Aretha Franklin Returns to Form on ‘Aretha’ — 7/10

Aretha Franklin’s Aretha is a comeback record dressed as a party. Released in 1980, it follows years of live records and soundtracks, and its goal is simple: get back to the big room, get back to the hits, and get back to the voice that made her famous. It mostly works.

Come to Me Opens the Record

“Come to Me” sets the tone. It is a slow, soulful invitation that shows off Franklin’s range without rushing it. The song builds steadily, and Franklin holds the note at the end with confidence.

Can’t Turn You Loose Keeps the Pace Up

“Can’t Turn You Loose” is a driving, upbeat track that sounds like it could have been recorded in the late 1960s. It is one of the record’s best moments, a reminder of why she was the Queen of Soul.

United Together and Take Me With You

“United Together” runs five minutes and stretches out, though it does not add much beyond the idea of unity. “Take Me With You” is better, a mid-tempo plea that lets Franklin’s phrasing do the work.

Whatever It Is and What a Fool Believes

“Whatever It Is” is a short, direct ballad that does not overstay its welcome. “What a Fool Believes” is the standout here — a smooth, laid-back cover that fits her voice perfectly.

Together Again and Love Me Forever

“Together Again” is a slow, romantic track that leans on Franklin’s ability to sell longing. “Love Me Forever” closes the middle stretch with a gentle, easy-going tune that does not demand much attention.

School Days Closes the Record

“School Days” ends the album with a nostalgic, piano-led closer that brings the energy down gently. It is a fitting end to a record that spends most of its time chasing the past.

The Running Order

Here is the full track list, in order:

• “Come to Me”
• “Can’t Turn You Loose”
• “United Together”
• “Take Me With You”
• “Whatever It Is”
• “What a Fool Believes”
• “Together Again”
• “Love Me Forever”
• “School Days”

Verdict on Aretha

Aretha is not a great album. It is a competent one, and a necessary one. Franklin sounds like she knows exactly what she is doing, even when the songs themselves are slight. The covers are the highlight — “What a Fool Believes” stands as proof that she could still make a pop standard her own.

“What a Fool Believes”

The original material is less memorable, but it does not drag. The record moves quickly enough that the weaker tracks pass without leaving much trace behind.

The production is clean and modern, and it serves the songs well. Nothing here feels dated in a bad way — it simply feels like a record made by an artist who has already proven herself and is now settling into comfort.

The Bottom Line

Aretha earns its place as a comeback statement. It is not a masterpiece, but it does not need to be. Franklin delivers exactly what she promises: a strong voice singing strong songs, and occasionally turning a cover into a hit.

The record succeeds on its own terms. It is a return to form, not a reinvention. Franklin does not need to reinvent herself to be heard. She just needs to sing, and she does.

1980s · album review · Aretha Franklin · comeback · soul music