Arista Records – 365 Days of Aretha Franklin

I Wish It Would Rain

Aretha turns this Temptations ballad into a brooding plea for the sky to open up.

Aretha perseveres solo as she kisses off a two-timing lover.

Aretha’s 1991 voice fits this catchy, strong ballad oh so well.

Aretha returned in 2003 with this breezy cut that epitomizes a warm, sunny day… with a touch of melancholy.

Aretha reaches back to her youth, and brings her sisters, and Willa Ward, along for the ride.

Aretha gave us two versions of Ave Maria over the years: one for church, and one for the holiday party.

The opening cut from Aretha’s 1980 Arista debut showcases a singer with something to prove.

Aretha takes a page from Dinah Washington & the composer of “Over The Rainbow” on this 1986 cover.

This retro groove gave 80’s Aretha a nostalgic 60’s feel.

Sugar Ray Aretha steps into the ring on this 1982 cut.

In 1980, Aretha got a fresh start at Arista Records with some fresh sounds, like this ballad.

Aretha and Luther “Get It Right” on this single.

One of Aretha’s last gospel recordings doesn’t sound very gospel musically, but lyrically it’s all glory to God.

Written by Rod Temperton, this cut centers around an infectious, bass-driven groove.

The title track from Aretha Franklin’s 1985 Who’s Zoomin’ Who? gives Aretha a fresh edge with a phrase she’d been carrying since the 70’s.