Is Through the Storm a good place to start with Aretha Franklin?

Yes, Through the Storm is recommended as a starting point for new Aretha Franklin listeners. A rich tapestry of soul and pop, imbued with gospel fervor and Franklin's indomitable vocal prowess. In 1989, Aretha Franklin was in a revitalization phase following a series of fluctuating commercial successes. 'Through the Storm' served as her first album since signing with Arista Records, marking a new chapter after her tenure with Atlantic Records. This release aimed to blend her classic sound with contemporary production styles.

Who is Through the Storm for?

Through the Storm works well if you're into steady mid-tempo emotional resonance, themes of resilience and love and soulful melodies for reflective moments.

How many songs are on Through the Storm?

Through the Storm has 8 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

Through the Storm

Aretha Franklin · 1989

35 min · 8 tracks · funk

A rich tapestry of soul and pop, imbued with gospel fervor and Franklin's indomitable vocal prowess.

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Top tracks — play these first

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It Isn't, It Wasn't, It Ain't Never Gonna Be — This track stands out for its powerful duet with Elton John, showcasing both artists' vocal strengths and emotional depth. The song lyrically reflects themes of enduring love amidst uncertainty.
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Through the Storm — The title track encapsulates the album’s core message of resilience and hope, delivered through Franklin's soaring vocals over a lush instrumental backdrop. Its emotive storytelling resonates deeply throughout the record.
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Gimme Your Love Start here — With its infectious groove and upbeat energy, this track highlights Franklin’s ability to merge funk elements with her classic soul sound, making it a memorable moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends funk and pop elements but lacks a strong cohesive narrative throughout its tracks.

What we noticed

Several tracks feature prominent horn sections and rhythmic grooves typical of funk, while others lean into pop balladry with lush arrangements.
The duet with Elton John introduces a contrasting vocal dynamic, creating a standout moment in the album's flow.

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: 5/10
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 mid-tempo emotional resonance
themes of resilience and love
soulful melodies for reflective moments
for uplifting gatherings

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced listening experiences
seek experimental or avant-garde sounds

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Marked her return to prominence after fluctuating success, re-establishing her career.
Themes: gospel resilience· urban love stories· contemporary soul revival
Moods: Introspective· Melancholy
Career context: In 1989, Aretha Franklin was in a revitalization phase following a series of fluctuating commercial successes. 'Through the Storm' served as her first album since signing with Arista Records, marking a new chapter after her tenure with Atlantic Records. This release aimed to blend her classic sound with contemporary production styles.
Stylistic neighbors: Gladys Knight· Etta James· Nina Simone