Customer Reviews

Rare & Unreleased Recordings From the Golden Reign

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Let's make one thing clear right off the bat: "Rare & Unreleased Recordings from the Golden Reign of the Queen of Soul" is essential for any fan of Aretha Franklin's, period. But it's also recommended for any lover of genuine soul music in general.

Some of us who are Aretha Franklin fans have been awaiting this particular set for a long, long time. We'd read all about the canned tracks recorded during this session or that session, usually described on each of Aretha's Atlantic releases in detail by the Ambassador of Soul, David Nathan. But we've only been able to imagine what they sounded like, wondering all the while why at least a few of them just couldn't have been included as bonus tracks.

Only able to imagine until now, that is. Finally, an excellent sampling of the demos or out of print B-sides the Queen cut during THE years of 1966-1973 are commercially available. And what a sampling it is. From the opening demos on the first disc (which range from firecrackers to dynamite) to the closing ballads which have arrangements reminiscent of her Columbia period, these are songs which any casual to hardcore fan of Aretha Franklin's MUST have.

To be certain, there are revelatory moments. Some cuts are truly artistic in every sense of the word with a depth of feeling and musicianship beyond compare (Trying To Overcome, Pledging My Love/The Clock, and the "WOW!" duet with Ray Charles). After all, Aretha earned and deserved -- and still deserves -- her crown as the Queen Of Soul, getting that feeling, that emotion, that can-you-feel-what-I'm-saying vibe across. She gets that across even in 2007 when she is feeling it, although it doesn't come across on studio recordings like it used to. But the focus, passion and intensity that plainly and consistently marked the pre-1974 phase of her career is present on 75% of the songs in this collection.

Other tracks simply let you marvel at the quality of Aretha's unusual vocal gifts during her prime (Love Letters, At Last). The same vocal range and abilities that allowed her to convey soul better than just about anyone could also override restraint at times. A case can be made that is something that happens at times in gospel and soul music in general, and Aretha is not exempt. It goes with the territory. Overall though, there is comparatively little self-indulgence or just singing for singing's sake ... although one can tell that the mind-blowing passion and intensity referenced earlier started to wane a tad by the time you get to the second half of disc 2, which would only be natural over time.

Virtually every song here affirms why Aretha holds the place in musical history that she does, but there is nothing here that outdoes what's already been commercially released. Obviously, Aretha would have earned every accolade she already did if these songs had never seen the light of the day (although a couple of these seem Grammy-ready for the time, lol). Further, some of these may be eye-openers for people that are only familiar with the mega-hits like Respect and Think. But it's doubtful that folks who own Aretha's greatest hits sets and other compilations from the Atlantic era will become any more of a fan based solely on these tracks, since it mirrors so much of her other work.

But -- that's precisely the same reason why any real Aretha fan can't be without this Golden Reign collection: it's simply more of the same from that super-creative time period that in many ways defined that classic Aretha sound. There are a few rough edges to be sure. These are called demos and outtakes for a reason. But there are only a few rough edges, and they are not enough to ruin the listening experience, as has happened with other veteran artists' tapes that have finally been "released from the vaults."

Many thanks to Rhino, David Nathan, Jerry Wexler, and the Queen herself for making this project possible. Now, people the world over can hear a just a few more examples of genuine, heartfelt soul music from a period in history that is not likely to be repeated again.

Long live the one and only Queen Of Soul, Aretha Louise Franklin.

Anyone reading this who is half as big a fan of Aretha's as I am should investigate this one at the very least. I bought it unheard, with only Rhino Handmade's review to guide me (and they, naturally, were trying to sell it to me). I did order it and got it in time to listen before it's wider-distribution street date.

This is an unqualified, studpendous Aretha-Fest. There is no one like her, and most of these tracks are from her greatest years. Many have never been heard before, outside of the circle of folks who produced the recordings. It's about time Aretha got her from-the-vaults Atlantic Records out-takes, demos and b-sides package. Other than the fact that the first few tracks are of poor sound quality (and mono), there is nothing to criticize here. It's Aretha at her peak, with some nice photos and fascinating notes co-written by Jerry Wexler and David Ritz, and most of all, wonderful songs, performances and arrangements. Some tracks are re-makes, others demos, and most are outtakes from many of Franklin's famous Atlantic LP's. I can only agree with the many who are already wondering aloud why some of these marvelous slices of soul-pop never saw the light of day, 'til now.

