Aretha

Track Listings

1. Come to Me

2. I Can't Turn You Loose

3. United Together

4. Take Me With You

5. Whatever It Is

6. What a Fool Believes

7. Together Again

8. Love Me Forever

9. School Days

Aretha,Aretha Franklin,Arista,Deep Soul,Pop,R&B,Soul,Soul/Reggae/Rhythm & Blues,Urban

Aretha

Tracks:

I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)
Respect
Do Right Woman, Do Right Man
Dr. Feelgood
Save Me
Baby I Love You
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
Chain Of Fools
Since You've Been Gone
Ain't No Way
Think
I Say A Little Prayer
The House That Jack Built
See Saw
The Weight
Share Your Love With Me
Eleanor Rigby

Tracks:

Call Me
Spirit In The Dark
Don't Play That Song
You're All I Need To Get By
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Spanish Harlem
Rock Steady
Oh Me Oh My (I'm A Fool For You Baby)
Day Dreaming
Wholly Holy
Angel
Until You Come Back To Me
I'm In Love

Amazon.com essential recording

Aretha Franklin's voice is an instrument of such exquisite expression that it has been matched but a few times in the 20th century. Borrowing from jazz, soul, R&B, rock, pop, and, of course, gospel--and accompanying herself on piano--she created an artistic vision that was wholly realized. Hits includes most of her chart singles from those incomparable Atlantic years, from "Respect" in 1967 well into the '70s, as well as noncharting classics like "Do Right Woman" and "Dr. Feelgood." This is the definitive introduction to Franklin's artistry, but be warned: get this and you're going to want more. --David Cantwell

Customer Reviews:

definitely girl power.......2007-07-24

I can't help singing to this one. Both of these are a good listen. Aretha rocks.

get the originals.......2007-05-13

If you really want the full flavor, 100% Aretha Franklin get the original albums - you'll miss so many great songs by getting ONE "Greatest Hits" or "Vol. 1" - it isn't worth it.

Pullin' is a knock out song that I've never heard, Try Matty's and When the Battle is Over are all excellent examples, but, oh, you just want Spirit in the Dark. Too bad, you lose.

Elton John's "Border Song" is literally turned inside out, for the better, but too bad, you missed it.

Do yourself a favor and spend the extra money and treat your stero right, you deserve it - her early work at Atlantic is more than just #1 'hits' it's a body of impressive work by a talented artist. When she accompanies herself on the piano - man, make no mistake - the woman rules.

Quite simply . . . the VERY best!.......2007-03-29

Aretha's voice, her style, delivery and interpretation of her music is incomparable. These songs are more than just classics; they're a songbook to millions of people's lives who grew up listening to her in the 60's and 70's as I did. They evolk memories of times that changed our world, and showed just how powerful and influential music could be for generations to come. There is not much that came before, and very little that came after these golden years for Aretha, that can compare to this treasury of her music. Sadly the Aretha Frankiln of 2007 pales in comparison to the Aretha Franklin of this time, who was truly and rightfully The Queen of Soul.

Aretha Franklin- 30 Greatest Hits.......2007-03-09

I enjoyed this CD, I thought it could have had some other of her greatest hits.

Definitive Collection of Lady Soul's Best Work...an Absolute Desert Island Selection.......2006-06-10

If you need validation of Aretha Franklin's legacy, look no further than this definitive collection of her best work recorded for Atlantic Records between 1967 and 1974. I have owned this two-disc set for over twenty years since its release in 1985, and I never tire of it. In fact, I return to it often and would have to conclude it to be one of my desert island selections. Teamed up with the equally legendary production team of Jerry Wexler and Arif Mardin, she sparked magic on an amazingly consistent basis during this period. Before signing with Atlantic, Franklin recorded for Columbia but was erroneously being marketed as a jazz chanteuse. After Wexler's departure from Atlantic in 1974, her work, I feel, declined artistically, and Franklin's subsequent recordings with Arista, although more commercial, were not nearly as memorable.

Disc One opens appropriately with her first breakout hit, the heart-ripping "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Loved You)". Then the onslaught of classics - her signature cover of Otis Redding's "Respect" which completely eclipses his version; the loping doo-wop of "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man"; the roof-raising take on Carole King's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman"; the had-it-up-to-here anthem, "Chain of Fools". Her soulful covers of the Band's "The Weight" and the Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby" reflect her personal style without compromising the memory of the original performances. Franklin takes Burt Bacharach and Hal David's "I Say a Little Prayer" quite literally and converts it into a uniquely gospel-tinged love song of longing and regret. Her soaring vocals on potentially inane confections such as "See Saw" and "The House That Jack Built" elevate their substance significantly.

Disc Two continues the hits with particular standouts being a near-inspirational version of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's classic, "You're All I Need to Get By"; an almost hymnal version of Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water"; and the cruising "Spanish Harlem". My personal favorites are her dramatic cover of Lulu's 1969 hit, "Oh Me Oh My (I'm a Fool for You Baby)"; the appropriately named "Day Dreaming"; and her last big Atlantic hit, Stevie Wonder's "Until You Come Back to Me" with a playfully sauntering melody an intriguing contrast to its obsession-oriented lyrics. But honestly, there is not a single disappointment among the thirty tracks here and some, especially the religion-fueled numbers like "Wholly Holy" and "Spirit in the Dark", are simply transcendent. This set is the one to own.

I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You/Including Respect

Average customer rating:

FOREVER ARETHA, FOREVER THE QUEEN OF SOUL
Soul is a Serious Business - and She's Got it Down!
One Of The All Time Best
Timeless soul diamond
Heart and Soul

I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You/Including Respect
Aretha Franklin
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000033IS
Release Date: 1995-06-20

Tracks:

Respect
Drown In My Own Tears
I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)
Soul Serenade
Don't Let Me Lose This Dream
Baby, Baby, Baby
Dr. Feelgood (Love Is A Serious Business)
Good Times
Do Right Woman-Do Right Man
Save Me
A Change Is Gonna Come
Respect (Stereo Version)
I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You) (Stereo Version)
Do Right Woman-Do Right Man (Stereo Version)

Amazon.com essential recording

This is the album on which Aretha finds her voice. She'd previously recorded for another label, but this Atlantic debut created the sound that has come to define her. The tracks read like a greatest hits collection: "Respect," "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man," "Dr. Feelgood," "Baby, Baby, Baby," "A Change Is Gonna Come," and the title track. She's alternately pumped full of soul or scraping her inner being to find more. A classic. --Robert Gordon

Customer Reviews:

FOREVER ARETHA, FOREVER THE QUEEN OF SOUL.......2007-03-08

If you don't have this CD in your collection, you are truly missing a treasure. With this CD, we see "Aretha" bringing the "fervor" of gospel music to the world of circular music in a way that no other African-American musical artist has done with the exception of Ray Charles and James Brown. She is unapologetic as she lets her voice soar to a spiritual place that can only be reached by someone who's church upbringing is as much a part of her being as the water she drinks and the air she breaths. You will "go to church" when you hear her sing Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come" and the song that has become every woman's anthem, "Respect".

On this CD, Aretha not only defines Rhythmn and Blues; she also defines her version of the Blues. Her Blues is not the Blues of Big Mama Thorton, KoKo Taylor, or Etta James. Aretha's Blues doesn't try to compete or "rock" like a man's Blues. Aretha's Blues is a woman's Blues--smart, sassy, pleading, proud, and defiant all at the same time. One gets to feel it all when she belts out "I Never Loved A Man the Way I Love You," "Soul Serenade," and "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man".

And the piano playing--yes, that's Aretha--that pure syncopated gospel style that many church going African Americans take for granted on any given Sunday morning.

Add this body of work to your Aretha collection. You won't have the blues for long and you will come to understand what it means to "go to church."

