If we can fit four albums into one episode of our series, you can be certain that we are no longer in the most creative era of that artist’s output. I regret having to say that, like many other classic artists from the sixties, the seventies were not kind to Aretha Franklin.

As music styles shifted towards an almost decadent commercialism, the imaginative and artistically gifted were less welcome on the pop charts. The net result is that obsolescence sets in as veteran artists succumb to a market that no longer appreciates them. The music becomes emotionally disconnected and the arrangements resemble a ‘paint by numbers’ approach rather than genuine art. That’s not to say that there aren’t exceptions. Occasionally, true artistry shines through regardless of the times and this show represents a few moments when you can still catch more than a glimmer of Aretha Franklin’s greatness.

Featured tracks include:

Without Love

You Move Me

Mr. DY (5 for the DJ)

Sparkle

Something He Can Feel

Look Into Your Heart

Jump

Loving You Baby

Sweet Passion