Aretha Franklin, daughter of a famous Pentecostel pastor, inevitably began singing in a church choir at a very early age and it was clear then that she had the gift of a deep, raw talent. Her vocal style, even as a young child, was capable of such immense power and volume.
She began her musical career recording secular tracks for Columbia Records, none of which really bought her much chart recognition. Signed by John Hammond at the dawn of the 1960's, he tried invain to nurture her talent effectively. By the time of 1966, all she had released on the Columbia label was a string of minor selling hits.
So in 1966 she signed a new deal with Jerry Wexler (who had enjoyed enormous success with such fantastic Soul music legends as the unforgetable Ray Charles and the divine Wilson Pickett) to Atlantic Records which finally propelled her,very deservedly, into International stardom.
The label knew how to enhance her raw talent
and captured her rocketing vocal style on some of the most remarkable recordings in the history of popular music. If anything, Aretha Franklin went on to become the female equivalent of that genius godfather of soul, James Brown (who is another favourite of mine).
The music was tough, driving, earthy, even a little stark at times yet was able to encapsulate a sensual, evocative air that was able to enjoy credibility in the more profitable white-buying market as well as firmly retaining her wide, loyal black base much in the way other black female singers had like Diana Ross and Dionne Warwick.
Her most important and significant era in music undoubtedly was between 1967-1969. During this relativley small period she clocked up an amazing series of soul classics that set standards today and are still as instantly recognisable as they were then with them always being constantly used as backing tracks to several T.V commercials.
Aretha races along those speedy verses of Respect (origanally by Otis Redding) with such startling conviction and when she sings those lyrics you just KNOW she means every word she says. Her pronounciations and impeccable lyrical phrasing is remarkably effective on this explosive classic and Respect rates as one of her most popular and definitive classics.
As well as the more urban-contemporary material, Aretha proved most adept at experimenting in a number of styles and her rip-roaring voice surprisingly could sound just as equally compelling on the ballads.
I Say A Little Prayer was one of her most passionate, heart-felt ballads. Whilst the lyrics were somewhat simplistic, Aretha could shrewdly plumb such depth with a straight-foward song such as this.
Dr. Feel Good, the fabulous Think (which she would update in the movie, The Blue Brothers) and the sparse production of Chain Of Fools continued her staggering run of classic hits and all conveyed such an undeniably infectious quality. These songs get you nodding your head, clicking your fingers, tapping your toes and miming along to the works. These songs really are that contagious and never get boring.
From the 1970's onwards Aretha Franklins work became a little more erratic in terms of quality, initially losing some of the fire of her famous late 60's period. She still managed to come up with the odd winner such as the exciting Rock Steady and sensational, Day Dreaming but the consistency was no longer there.
The 80's and 90's saw Aretha recording only sporadically and when so was always a conciously contemporary effort which vastly met with an indifferent view from critics. However there were indeed many bright spots.
She enjoyed a big hit with divine soul crooner George Benson on Love All The Hurt Way which is both touching and sensual. The more upbeat Jump To It really brought out that fire, passion and spirit in her voice. Jump To It had been a collaboration with Luther Vandross.
The jamming Pop sounds of Who's Zoomin Who in 1985 became another notably sizeable hit to her credit as did her dynamic, explosive duet with Eurythumics singer, Annie Lennox on the catchy Sisters are Doin' It For Themselves.
She also recorded one particularly memroable duet with another one of my all-time favourite singers, George Michael on the overly subtle and laid-back, I Knew You Were Waiting For Me where both vocal harmonies were blended beautifully together.
This compilation highlights the very best of her work (including all tracks just mentioned) and so quite possibly goes down as the definitive collection of the undisputed Queen Of Soul. MAGNIFICENT! No serious Soul music collection is complete without the presence of Aretha Franklin!
Ian Phillips
September 2006
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Not heard any Aretha for years! Must dig some out, except I have no record player to play my old vinyl on LOL x
Miles13 09.09.2006 11:09
I have this love all the songs but felt let down by the sound quality of the transfer on this set, I think it's hiss laden in some parts an artist of this standing deserves better -Milt
Respectfeatures all the classic songs by the original Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. ... more
Rooted in a gospel tradition that was to inform her soul-charged sound, her impact on pop music, and in particular American pop music was profound.It was the run of l...
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Respect features all the classic songs by the original Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. ... more
Rooted in a gospel tradition that was to inform her soul-charged sound, her impact on pop music, and in particular American pop music was profound. It was the run o...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
A Natural Woman (Aretha Franklin) I Say A Little Prayer (Aretha Franklin) Son Of A Preacher Man (Aretha Franklin) I Never Loved A Man (Aretha Franklin) Chain Of F...
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![Aretha Franklin: Respect [DVD] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/71683164.jpg "Aretha Franklin: Respect [DVD] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]")
Sep 8th, 2006
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