"Who's Zoomin' Who?" is the thirtieth studio album by American singer Aretha Franklin, released on July 9, 1985, under Arista Records. Produced primarily by Narada Michael Walden, the album marked a departure from Franklin's previous adult contemporary sound towards a more youthful and contemporary vibe.
The album incorporated influences from popular mid-1980s genres such as dance-pop, synth-pop, and contemporary R&B, aimed at attracting a younger audience while maintaining crossover appeal. It was met with positive reviews upon its release, heralded as Franklin's comeback album and her highest-charting work since "Young, Gifted and Black" in 1972.
Commercially, "Who's Zoomin' Who?" was a major success, becoming Franklin's first and only studio album to achieve platinum certification from the RIAA, with over one million copies sold in the United States alone. Internationally, it reached the top 10 in New Zealand and Sweden, achieved platinum status in Canada, and earned a silver certification in the United Kingdom.
The lead single, "Freeway of Love," became a massive hit, topping Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for five consecutive weeks and earning Franklin a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. The album's success solidified Franklin's status as a star of music videos, with popular videos for "Freeway of Love," "Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves," and "Another Night" receiving heavy rotation on MTV.
"Who's Zoomin' Who?" was also recognized for its impact on Franklin's career trajectory, drawing comparisons to Tina Turner's comeback success with "Private Dancer" the previous year. The album's enduring popularity led to its inclusion on Rolling Stone magazine's "100 Best Albums of the Eighties" list in 1989.
Overall, "Who's Zoomin' Who?" remains a pivotal album in Aretha Franklin's discography, showcasing her versatility and ability to adapt to contemporary musical trends while retaining her signature soulful sound.
