Lady Soul

This album has been added to 4 public lists:

• 

  1968

  James

  Aretha balances elegance and raw emotional force with astonishing consistency here. “Chain of Fools” turns repetition into intensity, while “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” achieves intimacy without sentimentality. The rhythm sections are lean and deeply grooving, leaving Franklin room to shape every phrase dynamically. Even the album’s quieter moments carry enormous authority because of her control and timing. Soul music often gets discussed in terms of vocal power alone, but Lady Soul is equally impressive as ensemble music. Everything on the record serves emotional communication directly.

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  All-Timers

  Jun

  • A Natural Woman
  • Groovin'
  • Ain't No Way
• 

  1001Albums

  Neil Hopkins

  If you ever had any doubts that Aretha Franklin was the Queen of Soul then this album will lay them to rest. Starting with the definitive version of Chain of Fools, Aretha’s voice swoops and soars with effortless grace. These are mostly secular songs but she also includes a gospel track, People Get Ready, for old times sake, in case y’all could do with some churchin’ up. Fun fact - one of the backing singers is Cissy Houston, mother of Whitney!

• 

  college

  technicat