Sumptuous vocals and beautiful brass arrangements combine once again for the classic Lady Soul. Surely Aretha Franklin’s best work, a high point at the very least. This album was one of her earlier records at Atlantic Records after being released from the shackles of Columbia Records. Highlights on this album for me include ‘The Sweet Impressions’ backing singers and the wonderful, understated brass arrangements. Funk and soul combine beautifully in the track ‘Niki Hoeky’, though the lyrics are unfathomable. Overall this is a stone walled classic and it is hard to tire of Aretha’s voice, particularly in this X-Factor era.

Album – Lady Soul
Artist – Aretha Franklin
Favourite Track – People Get Ready (Curtis Mayfield), or Niki Hoeky
Released – 1968
Rating – 8.7
Time – 28.39
Tracks – 10

Source – Tidal
Player/Streamers – iMAC
Amplifier/DAC – Audio Pro LV33
Output – Audio Pro LV33

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