10 Greatest Live Albums In Rock Music History

The late Queen of soul had a few unmissable live records, not least the rapturous Amazing Grace. Recorded in an L.A church, it showcased the spiritual side of Franklin, who performs songs of worship with real reverence.

Live At Fillmore West is the other side of the coin. Instead of a temple, Franklin’s in a legendary rock club, and the order of the day is dancing, not devotion. She puts her cards on the table opening with signature track “Respect”, played at lightning speed, Stax’s Memphis Horns barely keeping up on their stabbing fills.

She transitions “Love The One You’re With” into a powerful but playful “Bridge Over Troubled Water” which leaves the crowd spellbound. Then she gets them involved with a sprawling “Dr Feelgood”, on which Aretha goes acapella for large stretches, conducting a wild, rasping singalong.

“Spirit In The Dark” brings on Ray Charles to help conduct the audience; she finishes the rendition then treats herself to an immediate encore, to the crowd’s delight. Recorded in San Francisco, the album is a perfect mix of flower power anthems and hard soul cuts, all benefiting their rendition by a world class singer.