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Our Top 10 Aretha Franklin Albums Ranked & Complete Discography looks back at the wonderful recording career of Aretha Franklin and her amazing body of work. There are not many singers in pop music history that could go head to head with the soulful and yet extremely powerful voice of Aretha Franklin. There have been a few like Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Jennifer Hudson that could hit higher notes, but when it came down to being the queen of soul, Aretha Franklin will hold that title forever. Aretha Franklin has left behind a massive body of work.
Her first album was released in 1961 on Columbia Records simply titled Aretha. She continued to release studio albums over the next five decades. Aretha Franklin recorded for Columbia Records, Atlantic Records and Arista Records. Aretha Franklin released close to forty studio albums and over one hundred and thirty singles. Our Top 10 Aretha Franklin Albums Ranked & Complete Discography list presents all her studio albums released in chronological order. Out of the thirty eight released, we also picked out our ten favorites.
# 10 – Soul Sister
We open up our top 10 Aretha Franklin Albums Ranked List with the legendary singer’s eight album entitled Soul Sister. The Soul Sister album was released in 1966. The album hit number one hundred and thirty two on the US Billboard Top 200 Albums Charts. However, Soul Sister would hit number eight on the US Billboard Top R&B Albums Charts making it Aretha Franklin’s third straight top 10 album on the R&B Charts.
Side One:
Until You Were Gone
You Made Me Love You (I Didn’t Want to Do It)
Follow Your Heart
Ol’ Man River
Sweet Bitter Love
A Mother’s Love
Side Two:
Swanee
(No, No) I’m Losing You
Take a Look
Can’t You Just See Me
Cry Like a Baby”
# 9 – The Tender, the Moving, the Swinging Aretha Franklin
Continuing with our top 10 Aretha Franklin Albums Ranked List we move on to the sensational album entitled The Tender, the Moving, the Swinging Aretha Franklin. This is one of her earliest albums. Despite it not being a huge selling album it’s one of those records in which every songs is just a wonderful excursion into deep soul and r&b song by a woman who would become one of the greatest ever. The album was released in.1962. The The Tender, the Moving, the Swinging Aretha Franklin album hit number sixty nine on the US Billboard Top 200 Albums Charts.
Side One:
Don’t Cry, Baby
Try a Little Tenderness
I Apologize
Without the One You Love
Look for the Silver Lining
I’m Sitting on Top of the World
Side Two:
Just for a Thrill
God Bless the Child
I’m Wandering
How Deep Is the Ocean
I Don’t Know You Anymore
Lover Come Back to Me
# 8 – A Rose Is Still a Rose
In the number eight spot on our top 10 Aretha Franklin Albums Ranked List we present the album entitled A Rose Is Still a Rose. This is the most modern Aretha Franklin album to make our top 10. It was a brilliant late career recording that showcased Aretha Franklin dipping into the hip hop genre as well as an assortment of other musical styles. It was all hands on deck for this one as it stands as her best recording of her late period. The album was released in 1998. A Rose Is Still a Rose hit number thirty on the US Billboard Top 200 Albums Charts. The album also broke onto the US Billboard Top R&B Albums Charts peaking at number seven.
Side One:
A Rose Is Still a Rose with Lauryn Hill
Never Leave You Again
In Case You Forgot
Here We Go Again
Every Lil’ Bit Hurts
In the Morning
Side Two:
I’ll Dip
How Many Times
Watch My Back
Love Pang
The Woman
# 7 – Who’s Zoomin’ Who?
This was a big one. Who’s Zoomin’ Who? would become Aretha Franklin’s biggest selling album of her career. It may not have been her best from an artistic standpoint, but the album sold big time in the middle of the CD Evolution of the mid 1980s. The album did feature a great Clarence Clemons saxophone solo in the hit single “Freeway Of Love.” The album was released in 1986. The Who’s Zoomin’ Who? album hit number thirteen on the US Billboard Top 200 Albums Charts. Who’s Zoomin’ Who? also hit number three on the US Billboard Top R&B Albums Charts.
Side One:
Freeway of Love
Another Night
Sweet Bitter Love
Who’s Zoomin’ Who
Side Two:
Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves
Until You Say You Love Me
Ain’t Nobody Ever Loved You
Push
Integrity
# 6 – Aretha Arrives
Landing in the number six spot on our top 10 Aretha Franklin Albums Ranked List we present the album entitled Aretha Arrives. The Aretha Arrives album was released in 1967. The album hit number five on the US Billboard Top 200 Albums Charts. Aretha Arrives would become Aretha Franklin’s second straight number one album on the US Billboard Top R&B Albums Charts.
Side One:
Satisfaction
You Are My Sunshine
Never Let Me Go
96 Tears
Prove It
Night Life
Side Two:
That’s Life
I Wonder
Ain’t Nobody (Gonna Turn Me Around)
Going Down Slow
Baby, I Love You
# 5 – Young, Gifted and Black
At the halfway point on our top 10 Aretha Franklin Albums Ranked List is the album entitled Young, Gifted and Black. The album was released in 1972. The Young, Gifted and Black album hit number eleven on the US Billboard Top 200 Albums Charts. The album also broke onto the US Billboard Top R&B Albums Charts peaking at number two. The Young, Gifted and Black album would become Aretha Franklin’s fourth Gold selling album.
