The best Aretha Franklin albums

20 records, ordered by how much we can tell you about each one — not by chart position.

  1. 1
    I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You

    I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You Start here

    1967

    A powerful blend of gospel fervor and raw soul, driven by emotive vocal performances and rich instrumentation.

  2. 2
    Love All the Hurt Away

    Love All the Hurt Away

    1981

    A rich tapestry of soulful melodies and polished production, infused with themes of resilience and emotional depth.

  3. 3
    Soul Sister

    Soul Sister

    1966

    A rich tapestry of soulful melodies underscored by Aretha's powerful vocals and heartfelt delivery.

  4. 4
    Soft and Beautiful

    Soft and Beautiful

    1969

    A lush collection of orchestral arrangements showcases Franklin's soaring vocals in a dreamy exploration of love and longing.

  5. 5
    A Woman Falling Out of Love

    A Woman Falling Out of Love

    2011

    Soulful vocals intertwine with lush instrumentation, creating an intimate atmosphere that evokes personal reflection and emotional depth.

  6. 6
    Aretha Arrives

    Aretha Arrives

    1967

    Soulful vocals intertwine with vibrant instrumentation, showcasing an expansive range of emotions and styles across the album's tracks.

  7. 7
    Unforgettable: A Tribute to Dinah Washington

    Unforgettable: A Tribute to Dinah Washington

    1964

    Soulful interpretations of classics float over lush arrangements, showcasing Franklin's powerful voice with a heartfelt tribute to a jazz icon.

  8. 8
    So Damn Happy

    So Damn Happy

    2003

    Uplifting gospel melodies intertwine with soulful vocals, radiating joy and resilience across vibrant rhythms and heartfelt lyrics.

  9. 9
    La Diva

    La Diva

    1979

    A vibrant fusion of soul and pop, featuring lush arrangements that amplify Franklin's powerful vocal delivery.

  10. 10
    What You See Is What You Sweat

    What You See Is What You Sweat

    1991

    A vibrant mix of funk and R&B infused with introspective lyrics, showcasing Franklin's powerful vocals against a backdrop of polished production.

  11. 11
    Soul '69

    Soul '69

    1969

    A vibrant showcase of Aretha's powerful vocals anchored by a mix of soulful ballads and rhythmic grooves.

  12. 12
    The Electrifying Aretha Franklin

    The Electrifying Aretha Franklin

    1962

    Soulful vigor and emotional depth intertwine with lush orchestration, showcasing Aretha Franklin's vocal prowess and interpretive brilliance.

  13. 13
    Take It Like You Give It

    Take It Like You Give It

    1967

    A vibrant mix of rhythmic grooves and heartfelt vocals, showcasing Franklin's dynamic range amidst a backdrop of soulful instrumentation.

  14. 14
    Runnin' Out of Fools

    Runnin' Out of Fools

    1964

    Soulful melodies intertwine with heartfelt lyrics, showcasing Franklin’s powerful vocal delivery and emotional depth across a range of classic covers.

  15. 15
    Aretha Now

    Aretha Now

    1968

    Soulful anthems intertwine with confident assertiveness, showcasing Franklin's vocal prowess and emotional depth across a vibrant production landscape.

  16. 16
    With Everything I Feel in Me

    With Everything I Feel in Me

    1974

    Soulful grooves intertwine with lush orchestration, highlighting Franklin's powerful vocals and emotional depth throughout the album.

  17. 17
    You

    You

    1975

    A vibrant mix of soulful melodies and intricate arrangements that showcase Aretha Franklin's powerful vocal prowess and emotional depth.

  18. 18
    Sweet Passion

    Sweet Passion

    1977

    Soulful melodies intertwine with lush instrumentation, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere that invites deep emotional reflection.

  19. 19
    The Tender, the Moving, the Swinging Aretha Franklin

    The Tender, the Moving, the Swinging Aretha Franklin

    1962

    A vibrant fusion of jazz and soul, showcasing Franklin's powerful vocals over lush orchestral arrangements and heartfelt ballads.

  20. 20
    Aretha

    Aretha

    1986

    A rich blend of soulful melodies and polished production showcases Aretha Franklin's enduring vocal prowess and emotional depth.