Aretha Franklin - Amazing Grace: The Complete Recordings

This Rhino re-release of Amazing Grace is at least as much a work of love as of marketing. The sound is beefier and clearer, but most importantly, the two-day church sessions are included. So, there's much more church (specifically, Reverend James Cleveland's marvelous orating) on the record, as well as contemporaryisms such as a cool organ rendition of George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord." Originally released as a double LP in 1972, Amazing Grace cracked the Billboard Top 10 on its release, making it one of the best selling gospel records of all time. Grace was recorded in a large Baptist church with an ultraenthusiastic audience in the pews, a full, funky band, and the Southern California Community Choir under the direction of Franklin's mentor, Cleveland. Her voice is melismatic and intensely emotional, yet pure and controlled, as if she is channeling the Holy Ghost. Franklin's father, the brilliant preacher Reverend C.L. Franklin, makes a brief, proud appearance, remarking, "She has never left the church!" Other highlights include the beautiful "Wholy Holy," an 11-minute, heart-stopping "Amazing Grace," and Inez Andrews's stirring "Mary, Don't You Weep." Way more than a return-to-the-roots record, this set is an inspired gospel-soul workout that arguably showcases Franklin's strongest singing ever. --Mike McGonigal Amazon.com essential recording

Fantastic Service and Awesome CD

I wanted to order this CD for my wife's birthday but could not get it delivered in time from an English e-tailer. But amazon.com came up trumps on price and delivery.

The CD arrived in time for my wife's birthday and she loved it. She has stopped playing it since.

Thank you so much for great service. October 9, 2008

Arthrea At Her Peak

For lovers of an older style of Gospel music this is a "must have" for your collection. It is a recording that you will listen to over and over again and never get tired of. The singing and musical accompianment is top notch and will surely be enjoyed by everyone who buys the album. July 10, 2008

AN ACT OF GRACE

Stepping Off the Edge: Learning & Living Spiritual Practice
Oh, Aretha! I had this CD as a 2 disk set from the 70's. What they've done reissuing it is amazing. It's like being there. Man, this is some fine Gospel! She enters soaring and then takes off. With Rev. James Cleveland & the Southern California Community Choir. Some of the best ecstatic music I've heard. I play this in my car-- sometimes I just drive past my house so I can keep listening.Do your heart and soul a favor and buy this album. January 20, 2008

Amazing Grace: The Complete Recordings

Aretha Franklin is a GREAT singer. I purchased the CD as a gift for my mother-in-law for Christmas. She wanted a CD with Amazing Grace and Precious Lord, Take my hand on it; both of these songs are on this CD. Amazing Grace is the traditional version and she loves it very much. Precious Lord is NOT the traditional version; therefore she is not as pleased with it. They are both still good but she wanted the traditional versions of both songs. December 23, 2007

UNLESS YOU WHERE THERE...THIS IS THE NEXT BEST THING!!!

To put it short and simple...VERY AMAZING!!! From the start to the finish, Aretha tore it up....BOTH NIGHTS!!! This is the Uncut Edition that is well worth seeking out, and you can give your 'Original' to a good friend...Yes, I did say a good friend. December 21, 2007

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