Soul is a Serious Business - and She's Got it Down!.......2007-02-23

Yeah, I've always been a fan of Aretha's. But I gained a new appreciation for her upon hearing this soul landmark. It's seriously up there with those Sly Stone and Stevie Wonder classics. She is, simply, the ultimate soul singer, with the ultimate soul anthem to her credit: Respect. She took the Otis Redding song and gave it quite the makeover. Sure, Otis' version is great, but this one puts it and any other covers of it to shame and back. The rest of the album lives in Respect's shadow, but there's lots more to like about it: the bluesy title track, for one, as well as moving versions of Do-Right Woman, Do-Right Man and Sam Cooke's oft-covered A Change is Gonna Come. Speaking of covers, I love her versions of Drown in My Own Tears and Good Times. Sure, both are overrecorded, but Aretha somehow gives them personality. And Dr. Feelgood has to be her most underrated. Even a few of the minor tracks (Soul Serenade; Baby, Baby, Baby, Save Me) would've led the way on a lesser album.
Be sure to buy this. I know that most consider soul a more singles-based genre than an album-based one, but there are quite a few good soul LP's out there that deserve the same recognition as the '60's rock classics. This is one of them.

One Of The All Time Best.......2007-02-15

A definite CLASSIC, and I do not use that word loosely. Bought this album when it first came out, and now own the CD. It is timeless. If you like music, any music, then you owe it to yourself to own this record!!! Don't think twice, just buy it.....

Timeless soul diamond.......2007-01-13

Worth checking out on the merit of transcendent hit "Respect" alone, "I Never Loved A Man The Way I Loved You" is one of my favorite soul albums for three main reasons: Aretha's voice, of course, the ripping backing band she's got, and the songs.

Anyone with a radio has probably heard Aretha belt out "Respect" and other hits, but checking out an entire album really enhanced my appreciation of her remarkable voice. Her range and power are extraordinary, and to think of her pounding the keys while singing out her anguish and happiness really makes the album magic. Her lively wailing on "Drown in My Own Tears" is soaked in authenticity, and her sultry readings of the title track and "Dr. Feelgood" make it a surprisingly steamy affair. It's great to hear Aretha pour her sweat, heart, and guts into these songs and hear the soft, hard, fiery and sweet sounds her voice is capable of.

The backing band is tight and spot on--there's some really gnarly blues guitar, for instance, on the title track, and "Save Me" doesn't drop a funk-soaked beat. Throughout the whole album, the saxes and brass shine and accentuate the spaces between Aretha's confessions, illustrating the soul truth that simple is powerful. The background singers also help support Aretha's power with soft harmonies (like on the jazzy "Don't Let Me Lose This Dream").

Last, the songs are stupendous. Not only does Franklin conquer Otis Redding's "Respect" and cut the definitive version, she also reimagines Sam Cooke's "Good Times" and gives the man a run for his money on her tender reading of "A Change is Gonna Come." Along the way, she also manages to make soul classics out of a few other songwriters' tunes ("Do Right Woman") AND co-write some soul classics of her very own. Serious business indeed.

I love this CD and listen to it all the time--no matter how radio-overplayed "Respect" is, this album still glitters with the magic that created it and remains part of the bedrock of my modest soul collection.

Heart and Soul.......2007-01-10

It's a bautiful record, from the best aretha's atlantic period. It's one of the most important r'n'b records of all times...Any more words are not required!!
Roberto from Italy (Tuscany)

Average customer rating:

THE LAST TRACK THAT IS ON THE 1ST TRACK
A Revelation
A must have
A treat
I Love Aretha!

Amazing Grace: The Complete Recordings
Aretha Franklin
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000IPY3
Release Date: 1999-05-04

Tracks:

Organ Introduction (On Our Way)
Opening Remarks
On Our Way
Aretha's Introduction
Wholy Holy
You'll Never Walk Alone
What A Freind We Have In Jesus
Precious Memories
How I Got Over
A. Precious Lord, Take My Hand/B. You've Got A Friend
Climbing Higher Mountains
Amazing Grace
My Sweet Lord (Instrumental)
Give Yourself To Jesus

Tracks:

Organ Introduction (On Our Way)/Opening Remarks
On Our Way
Aretha's Introduction
What A Friend We Have In Jesus
Wholy Holy
Climbing Higher Mountains
God Will Take Care Of You
Old Landmark
Mary, Don't You Weep
Never Grow Old
Remarks By Reverend C.L. Franklin
Precious Memories
My Sweet Lord

Amazon.com essential recording

This Rhino re-release of Amazing Grace is at least as much a work of love as of marketing. The sound is beefier and clearer, but most importantly, the two-day church sessions are included. So, there's much more church (specifically, Reverend James Cleveland's marvelous orating) on the record, as well as contemporaryisms such as a cool organ rendition of George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord." Originally released as a double LP in 1972, Amazing Grace cracked the Billboard Top 10 on its release, making it one of the best selling gospel records of all time. Grace was recorded in a large Baptist church with an ultraenthusiastic audience in the pews, a full, funky band, and the Southern California Community Choir under the direction of Franklin's mentor, Cleveland. Her voice is melismatic and intensely emotional, yet pure and controlled, as if she is channeling the Holy Ghost. Franklin's father, the brilliant preacher Reverend C.L. Franklin, makes a brief, proud appearance, remarking, "She has never left the church!" Other highlights include the beautiful "Wholy Holy," an 11-minute, heart-stopping "Amazing Grace," and Inez Andrews's stirring "Mary, Don't You Weep." Way more than a return-to-the-roots record, this set is an inspired gospel-soul workout that arguably showcases Franklin's strongest singing ever. --Mike McGonigal

Customer Reviews:

THE LAST TRACK THAT IS ON THE 1ST TRACK.......2007-05-16

THE CD OVERALL IS OKAY, BUT I SHOULD HAVE RETURNED IT BUT MY DAUGHTER LOVE IT SO WELL, I AM NOT REALLY HAPPY WITH IT BUT I CAN LIVE WITH IT.

A Revelation.......2006-12-10

Amazing Grace is widely acknowledged to be Aretha Franklin's magnum opus. With her 1972 return to gospel roots, she evolved from "Queen of Soul" to "The Queen." As her father, Reverend Franklin, notes to a rapt audience during one of the two night performances: "she can sing anything." This isn't filial boasting; it's an understatement. Recorded in a large Baptist church with the Southern California Community Choir, Aretha belts her way through traditional hymns, standards and pop tunes alike--and in the process redefines them. Her overall performance is a revelation. Period.

If praising Amazing Grace is needlessly redundant, the Rhino reissue itself is worth discussing. For those accustomed to the orginal record, be prepared for some changes. In the spirit of preserving the integrity of the event, the producers have reproduced both night's performance in their near entirety. Vocal overdubs peppered judiciously throughout the original release have been removed in favor of celebrating the imperfect but more immediate live setting. Thus, "Old Landmark" and "How I Got Over" sound noticeably rougher, though more authentic, than their studio-enhanced counterparts.

A must have.......2006-11-09

This cd is timeless- If you love Aretha you must own this cd

A treat.......2006-09-19

This is a remastered version of Aretha Franklin's breakthrough 1972 gospel album AMAZING GRACE. This was recorded in front of a live audience in 1972, culled from two live performances with the Southern California Community Choir, Ken Lupper, and the Rev. James Cleveland at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles. This two disc set features the original 14 tracks, and a bonus 15, making it 29 tracks in total. It is great to hear the music unedited! This is a must have for Aretha's big fans!

I Love Aretha!.......2006-03-18

This is one of the best gospel compliations I have heard. I love the combination of Aretha Franklin and the choir and Rev. James Cleveland.

