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Aretha (1980 album)

by Aretha Franklin

Released: September 30, 1980

Soul, funk, pop

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

"Aretha" is a studio album by American singer and songwriter Aretha Franklin, released in 1980 by Arista Records. It marks her second release under this label, and serves as a notable shift in her musical approach, incorporating more disco and contemporary pop production values. Overall, "Aretha" (1980) marked a significant phase in Franklin's career, demonstrating her versatility as an artist and her ability to adapt to contemporary musical trends.

Inside the Recording

The album was mainly produced by Chuck Jackson and Arif Mardin, with several songs produced by Aretha Franklin herself. In terms of production, "Aretha" involved contributions from several prominent music producers and artists.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Other prominent tracks include "What a Fool Believes"…

Other prominent tracks include "What a Fool Believes" and a cover of Sam & Dave's soul classic "Hold On, I'm Comin'".

It also featured guest appearances from prominent artists…

It also featured guest appearances from prominent artists, including Sam & Dave and Merry Clayton.

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Essential Tracks

Can't Turn You Loose

The album features two hit singles, "United Together" and "I Can't Turn You Loose", which peaked at #1 and #38 respectively on the Billboard Dance Singles charts.

What a Fool Believes

Other prominent tracks include "What a Fool Believes" and a cover of Sam & Dave's soul classic "Hold On, I'm Comin'".

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Explore the Album

Aretha Franklin - Aretha (1980 album)

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Reception

The album features two hit singles, "United Together" and "I Can't Turn You Loose", which peaked at #1 and #38 respectively on the Billboard Dance Singles charts. The album proved to be a commercial success, peaking at #6 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart and #47 on the Billboard 200.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

The album features two hit singles, "United Together" and "I Can't Turn You Loose", which peaked at #1 and #38 respectively on the Billboard Dance Singles charts. Other prominent tracks include "What a Fool Believes" and a cover of Sam & Dave's soul classic "Hold On, I'm Comin'". The album proved to be a commercial success, peaking at #6 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart and #47 on the Billboard 200.

In terms of production, "Aretha" involved contributions from several prominent music producers and artists. The album was mainly produced by Chuck Jackson and Arif Mardin, with several songs produced by Aretha Franklin herself. It also featured guest appearances from prominent artists, including Sam & Dave and Merry Clayton.

Overall, "Aretha" (1980) marked a significant phase in Franklin's career, demonstrating her versatility as an artist and her ability to adapt to contemporary musical trends.