What makes Think by Aretha Franklin notable?

'Think' is notable for its social message and became an anthem for the feminist movement during the late 1960s. The title track reached the top of the R&B charts and showcased Franklin's unique ability to intertwine personal empowerment with musical excellence, influencing countless artists in the soul and pop genres. Released on May 2, 1968, 'Think' came during Aretha Franklin's peak as the 'Queen of Soul,' following her groundbreaking album 'I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You.' This album solidified her status in popular music, showcasing her ability to blend genres and convey deep emotional truths through her singing. By this time, Franklin had already achieved significant commercial success and was becoming a cultural icon.

How many songs are on Think?

Think has 2 tracks, running approximately 4 minutes.

Think

Aretha Franklin · 1968

4 min · 2 tracks · funk

A dynamic blend of soul and funk, driven by Franklin's powerful vocals and a vibrant, infectious groove.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Think — The title track serves as a bold declaration of independence and self-empowerment, featuring assertive lyrics that resonate with the themes of personal agency.
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You Send Me — This track captures a softer side of Franklin's artistry, blending lush melodies with heartfelt emotion, reflecting her versatility as a singer.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong songwriting and vocal performance but lacks cohesion due to the contrasting styles of its two tracks.

What we noticed

The title track 'Think' features a prominent horn section that drives the rhythm, while Franklin's vocals soar above the instrumentation.
The song employs call-and-response elements, with backing vocals echoing key phrases from Franklin, enhancing its anthemic quality.
The second track, 'You Send Me,' shifts to a slower tempo and a more romantic theme, contrasting sharply with the energetic opener.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Solidified her status as the 'Queen of Soul' and gained wider recognition.
Themes: personal agency· soulful declarations
Moods: Energetic· Uplifting
Career context: Released on May 2, 1968, 'Think' came during Aretha Franklin's peak as the 'Queen of Soul,' following her groundbreaking album 'I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You.' This album solidified her status in popular music, showcasing her ability to blend genres and convey deep emotional truths through her singing. By this time, Franklin had already achieved significant commercial success and was becoming a cultural icon.
Stylistic neighbors: Gladys Knight· Etta James· Nina Simone