"Songs of Faith" is a gospel album by the legendary American singer Aretha Franklin. The album, also known as "Aretha Gospel," was recorded live at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles in 1956 when Aretha Franklin was just 14 years old. It is one of her earliest recordings and showcases the prodigious talent that would eventually make her the Queen of Soul.
The album features Franklin's powerful and soulful vocals as she leads the congregation in various gospel hymns and spiritual songs. The recording captures the raw and impassioned energy of a live church performance, highlighting Franklin's ability to connect deeply with the music and the audience.
Notable tracks on "Songs of Faith" include gospel classics such as "Precious Lord, Take My Hand," "You Grow Closer," and "Never Grow Old." The album reflects the roots of Aretha Franklin's musical journey, drawing on the rich traditions of gospel music that would later influence her groundbreaking work in secular soul and R&B.
While "Songs of Faith" may not have achieved the commercial success of Franklin's later albums, it remains a significant and cherished piece of her discography, offering a glimpse into the early years of a musical icon's career and showcasing her remarkable talent and commitment to gospel music.
