Amazing Grace: The Complete Recordings by Aretha Franklin Atlantic / Wea

Product Description: 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

Customer Reviews

5 stars 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.

3 stars 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.

5 stars 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.

5 stars Queen of Soul shows her roots!
As a fan of Aretha's secular music, this was a great treat to hear her sing gospel. Even if you aren't a fan of gospel, but a fan of soul, you will love this CD!

5 stars I LOVE this album
This is quintessential Aretha - in all her glory. It is a departure from her Atlantic, classic stuff. Obviously it is gospel, so if you don't have an appreciation for this type of music, you might have to warm up to it. But if you are a true fan of Aretha, it will not take long or any time at all to fall in love with this album. I think this album most authentically showcases her gift of voice.

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