Soft and Beautiful cover

Soft and Beautiful

Aretha Franklin · 1969

34 min · 10 tracks · funk · jazz · pop rock

A lush blend of soul and jazz, enveloped in Aretha Franklin's transcendent vocal warmth.

Why this album works

Best for
reflective moments of quiet introspection steady pacing for thoughtful listening transcendent vocals enveloping the atmosphere
Context
By the time 'Soft and Beautiful' was released in 1969, Aretha Franklin was already a dominant force in music, following her breakthrough with 'I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)' in 1967. This album came during a period of artistic exploration, showcasing her ability to navigate genre boundaries while retaining her soulful essence.
If you like
funk, jazz, pop rock

Soft and Beautiful is an album by Aretha Franklin, released in 1969. A lush blend of soul and jazz, enveloped in Aretha Franklin's transcendent vocal warmth. 'Soft and Beautiful' is significant for its introspective songwriting and rich arrangements that highlight Franklin's versatility as an artist. The album received critical acclaim upon release, further solidifying her status within the soul and jazz genres during a transformative era for both music and society. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Soft and Beautiful sound like?

A lush blend of soul and jazz, enveloped in Aretha Franklin's transcendent vocal warmth. Rooted in funk and jazz.

What makes Soft and Beautiful by Aretha Franklin notable?

'Soft and Beautiful' is significant for its introspective songwriting and rich arrangements that highlight Franklin's versatility as an artist. The album received critical acclaim upon release, further solidifying her status within the soul and jazz genres during a transformative era for both music and society. By the time 'Soft and Beautiful' was released in 1969, Aretha Franklin was already a dominant force in music, following her breakthrough with 'I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)' in 1967. This album came during a period of artistic exploration, showcasing her ability to navigate genre boundaries while retaining her soulful essence.

Who is Soft and Beautiful for?

Soft and Beautiful works well if you're into reflective moments of quiet introspection, steady pacing for thoughtful listening and transcendent vocals enveloping the atmosphere.

How many songs are on Soft and Beautiful?

Soft and Beautiful has 10 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

Tracklist

10 tracks·34:35

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Only the Lonely Standout 4:55
  • 2 I Wish I Didn’t Love You So 2:55
  • 3 (Ah, the Apple Trees) When the World Was Young Standout 4:44
  • 4 Shangri‐La 3:15
  • 5 A Mother’s Love 2:34
  • 6 My Coloring Book Standout 4:08
  • 7 Jim 2:29
  • 8 Friendly Persuasion (Thee I Love) 2:18
  • 9 But Beautiful 2:57
  • 10 People 4:20

Release Date

June 20, 1969

Genre

funk, jazz, pop rock

More albums in funk

Artist Origin

United States

Runtime

34 min 35 sec