Satisfaction/Don’t Let Me Lose This Dream/Soul Serenade/Night Life/Baby I Love You/Groovin’/Natural Woman/ Come Back Baby/Dr Feelgood(Love Is A Serious Business)/Since You’ve Been Gone/I Never Loved A Man(The Way I Loved You)/Chain Of Fools/Respect
Aretha In Paris was the first live album from soul star Aretha Franklin after her career took off at the Atlantic label. Her backing band on this set comes in for some strong criticism. (US:13)
"This has to be the best live singing I've ever heard. The 'Queen of Soul' is known for her powerful voice but coming into live recordings, I'm always a bit hesitant. But Aretha Franklin proves to all that she is the real queen of R & B/soul music and live vocal perfection, and this recording documents that perfectly."
"Aretha In Paris had a bad press from day one because of the band. Granted, they are not the best and they are downright wretched in a few spots. They are wooden and not the best fit at all for Aretha's approach to music and her style of singing. But Aretha's talent - especially in 1968 - was bright enough to overcome a band not being what they should be. Aretha's fire, emotion, and the quality of 'The Voice' makes this album a keeper."
"She's not in Memphis anymore and her travelling band's playing is occasionally too muted or even ragged, but Aretha and her Sweet Inspirations are in fine voice and deliver a convincing live set. I wouldn't substitute any of the live versions for their studio counterparts. It's noticeable that there are no extended improvisations here, the songs are delivered efficiently and concisely. As a live document of her glorious early years then, this set is certainly interesting and entertaining."
"Aretha could sing, no doubt. But the orchestration worked against her here. It's a lot like some of her overproduced Columbia stuff. I may never listen to this record again as her first Atlantic Greatest Hits LP captures her prime material so much better than this live recording."
"This exquisite slice of Lady Soul's spectacular presence in a live setting came at a time when she was making her mark as the 'Queen of Soul'. Backed by a full orchestra and a trio of vocalists, Franklin played a set consisting of material that was barely a year old."
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