I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You

A nice, classic sounding record with a lot of soul. Although it was certainly hornier than I expected.

Another good album from an artist that I'm kicking myself for never having properly explored prior.

This one is perhaps a bit more laid back and subtle than Lady Soul, but depending on my mood, there's equal chance I'd run with this one over the latter. The bass guitar work of Tommy Cogbill and Aretha's piano playing are nothing short of great. Also, I've already said this on my last Aretha review, but what a voice.

amazing

I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You is a *fantastic* playground for Aretha Franklin to use to showcase her abilities as a generational vocal talent. However, this translates into an *album* that is just very good. Consisting largely of covers (although Aretha Franklin does have writing credits on Don't Let Me Lose This Dream, Baby, Baby, Baby, Dr. Feelgood, and Save Me), the purpose of this album is largely to put Aretha Franklin front and center, where her vocal abilities and talent for interpretation are plain to see. Even the most important song on here, maybe the most important song Aretha Franklin ever recorded, Respect, is an Otis Redding cover. Regardless of this, her performance is so fantastic that Respect is considered one of the best singles *ever*. The other material isn't quite up to Respect's level, but little is. This is a very consistent collection of solid Soul songs. And while I will say that my taste in soul usually veers a little closer to funk, the genuine warmth and true *soul* here is a force of nature. Not to mention the aforementioned talent, I will say again that Aretha Franklin is an absolutely fantastic vocalist. While I don't connect as closely to this as I do to some other albums on the list, the vocal showcase here gets this to finish the hat trick. I ended up enjoying my time a lot.

Now we're talking! Aretha (one of those people who don't need a last name) is the undisputed Queen of Soul and this is her signature album. Starting with "Respect" which alone would already justify five stars, every single song is carefully arranged around Aretha's legendary voice at it's best. Had it on repeat all day, this one never gets old!

I get it, shes got a great voice. I dont actively dislike it but I dont fall at the altar of her being the greatest singer of all time.

Good album!

I guess even Soul isn't safe from the 60s' Curse of Slop 💔
It's good when it sort of deviates into other genres, like the bossa nova-flavored Don't Let Me Lose This Dream. Outside of that, as soulful as it is, I can't say it does much for me. I like her voice though!

Someone else in our group said that it's the kind of album you would put on while playing cards with your parents and I hard agree with that. The lady has got a set of pipes on her and I get the appeal. It's just not something I would return to very often, even though I know it's good.

Very underwhelming

What can you even say about this voice?

tem jeito não, é bonito demais a voz dessa moça
e o instrumental também delicinha hein

Great album but they really did her dirty recording this in a tin can

It’s my 200th album. The generator clearly thought that deserved a little R.E.S.P.E.C.T and threw me a soul classic.

What more can I add to the discussion around Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul? Such an iconic voice who proved to be influential across decades of popular music for her emotional yet powerful delivery. There was never a doubt as to how I would feel about her vocals.

As for the album itself, I Never Loved a Man the Way I Loved You boasts original compositions that are genuine bops, as well as covers that can go toe-to-toe with their original artists, and at times even transcend and transform the work into her own. Seriously, "Respect" has become more synonymous with her than Otis Redding, and her version of "A Change Is Gonna Come" rivals Sam Cooke's. There are several go-for-broke, boastful performances from Aretha and the accompanying musicians on this record, from the title track to "Dr. Feelgood (Love is a Serious Business)", from King Curtis's "Soul Serenade" to her own "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man", and so on.

This album is a certified soul classic that has withstood the test of time, and I'm glad to have enjoyed it from start to finish.

A very beautiful voice!

A few recognisable songs on this album. Respect is a classic!

Very smooth, easy listening and relaxing

4 ⭐️

Just a damn good soul record. Respect is obviously the big one, but Don't Let Me Lose This Dream, with its tropical vibe just hit.

The second half of the record is not quite as strong IMO. Good Times and Save Me is a tad old school blues for my taste, and am not huge on the country-soul of Do Right Woman, Do Right Man, but its still great, and the soul aspect of all those elevates them enough for me.

I love Aretha's voice; so much power and just the right amount of smokiness.

This was cool but didn’t hit me as much as her other record on here.

Perfect embodiment of the Muscle Shoals RnB sound, harnessed in support of an incredible vocal performance - not just an amazing voice, but impassioned singing capturing a big emotional range. Deep gospel roots, uptempo funk on the bass, mellow jazzy piano to cool down the heat from the horns - it sounds amazing: rich, warm, lush. The whole album is a joyful comfort.

classic.