Aretha cover

Aretha

Aretha Franklin · 1986

45 min · 9 tracks · funk · jazz · pop rock

A vibrant blend of soul, funk, and pop showcasing Aretha's powerful vocals and emotional depth.

Why listen to this

Best for
steady, consistent energy levels long, immersive listening sessions dynamic emotional journeys
Context
In 1986, Aretha Franklin was at a critical juncture in her career, releasing 'Aretha' as her first album under Arista Records after a lengthy tenure with Atlantic. This album followed her commercial resurgence in the early '80s, marked by hits like 'Jump to It'. Despite facing challenges in the changing music landscape, this release aimed to reaffirm her iconic status.
If you like
funk, jazz, pop rock

Aretha is an album by Aretha Franklin, released in 1986. A vibrant blend of soul, funk, and pop showcasing Aretha's powerful vocals and emotional depth. The album features the hit single 'I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)', a duet with George Michael that topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its commercial success revitalized interest in Franklin's music during the mid-'80s, leading to a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1987. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Aretha sound like?

A vibrant blend of soul, funk, and pop showcasing Aretha's powerful vocals and emotional depth. Rooted in funk and jazz.

What makes Aretha by Aretha Franklin notable?

The album features the hit single 'I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)', a duet with George Michael that topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its commercial success revitalized interest in Franklin's music during the mid-'80s, leading to a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1987. In 1986, Aretha Franklin was at a critical juncture in her career, releasing 'Aretha' as her first album under Arista Records after a lengthy tenure with Atlantic. This album followed her commercial resurgence in the early '80s, marked by hits like 'Jump to It'. Despite facing challenges in the changing music landscape, this release aimed to reaffirm her iconic status.

Who is Aretha for?

Aretha works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, long, immersive listening sessions and dynamic emotional journeys.

How many songs are on Aretha?

Aretha has 9 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Tracklist

9 tracks·45:23

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Jimmy Lee Standout 5:47
  • 2 I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me) Standout 4:01
  • 3 Do You Still Remember Standout 5:10
  • 4 Jumpin’ Jack Flash 5:10
  • 5 Rock-A-Lott 6:21
  • 6 An Angel Cries 4:59
  • 7 He’ll Come Along 4:11
  • 8 If You Need My Love Tonight 4:30
  • 9 Look to the Rainbow 5:14

Release Date

October 27, 1986

Genre

funk, jazz, pop rock

More albums in funk

Artist Origin

United States

Runtime

45 min 23 sec