Average customer rating:

It may not be the best, but its close
excellent album
Loved this collection!
The best CD available!
The Best Aretha Franklin Collection To Date

Aretha's Best
Aretha Franklin
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005BC9B
Release Date: 2001-05-15

Tracks:

Respect
Think
Freeway Of Love
Baby, I Love You
A Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel Like)
Day Dreaming
I Say A Little Prayer
The House That Jack Built
(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone
Spanish Harlem
Jump To It
I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)
Chain Of Fools
Rock Steady
Who's Zoomin' Who
Until You Come Back To Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)
I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)
Call Me
Do Right Woman - Do Right Man
Bridge Over Troubled Waters

Customer Reviews:

It may not be the best, but its close.......2007-02-22

Aretha Franklin has had more hits than tis, but how many are you going to find that have jump to it and who's zoomin who on the same album. If anyone knows speak up. These were 2 of my favorites and getting both on the same album is nearly impossible. By the way the sound quality is also good.

excellent album.......2007-02-08

I love Aretha and this cd is the greatest, with hit after hit. The quality is great, too. The shipping was quick, too.

Loved this collection! .......2006-07-09

I loved this collection just as much as the boxed set for Atlantic Records! This is a good budget-conscious release for those who can't afford to plunk $50-60 for the wonderful 86-song set. The compilation producer smartly compiled Aretha's Atlantic hits from the 60s/70s and her Arista hits from the '80s. While not in chronological order, it does mix her hits in a sonic and cohesive way, how her soulful voice sings through the different songs, musicians, producers and arrangements. One song that I heard for the very first time was The House That Jack Built, a #6 charted hit that came between the Respect and Call Me hits period. It's just as superb a song as the more recognizable hits of Freeway of Love, Jump to It, Spanish Harlem, Daydreaming and many others. Still love the duet that she did with George Michael, 1986's I Knew You Were Waiting For Me. I heard a that lot during a road trip to Orlando, Florida in April 1987. At that time, it was a No. 1 pop hit. Throughout, this collection demonstrates why Aretha is a dynamic song stylist who can holler, whoop, and soar through these performances. A true testament of the Queen of Soul!

The best CD available!.......2006-03-13

This CD has it all! This is the best of all songs recorded by Aretha, if you are a fan, you can't pass this one up!

The Best Aretha Franklin Collection To Date.......2005-12-27

Aretha Franklin has yet to have a definitive, career spanning compilation. You'd think an artist of her stature would by now have a two disc compilation or, better yet, a boxed set that spans her entire career form her early years up to today, and yet, it hasn't happened.

The best collection to date is Rhino's single disc, 21 song "Aretha's Best". How does it hold up? Read on for the positives and the negatives.

Positives:
-Most of Aretha's biggest hits and best knowns songs are included, such as "Respect", "Think", "Freeway Of Love", "A Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel Like)", "I Say A Little Prayer", "Spanish Harlem" and "Chain Of Fools" are included.
-The liner notes are a great read.
-The sound quality is great.
-It's affordable and easy to find.

Negatives:
-Too many great songs are missing, many of which are top forty hits, including "Rock-A-Bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody", "Ain't No Way", "See Saw", "The Weight", "Share Your Love With Me", "Eleanor Rigby", "Spirit In The Dark", "Don't Play That Song", "Border Song", "You're All I Need To Get By", "Brand New Me", "Angel", "I'm In Love", "Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves" (her popular collaboration with The Eurythmics), "Through The Storm" (her underrated duet with Elton John), "Willing To Forgive", and "A Rose Is Still A Rose". As you can see, this set should have had at least been two discs worth of material.
-None of her gospel material is included. Why???

So, as you can see, this collection is far from perfect. But if you only want one Aretha Franklin cd in your collection, this should suit you for now.

The Very Best of Aretha Franklin: The 60's

Average customer rating:

ARETHA FRANKLIN IS THE BEST!
They don't call her, "Lady Soul" for nothin'.
This Is Truly An All Time Great CD!!
Ambassador of Love
SOUL MAGIC

The Very Best of Aretha Franklin: The 60's
Aretha Franklin
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000337Z
Release Date: 1994-03-22

Tracks:

Respect
Baby I Love You
I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)
Chain Of Fools
Do Right Woman-Do Right Man
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone
Ain't No Way
Think
See Saw
The House That Jack Built
I Say A Little Prayer
The Weight
Eleanor Rigby
Share Your Love With Me
Call Me

Amazon.com

This 16-track disc and its companion piece (Volume 2) do a great job of recapitulating Aretha's singles career at Atlantic. Some of the most compelling music ever recorded, these sides bring forth the best of one of the great singers. Whether all but rewriting "Respect" ("That girl stole my song," an admiring Otis Redding said) or barely masking the pain behind "Call Me," she tells some of the truest stories around. And what a piano player. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

ARETHA FRANKLIN IS THE BEST!.......2005-11-08

Whenever I go to the Longmont Public Library, I always get the CD, The Very Best Of Aretha Franklin. I would take it home, put it in my stereo and play it. I feel in love with all the songs. I am going to rate the songs one by one from a scale of 1 to 5. There are times I will go over the 1 to 5 scale:

1.RESPECT: I give this song a 8/5 because I love the words and how Aretha sings it. She sings it with such clarity, emotion and power. This song swept me off my feet and I love to sing along with it.

2.BABY I LOVE YOU: I give this song a 7/5 because I love to move to it. The words and the tune sounds great!! I'd be singing along with it and began to dance to it. It would be hard to sit still or not sing along with the song.

3.I NEVER LOVED A MAN: I give this song a 7/5 because I love to move and sing along with it. The background music is awesome and quite electrifying. I esppecially love the sound of the guitars!!!!

4.CHAIN OF FOOLS: I give this song a 8/5 because I LOOVE the beginning part of the song to the end. The story is very realizitic because many women have fell love with men that they so caught up in into them that they are blind to the fact that the men are no good, errogant users that take love for granted. The friends of the women whose going out that with those types of men always warn them that they are no good and the women should go out with them.Aretha tells about how much she still love her man in spite of the fact that people saw something bad in him that she was too blind by love to see. She was literally her boyfriend's CHAIN OF FOOL.

5.DO RIGHT WOMAN-DO RIGHT MAN: I give this song a 8/5 because I love the words and the sound to it. The part I like is "Woman's only human. You should understand. She's not just a play thing but flesh and blood just like her man. If you want a do right, all days woman, you gotta be a do right, all night man."

6.(YOU MAKE ME FEEL LIKE)A NATURAL WOMAN: I give this song a 8/5 because it is so beautiful and peaceful. I find myself singing along with this song. In the song, Aretha is telling the man how much he menas to her and what he has done for her.

7.(SWEET SWEET BABY): I give this song a 6/5 because I love the song.Aretha does a wonderful job singing about this song.

8.AIN'T NO WAY: I give this song a 5/5 because even though I heard and like the song, I don't remember about how the song or the tune goews.

9.THINK: I give this song a 8/5 because I love the words and the tune. I love how Aretha adds sassiness to the song as she demands respect from her trifling boyfriend. The part I like is "You better think. Think about whatcha try to me. Yeah, let's think. Just let yourself be because FREE-DOM, FREE-DOM, FREE-DOM, FREE-DOM! OH,FREE-DOM, FREE-DOM, FREE-DOM, FREE-DOM! I love singing that part of the song.

10.SEE SAW: I give this song a 8/5 because I love this song. The words, the sound and Aretha's voice makes this song phemononal and awesome. My favorite part is "Your love is like a see-saw. Your love is like a see-saw, baby. You love is like a see-saw. Going up,down all around." I love singing that part as well as the whole song.

11.THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT: I give this song a 8/5 because I love the words and tune to the song. I enjoy singing along with the song. I feel soory for Jack because he's such a hard worker in building that house that bad things came upon him. So right after he finished building the house, he left seeking a better life somewhere else.

12.I SAY A LITTLE PRAYER: I give this song a 7/5 because I love this song. I love how the music and the words flows together as Aretha sings the song.

13.THE WEIGHT: I give this song a 8/5 because I love this song. Aretha does an awesome job singing the song and I love the music (esppecially the guitars!!!) behind her voice, which makes the song phenomonal.

14.ELEANOR RIGBY: I give this song a 6/5 because I love how the words and the music flow together as Aretha sings her song about Eleanor Rigby

15.SHARE YOUR LOVE WITH ME: I give this song a 5/5 because I like the song. I don't remember a whole lot about the song.

