Soul
The Queen In Waiting... The Columbia Years (CD2)
Written-By – C. Otis
4:35
2-2 Just For A Thrill
Written-By – D. Raye, L. Armstrong
2:54
2-3 Skylark
Written-By – H. Carmichael, J. Mercer
2:51
2-4 Skylark (Alternate Version)
Written-By – H. Carmichael, J. Mercer
4:04
2-5 Trouble In Mind
Written-By – R. M. Jones
2:56
2-6 Runnin' Out Of Fools
Written-By – E. Snyder, R. Ahlert
2:43
2-7 Drinking Again
Written-By – D. Tauber, J. Mercer
3:28
2-8 Laughing On The Outside
Written-By – B. Raleigh, B. Wayne
3:16
2-9 What A Diff'rence A Day Makes
Written-By – M. Grever, S. Adams
3:31
2-10 Soulville
Piano – Aretha Franklin
Written-By – D. Washington, H. Glover, M. Levy, T. Turner
2:26
2-11 You'll Lose A Good Thing
Written-By – B. L. Ozen
2:40
2-12 Take A Look
Written-By – C. Otis
2:42
2-13 Cry Like A Baby
Written-By – J. Armstead, N. Ashford, V. Simpson
2:13
2-14 I Wish I Didn't Love You So
Written-By – F. Loesser
2:55
2-15 Only The Lonely
Written-By – J. Van Heusen, S. Cahn
4:54
2-16 People (From Funny Girl)
Written-By – B. Merrill, J. Styne
4:18
2-17 Mockingbird
Written-By – C. Foxx, I. Foxx
2:48
2-18 Until You Were Gone
Written-By – J. Byers
3:16
2-19 My Colouring Book
Written-By – F. Ebb, J. Kander
4:08
2-20 Try A Little Tenderness
Written-By – H. Woods, J. Campbell, R. Connelly
3:15
Label: Columbia – COL 508621 2 (CD2)
Format: 2 x CD, Compilation
Country: UK
Released: 2002
Genre: R&B Soul, Blues
Style: Rhythm & Blues, Sixties Soul
What You See Is What You Sweat
Written-By – Sly Stone
3:50
2 Aretha Franklin Featuring Michael McDonald– Ever Changing Times
Written-By – Bill Conti, Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager
4:55
3 Aretha Franklin– What You See Is What You Sweat
Written-By – Dave Conley, Derrick Culler, Gene Lennon, Joshua Thompson
4:24
4 Aretha Franklin– Mary Goes Round
Written-By – Elliot Wolff, Oliver Leiber
3:06
5 Aretha Franklin– I Dreamed A Dream (From Les Mis'erables)
Written-By – Alain Boublio, Claude Schonberg, Herbert Kretzmer, Jean Claude Lucchetti
4:18
6 Aretha Franklin– Someone Else's Eyes
Written-By – Bruce Roberts, Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager
4:57
7 Aretha Franklin Duet With Luther Vandross– Doctor's Orders
Written-By – Hubert Eaves III, Luther Vandross
4:35
8 Aretha Franklin– You Can't Take Me For Granted
Written-By – Aretha Franklin
5:12
9 Aretha Franklin– What Did You Give
Written-By – Aretha Franklin
5:01
10 Aretha Franklin– Everyday People (Single Remix)
Written-By – Sly Stone
4:07
Label: Arista – 261 724
Format: CD, Album
Country: UK & Europe
Released: 1991
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Nineties Soul, New Jack Swing
Who's Zoomin' Who?
Saxophone – Clarence Clemons
Written-By – Jeffrey Cohen, Narada Michael Walden
6:00
A2 Another Night
Lyrics By – Roy Freeland
Music By – Beppe Cantarelli
Vocals – Roy Freeland
4:30
A3 Sweet Bitter Love
Co-producer – Aretha Franklin
Written-By – Van McCoy
5:11
A4 Who's Zoomin' Who?
Written-By – Aretha Franklin, Narada Michael Walden, Preston Glass
4:43
B1 Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves
Co-producer – Dave Stewart*
Vocals – Eurythmics
Written-By – Annie Lennox, Dave Stewart*
5:54
B2 Until You Say You Love Me
Written-By – Narada Michael Walden, Preston Glass
4:23
B3 Ain't Nobody Ever Loved You
Written-By – Narada Michael Walden, Preston Glass
4:53
B4 Push (Duet With Peter Wolf)
Vocals – Peter Wolf
Written-By – Jeffrey Cohen, Narada Michael Walden
4:36
B5 Integrity
Co-producer – Aretha Franklin
Written-By – Aretha Franklin
4:25
Label: Arista – AL 8-8286
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Eighties Disco, Synth-pop, Soul
You
Composed By – Aretha Franklin
4:25
A2 It Only Happens (When I Look At You)
Composed By – Ken Gold, Michael Denne
Flute – Jim Horn
Trumpet – Bud Brisbois
4:23
A3 I'm Not Strong Enough To Love You Again
Composed By – Frank Johnson
4:16
A4 Walk Softly
Composed By – Van McCoy
4:48
A5 You Make My Life
Composed By – Bettye Crutcher, Frederick Knight
4:15
B1 Without You
Composed By – Randy Stewart, Mack Rice
Saxophone – Tom Scott
5:13
B2 The Sha-La Bandit
Composed By – Jerry Ferguson, Wade Davis
Saxophone – Ernie Watts
4:00
B3 You
Composed By – Chuck Jackson, Jerry Butler, Marvin Yancy
4:40
B4 You Got All The Aces
Composed By – Ronnie Shannon
3:52
B5 As Long As You Are There
Composed By – Carolyn Franklin
3:44
Label: Atlantic – SD 18151
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1975
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Seventies Soul
Young, Gifted And Black
Written-By – Jim Doris
3:39
A2 Day Dreaming
Written-By – Aretha Franklin
3:58
A3 Rock Steady
Written-By – Aretha Franklin
3:12
A4 Young, Gifted And Black
Written-By – Nina Simone
3:32
A5 All The King's Horses
Written-By – Aretha Franklin
3:53
A6 A Brand New Me
Written-By – Jerry Butler, Kenneth Gamble, Theresa Bell
4:23
B1 April Fools
Written-By – Bacharach And David
3:27
B2 I've Been Loving You Too Long
Written-By – Jerry Butler, Otis Redding
3:32
B3 First Snow In Kokomo
Written-By – Aretha Franklin
4:04
B4 The Long And Winding Road
Written-By – Lennon-McCartney
3:36
B5 Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)
Written-By – Thom Bell, William Hart
3:40
B6 Border Song (Holy Moses)
Written-By – Elton John & Bernie Taupin
3:19
Label: Atlantic – SD 7213
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul