10 Amazing Albums (That Are Under 30 Minutes)
3. Aretha Franklin - Lady Soul
In 1968, Aretha Franklin was 26 years old and 12 studio albums deep into her career. Somehow she was just hitting her stride around this time, as “Lady Soul” is arguably her definitive recorded artistic statement, and one of the most all-killer soul albums ever released.
She starts off with one of her minor signature tracks, “Chain Of Fools”, a track that covers Franklin’s common subject matter of an unworthy man over a hot bassline and great backing vocals.
Later on Franklin rocks “Come Back Baby” and puts a great, uplifting spin on Curtis Mayfield’s classic “People Get Ready”. With the great Jerry Wexler handing production, the whole record has a relentless pace and brilliant musicianship, the bass playing particularly.
Most important of all is “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”, a top tier Franklin track that serves as the record’s centrepiece. From song choice to structure and of course the star’s performance, “Lady Soul” doesn’t put a foot wrong.