16.CALL ME: I give this song a 5/5 because it's a great song. Even though I heard it, I don't remember much about the song.

Total score: 112/80. This is a great CD. If anybody love the early projects of Aretha Franklin, you should get this CD. I know I need to buy the CD myself since I always check the CD from the Public LIbrary. I recommend it!

They don't call her, "Lady Soul" for nothin'........2005-09-08

Since I don't know a better way to review this, I'll do the rate-the-song-on-a-scale-of-one-to-ten gag.
1. Respect: 10/10. How can you not rate this a 10?
2. Baby I Love You: 10/10. Listen to that VOICE!
3. I Never Loved A Man (The Way That I Love You): 10/10. With the help of her voice and incredible backup vocals, she turns a cliche into something awesome.
4. Chain of Fools: 11/10. My favorite, it's a great slice of proto-funk.
5. Do-Right Woman, Do-Right Man: 9/10. Still good, but doesn't quite do it for me.
6. (You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman: 8/10. If it weren't overly orchestrated, this would be a 10.
7. (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone: 10/10. Great song.
8. Ain't No Way: 10/10. Best of the slower songs.
9. Think: 10/10. Again, listen to that VOICE!
10. See Saw: 7/10. It's okay.
11. The House That Jack Built: 10/10. Second-best song. Have you noticed how unlucky this Jack guy is? Come on, bad stuff happens to him here, on Ray Charles' Hit the Road Jack, AND on Steely Dan's Do It Again.
12. I Say a Little Prayer: 8/10. Good not great.
13. The Weight: 10/10. Incredible guitar and, as usual, vocal performance.
14. Eleanor Rigby: 3/10. Really dumb.
15. Share Your Love With Me: 10/10. Another amazing song.
16. Call Me: 5/10. Another one I don't like.
This is good stuff!

This Is Truly An All Time Great CD!!.......2002-07-15

When I played this CD in my car...my mother asked for it, so I had to buy another Vol. 3-Very Best of Aretha Franklin! My mother and I agreed that they simply don't make songs like this any more. Aretha's CD brought back wonderful memories of the 60's. Today, we listen intent to exactly what Aretha was saying in these musical messages. We now understand Aretha's songs better than in the past. The music is wonderful, the background voices are majestical. What a wonderful combination of words, messages, instruments and singing. Yes, lay back - listen and enjoy this wonderful CD...They just don't make them like this anymore.

Ambassador of Love.......2002-02-08

To me Aretha was an ambassador of love when i heard this CD. All My troubles go away when I listen to her sweet loving songs. They're soulful and romantic but most of all full of self respect. And what could that emanate more than love. Not violence, not dark depressive singin'.
I'm glad to be celebrating life in this world that produced Miss Aretha. Thank you.

SOUL MAGIC.......2002-02-06

Like all RHINO's best of,this is a commandable collection of ARETHA's works in her early days at ATLANTIC.RESPECT,YOU MAKE ME FEEL LIKE A NATURAL WOMAN and I SAY A LITTLE PRAYER(marvelous cover of the BACHARACH-DAVID song ,first recorded by DIONNE WARWICK)can be considered the highlights,but everything deserves to be there.ELEANOR RIGBY is my only complaint(RAY CHARLES's cover is great).If all the best of collections could be of the quality of those at RHINO,it would be heaven on this earth.

Average customer rating:

"Simply,THE TRUTH!"
Queen of Soul: The Atlantic Recordings ~ Aretha Franklin
Essential Cornerstone of any Soul collection
Near Perfect
Forever The Queen!!!

Queen of Soul: The Atlantic Recordings
Aretha Franklin
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000032VS
Release Date: 1992-09-29

Tracks:

I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)
Do Right Woman-Do Right Man
Save Me
Respect
Baby, Baby, Baby
Dr. Feelgood (Love Is A Serious Business)
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
Soul Serenade
Drown In My Own Tears
Chain Of Fools
Baby, I Love You
Ain't Nobody (Gonna Turn Me Around)
Since You've Been Gone (Sweet Sweet Baby)
You Are My Sunshine
Going Down Slow
Never Let Me Go
I Wonder
Prove It
Good Times
Come Back Baby
A Change
You're A Sweet Sweet Man
Good To Me As I Am To You
People Get Ready
Ain't No Way

Tracks:

Think
See Saw
The House That Jack Built
Night Time Is The Right Time
I Say A Little Prayer
You Send Me
My Song
I Take What I Want
I Can't See Myself Leaving You
Night Life (Live Version)
Today I Sing The Blues
Pitiful
Tracks Of My Tears
River's Invitation
Share Your Love With Me
It Ain't Fair
Sit Down And Cry
Honest I Do
The Weight
When The Battle Is Over
Eleanor Rigby
One Way Ticket
Call Me
Pullin'

Tracks:

Son Of A Preacher Man
Try Matty's
The Thrill Is Gone (From Yesterday's Kiss)
Dark End Of The Street
You And Me
Let It Be
Spirit In The Dark
Why I Sing The Blues
Don't Play That Song
Young, Gifted And Black
Border Song (Holy Moses)
A Brand New Me
You're All I Need To Get By
Spanish Harlem
Rock Steady
Oh Me Oh My (I'm A Fool For You Baby)
Day Dreaming
All The King's Horses
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Angel

Tracks:

Spirit In The Dark (Reprise)
How I Got Over
So Swell When You're Well
Master Of Eyes (The Deepness Of Your Eyes)
Somewhere
I'm In Love
Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing
Until You Come Back To Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)
Every Natural Thing
Without Love
With Everything I Feel In Me
Mr. D.J. (5 For The D.J.)
Look Into Your Heart
Sparkle
Rock With Me
Break It To Me Gently
Something He Can Feel

Amazon.com essential recording

Queen of Soul trumps all other collections of Aretha's recordings for Atlantic by adding dozens of album tracks to a selection of epochal singles ranging from "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)" and "Respect" to "Spanish Harlem" and "Rock Steady." Over three CDs and change--the fourth runs out of steam, as did her creative energy during the mid-to-late-'70s period it chronicles--we hear many emotional shifts: impassioned, triumphant, wistful, and always truthful about her condition and our own. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

"Simply,THE TRUTH!".......2005-06-11

I've had this box set for a while. At times I've listened to each disc on it's own and enjoyed it. Recently, I had to drive a lot over the Memorial Day weekend (to my daughters travel basketball games) and decided that I'd listen to the whole box set, starting at disc one through disc four. The experience was a revelation. Aretha is one of the greatest vocalist ever to record. And when she sings, she simply "tells the truth." When she says she, "Never Loved a Man," "the way that I love you," that's what she means. When she wants a "Do Right Man," because she'll be a "do right woman," that's what she means. You hear it in her voice when she talks about being a "Natural Woman," telling her man to "Think," and saying she wants "R-E-S-P-E-C-T;" you know what she's talking about. And it's not just the classic, old jams she vocalizes the truth on. It could be lesser known gems, such as "Try Matty's," "The House that Jack Built," or "Don't Play that Song." When she says "Rock Steady," I'm up and grooving, rockin' steady. When she says she'll be that "Bridge Over Troubled Water," it's spiritual. And when she sings "Call Me," or "Until You Come Back to Me," the urgency in her voice sends chills through me. My Dad loved Aretha and I grew up listening, but not appreciating Aretha. Once you get to be my age though, all you're looking for is truth and honesty and if you purchase this box set, you will definitely get it! I love this four disc CD set. I recommend it for anybody needing an intro to Aretha's greatness or anybody who needs to hear it TOLD LIKE IT IS!

Queen of Soul: The Atlantic Recordings ~ Aretha Franklin.......2005-03-26

This collection of her atlantic recordings is stupendous and amazing. Franklin is a tremendous artist with mega super hits such as think, respect, and many more. The book-let is very nice with high end photographs of Franklin and the covers of all her albums that she made for atlantic. There is so much to like about her and her amazing ability as a vocalist, muisician, lyricist and performer. The front cover photo is very nice with Franklin mayb e in her 30's or later, I have no idea, but it is a very nice photo and she looks great. Gotta love those tacky sunglasses on her 1975 release you. This is a very nice compilation that one should not miss.

