Is A Rose Is Still a Rose a good place to start with Aretha Franklin?

Yes, A Rose Is Still a Rose is recommended as a starting point for new Aretha Franklin listeners. Classic soul meets contemporary R&B in a powerful showcase of Aretha Franklin's enduring vocal prowess and emotional depth. Released in 1998, A Rose Is Still a Rose marked Aretha Franklin's return to the studio after a six-year hiatus following her album What You See Is What You Sweat. During this period, she was navigating the challenges of the music industry while also embracing new production styles that blended her traditional sound with modern influences.

Who is A Rose Is Still a Rose for?

A Rose Is Still a Rose works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, long, immersive listening sessions and dynamic emotional journeys.

How many songs are on A Rose Is Still a Rose?

A Rose Is Still a Rose has 12 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

A Rose Is Still a Rose

Aretha Franklin · 1998

55 min · 12 tracks · funk

Classic soul meets contemporary R&B in a powerful showcase of Aretha Franklin's enduring vocal prowess and emotional depth.

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Top tracks — play these first

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A Rose Is Still a Rose Start here — The title track serves as an empowering statement about resilience and self-worth, blending soulful melodies with contemporary R&B production elements.
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Never Leave You Again — This song highlights Franklin's emotive vocal delivery, illustrating themes of longing and commitment through its lush arrangement and poignant lyrics.
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The Woman — A standout track that underscores female strength, it encapsulates the album's central themes while showcasing Franklin's dynamic vocal range and storytelling ability.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends classic soul with modern R&B, showcasing Franklin's voice but lacks deeper lyrical impact.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features a prominent horn section and layered backing vocals, establishing a rich sound immediately.
Several tracks incorporate contemporary R&B production techniques, such as programmed beats and synthesized instrumentation, contrasting with Franklin's classic soul style.
The sequencing alternates between mid-tempo grooves and slower ballads, creating a dynamic flow that maintains listener interest throughout.
The final track is a remix of the title song, which adds an unexpected twist to the album's conclusion.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady, consistent energy levels
long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
contemplative mid-tempo vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Marks a notable return after a hiatus, showcasing her enduring vocal prowess.
Themes: female empowerment· contemporary R&B revival· personal resilience
Moods: Chill· Uplifting
Career context: Released in 1998, A Rose Is Still a Rose marked Aretha Franklin's return to the studio after a six-year hiatus following her album What You See Is What You Sweat. During this period, she was navigating the challenges of the music industry while also embracing new production styles that blended her traditional sound with modern influences.
Stylistic neighbors: Gladys Knight· Etta James· Nina Simone