"Soul '69" is an album by American singer Aretha Franklin released on January 17, 1969, through Atlantic Records. Despite its title, the album does not contain solely soul music and is not representative of Franklin's typical sound as it takes on a more jazz-oriented direction. Production was overseen by Tom Dowd and Jerry Wexler, and the album comprises twelve tracks, featuring five songs that were Top 10 R&B hits and two that reached the Top 10 on the Pop charts.
The album is unique for its eclectic choice of songs. It starts out with a jazz-infused touch featuring renowned musicians including Junior Mance, Joe Zawinul, and Kenny Burrell. Her cover of "Elusive Butterfly," a folksong by Bob Lind, underlines the variety of the album. It also features a powerful rendition of "Tracks of My Tears," originally by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles.
"Soul '69" has been lauded for Franklin's distinct and powerful vocals and her ability to adapt to different genres, although it might not be as commercially successful as the artist's other albums. A testament to Franklin's versatility, "Soul '69" remains an interesting footnote in the legendary singer's career.
Critically, the album received positive reviews from most critics, and it holds a high place in Franklin's vast and legendary discography. Despite the album title, "Soul ’69" is a testament to Aretha Franklin's versatility beyond the soul genre, demonstrating her ability to tackle jazz, blues, and pop standards with great profundity and flair.