Essential Cornerstone of any Soul collection.......2005-02-10

I know, I know, you narrow your eyes whenever you see the term "essential," in an amazon review. Well, hate to tell you but it doesn't get any more essential than this. This may be the gold standard of Box sets. Better than my Joy Division, my Miles, my Coltrane, and my Sonny Rollins sets. By heaps and piles!

As far as I'm concerned: It's Billie, Nina and Aretha. The Mother, The Daughter and The Holy Spirit of Soul. I love Etta (both Ettas). I love Mahalia, and I love Bessie. I swear by Ruth Brown. Mabel Mercer and Roberta Flack- Love 'em to death. But one gives credit where it's due: at her absolute prime, Aretha sounds, well- PRIMAL. Like her voice has become the avatar of Athena, Artemis and Aphrodite- all rolled into one. The woman's pipes are sooooo grand as to be almost inhuman- yet tempered with such human warmth, tenderness, humility... Her voice does things to me, and unless you're a robot in disguise or one of the walking dead- it will to you too... So. Forget the label, "soul," and all the baggage it carries- just take the word at face value: If you possess a soul- you will love this. This is the kind of music that unites generations- gives all cultures a common ground.

This collection is a couple steps short of being 'comprehensive,' but still pulls off being definitive. It's missing a few tracks that the hardcore fans will kick up a fuss over... Still: 4 CDs. 88 tracks. Excellent sound (most of the earliest songs are preserved in mono: a good thing), the remastering is phenomenal. Great packaging, the 80+ page booklet has interviews with everyone, it's a sweet read. Then there's the smalll fact that you're getting All her Atlantic hits and (probably) the cream of her entire Atlantic output: albums, singles, B-sides, all of it (and that's saying something). I defy you to bat an eye at this.

You'll want this over the Columbia Comp. Some go for the early 60's Aretha, but I feel I can say this without reservation: her individuality blossomed at Atlantic. It was with her move to Atlantic (back when the likes of Jerry Wexler, David Ritz, Dave Marsh and Tommy Dowd were workin it) that she began to earn the apropos moniker, "Queen of Soul." At Columbia, one always feels like she's straining against the pop arrangements. She's trapped, yearning to be set free. The Columbia producers cramped her innate tendency to do what gospel singers do best: let loose. That's just what she does over the course of these four fantastic CDs. Atlantic gave Aretha the license to use her wings. We all get to some along for the ride.

You really don't have a reason not to get this. If you feel that nigh-60 dollars is too much to drop... Well, the BMG people (yeah, the ones that mail out those annoying CD forms that you always forget to fill in and return on time and then you have some crap you never wanted in your maibox to ambush you) usually has a sweet half-off policy for all box-sets. They offer this for about 25 $'s, which is actually about 33$'s, once you add the shipping and tax. Just so's you know.

PS. Jimmy Smith died today. RIP

Near Perfect .......2004-11-10

Of course, I love Aretha Franklin & am very grateful to my buddy who gave me this boxed set as gift. Being the perfectionist I am, I do have some complaints, so please bear with me :

1) Where is "Lean On Me"? This was a non-album B side of "Spanish Harlem". This is not the Bill Withers song, but a Van McCoy compostion. Surely they could have included it. Fortunately I have a turntable & managed to salvage the single out of my collection. FYI - Melba Moore also does a great version of this song which is worth checking out.

2) Disc 4 is a little uneven. Even a great artist like Aretha Franklin put out some less than great music. Her "5 for the DeeJay" is a strange song which for some strange reason creeps me out whenever I hear it. It sounds almost like a parody of her classic style. Sorry, I'm probably overanalyzing things here. As long as they were putting her later stuff on the set, why not include at a couple of numbers from her last 2 albums "Almighty Fire" & "La Diva". I know that the material is supposed to be horrible, but it would have been good just for the shock value. At least, I would have been interested in hearing the Skip Scarborough material which considering the man's other work, couldn't have been that awful!

3) Some of the additions that I suggested could have taken the place of some of the inclusions. Her version of "Somewhere" is nice but not essential to me. Also, I know I'll get into hot water for this one. I know that the duet with Ray Charles must have been wonderous in concert, but for some reason doesn't come off that well on record. Of course, with the recent death of Mr. Charles its inclusion is fitting & proper.

4)I love Gospel music but the inclusion of the one Gospel song sounds somewhat out of place on this collection. It might have been a better idea to put together a Gospel collection, which I think there has been in the last few years. Possibly, her version of Marvin Gaye's "Wholly Holy" might have been a better choice. I know! I know! I'm being very picky!

Okay I better say some things I really enjoy about this collection:

1) The numbers from the Curtis Mayfield produced "Sparkle" are absolute gems & deserve more attention that they have gotten.
2) The beautiful "Without Love" co-written by sister Carolyn is a very moving number which almost brings me to tears.
3) Her "Young Gifted & Black/Spirit in the Dark" Period is very well covered here - including some awesome cover versions such as "Spanish Harlem", "Don't Play that Song", "You're All I Need to Get By" & a stunning version of Elton John's "Border Song" that totally blows away EJ's version. During this time, she was also writing more of her own songs which, again, are stunning - "Call Me", "Daydreaming", "All the King's Horses", etc. I can't remember if she wrote "One Way Ticket", but it is another lost gem!!!
4) Of course, her "Lady Soul" period (the 1st 4 Atlantic albums) is covered well. Some of the lesser heard tracks really stand out like ballads such as "Prove It" & "Baby Baby Baby". Of course, Carolyn Franklin's composition "Ain't No Way" still blows me away every time I hear it. By the way that is Cissy Houston (Whitney's mom) hitting those stratospheric high notes in the background. I have heard DJs incorrectly say that it was Carolyn doing the singing there.
5) The "Soul 69/This Girl's in Love..." period is interesting. Some critics seemed to savage the stuff from "Soul 69" which is actually quite nice. Again, why couldn't they have included her version of "This Girl's in Love..."? Oops! I'm complaining again. Sorry!

So, anyway, for anyone who is still reading this rambling review, I hope I'm forgiven for my criticisms. I do love Aretha! When an artist is as talented as she is, I tend to expect absolute perfection. Anyway, enjoy!

P.S. If you don't have the bucks to lay down for this collection & don't have nice friends who will give you a gift copy, you should check out some of her individual collections like "Aretha Arrives" "Lady Soul" or "Never Loved A Man". Also there are some budget priced collections which include her well-known & lesser known material, and they are the original recordings - not re-recordings!

Forever The Queen!!!.......2004-09-08

Hey Aretha fans
I would like to let everyone know that I LOVE Aretha!!
I have ever since I first borrowed a tape that had her "oldies" on it. It wasn't until I became older that I learned to appreciate her lyrics. This collection is by far the best I have ever had! I listen to it in every possible direction i can. But I love to hit shuffle and wonder what song is gonna be next. This collection has almost everything Aretha did in the 60's and i would love to hear the other songs that aren't on this collection. Which means buying all of her records but hey when u love Aretha as much as I do you don't really care. ha ha
So to all of you that have this collection Congrats! and to those of you THINKING of getting this GO HEAD!
Cause this is the proper way to hear the QUEEN OF SOUL!

