Her debut album for Columbia (and only the second album of her career), Aretha was a much anticipated album, as the original sleeve notes were quick to point out. The word is out. A magnetic new artist, Aretha Franklin, only a short while away from her father's gospel church in Detroit, has been breaking up audience in theatres and nightclubs throughout the country and on Columbia single records. Combining a completely natural and uninhibited vocal style with an irresistible rhythmic sense, Aretha Franklin has established herself as one of the hottest new performers in show business and one likely to set new standards in the entertainment industry. She doesn't just open the door - she breaks it down. Despite the endorsement, Columbia were still unsure as to which market to target, resulting in Aretha being a collection of soul and pop with a hint of jazz thrown into the mix.
S**G
on CD at last!!
This was Aretha's first album on Arista after the Atlantic years, which were supposed to have lost their gleam, although I for one hope Sweet Passion and La Diva - both great albums - will also appear on CD - it is almost criminal to deny us them ... Anyway this album - called Aretha - is absolutely brilliant, catching the singer on the cusp of the eighties, with the disco era coming through in Can't Turn You Loose - for me the best track. It has such funk, it is likely to galvanise the listener wherever it is heard, and at whatever time - so be careful where you play it! School Days is also superb, being a kind of prequel to Jimmy Lee which is on a second album also called Aretha from 1987 - the one with the Andy Warhol cover. If anything School Days is even better, but this may reflect how impressionable I was when I first heard it in my teens ... The rest are mid-tempo numbers and ballads - What A Fool Believes is another standout moment, as is Together Again. It's amazing to think what this album started: Love All The Hurt Away, Jump To It, Get It Right, Who's Zoomin' Who, and then the Aretha with the Warhol cover - what a run of albums - now, with this release, all on CD! So many riches: who wouldn't be embarrassed to a shade of beetroot?
D**K
As perfect as it gets
For me the perfect Aretha album consisting of her first major release "The First Twelve Sides" plus four bonus tracks.the recordings are really stripped back mostly with that amazing voice Aretha at the piano ad a subtle bass sectionThis is real class; this is truly the birth of her soulHighly recommended and so many thanks, Aretha for all the years you played the soundtrack to my life
J**S
Aretha!
It's hard to fault the Queen of Soul and she doesn't disappoint on the vocals on this album either. Like a true artist she can turn others peoples songs into her own like the lead song on this album What a Fool Believes. Others stand out tracks for me here are Take Me With You which just cheers me up and the upbeat self-penned School Days. Overall a very good album and a great remastering update by the fabulous BBR records. Get it!
J**.
Memories
Had this in vinyl back in the day. Was so plzd to hear it again after all these years.
J**E
Five Stars
Well worth listening to.
J**E
Five Stars
Music from a great singer
