One Lord One Faith One Baptism [Extra tracks, Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered]

Aretha Franklin | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 6, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Extra tracks, Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered
• Label: Arista
• ASIN: B00008L3VQ
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #96,874 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

First time on CD in the U.S. in a decade! This 1987 Grammy winner was Aretha's celebrated return to gospel, recorded at Detroit's New Bethel Baptist Church (where her father had been pastor) and featuring Mavis Staples, Joe Ligon of the Mighty Clouds of Joy and the Franklin Sisters trio. Includes Walk in the Light; Higher Ground; Oh Happy Day ; passages by Jesse Jackson; four bonus cuts, and more on 2 CDs!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great stuff, but........, July 2, 2003

By 

Andre M. "brnn64" (Mt. Pleasant, SC United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: One Lord One Faith One Baptism (Audio CD)

Overall, this is an excellent CD. No. 3 of Aretha's Gospel Epics.

There is some heavy preaching by Jesse Jackson and Rev. Jasper Williams. This may turn off some listeners, but it does give one the full impact of a religious service in an African-American Baptist church (minus the taking of collection).

Aretha, Mavis Stapes, and others handle the material excellently. They do Clara Ward justice on "Surely God Is Able" and "Packing up." "Be Grateful" is pretty good too as "I've Been In The Strom Too Long."

Unfortunately, there are two drawbacks. One is that this CD was not well recorded. You really have to amp the volume on this one to get it good. Secondly, years of cigarette smoking (or improper throat care) has taken much of the lustre from Miss Franklin's voice, which puts the performance level at a couple of grades below 1972's Amazing Grace or her 1956 debut "Never Grow Old" (a.k.a "Aretha Gospel").

In spite of that, it's a worthwhile and enjoyable purchase. But I wonder why it was out of circulation for so many years?

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Queen's Gospel, Part II, May 10, 2003

By 

Peace Brotha (Ohio, United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: One Lord One Faith One Baptism (Audio CD)

This is the digitally remastered version of the original "One Lord" collection from 1987, with 4 bonus tracks.

The album is not as consistently strong as 1972's "Amazing Grace," but there are several high points. "Surely God Is Able" and "Higher Ground" are standouts...but the bonus track "Beams Of Heaven" catches Aretha at her most inspired in this outing. The inclusion of this one song, a duet with Joe Ligon (Mighty Clouds Of Joy), is almost enough by itself to move this project to a 5 star rating. The first time I heard it, it literally gave me goose bumps. It is the song that comes closest to the genius and spirit of the "Amazing Grace" album, and makes one wonder how in the world it was left off the original release. "Be Grateful," a duet with Mavis Staples, is another gem that has finally been released from the vaults; and as with "Beams," it's apparent that Aretha is not just going through the motions with this one.

The low points? As one mentioned in the review of "One Lord's" original release, there may be too many spoken words/prayers for the average listener, and time has taken a toll to some degree on the voices of the participants (most obvious on "Ave Maria" and "Oh Happy Day").

Having said that: anything Aretha commits to a recording is worth having, period. I recommend this album to anyone who wants a good ol' fashioned dose of gospel from the Queen's court.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Return to Glory, May 11, 2003

By 

Christopher Pendergrass (Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: One Lord One Faith One Baptism (Audio CD)

Of course, it is always good to hear from the Queen. I am more than happy that this album from 1987 has been remastered and available.

This is a great set, featuring Aretha,her brother, sisters, cousin Brenda and Mavis Staples(another emotional power house vocalist who comes from the church) and gospel power Joe Ligon of the Mighty Clouds of Joy among others. Fans of Aretha wont be dissapointed,but dont expect another Amazing Grace. In comparsion the album doesnt come close to the 1972 master piece. Obviously Aretha's voice has deepened and hoarsened, she delievers the songs slighty under the intensity of Amazing Grace, but that is not to say her singing and emotions are not well displayed, she is still the Queen of soul and possibly the greatest vocalist of all times.

High lights include "Oh Happy Day" with Mavis, "I've Been In The Storm Too Long" with Joe, and "Packing Up" with all the singers including Aretha's sister. The latter ends the set in a romping and stomping finale. "The Lords Prayer" also stands out, Aretha gives it to us good on this one.

There are alot of speeches from popular ministers such as Rev. Jesse Jackson among others that are excessive and perhaps present the sets down side, but on the other hand it gives the listener the impact of the church service. I perfer some of the speeches but the music is what it is about mainly.

You all will enjoy this set overall, a must have for fans.