Average customer rating:

Aretha's Gospel 70s
Sunday Morning CD
If you're gonna yell, this is how to do it.
The greatest gospel album of all times!!!!!!
One Of the Best Gospel Albums Ever Recored

Amazing Grace
Aretha Franklin
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000002I3Y
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Mary, Don't You Weep
Precious Lord, Take My Hand/You've Got A Friend
Old Landmark (Spoken Introduction)
Give Yourself To Jesus
How I Got Over
What A Friend We Have In Jesus
Amazing Grace

Tracks:

Precious Memories
Climbing Higher Mountains
Remarks By Rev. C.L. Franklin
God Will Take Care Of You
Wholy Holy
You'll Never Walk Alone
Never Grow Old

Amazon.com essential recording

Originally released as a double LP in 1972, Amazing Grace cracked the Billboard Top Ten upon its release, making it one of the bestselling gospel records of all time. Grace was recorded in a large Baptist church with an ultraenthusiastic, loving audience in the pews and a full, funky, band as well as the Southern California Community Choir under the direction of her mentor Rev. James Cleveland. Her voice is melismatic and intensely emotional, yet pure and controlled--as if she were directly channeling the Holy Ghost. Aretha's father, the brilliant preacher Rev. C.L. Franklin, makes a brief, proud appearance, remarking how "she has never left the church!" Highlights include the beautiful "Wholy Holy," an 11-minute, heart-stopping "Amazing Grace," and Inez Andrews's stirring song "Mary, Don't You Weep." Way more than a return-to-the-roots record, the set is an inspired gospel-soul workout that arguably showcases Aretha's strongest singing ever. --Mike McGonigal

Customer Reviews:

Aretha's Gospel 70s.......2007-03-08

Since the 70s, when I first heard gospel songs by Aretha, I have been captivated by them. It saddens me that the worldly songs were more attractive to her, then God's songs. Nevertheless, it was her gospel songs which propelled me into appreciating God more, and loving songs of praises rendered to Him. I was shocked to learn that these old songs were still around. When I listen to her gospel songs, they take me back to a time (the 70s) which I love and still cherish today. If anyone reads this, let me know where to find another gosple song of hers entitled "The Rapture."

Sunday Morning CD.......2007-02-07

I discovered my copy of this cd at a used cd store many years ago - - - what a great find!! This Christmas I gifted three friends with copies of Amazing Grace - - - A youthful , soleful Aretha - with James Cleveland and the Southern California Community Choir - - - - It's a great way to start a Sunday morning - -

If you're gonna yell, this is how to do it........2006-05-20

Much of the "music" in this genre leaves me flat. I can watch people work themselves into a frenzy over out-of-tune yellin' and screamin', and wonder what the attraction is, or whether folks are just responding out of conditioning, or because it's "gospel."

But when Aretha raises her voice to the highest, it's the real thing. Exuberance and ecstasy on time and in tune. Now that's heaven. She was one of a kind in those days, and there is no better example of it than on this set.

The greatest gospel album of all times!!!!!!.......2005-12-03

Aretha clearly peed on herself as she blew the roof off of the church. All young vocalists must have this CD to know what the best singer in the world sounded like at a younger age. Aretha is still the greatest singer alive! I just remember needing to see actual footage of this concert to believe that a person could actually sing like this. It was just too amazing for me to belive that someone could really do this "live." I recently saw Aretha in NY 07/05'at the McDonalds Gospel fest, and she blew the roof off the place.

God really favored and gifted her with the finest vocal instrument in the world in my opinion. Ray Charles once said "no one in the world can sing like Aretha,...my one and only sister!" There will never be another Aretha, nor will there be another album like this. Long live the Queen!!!!

One Of the Best Gospel Albums Ever Recored.......2005-10-14

Words cant express how good you feel in the Lord after you have heard this CD.
I was a little girl in 1972 but I remember my mom playing the album over and over again..When I saw it on CD the first time... I had to have it.
This is a CD you must have...

Average customer rating:

LADY SOUL - A SOULFUL REIGN CONTINUES
The epitome of late 60's Aretha Franklin
The name she would be forever identified as.
Another Early Essential
What an Amazing Voice

Lady Soul
Aretha Franklin
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000033IR
Release Date: 1995-06-20

Tracks:

Chain Of Fools
Money Won't Change You
People Get Ready
Niki Hoeky
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
Since You've Been Gone (Sweet Sweet Baby)
Good To Me As I Am To You
Come Back Baby
Groovin'
Ain't No Way
Chain Of Fools (Unedited Version)
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman (Mono Single Version)
Since You've Been Gone (Sweet Sweet Baby) (Mono Single Version)
Ain't No Way (Mono Single Version)

Amazon.com

Despite the presence of the sweetened (and great) single "A Natural Woman," Aretha Franklin's third Atlantic album is even more elegantly gritty than its two predecessors. She finds liberation in James Brown's "Money Won't Change You" and a revved-up take on Ray Charles's "Come Back Baby" much as she had in "Respect" and "Think" earlier, while Eric Clapton's guitar on "Good to Me As I Am to You" stings as much as her rueful, resigned delivery. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

LADY SOUL - A SOULFUL REIGN CONTINUES.......2007-03-09

At a 1968 concert in Chicago, Aretha Franklin was publicly and officially crowned the Queen of Soul in front of her fans by a DJ named Purvis Spann. This body of work shows why Aretha continues to reign supreme.

The Queen takes on the Kings of Soul/Rhythm & Blues and pulls no punches as she covers Ray Charles's "Come Back Baby" and "Be as Good to Me as I Am to You," James Brown's "Money Won't Change You," and Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready". She's classical, bluesy, funky, and right-down soulful on every cut.

The poet Nikki Giovanni once wrote--"Aretha can sing Money Won't Change You, but can James Brown sing Respect?" In other words, when the Queen covers a song, it becomes hers and one can easily forget about the original artist. For example, Carol King wrote and recorded "Natural Woman" but that song is and probably will always be associated with Aretha Franklin.

Aretha wails and gets right-down funky on cuts like "Chain of Fools" and "Nikki Hokey." She's operatically soulful on "Ain't No Way"--which to this day no female artist, including Whitney Houston, has been able to successfully cover.

Add this CD to your collection and continue to be soulfully captivated by the one and only true Queen of Soul - Ms. Aretha Franklin.

The epitome of late 60's Aretha Franklin.......2006-08-11

I have 99% of everything that is available by Aretha Franklin and for me personally, this album is the definitive late 60's Aretha Franklin -- bold, beautiful, vulnerable, earthy, sexy, defiant, spiritual and strong. All these qualities and quite a bit more are conveyed by that marvelous Voice and piano (via those lovely, delicate fingers).

My favorite Aretha song ever is here -- Good To Me As I Am To You. The sheer force of this song not only makes this a testimony of victory over victimization in a relationship, but I've always thought it was one of the sleeper anthems of the civil rights movement, as well. The lyrics convey this, as do the angst and the "I-will-win" factor that Aretha always carries within her voice to some degree. Never did she carry it in the 60's like she did on this album and with this particular song.

The rest of the album is not quite that transcendent for me, but "Lady Soul" still kicks like few others. Chain Of Fools is still a haunting tune with an indisputable groove even after hearing it for the 500th time; People Get Ready inspires repeated playbacks; and there are few summer songs better than Aretha's take on Groovin.

Money Won't Change You and Niki Hoeky are quite fun to listen to because of Aretha's voice, but beyond that they are not essential. Come Back Baby's vocal is amazing, yet it's all but buried in the mix (what was Atlantic thinking?).

But when you add the ones that ARE essential -- Natural Woman, Since You've Been Gone, and Ain't No Way -- you have an absolutely classic and indispensable piece of American music history here.

The one and only Aretha Franklin: "Lady Soul."

