I Never Loved A Man, The Way I Love You
by Aretha Franklin

From buzzdainer TOP 100 COMMENTER 08/16/2016 17:13 | #172980 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

Alicia Keys, one of the most instantly recognizable voices of modern soul and blues, has said that she considers someone without an Aretha Franklin album only half a person. And if there is one Aretha album to own, this is the one. Obviously you know Aretha's iconic cover to Otis Redding's "Respect," a version that so eclipses the original that, even though it was written by a dude, has become synonymous with female empowerment. As for me, I love Aretha's originals on this record, especially "Dr. Feelgood," a slow, smoldering cocktail blues, the sort of thing you might expect as a the soundtrack for a sexy cinematic scene, provided the director has an impeccable sense of soul. (Edited)

From Brad1770 TOP 100 COMMENTER 04/21/2018 07:53 | #213324 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

The best compliment I can give this almost perfect album is that it plays like a Best Of Album & I have to remind myself its 'just' an album ...but man what an album it is !

Interestingly this was Aretha's studio album number 11 and would be one of 3 albums she would release in 1967

Also interesting to note is this album contains no less than 5 cover versions -
(i) "Respect": originally recorded by Ottis Reading from a male perspective , Aretha's interpretation would be from an assertive Female perspective + she added in the
R-E-S-P-E-C-T part whilst her sisters on backing vocals added in the "sock it to me , sock it to me ..." section
(ii) "I'll Drown in My Own Tears": best known as a 1965 Ray Charles single
(iii) "Soul Serenade": originally a jazz song appearing on a 1964 King Curtis album
(iv) "Good Times": Sam Cooke 1964
and
(v) "A Change Is Gonna Come": Sam Cooke 1964 written in angry response to his being turned away from an all white Motel & fully inspired by Dylan's "Blowin in the Wind"

Not a single weak track , not a note out of place + THAT voice

Timeless

85/100

From Tamthebam TOP 100 COMMENTER 01/22/2017 23:15 | #183939 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

This is thee soul album of the 60's head & shoulders above everything else Aretha did or any solo artist in the 60's. She along with Nina Simone have voices that transcend time you know within 3 secs. of hearing her voice "that's Aretha". Every track here is brilliant Respect, the title track, Dr. Feelgood, Do Right Woman & a brilliant version of A Change Is Gonna Come stand out but this is just a superb RnB/soul album. (Edited)

Definitely going on my all time chart. Clearing my sunday morning hangover with ease! :) (Edited)

From Decurso TOP 100 COMMENTER 10/08/2014 13:40 | #123705 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

Perhaps the best female vocal performance on a single album. Respect, Do Right Woman and I Never Loved a Man are essential listening for any soul fan.