Aretha Franklin - Amazing Grace

Originally released as a double LP in 1972, Amazing Grace cracked the Billboard Top Ten upon its release, making it one of the bestselling gospel records of all time. Grace was recorded in a large Baptist church with an ultraenthusiastic, loving audience in the pews and a full, funky, band as well as the Southern California Community Choir under the direction of her mentor Rev. James Cleveland. Her voice is melismatic and intensely emotional, yet pure and controlled--as if she were directly channeling the Holy Ghost. Aretha's father, the brilliant preacher Rev. C.L. Franklin, makes a brief, proud appearance, remarking how "she has never left the church!" Highlights include the beautiful "Wholy Holy," an 11-minute, heart-stopping "Amazing Grace," and Inez Andrews's stirring song "Mary, Don't You Weep." Way more than a return-to-the-roots record, the set is an inspired gospel-soul workout that arguably showcases Aretha's strongest singing ever. --Mike McGonigal Amazon.com essential recording

It can't Get Better

I purchase this album on vinyl many years ago and wore it out; I also had it on cassette. This is my traveling music I play it in the morning whenever I go on a trip. Aretha is sensational; only Mahalia Jackson tops her. Some will say she sounds a little bluesy but no one really make these songs sound "soul from the heart". She bites into them and you come away uplifted. I am an opera nut by nature and I rank this recording with the likes of the American Dive Miss Leontyne Price when she sings spirituals and hymns. Aretha has never sound better and this is one of her best recordings. September 6, 2008

Christian, for one song

So what if I'm a long-term, retreat-going, cushion-sitting, Heart Sutra-chanting, daily-practicing Buddhist?

I defy anyone to listen to the 11-minute rendition of "Amazing Grace" by Aretha and not be Christian for at least 11 minutes.

Or have some sort of religious experience.

Wholly holy.
October 15, 2007

simply outstanding

This Is aretha at her best.This is when gospel music was music nothing like the music today, you just dont find good down home church like this anymore. I memorized this whole CD when I was 6 yrs old and back then it wasn't a CD it was 8 tracks and cassettes. and now that I am 36 I still remeber every lyric every word that should tell you something. If you want down home church get this CD Aretha will not disappoint you
Kudos Aretha!!!!!! September 26, 2007

Aretha's Gospel 70s

Since the 70s, when I first heard gospel songs by Aretha, I have been captivated by them. It saddens me that the worldly songs were more attractive to her, then God's songs. Nevertheless, it was her gospel songs which propelled me into appreciating God more, and loving songs of praises rendered to Him. I was shocked to learn that these old songs were still around. When I listen to her gospel songs, they take me back to a time (the 70s) which I love and still cherish today. If anyone reads this, let me know where to find another gosple song of hers entitled "The Rapture." March 8, 2007

Sunday Morning CD

I discovered my copy of this cd at a used cd store many years ago - - - what a great find!! This Christmas I gifted three friends with copies of Amazing Grace - - - A youthful , soleful Aretha - with James Cleveland and the Southern California Community Choir - - - - It's a great way to start a Sunday morning - - February 7, 2007

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