NEW RELEASE OF THE MONTH
OCTOBER 2014
ARETHA FRANKLINSINGS THE GREAT DIVA CLASSICS
A new album from Aretha Franklin is always interesting. Her voice has long been hailed as 1 of music's greatest. It has excelled in genres spanning gospel, jazz, soul and blues. This latest release sees R&B's greatest female voice take on an array of songs made famous by divas across several decades. 
The album begins with a remake of the Etta James tender love song "At Last". Franklin delivers a breathtaking interpretation and apt opening track. The energy gains momentum on the next cut: a powerful rendition of Adele's "Rolling in the Deep". Franklin's version slides into "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" part way through. This is an album highlight.
Next up is a precise reading of "Midnight Train To Georgia". Although this song is best remembered by the hit single from Gladys Knight & The Pips, the original version was in fact recorded by Cissy Houston. Whitney's mother is 1 of the backup vocalists on this (and other) album tracks. Aretha makes a meal of the R&B staple. 
"I Will Survive" is served up next. Gloria Gaynor's iconic disco anthem is infused with a joyous and soulful energy. The 5 female backing singers really shine on this cut. Aretha is in fine voice on this new album and is more than capable to hold her remakes here against most of the originals. The task on this album is no mean feat: almost all are cherished songs with definitive versions permanently etched in our memory. 
"People" took a few listens, but that was more because of it being a signature song for Barbra Streisand. Once I got past that, I was able to enjoy the new version of the song from the musical "Funny Girl".
Aretha's remake of "No One" from Alicia Keys is transformed, sounding more soulful than was thought possible. This is the album's standout track: a music veteran tackling a modern soul hit song.
The delights keep coming; with a breathtaking version of the Chaka Khan 70s hit "I'm Every Woman". Cissy is on backup vocals here too, on a song her daughter covered for 'The Bodyguard'. Franklin's new version includes a masterful reprise of her 60s signature song "Respect". Audiences will relish this medley. 
The next track, "Teach Me Tonight" sees the 'Queen of Soul' pay homage to the 'Queen of the Blues': Dinah Washington. It's a welcome change of pace, sandwiched between 2 upbeat songs. Aretha's treatment joins the list of worthy interpretations of this standard.
It's followed by an exhilarating cover of the Diana Ross & The Supremes 60s #1 "You Keep Me Hangin' On". Penned by the production trio of Holland/ Dozier/ Holland, this update is another highlight among this collection. Aretha had recorded a very different version for Atlantic that remained unreleased until 2007. Both recordings feature her on piano. 
The album closes with a Prince composition that was an international hit for Sinead O'Connor: "Nothing Compares 2 U". On here, the song is given a swing makeover that works well. Therin lie the main strengths of this new collection of songs: a legendary vocalist with an astute and cohesive theme that mixes standards with pop hit singles -old and new- recorded in a thoughtful variety of musical styles.
This album deserves to do well for Aretha. Despite ill health over the last few years, we find her in fine voice. Her tonsils reinforce Franklin's undisputed place among the greatest. Unleashed in time for the upcoming holiday season, this should sell by the truckload. Long live the Queen!