The name she would be forever identified as........2005-11-10

Boy, they weren't kidding when Atlantic issued this album originally back in '68. It was a surefire winner from the start.
Her third album with Atlantic proved that her talent and gospel vocal style could not be ignored. "Chain of Fools" does good for the opener. She then cuts out on James Brown's "Money Won't Change You" with raw vitality, then on the churchy "People Get Reday". She takes this Impressions' classic and blows the roof off with a great improvisatory gospel vocal spot. Have to listen to see what I mean. "Niki Hoeky" is indeed catchy; good bass guitar line, too. Then we have the classics "Natural Woman" and "Since You've Been Gone." Listen to that one; it sounds like she sings "cinnamon gum" every time she sings the title. "Good To Me As I Am To You" is a bluesy line with Aretha telling it like it is with Eric Clapton doing a good guitar feature. Then she cuts out on Ray Charles' "Come Back" and peps that one up, and does quite well with the Rascals' "Groovin'". Finally, we close with "Ain't No Way"; my personal favorite on the whole album. What a milestone of a song especially with the high wailing soprano in the background which I believe is Cissy Houston. Man, oh, man, that IS soul. Bonus material includes the unedited, longer version of "Chain of Fools", which is longer by about 2 more minutes. It has a 1 minute intro, an added verse, the lyrics as you're used to hearing them are placed differently.
Again, this is the non-chopped up version. Then the mono single versions of "Natural Woman", "Since You've Been Gone" and its flip "Ain't No Way." If there was any album that made Aretha Franklin a household name, it sure is this. You can believe it. Ever since I got that Atlantic Rhythm & Blues box set, I've been wanting to dig deeper into some of the artists' music. With Aretha, I've heard of the "Lady Soul" album, and decided to start there. I wasn't let down, and neither will you be.

Another Early Essential.......2005-09-06

Even though you have probably heard most of these obviously essential RnB songs, cut by the Queen in her prime, you need to get this re-released version if only for one thing: the unedited version of Chain of Fools. The opening, which was trimmed for the version that made it on to the original album and single, is PURE UNADULTERATED SOUL. There is literally nothing like this minute or so of pure anguish turned into vocal sound. This IS soul. And this is Lady Soul. For fans who have the original, YES it is worth buying again. And for the curious, there is hardly a better place to begin.

What an Amazing Voice.......2004-07-06

This is a stunning album. Aretha has one of those voices that is able to make you feel whatever it is she is singing about. It's no wonder she is considered the Queen. She puts other divas to shame with her great voice. "Natural Woman" and "Chain of Fools" are probably my favorites, but every song is just so good on this album. I highly recommend it.

Average customer rating:

Aretha has left the building
GET THIS! (BUT KEEP YOUR ORIGINAL CD)
Aretha at her best
Prime live Aretha
Hey Nineteen!!!! You Paying Attention??

Live at Fillmore West
Aretha Franklin
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000FBG062
Release Date: 2006-07-11

Tracks:

Respect
Love The One You're With
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Eleanor Rigby
Make It With You
Don't Play That Song
Dr. Feelgood
Spirit In The Dark
Spirit In The Dark (Reprise)
Reach Out And Touch (Somebody's Hand)

Tracks:

Respect
Call Me
Mixed-up Girl
Love The One You're With
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Share Your Love With Me
Eleanor Rigby
Make It With You
You're All I Need To Get By
Don't Play That Song
Dr. Feelgood
Spirit In The Dark
Spirit In The Dark (Reprise)

Album Description

On March 5-7, 1971, the one and only Queen of Soul headlined Bill Graham's world-famous rock venue Fillmore West. Her connection with the enthralled audience proved intense, and the shows were a seminal breakthrough for Aretha's own peerless legacy and for the popularization of soul music overall. Disc 1 features the original single-disc album Aretha Live At Fillmore West, updated to present two previously edited tracks in their entirety including Franklin's momentous duet with Ray Charles--who just happened to be in the audience--on "Spirit In The Dark". Disc 2 is comprised of rare alternate versiouns previously available only on the very limited edition, now out-of-print, Rhino Handmade title Don't Fight The Feeling: The Complete Aretha Franklin & King Curtis Live At Fillmore West.

Customer Reviews:

Aretha has left the building.......2007-07-16

Aretha Franklin has always had a knack for taking an already existing, beautiful song and totally re-inventing it with her brilliant arangements. She brings a personal and warm feel to all the songs she covers (see Eleanor Rigby or Bridge Over Troubled Water), making them her own. Not to mention her own original songs (Dr.Feelgood "Don't we all need a visit from you sometimes", And the breath-taking Spirits In The Dark). Truely one of the greatest live albums of the early seventies 'Fillmore' series. Ray Charles guest-appears (God I wish I had been there) and just tears the roof down. And what about the cover of the album, I have always loved the cover, a mature Aretha looking very motherly and angelic. Aretha had definately arrived.

GET THIS! (BUT KEEP YOUR ORIGINAL CD).......2007-03-14

These 2 cd's contain some of the most blazing live performances I've ever heard. Seriously, for those who think that R&B music begins and ends with Whitney, Mariah, Mary J and other so-called "Divas" of our time, one listen to this fantastic collection should set you straight. Aretha wasn't crowned "Queen Of Soul" for nothing! This album, along with her "Amazing Grace" gospel collection, is Aretha at her most raw and untamed. The vocals are just indescribable--Lady Soul was on FIRE during this engagement. From the first number to the last, she never lets up. Much is written in the liner notes about how her Fillmore engagement was the gig that "crossed her over to the white mainstream", but come on! By the time she appeared there, Aretha had become the biggest female singer of her time, bar none. I hardly think someone who, by that point, had already amassed something like 9 or 10 top ten POP hits and several
classic albums needed to be "crossed over". But whatever. She is at the top of her game here, and that's saying a lot. Her version of "Love The One You're With" could have been a smash, as was her cover of "Bridge Over Troubled Water". "Eleanor Rigby" and "Don't Play That Song" are gems, and what can you say about the live version of "Dr. Feelgood"? Wow.
Ray Charles pops in for a reprise duet of "Spirit In The Dark" that makes
one wonder what a powerhouse duo they could have been together had they
recorded an entire album together. The first CD is the "original album",
the 2nd CD consists of alternate versions from other shows from the same
gig, and several songs not on the 1971 album. All are great. I actually
prefer some of the alternates better; on the original CD all the keyboards
are electric, but on the 2nd CD, "Eleanor Rigby", "Don't Play That Song",
"Dr. Feelgood" and "Spirit In The Dark" are played on acoustic piano, which gives those songs more of the classic "Aretha" gospel feel.
Now, I do have one quibble--several of the songs on the first CD are NOT
the same performances on the original release. "Bridge" has an extra
vocal intro in the beginning not on the '71 release, or the original CD
release. "Eleanor Rigby" seems to have some different background vocals,
and "Make It With You" is also different--on the original LP/CD during the instumental break she says "Come on let me whisper in your ear, um hmm...I like ham hocks too!" That's gone. (I'm wondering if there were
some overdubs on the original album which were not used here.) And "Dr.
Feelgood" starts out the same, but the ending riff is TOTALLY different
here. In the original, she sings something like "cross your arms, cross
your legs, look up to heaven and say YEAH!" On this release, she ends with a whole riff with some San Francisco references (fog, the bridge, etc) These differences will only matter to people who, like me, know the
original album, but that's why I think you should hold onto your original
copy if you still have it. But this release will please ANYONE who loves
Miss Ree. She is, was, and always will be the REAL DEAL. ENJOY!

Aretha at her best.......2007-01-24

Aretha fans will love this album and others will be converted - fantastic performance

Prime live Aretha.......2006-08-08

Thanks to Rhino for putting out this double CD culled from the too complete, OP and very expensive box set sold only through Rhino's Handmade label. Besides prime era Aretha live in front of a loving audience and a surprise duet with Ray Charles, she's got the great King Curtis behind her (the Handmade set included his complete performances as opening act too, available in part separately). In spite of the vastly superior talent of the backup on this, I always preferred the much maligned "Aretha in Paris" before, because she was so extraordinary (in part due to nervous energy) in front of the off-key backup band on that recording. Her live version of Willie Nelson's "Night Life" is still the best single recording on either set. But now complete in great sound, if you're buying only one live Aretha, this would be the one. She and Etta James are the queens of soul, and there is no one else who can approach their shared throne, to date. Here's hoping the complete "Paris", if there is any more (sets then were shorter) is issued too; maybe with digital technology the off notes behind her on that could even be straightened out. And there's still a mountain of Columbia Aretha to mine, particularly the undoctored studio recordings tricked up to be the fake live LP "Yeah!", which is almost as good as this.

