Right now as tributes to the artistry and career accomplishments of Aretha Franklin resound across the music world, it’s a good time to recall and celebrate some of her most beloved songs. Which ones are really the best? Among her 18 Grammy Award winners were “Respect” and “Chain of Fools,” but many of her other classics failed to snag industry trophies while nonetheless earning a golden place in our hearts.
What is your favorite Aretha classic? To jog your memory, here is the list of her 20 No. 1 R&B hits in order of release. An asterisk (*) denotes one of her Grammy victories. Choose your favorite.
“I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)” (1967)
“Respect” (1967)*
“Baby, I Love You (1967)
“Chain of Fools” (1967)*
“(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You’ve Been Gone” (1968)
“Think” (1968)
“Share Your Love With Me” (1969)
“Call Me” (1970)
“Don’t Play That Song (You Lied)” (1970)*
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” (1971)*
“Spanish Harlem” (1971)
“Day Dreaming” (1972)
“Angel” (1973)
“Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)” (1973)
“I’m in Love” (1974)
“Something He Can Feel” (1976)
“Break It to Me Gently” (1977)
“Jump to It” (1982)
“Get It Right” (1983)
“Freeway of Love” (1985)*
“Respect” brought Franklin the first two Grammys of her career: Best R&B Recording and Best R&B Female Vocal Performance (1968). But despite her long list of classic songs and accolades from the recording academy over the years, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995, she was never even nominated for Record of the Year or Album of the Year. Give her the respect she’s due below by letting us know which chart-topping song of hers is your favorite.
