There was never any need for The Queen of Soul to defend her title.
With such indelible songs to her name such as “I Say a Little Prayer,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” and “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You),” only a “Chain of Fools” would question Aretha Franklin’s right to the throne. Still, after a string of health issues left the Motown icon temporarily unable to perform, it’s thrilling to hear that chart-topping and world-conquering voice anew.
It’s fitting that the first “new” album in three years from this living legend actually comprises a range of covers of songs by female artists both past and present, from Etta James to Alicia Keys. What better way to show everyone how it’s really done than to best them on their own tracks? And that’s exactly what happens on our first taste of Aretha Franklin Takes on the Great Diva Classics, a spirited rendition of UK singer Adele’s 2010 global smash hit “Rolling in the Deep.”
Franklin’s version starts off pretty faithful to the original — both her vocals and the arrangements are held in check, simmering and smoldering for a good while. But then about a minute before the end of the song, everything boils over. Where Adele’s version maintained a cool British reserve even at its climax, Franklin’s take manages to weave in Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” as a dramatic counterpoint to the lyrics of triumph in the face of heartbreak. By the track’s end, this Motor City monarch demonstrates that it’s passion, and not polish, that has allowed her to command so much “Respect.”
Aretha Franklin Takes on the Diva Classics comes out on October 21 via RCA. Pre-order it here. Listen to “Rolling in the Deep” below: