Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin

"You." Atlantic

The Pride of Detroit went to California to record this one and, as on Gladys' album, there's little here to recommend besides "Mr. D.J.," the single (which, by the way, Ree wrote) and "Without You." Although she sings her huge heart out on every number, the Queen just doesn't have much with which to work.

The tunes are undistinguished and the arrangements, by Gene Page, are pretty flaccid. Who needs all those damn strings anyway? All we can do is wait for more from this genius who's been socking it to us ever since "I Never Loved A Man, "Chain of Fools, "Respect, and a dozen beloved others.