Aretha Franklin - The Queen of Soul

Number One Essentials edition.

This collection focuses on her formative Columbia years (1960–62), when the young Aretha was still discovering her full artistic range. Featuring songs like “Today I Sing The Blues” and “Won’t Be Long,” these underrated recordings showcase her versatility across jazz, R&B, and show tunes, foreshadowing the regal presence she would soon command. Includes new liner notes by Brian Morton.

Tracklisting:

Side A

1. Won’t Be Long 3:08
2. Today I Sing The Blues 2:46
3. Rock-A-Bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody 2:23
4. (Blue) By Myself 2:38
5. Don’t Cry, Baby 3:19
6. Sweet Lover 3:20
7. Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive 2:16
8. Over The Rainbow 2:38
9. Without The One You Love 2:46

Side B

1. Operation Heartbreak 2:58
2. Rough Lover 2:46
3. All Night Long 2:57
4. I’m Wandering 3:25
5. Right Now 2:23
6. It’s So Heartbreakin’ 2:38
7. I Surrender, Dear 2:45
8. That Lucky Old Sun 3:19
9. Try A Little Tenderness 3:16