‘A Rose Is Still a Rose’: Aretha Franklin’s 1998 Rebirth Stumbles Through a Mixed Bag

Aretha Franklin’s A Rose Is Still a Rose is a record about reinvention, and it mostly succeeds. Released in 1998, it is a collection of soul, gospel, and jazz-tinged ballads, built around Franklin’s vocal power rather than any single genre. The album aims to prove that Franklin can still command a room with her voice alone, and for the most part, she does.

Opening With The Title Track

The title track, “A Rose Is Still a Rose” (4:26), opens the record with a slow, deliberate groove. It sets the tone for the album’s central theme: identity remains constant even as circumstances change. Franklin’s delivery is measured, letting the lyrics do the work.

“Never Leave You Again” (4:28) follows with a more urgent rhythm. It is a plea for loyalty, and Franklin’s phrasing carries the weight of the song’s desperation. The track earns its place as one of the stronger entries on the record.

Middle Stretch

“In Case You Forgot” (4:49) slows things down again, with a piano-led arrangement that lets Franklin stretch her range over a mid-tempo groove. It is a solid, if unremarkable, middle cut.

“Here We Go Again” (3:30) is the first real misstep. The song feels slight, its melody blending into the album’s surrounding material without leaving much of an impression.

“Every Lil’ Bit Hurts” (4:07) picks back up with a more emotional delivery. Franklin’s vocal cracks and swells in the chorus, and the song finds a genuine moment of catharsis.

More Mid-Album Tracks

“In the Morning” (4:56) returns to the slow-burn approach, with Franklin singing about starting anew after a difficult night. It is a decent, if forgettable, entry in the middle of the album.

“I’ll Dip” (4:06) is a brief, playful interlude, more fun than substance. It is a lighter moment, but it does not add much to the record’s overall arc.

“How Many Times” (4:21) is a standout. Franklin takes a familiar blues structure and makes it feel fresh with her phrasing and control. It is one of the best songs on the album.

“Watch My Back” (4:45) closes the album’s strong middle section with a cautionary tale. The song’s warning is delivered with a sharp, controlled edge that fits the material well.

“Love Pang” (4:20) is a slower, more sensual number. It is pleasant but slight, another track that fills space without adding much depth.

Closing With The Woman

“The Woman” (7:41) closes the album on a long, extended note. It is a meditative piece, built around Franklin’s vocal rather than a traditional song structure. It is ambitious, though it stretches longer than the material fully supports.

Verdict On The Record

A Rose Is Still a Rose is a mixed bag. Its best moments — “How Many Times,” “Never Leave You Again,” the title track — are genuinely excellent, showcasing Franklin’s ability to transform a simple melody into something truly moving. But the middle of the album drags, with several tracks feeling like filler rather than statements.

The album’s ambition is clear. Franklin is reaching for a record that balances soulful balladry with a modern, sophisticated sound. She gets there on the best tracks, but the weaker material holds the record back from greatness.

The record is at its best when Franklin lets her voice do the talking, and at its worst when the production tries to carry the weight alone. The album’s final stretch, anchored by “The Woman,” is a bold, if somewhat overstated, conclusion.

Final Score

A Rose Is Still a Rose is a worthy addition to Franklin’s catalog, with highs that justify the listen and lows that keep it from being essential. The strongest tracks are among her finest work, while the weaker ones are simply forgettable. It is a record that rewards attention but does not demand it.

7 of 10.

1998 albums · album review · Aretha Franklin · classic review · soul music