By 1970, when “Spirit in the Dark” was released, the title made a sort of cryptic sense to the fans of Aretha Franklin.

She had become something of a mystery to the public at large, due to her distaste for anything but pristine press releases, at a time when her life was in a state of turmoil. Her choice for material had also become something of a quandary, although she could still be relied upon to offer a few special recordings that made everything seem just fine – from afar.

The songs on this album tell the story all by themselves.

Featured tracks include:

When the Battle Is Over

Honest I Do

On No Not My Baby

Pullin’

Try Matty’s

Spirit in the Dark

The Thrill Is Gone (from Yesterday’s Kiss)

Why I Sing the Blues

My Way

You and Me

One Way Ticket

Don’t Play That Song