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Re: Aretha Franklin
Aretha Now (1969 ) **** This and most of her other late 60's albums finds Aretha in her gospel/soul inspired roots. Some regard this period as her best.
Spirit In The Dark (1970)****Considered by many to be the height of Aretha's vocal prowess. Another southern gospel/soul/r&b offering. This time with backings of the "Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section". I think this is also the one that has the guitar player from the "Allman Brothers". Dave Allman maybe?
Young,Gifted & Black (1971)****Early 70's Atlantic Records release that still holds Aretha in gospel/soul mode. This was a pivot point for Aretha as this was also the album that delivered the funk/soul track "Rock Steady" and "Day Dreaming". She collaborates with the likes of many heavyweights such as "Donny Hathaway",The Late "Al Jackson Jr." & "Bernard Purdie" on drums, "Billy Preston" and "Hubert Laws".
Hey Now Hey (The Other Side Of The Sky)(1973)*****This is one of the most interesting offerings of early Re-Re. Produced by Quincy Jones, This album has Aretha dabbling away from her roots and settling into a bluesy/jazzy background. Still singing with equal regards to her past gospel/soul inspired work, Hey Now Hey has an orchestrated-type feel to it....and I dare say, psychedelic. This one reminds me of Esther Phillips "Home Is Where The Hatred Is" in terms of free-flowing. While going over the top with jazzy string arrangements, This one comes off as a fusion of soul/jazz/blues as the finished product.
Let Me In Your Life (1974)****This album sports "Ernie Royal" & "Deodato" with an encore for "Bernard Purdie". Aretha goes back to her roots but takes on smooth ballad-styled cuts in a more soulful approach than earlier releases. Old school r&b is most definately appropriate as Aretha does renditions of Bobby Womack's "I'm In Love", Leon Russell's "Song For You" and the Nick Ashford/Val Simpson Motown classic "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing"...Also done by "The Dynamic Superiors".
Aretha (1980)***This was Aretha's first album with Clive Davis's Arista Records after departing Atlantic Records and numerous failed attempts (those most notable was after 1976's Curtis Mayfield produced "Sparkle" Motion Picture Soundtrack. In my opinion, I believe that this album was an attempt to continue her journey within her roots but with a pop/disco approach which really didn't work to well for her at the time. She does a rendition of Michael McDonald's "What A Fool Believes" on this album. By today's standards though, Upon listening, This album isn't as bad as it was at that time (although a commercial success). Out of print on cd*
Jump To It (1982)****produced by the late Luther Vandross. This shows Re already re-establishing herself as willing and able to survive in the disco-pop oriented 80's. I have to say that this was one album that I absolutely HATED back when it first came out but after years of listening to how music of recent years up to today is steadily deteriorating, I find myself reaching back and embracing lost gems like this. This is one that is not availible on CD unless you find a used one floating around. Very good 80's release that deserves a formal re-issue.
Get It Right (1983)****Another Vandross production. Very much in the same vein as "Jump To It", The album has Mr.Vandross written all over it. This was the same year that Vandross's "Forever, For Always, For Love" album was released. Lush arrangements with uptempo disco-ish styles laced with a couple nicely composed ballads make this one a keeper. at the time, this was definately Aretha as a force to reckon with alongside other great female singers from the era such as Anita Baker, Stephanie Mills, Patti Labelle etc. Also out of print on cd. If these two albums were to be re-issued on cd, I would be one of the first to cop. Good stuff.
This is all the Aretha I own on cd (minus the last two which I have both vinyl & cassette).Re-issue these please. To sum this all up, If you are looking to delve into the "total" Aretha, Any of her older albums from the late 60's on through the early-mid 70's are very good. You really won't go too wrong during this period. but when you get up into the late 70's material (around 76-79), beware as there is definately some weaker material. If you want the disco-ish type re-re such as the "Who's Zoomin' Who" album that you already own, Then the last 3 on this list (preferrably the last two) will be excellent accomplices to add. Good Luck.
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