A Rose Is Still a Rose
Aretha Franklin · 1998
34 min · 5 tracks · funk
A vibrant blend of R&B grooves and gospel-inflected vocals that showcases Aretha Franklin's soulful power.
Top tracks — play these first
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A Rose Is Still a Rose (original radio edit) Start here — This track encapsulates the album's theme of resilience and self-affirmation, featuring smooth production that compliments Franklin's commanding vocal performance.
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A Rose Is Still a Rose (Love to Infinity Rhythm radio mix) — The remix demonstrates how the original song can be reinterpreted within a dance context, showcasing its versatility and broad appeal beyond traditional R&B.
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A Rose Is Still a Rose (Johnny Vicious club mix) — This extended mix emphasizes the song's infectious groove, making it a favorite in clubs and underscoring Franklin's enduring relevance in various music scenes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
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
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- danceable beats for social gatherings
- varied mixes for diverse moods
- waves of rhythmic energy
- extended tracks for deep listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer concise song formats
- seek quiet, introspective moments
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Marked Aretha's return with a significant hit, re-establishing her presence in contemporary music.
- Themes
- gospel-inflected resilience· club-ready reinterpretations· soulful empowerment anthems
- Career context
- Released in 1998, A Rose Is Still a Rose marked Aretha Franklin's return to the music scene after a brief hiatus. This album came during a phase where she was exploring contemporary sounds while remaining rooted in her gospel upbringing, following her previous release, What You See Is What You Sweat in 1994. The collaboration with modern producers helped bridge her legacy with emerging musical trends.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Gladys Knight· Etta James· Nina Simone
Tracklist
- 1 A Rose Is Still a Rose (original radio edit) Start here 4:02
- 2 A Rose Is Still a Rose (Love to Infinity Rhythm radio mix) 4:01
- 3 A Rose Is Still a Rose (Love to Infinity Kick mix) 7:11
- 4 A Rose Is Still a Rose (Johnny Vicious club mix) 10:46
- 5 A Rose Is Still a Rose (Hex Hector club mix) 8:56
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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