Aretha turns this Temptations ballad into a brooding plea for the sky to open up.
Author: Andrew Martone
Another Night
Aretha perseveres solo as she kisses off a two-timing lover.
Day Dreaming
It’s one of the most beautiful and adoring songs Aretha ever wrote.
You Light Up My Life
Aretha’s towering 1978 cover of Debby Boone’s classic finally sees the light of day.
Someday We’ll All Be Free
Aretha delivers an immense rendition of this Donny Hathaway classic for 1992’s Malcom X soundtrack.
Evil Gal Blues
Aretha sits down at the piano and gets a new set of lyrics to take on Dinah Washington’s “Evil Gal Blues”
Operation Heartbreak
Today, it’s a little-known b-side. But “Operation Heartbreak” was one of Aretha’s most successful songs at Columbia Records.
A Tender Touch
An album cut from 1977’s Sweet Passion finds Aretha letting her man down easy.
Save Me
The penultimate cut on her 1967 Atlantic debut features Aretha with no piano and no background vocals, making a plea for rescue.
This You Should Know
Aretha unleashes a powerful squall on this adult-contemporary kiss off.
Crazy He Calls Me
Aretha gives this jazz standard a chill, yet soulful makeover.
You Made Me Love You
Aretha gives two very distinct readings of this Al Jolsen song, made a hit by Bing Crosby.
Sparkle
The opening & title cut from 1976’s Sparkle simply glistens.
Someone Else’s Eyes
Aretha’s 1991 voice fits this catchy, strong ballad oh so well.
Pledging My Love/The Clock
This 1969 b-side merging 2 Johnny Ace songs is a masterclass in Aretha’s vocal control and agility.
How Glad I Am
Aretha takes on a Nancy Wilson hit, and for once largely leaves the arrangement as is.
The Only Thing Missin’
Aretha returned in 2003 with this breezy cut that epitomizes a warm, sunny day… with a touch of melancholy.
Walk Softly
Van McCoy composed this understated ballad from Aretha’s 1975 album “You”
