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Amazon.com: Browse the assembled talent on this disc and you're bound to be wowed by the bold names--Hello, Frank Sinatra, George Benson, and Elton John--but anyone who's been listening to the Queen of Soul long enough knows even fellow legends often have cause to feel humbled in her presence. And it's interesting, but the duets collected here tend to work in inverse proportion to the fame of the collaborator: "Hello My Love" with Sinatra is so-so, though it's certainly not for lack of effort by the always-on Aretha, while "Put You Up on Game" with American Idol's Fantasia comes as a revelation; Fantasia could have been all crack-voiced and quaking in her spike-heeled ankle boots, but she proves up to the challenge. If the heavy hitters were cowed by the Queen's supremacy and it shows (it does), it's worth remembering that a lot of the recycled tracks here--the ones you'll most likely buy the record for, including the exceptional "Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves" with the Eurythmics and "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" with George Michael--more than make up for it. Also, three new duets--the one with Fantasia, plus one with John Legend, and one with Mary J. Blige--prove Aretha's becoming more selective with her singing partners. You might have expected at least one of them to stumble, but none does. The older Aretha gets, it seems, the less room she has on her chain of fools. --Tammy La Gorce
Customer Reviews:
- the best of Sister Ree: I love it, this is one of my very favorite records by the Queen of Soul, Sister Ree. Miss Aretha has such a beautiful and strong voice. The best songs are "Put You Up On Game" (with Fantasia) and "Don't Waste Your Time" (with Mary J.)
- Queen of Soul Rocks Again: This CD just shows why she is titled the "Queen of Soul". All hail the Queen!
- Awesome CD: If you love Aretha Franklin, you will love the duets. It is filled with great songs and great artists. It also brought back memories of day past with the oldies. I highly recommend this CD if you like soul , R and B.
- Nice to see Aretha get RESPECT!: Oh the memories! I remember when each and every song hit the airwaves. I love the fact that Clive used some alternate versions of songs like "Never gonna break my faith" with MJB. I also love the alternate mixes of some of the older songs, complete with additional never before released vocal adlibs etc...
I always thought Aretha handled duets with a fresh approach to the material, be it good or bad and made the song work...for her vocal style. I guess this is why she will forever be the queen. The new duets are off the hook too. I have heard some say that the new material is beneath Aretha and she should leave the hip hop r&b to the kids. Well I've got news for you, this is the new r&b of today, and I think what has always made Aretha stand out is her ability to adapt to whatever situation musically she is delt. There is no going back to the 60's cause then folks will say "why don't she sing something current." I guess on this note, Aretha has learned and stopped trying please everyone, cause you just can't! I love the duet with Fantasia because Aretha is doing her, even though the music is current Aretha is still Aretha. I think she is recording what feels good to her at this point.
I would also pose the question...How many other 65 yr old artists do you hear new music from on mainstream radio? Aretha is also nominated for a grammy for the duet with MJB. I wish Aretha the best! Sing for me like Ella did till the end, when they had to wheel her out on stage. God has truly gifted you.
- Aretha Franklin - Jewels in the Crown: One can never go wrong with anything that the Queen of Soul composes. She embraces the talents of the various artists. It shows a totally different side of her. This CD absolutely "blew me away".
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