The ones that floored me the most were "Talk To Me, Talk To Me" (a SOUL '69 album outtake), and a knockout, original, almost jazzy rendering of the Lennon-McCartney classic, "Fool On The Hill." Aretha shows us all how a cover should be done (she makes it her own - I like several other versions of this song, but Aretha's is very different from any of the others). A medley of "Pledging My Love" and "The Clock" is distingushed by a very interesting vocal approach by Aretha in which she creates a new work of art from two others, quite unlike the originals. As far as I'm concerned, Aretha's "You Keep Me Hangin' On" blows Diana's sacred version out of the water, and hearing the unedited version of "Rock Steady," I wondered why it was ever edited to begin with. Ditto with "Chain Of Fools" (another great, previously unreleased full-length of a hit song, recently included as a bonus track on the re-issue of Lady Soul). All I have to say about "My Cup Runneth Over" and "My Way" is, WOW! Ed Ames and Frank Sinatra would have smiled with pride, had they heard how Aretha honored their respective signature tunes. Aretha even holds her own against Etta James' definitive version of "At Last" (Aretha's is an outtake from LET ME IN YOUR LIFE, recorded in 1973). One of the most unusual covers here is Leonard Cohen's "Suzanne," which is given some rhythm and sped up. I have never heard it done this way, but in Aretha's capable hands, It works. Something is missing, though, possibly due to Aretha not really understanding the song (just my opinion; I love Cohen, but he was ever the cryptic one in those days). Doesn't matter; Aretha's go at this oft-covered song is still worth hearing.

This CD is a special gift to the music world. I highly recommend it.

For those of us who knew of these "lost" recordings this compilation is long overdue, and frankly one that I feared would never see the light of day.

The one true jewel here (a cover version of My Way), was originally edited and released on an as seen on tv vinyl lp many many years ago, the unedited version included here stands as one of Aretha's best vocal and piano perforamces.

Although there are some engaging tracks i.e Mr. Big and a cover of You Keep Me Hanging On, it doesnt appear the folks at Atlantic saved any singles material for release at a later date. Don't get me wrong, as a hardcore Aretha fan, I'd rather listen to her B sides than most singers A sides.

The biggest surprise for me was that the included different versions of two previously released tracks (Lean On Me & Thats The Way I Feel About You), are superior to the versions released, the former as a B side and the latter on the Quincy Jones produced Hey Now Hey lp.

There are three songs on this disc that I have always thought Aretha should record. None of them lived up to my expectations. The first, Talk To Me, was recorded in the Soul 69 album sessions, that had Aretha singing with a jazz band that did not suit her. The other two, At Last and Love Letters, have Aretha straying so far from the melody line that these classic ballads become almost unrecognizable.

With all the above being said, let me make one thing clear, this disc is an absolute must have. The vocal performances on the demos of Sweet Bitter Love and Are You Leaving Me are themselves worth every penny you spend on this CD. But also these seven years of recordings add to the historical record of the evolution of one of the all time greats.

Hopefully the folks at Rhino and Atlantic have more saved for a volume 2....let's keep our fingers crossed.

This is a must have for any/all fans of Aretha! An ultimate great listening experience beginning to end. We tend to forget how great a piano player Aretha really is aside of her powerful, soulful singing. A lot of these songs could have been hits and/or made some of her albums even more interesting. I love hearing the demo recordings of songs like: I Never Loved a Man(would you believe there was another added verse?!!), Dr. Feelgood, You're All I Need to Get By, Sweet Bitter Love, Are You Leaving Me. Other hilights such as--At Last, Lean On Me, So Soon, I Need A Strong Man, I Want To Be with You, It was You, Mr Big, Fool on the Hill, Heavenly Father, That's the Way I Feel About'cha. Just as I was so eager to hear her and Ray Charles on Ain't But the One, it wasn't what I thought it was going to be. It seems it's Duke Ellington's lyrics but set to the music of Aretha's Spirit in The Dark!!?? The vocals are killer though but....?
Overall there's a lot to like here. Columbia records did not know what to do with her but Jerry Wexler and Tom Dowd sure did! The 20's and 30's gave us Bessie Smith, the 40's and 50's gave us the Queen of the Blues, Dinah Washington. Aretha picked up that torch in early 60's and is still running with it! She is still the one and only, Queen of Soul. (After her we'll only have Chaka and Kelly Price with that kind of range and soul again....yeah I said it!)
I am glad these songs are finally available, it took over 40 years! I hope Rhino decides to release all the unreleased stuff on Roberta Flack as well.

Before that last coat of varnish is placed on a newly refinished hardwood floor, the beauty of the wood begins to shine through. This is how I view the songs in this collection. There may be lack of polish on a few of the cuts but soul, beauty and god given talent is gloriously abundant on every single one of them! Since most of the songs were never released it's like having the old Aretha sound back again singing new material - and that is the real treat of it all. Listening to this release also gives me the feeling that it's autobiographical from hearing the unedited mistakes, starts and stops, Aretha's comments during the recordings and Jerry Wexlers liner notes. This is great documentation of the creative process behind the recording sessions of one of this century's most important musical icons. I highly recommend this 2 CD collection especially lifelong Aretha fans such as myself.

I am so glad to be alive to hear this gem! Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul in her element -- in the studio, creating. I felt, at times, that I was sitting right next to the piano as she toiled through the original versions of "Dr. Feelgood," "You're All I Need to Get By" and "Sweet Bitter Love."