Hey Nineteen!!!! You Paying Attention??.......2006-07-29

"Hey Nineteen, that's `Retha Franklin.
She don't remember the "Queen of Soul".
Steely Dan wrote those words over twenty-five years ago, less than a decade after "Live at Fillmore West" first appeared. If these words held true then, then they must be even more so now (chances are good that today's 19-year olds don't remember Steely Dan either...). Re-released with unedited tracks and an extra disk, it now provides a golden opportunity for subsequent generations to get a taste of what soul music sounded like back when they were `keeping it real'.
During a raucous run-through of "Respect," Aretha introduces herself to the audience, stating, "I promise... you will have enjoyed this show as much as any that you've ever had an occasion to see." Three songs later, as I sat listening to her rather bizarre reading of "Eleanor Rigby," I had my doubts about that statement. By disk's end, though, I had to admit that she held true to her promise. "Live at Fillmore West" emphasizes the gospel influences of Aretha's music, with rave-ups and free form rhythmic workouts that hold you in their spell until the last song fades away. Even when the material slackens, the musicianship bolsters the pace of the show; Talk about your dream bands, the musicians supporting Aretha are all top-notch. King Curtis is bandleader, with Cornell Dupree on guitar, Bernard Purdie on drums, Billy Preston on organ, and the Memphis horns fleshing out the arrangements.
The contents of this 2-cd set were recorded March5-7, 1971, at a time when Aretha experienced an artistic resurgence that crossed cultural barriers. Most of her hit material from this era was derived from imaginative and often drastic re-workings of contemporary hits, and this mindset is exactly what provides the lion's share of material for this set. Some of it works well (Bread's "Make It with You," Paul Simon's "Bridge over Troubled Water"), and some of it doesn't (the above-mentioned "Eleanor Rigby," and a somewhat shaky reading of Steve Stills' "Love the One You're With"). The second half of the show is when the real heat kicks in, though. A powerful reading of "Doctor Feelgood" signals a mood change and brings some church spirit to the hippie Mecca that was most famous for hosting acts like the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane. From then on, the show feels more like a revival meeting than a concert. "Spirit in the Dark" is the show's climax, and also serves as the first encore. It is revelatory. Ray Charles makes a surprise guest appearance here, and his presence brings a loose, free-form feel that practically forces the band to intense energy levels. The original album release contained extremely edited versions of these tunes so they could fit on a single LP. Here, they are presented in full, stretching out for almost a full half-hour of deep-soul gospel music. Collaborations between "the Genius" and the "Queen of Soul" were rare, so this pairing is more than enough to recommend this set. Add in a bonus disk with alternate versions and a few extra tracks that never surfaced, and you have a very special re-release. Hey nineteen (or twenty-nine, or thirty-nine), you owe it to yourself to check this out.
A- Tom Ryan

Sparkle: Music From The Warner Bros. Motion Picture

Average customer rating:

I wish the soundtrack was from the original cast in the movie
Sparkle Soundtrack by Aretha Franklin
Stone Cold Classic!
Lady Soul
There is no comparison in the movie version and album version...

Sparkle: Music From The Warner Bros. Motion Picture
Aretha Franklin , and Curtis Mayfield
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sparkle
The Five Heartbeats: Music From The Motion Picture
Let's Do It Again
Claudine (1974)
Lady Sings the Blues

ASIN: B0000032Y0
Release Date: 1992-10-13

Tracks:

Sparkle
Something He Can Feel
Hooked On Your Love
Look Into Your Heart
I Get High
Jump
Loving You Baby
Rock With Me

Amazon.com

Though she'd already been hailed as the Queen of Soul for her run of sultry '60s hits for Atlantic, Aretha Franklin split her time in the '70s between explorations of her gospel roots and flirtations with the pop mainstream, often with diminishing results. But, just as the music she had so long epitomized was evolving into rhythmic funk and nascent disco, Franklin teamed with fellow soul vet Curtis Mayfield to produce the soundtrack for this otherwise unremarkable film project, a collaboration that retrenched her successfully in the dramatic, gospel-rooted musical framework of a decade earlier. Thanks in no small part to Mayfield's focused, stripped-to-the-essentials production, Franklin frees herself to turn in remarkably consistent performances throughout, from the effervescent title track and romantic anthem "Something He Can Feel" to the soaring vocal showcase "I Get High" and infectious R&B groove of "Loving You Baby." --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

I wish the soundtrack was from the original cast in the movie.......2007-07-31

I love Areatha but I like the original singers from the movie. No they are not Areatha but they brought the songs to life. I just do not like the Areatha Franklin Version's of the songs.

Sparkle Soundtrack by Aretha Franklin.......2007-05-30

I like the Cd o.k. Aretha Franklin is an excellent singer. However, it is disappointing if you are looking for the songs to sound the same as they did in the movie. I felt that should have put the movie version as well as Aretha's version. That way it is a little something for everyone. The music is the exact same, but it is sung completely different.

Stone Cold Classic!.......2007-04-13

You can let this one rip from beginning to end. I remember being first exposed to this one while raiding my parents wax collection when I was a teen. First of all, I couldn't stop looking at the cover! Aretha was looking so slim, fine and "foxy" as they would have said it back in the day! Anyway, what made me put this one on was reading the liner notes and seeing it was produced by my man Curtis, who is, in my opinion, one of the greatest producers and arrangers of all time! I was also shocked to see the title "Something He Can Feel" and then discovering that En Vogue did not record it first! And of course, after hearing other classics like "Young, Gifted & Black", and "Spirit In the Dark", Aretha was definitely Soul Sister # 1 and "Sparkle" did not dissapoint! Like one Rolling Stone reviewer put it, "she is singing her heart out" and I couldn't agree more. The music is beautifully arranged and vocally Aretha is in MY opinion at her best! The way her voice dips, dives, soars, with so much control, she holds nothing back on this one, never compromising and she never once does she overdo it! The background vocals are also doin' it big on this album, especially on the last 30 seconds of the song "Sparkle". My fave though is "Look Into Your Heart", "mercy baby" indeed! Every one of the tracks on this album could have been released as a single. I saw the movie on tv after hearing this album so I guess my opinion of the actresses versions of these songs are jaded. Not to say they did a bad job but I guess it's kinda like going from steak to chicken dinner. I do not prefer the movie versions over Aretha's! However, I do work in a Record/CD store and alot of the old heads, while they have no ought against Aretha's versions, they're always asking to either special order or asking if the original motion picture sountrack will ever be released! I don't know, maybe it's someting there I'm missing but I can't say that I'm willing to give the movie another look which was just "okay" in my opinion. In any case, SPARKLE is definitely required listening from two soul giants giving you their best, pure soul, smack dab in the middle of a disco invasion!

Lady Soul.......2007-02-22

Prior to Aretha Franklin collaborating with Curtis Mayfield, she had recorded some uneven albums with long-time producer Jerry Wexler. It was time for Franklin to get a fresh start in the studio and Sparkle became that project.

Recorded in five days in January 1976 in Mayfield's Curtom Sudios, the eight songs - clocking in at 33 minutes - find Franklin singing with passion and renewed energy. The production is pristine, with Franklin's vocals dominating the mix, but aptly backed by the Haywood Singers.

The Mayfield lyrics aren't more real than on I Get High. The emotional roller coaster of love is explored in Something He Can Feel, Loving You Baby & Rock With Me. Franklin found chart success with Jump/Hooked On Your Love (that smooth Mayfield groove) & Look Into Your Heart. And the title track really sparkles, as the strings and horns compliment Franklin's soaring vocals.

Due to variety of reasons - disinterest, egos, etc. - the sessions are oftentimes disappointing when music legends get together, but this dream team delivered a vastly underrated soundtrack.

There is no comparison in the movie version and album version..........2007-02-13

There is no way you can compare the two; the movie versions of these songs were horrible; Aretha gives these songs a whole new life. The movie renditions are amature at best; nothing like casting in old Diana Ross movies (where the person casted could actually sing and the emulation was more realistic).

I love this CD!

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