Aretha Franklin's "Queen of Soul: The Atlantic Recordings"
By Maximillian Muhammad
Yes, off the bat, it ain't like it used to be. Today, the Queen has some moments now and then, but on this set it was all good. Matter of fact this is the best box set I've ever heard, and the growth is why. From "I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)," "Do Right Woman-Do Right Man," "Chain of Fools," "R.E.S.P.E.C.T," "Dr. Feelgood (Love Is Serious Business)" "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," "Save Me," "Spanish Harlem," "Until You Come Back To Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)," "Rock Steady," "Sparkle," "Something He Can Feel," "Mr. D.J. (5 for the D.J)," "Master Of Eyes (The Deepness Of Your Eyes)" and "Somewhere" to "I'm in Love," Aretha covers 60s and 70s Soul, Jazz, Gospel, Pop, Funk, Blues, Romance, Slow-dance, pain, addiction to love, and most of all RESPECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is what music is all about: feelings, purity, emotions, (she makes Mahalia Jackson and Bessie Smith feel real proud). Aretha expresses a heart of warmth and gets to the point, always telling it like it is...not trashy or vulgar, but the 411 deal. That's the Aretha that makes this set. It should already be in the collection by now. No matter how records may sound today with samples and digital effects, this box set keeps the raw emotions that many will never have. Some may have a diploma but they don't have Miss Queen Franklin's Master's Degree in Soul... some things just can't be taught. She's Lady Soul and Queen Sister. Don't no duo roll like her and the Godfather of Soul James Brown. As the saying goes, all Hail to the Queen.