Three times, I was brought to tears as I listened to the sadness and desperation of "Heavenly Father." I just wish that she'd had the Sweet Inpirations backing her instead of her sisters and the Sweethearts of Soul. Their sound was too agressive and churchy for this one -- the Sweets would have been just right. Aretha was like a young girl deeply in love with a man who had been called to war, begging God to "please bring that man home to me..."

"Tree of Life" was another song that knocked me off my feet. It makes you literally think about "the last days" in a serious way. Aretha's piano is in the forefront throughout the album and it will be a treat for those who have dreamed, for decades, that Franklin would sit down and play more. Hers is in the same class as Ray Charles, Valerie Simpson and Billy Preston in the realm of gospel/soul piano. Just wait 'till you hear her play on the raw version of You're All...to Get By." Her take on Mabel John''s "Taking Up Another Man's Place" was wonderful, but I must recognize Jean DuShon's cover of Little Willie John's "Talk To Me, Talk To Me," (also recorded at Atlantic Records and produced by Phil Spector) closer to the bullseye. Aretha's "Talk" was slightly over-produced -- just my take.

I was surprise to hear her singing mainly in falsetto on the moving, "Are You Leaving Me?" It certainly sounded much better than Aretha's recent swing in that direction on her current recordings. Boy, is it nice to hear some REAL SOUL as opposed to the hip/hop, dum de dum stuff that's being pumped out today.

All of the songs are not perfect. Some were in the stage of development, so there are some false starts, talking, experimenting at times. I didn't mind that at all. I loved hearing Aretha stop, talk to Jerry Wexler and then make little "asides."

Aretha was in wonderful voice and even in rehearsal, would take her voice to the very top. Yes, she does some hollering and screaming and we love it. I was disappointed, however, that they included the finished product of "My Way" here, with strings, guitars, etc. The raw version with Aretha's piano out front, which is on the "Atlantic Unearthed Soul Sisters" CD, is much better. Here, Franklin nearly gets lost in the frey.

I highly recommend this, especially for Aretha's fans and those of you who want to hear a genius at work. One thing that surprised me was that several of the songs had "songwriter unknown."

The big plus about this event is that there is a WHOLE LOT of music here - 2 discs! This collection emphasizes what's lacking in today's "music." This represents the age of GREAT SOUL SINGERS: David Ruffin, Levi Stubbs, Gladys Knight, Bettye LaVette, Marvin Gaye, Patti LaBelle, Wilson Pickett, James Brown, etc., when it was ALL about the singers. I remember the days when a TRUE soul singer could BRING-THE-HOUSE-DOWN!!!!

Long live THE QUEEN OF SOUL.

I must say that I am a long time fan, but Aretha has managed to blow my mind again. I cannot stop listening to "Tree of life" and "I wanna be with you", which Aretha sang often live in concert. Those two IMO are vocal masterpieces. "Can you love again", OMG! Aretha is the greatest singer to ever pick up a microphone. "You keep me hanging on", another cover where Aretha picks up the original singer (Diana Ross) and uses her for a microphone. "Suzanne" was an unexpected treat, as was the live version of "Aint but the one". Listening to the end of the latter is testament of the spirit Aretha possesed and shared with any audience at that time, and when singing gospel, still does to this very day. This set is incredible, to say the least!

I made the mistake of listening to the 2nd cd first, so I am unable to elaborate on the first one. I am still under the arrest of the two songs formentioned. I have not been this pleased in quite some time with any new release, by anybody, but today my mind is blown!!!!!!!

the moment the first note began!!! i find 3 categories: (1) it sounds like she's at home just being w/ her songs (2) she sounds like she's in church (even if its not a religious song!) or (3) why didn't they release some of this before?????? THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST FOR ALL ARETHA FANS!!!!!!

What can I say that almost every Reviewer HASN'T already said about this Awesome Collection! Yeah, we were teased with B-Sides: "Pledging My Love"/The Clock", and "Lean On Me" back in the day...A handful of tracks seen the light of day on a few Compilations, but NEVER compiled on a massive Double Disc!!! Even the Demos are Great! This collection should have picked up a Grammy...WHY? We'll never know. This collection also includes a real nice booklet. Whatever you do DON'T PASS THIS ONE UP! It would be a SOLID INVESTMENT as well as an added PLUS to your Aretha Franklin collection!

Absolutely amazing release.
I have'nt actually sat through both cd's yet, because this is almost too much.I take a bit in each day..Its almost "SOUL OVERLOAD"-As it says somewhere in the (great, intelligent, humourous, and loving) liner notes by the great Jerry Wexler.
The quality and musical level of these demoes, alt. takes and unreleased recordings are simply amazing.
There are nothing but highs on this cd, but so far the track "I Want To Be With You"stands out to me ,as one of the most beatiful songs I've ever heard. It starts of with Retha solo, and when the band comes in after almost 3 minutes of first rate soul singing,its more than i can take.. I think I'll be ready for another round tomorrow..
Excellent! Thank you for this treasure of a release!!!