Entirely appropriate on International Women’s Day.
If you’ve any suggestions about a classic song that we should feature then feel free to get in touch with our music geek @ElChiefMoore
Artist, album and year: Aretha Franklin, Aretha Now, 1968
Why is it a classic? : Very few singers have so much force, gravitas and soul to their voice that they’re instantly recognizable hearing but Aretha Franklin is that rare artist.
The Queen of Soul has reigned supreme for almost 50 years now and this track remains as catchy and poignant as when it was first released.
When listening to her music, you always get the impression that every word, note and sound is deeply personal to her because not only is her vocal range absolutely extraordinary but you can’t help but be moved and almost feel every note of her music.
In strictly musical terms, this song is timeless because it has that ‘big band’ quality to it with a lead vocalist supported by backing singers, a brass section, organ, piano, two electric guitars, bass, and percussion.
It takes a truly special talent not to have their voice drowned out by the mesmeric sound of trumpets, saxophones, keyboards, guitars, bass and drums.
Franklin’s vocal range as she reaches for that ‘Freedom’ section of the chorus is wonderful and she’s equally adept singing those lung bursting notes as she is the silky smooth quick-fire lyrics.
In terms of lyrics, this tune is timeless because Franklin lays down the law right from the very first moment as she confronts her man by asking him “think about what you’re trying to do to me”.
It’s easy to see why she’s consistently considered to be one of the most important figures in music when you look at the ballsy lyric, “people walking around everyday, playing games, taking scores. Trying to make other people lose their minds. Well be careful, you’re gonna lose yours”.
Did You Know?: Franklin lip-synced to a new, longer version of the song in a musical sequence of the 1980 film The Blues Brothers but because she was so used to live performing it required a number of takes and considerable editing.
The lyrical hook: “I was gonna change, but I’m not, if you’re doing things I don’t”.
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