Side One:
Oh Me Oh My (I’m a Fool for You Baby)
Day Dreaming
Rock Steady
Young, Gifted and Black
All the King’s Horses
Brand New Me
Side Two:
April Fools
I’ve Been Loving You Too Long
First Snow in Kokomo
The Long and Winding Road
Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time)
Border Song (Holy Moses)
# 4 – Soul ’69
At the number four spot on our top 10 Aretha Franklin Albums Ranked List we present the album entitled Soul ’69. The album was released in 1960. The album hit number fifteen on the US Billboard Top 200 Albums Charts.The album also broke onto the US Billboard Top R&B Albums Charts peaking at number one making it six number oneS in a row for Aretha Franklin.The album also appeared on the United Kingdom Official Albums Charts reaching the number nine position. It was also a top 20 album on the Canadian Album Charts.
Side One:
Ramblin
Today I Sing the Blues
River’s Invitation
Pitiful
Crazy He Calls Me
Bring It On Home to Me
Side Two:
Tracks of My Tears
If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody
Gentle on My Mind
So Long
I’ll Never Be Free
“Elusive Butterfly
# 3 – Aretha Now
Dancing and singing along on our top 10 Aretha Franklin Albums Ranked List we present the energetic album entitled Aretha Now. The album was released in 1968. The Aretha Now album hit number three on the US Billboard Top 200 Albums Charts. Aretha Now would also become Aretha Franklin’s fourth straight number one album on the US Billboard Top R&B Albums Charts. It also stands as her highest charting album ever on the United Kingdom Official Albums Charts reaching the number six position.
Side One:
Think
I Say a Little Prayer
See Saw
Night Time Is the Right Time
You Send Me
Side Two:
You’re a Sweet Sweet Man
I Take What I Want
Hello Sunshine
A Change
I Can’t See Myself Leaving You
# 2 – Lady Soul
Just of the top spot on our top 10 Aretha Franklin Albums Ranked List we present the monumental album entitled Lady Soul. Aretha Franklin could do no wrong with albums like these. Lady Soul is regarded as one of the greatest R&B albums ever released. The album was released in 1968. It was Aretha Franklin’s second Gold album. The outstanding Lady Soul album hit number two on the US Billboard Top 200 Albums Charts. The album hit number one the US Billboard Top R&B Albums Charts. On the United Kingdom Official Albums Charts Lady Soul reached number twenty five. Look at the songS that appeared on this fantastic album.
Side One:
Chain of Fools
Money Won’t Change You
People Get Ready
Niki Hoeky
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
Side Two:
(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You’ve Been Gone
Good to Me as I Am to You
Come Back Baby
Groovin’
Ain’t No Way
# 1 – I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
We wrap up our top 10 Aretha Franklin Albums Ranked List with the album entitled I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You. The album was released on March 10, 1967. It was issued on Atlantic Records. This has long remained the album that so many Aretha Franklin fans have felt was her greatest record. The extraordinary I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You album hit number two on the US Billboard Top 200 Albums Charts. The album also hit number one the US Billboard Top R&B Albums Charts. On the United Kingdom Official Albums Charts I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You reached number thirty six. It opened with here greatest single release of her career.
Side One:
Respect
Drown in My Own Tears
I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)
Soul Serenade
Don’t Let Me Lose This Dream
Baby, Baby, Baby
Side Two:
Dr. Feelgood
Good Times
Do Right Woman, Do Right Man
Save Me
A Change Is Gonna Come
Aretha Franklin Studio Albums Discography
Below is a complete list of all of Aretha Franklin’s studio albums she released throughout her Hall Of Fame career. It’s amazing to see how she would release multiple albums a year especially in the 1960’s which was very common among all musical artists at the time.
Aretha: With The Ray Bryant Combo
Released in 1961
The Electrifying Aretha Franklin
Released in 1962
The Tender, the Moving, the Swinging Aretha Franklin
Released in 1962
Laughing on the Outside
Released in 1963
Unforgettable: A Tribute to Dinah Washington
Released in 1964
Runnin’ Out of Fools
Released in 1964
Yeah!!!
Released in 1965
Soul Sister
Released in 1966
Take It Like You Give It
Released in 1967
I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Released in 1967
Aretha Arrives
Released in 1967
Lady Soul
Released in 1968
Aretha Now
Released in 1968
Soul ’69
Released in 1969
Soft and Beautiful
Released in 1969
This Girl’s in Love with You
Released in 1970
Spirit in the Dark
Released in 1970
Young, Gifted & Black
Released in 1972
Hey Now Hey (The Other Side of the Sky)
Released in 1973
Let Me in Your Life
Released in 1974
With Everything I Feel in Me
Released in 1974
You
Released in 1975
Sparkle
Released in 1976
Sweet Passion
Released in 1977
Almighty Fire
Released in 1978
La Diva
Released in 1979
Aretha
Released in 1980
Love All the Hurt Away
Released in 1981
Jump to It
Released in 1982
Get It Right
Released in 1983
Who’s Zoomin’ Who?
Released in 1985
Aretha
Released in 1986
Through the Storm
Released in 1989
What You See Is What You Sweat
Released in 1991
A Rose Is Still a Rose
Released in 1998
So Damn Happy
Released in 2003
This Christmas, Aretha
Released in 2008
Aretha: A Woman Falling Out of Love
Released in 2011
Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics
Released in 2014
Aretha Franklin’s Live Albums Discography
Songs of Faith
Released in 1965
Aretha in Paris
Released in 1968
Aretha Live at Fillmore West
Released in 1971
Amazing Grace
Released in 1972
One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism
Released in 1987
Gospel Greats
Released in 1999
Don’t Fight the Feeling: Live at Fillmore West
Released in 2005
Oh Me Oh My: Aretha Live in Philly, 1972
Released in 2007
Top 10 Aretha Franklin Albums Ranked & Complete Discography article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2021
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
