Album Reviews6/10
Aretha Franklin’s ‘Soft and Beautiful’: A Great Singer’s Missed Opportunity
A look back at Aretha Franklin's Soft and Beautiful, a 1969 pop record that asks her to sit still and smile.
CLAY TRIBUNE / THE ARCHIVE
Tag: soul music
Album Reviews8/10
Aretha Franklin’s ‘Yeah!!!’: Twelve Tracks, Thirty-Five Minutes, and a Voice Finding Its Own Weight
A look back at Aretha Franklin's 1965 album Yeah!!!, weighing its highs against its lesser moments.
Album Reviews7/10
So Damn Happy Review: Aretha Franklin Turns Covers Into Peaks, Not a Hit
A review of Aretha Franklin's 2003 album So Damn Happy, ranking its soul covers and newer material.
Album Reviews7/10
Aretha Franklin Returns to Form on ‘Aretha’ — 7/10
A look back at Aretha Franklin's 1980 comeback album, a record of covers and originals that finds her voice still commanding.
Album Reviews7/10
‘A Rose Is Still a Rose’: Aretha Franklin’s 1998 Rebirth Stumbles Through a Mixed Bag
A look back at Aretha Franklin's 1998 soul album A Rose Is Still a Rose, weighing its highs and lows.
Album Reviews7.8/10
Frank Review: Amy Winehouse’s Debut Announces a Talent Before She Learned to Control It
A look back at Amy Winehouse's debut album Frank, a soul-pop record that announces a great talent before she learned to control it.
Album Reviews6/10
‘Forever, Michael’: Michael Jackson’s Sincere, Well-Sung Ballad Collection Earns a Solid 6/10
A 16-year-old Michael Jackson proves his vocal maturity on this 1975 transitional album, even as the dated Motown arrangements lag behind his growth.
Album Reviews9/10
Innervisions at 53: Stevie Wonder’s Complete Statement Still Sounds Vital
Stevie Wonder's 1973 album Innervisions blends funk, soul, and politics, with classics like Living for the City and Higher Ground, marking his creative peak.
Album Reviews8/10
Stevie Wonder’s ‘Someday at Christmas’ Wraps an Anti-War Plea in Holiday Soul: 8/10
Stevie Wonder's 1967 Christmas album wraps an anti-war message in soulful vocals. A review of the title track, standards, and originals.
Album Reviews9/10
55 Years On, ‘Where I’m Coming From’ Still Sounds Like a Motown Prodigy Seizing Creative Control — 9/10
Stevie Wonder's 1971 album 'Where I'm Coming From' marks his break from pop formula, a transitional masterpiece bridging early Motown and his classic era.
Album Reviews6/10
Down to Earth at 60: Stevie Wonder’s Uneven Stepping Stone
Stevie Wonder's 1966 album Down to Earth is a transitional work of ambition and uneven material, with a few standout tracks hinting at his future greatness.
Album Reviews7/10
Motown’s Boy Prodigy Channels Ray Charles on ‘Tribute to Uncle Ray’ — Reviewed, 7/10
A look back at 12-year-old Stevie Wonder's 1963 tribute to Ray Charles — a flawed, fascinating album that captures a genius finding his way.