This overlooked classic, a compilation of
Aretha Franklin's first singles, is often overshadowed by her parade of late-'60s hits on Atlantic. Only the rollicking first cut ("Won't Be Long") was chartbound, but on purely musical terms, this set stands up to anything she has done since. The program is solidly bluesy, and it's obvious that she didn't get ALL her schooling in
Rev. C.L. Franklin's church. Her earliest gospel recordings were done there for Chess, but by 1960 she had come fully into her own, sounding every bit as sassy as
Nina Simone or
Esther Phillips, and playing that seductive blend of churchified soul pursued by future labelmate
Ray Charles. This is simply superb, with top-notch accompaniment by R&B/jazz vets
Ray Bryant,
Al Sears, Warren Lucky,
Milt Hinton, and more. ~ Myles Boisen, Roots & Rhythm Newsletter