Hear why Franklin is even better than you likely think or remember. You just haven't been able to hear the Detroit native on a format that mirrors exactly what went down in the studios when she recorded songs that, to this day, remain the bar by which all other singers are measured. The same goes for Franklin's backing band, known as the Swampers, whose instrumental savvy, feel, and textures are so unique, the group is credited with creating its own style: The Muscle Shoals Sound. On this edition of Aretha's Gold, experience every picked guitar note, brushed snare, and fluid bass line. Seldom has a band and vocalist ever made a more formidable, memorable, and emotional combination.
The evidence plays out across these 14 songs, each a soul landmark, each unforgettable thanks to Franklin's impassioned performances and empowering attitude. The Sweet Impressions (Franklin's backing vocalists) and sweeping string arrangements bolster the foundation, but the material belongs to Franklin. A veritable hit parade, the track listing on Aretha's Gold reads like a dictionary of soul.
"I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Loved You)," "Respect," "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," "Chain of Fools," "Since You've Been Gone (Sweet Sweet Baby)," "Think," "The House That Jack Built," "I Say a Little Prayer," "Baby I Love You": All Top 10 hits. Plus five more tunes, including a riveting cover of Sam Cooke's "You Send Me," that charted.