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Spirit In the Dark

Aretha Franklin

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Album Review

Spirit in the Dark was one of Aretha Franklin's more overlooked albums from her Atlantic prime, despite the inclusion of a couple hit singles (the title track and "Don't Play That Song"). The disc includes five of her own compositions (the most she ever recorded for a single album) and her usual eclectic choice of cover material. On this record, the covers ranged from B.B. King and Dr. John to Jimmy Reed and Goffin/King's "Oh Not My Baby." The album also benefits from great backup players: Both the Muscle Shoals rhythm section and the Dixie Flyers contributed to the sessions, and Duane Allman lends his guitar to a couple of tracks. Though it doesn't rank with her very best Atlantic LPs, it's an exuberant and remarkably consistent effort. The 1993 CD reissue has detailed liner notes on the songs and sessions by David Nathan.

Customer Reviews

Another Masterpiece From the Queen

Although this album is often overlooked, it features some of the finest and rawest work Aretha ever committed to wax. Backed by amazing musicians, including various Muscle Shoals alumni, a young Duane Allman and Memphis legend Jim Dickinson, Aretha lays down a range of blues, soul and gospel as fine as anything she ever released. Highlights include Don't Play That Song, When the Battle Is Over, Try Matty's, Why I Sing the Blues, and the gospel stomper Spirit In The Dark. If you love Aretha or southern soul, this collection is a must-own title.

The Thrill is Gone

I had to write a review of this album. Yes it was overlooked becuase I think people had begun to listen to other types of music such as rock, pop and music from other genres. But let me say this, the song "The Thrill is Gone" is a masterpice. I have the B.B. King version which I like very much but just like every other song Aretha made over, she took it to another level of soul. I don't even listen to B.B. King's version anymore because to me it just don't compare with her version.

Biography

Born: March 25, 1942 in Memphis, TN

Genre: R&B/Soul

Years Active: '50s, '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s, '00s, '10s

Aretha Franklin is one of the giants of soul music, and indeed of American pop as a whole. More than any other performer, she epitomized soul at its most gospel-charged. Her astonishing run of late-'60s hits with Atlantic Records — "Respect," "I Never Loved a Man," "Chain of Fools," "Baby I Love You," "I Say a Little Prayer," "Think," "The House That Jack Built," and several others — earned her the title "Lady Soul," which she has worn uncontested ever since. Yet as much of an international...
Full Bio

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