Album: Aretha Now

Overview
"Aretha Now" is the thirteenth studio album by the famous American soul vocalist Aretha Franklin launched in June 1968. Produced by Jerry Wexler under the Atlantic Records label, this 10-track album records Franklin in the prime of her profession, showcasing her unique mix of gospel, R&B, and pop that came to specify her unparalleled musical style. "Aretha Now" is widely considered among her finest and crucial bodies of work and includes numerous of her most iconic and enduring songs.

Background
Following the tremendous success of her 1967 album "I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You" and the influential "Lady Soul", both of which assisted develop Franklin as a significant force in American music, expectations were high for her next release. "Aretha Now" was largely taped in two sessions in April and May 1968 at the famous FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and at the Atlantic Recording Studios in New York City. Franklin was backed by an all-star lineup of artists, including The Sweet Inspirations on background vocals and The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, which consisted of a few of the finest Southern soul artists of the period.

Secret Tracks
"Aretha Now" opens with the powerhouse struck single "Think", a tune co-written by Franklin and her then-husband Ted White. The invigorating anthem of female empowerment showcases Franklin's effective and unique vocal design, which requires the listener's attention from the very beginning. "Think" would go on to end up being an enduring staple of her live efficiencies and is arguably one of the songs most closely related to her career.

Another standout track on "Aretha Now" is the sultry "I Say a Little Prayer", composed by acclaimed songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Initially taped by Dionne Warwick in 1967, Franklin's rendition is extensively considered the conclusive variation of the tune, transforming it into a gospel-infused masterpiece that highlights her incredible singing variety, agility, and emotive power.

"See Saw", the second single released from the album, showcases Franklin's ability to defy genre-classification. With its driving beat, contagious tune, and vibrant horn arrangements, "See Saw" mixes elements of funk, R&B, and soul to develop a distinct sound that would serve as a prominent blueprint for future artists.

Reception and Impact
"Aretha Now" received widespread acclaim from critics upon its release, strengthening Franklin's status as the indisputable "Queen of Soul" and even more sealing her place in music history. The album peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart and No. 1 on the R&B Albums chart, while "Think" and "I Say a Little Prayer" proved to be commercial hits, both arriving 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart.

Over 50 years because its release, "Aretha Now" remains a landmark album in the history of American music, reflecting the spirit and turbulence of the late 1960s, while likewise showcasing the depth and breadth of Franklin's enormous skill. With effective messages of empowerment, love, and hope, "Aretha Now" continues to resonate with listeners to this day, serving as a classic testament to the prodigious skill and indomitable spirit of one of music's all-time greats, Aretha Franklin.