Essential Atlantic: Aretha Franklin, LADY SOUL
![LADY SOUL](/sites/g/files/g2000012691/files/styles/article_image/public/2021-01/LADY%20SOUL.jpg?itok=cvnAj0bZ)
Eleven albums in, and Aretha Franklin was still at the peak of her powers. Just two years into her contract with Atlantic Records, Franklin had already scored a pair of hit albums--I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You and Aretha Arrives, both released in 1967.
For her 1968 follow-up and 12th studio effort, Franklin and producer Jerry Wexler convened in the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, with an incredible cast of supporting players. Among them: Eric Clapton, Bobby Womack, Cissy Houston and the Sweet Inspirations.
Released on January 22, 1968, Lady Soul would be an immediate hit. The album soared up the charts, peaking at #2 on the Billboard 200 on March 15, 1968. The #1 album that week: Blooming Hits by Paul Mauriat and His Orchestra.
Lady Soul was packed with hits, starting with lead single, "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman." Co-written with Carole King, Gerry Goffen and Wexler, the track would make a strong move on the Hot 100, climbing as high as #8 on November 4, 1967.
The second single from Lady Soul: another instant classic, "Chain of Fools." Originally written by Don Covay with Otis Redding in mind, Wexler quickly snatched it up for Franklin after hearing it. The song went to #1 on the R&B chart and peaked at #2 on the Hot 100 on January 19, 1968. The #1 song: "Judy in Disguise (With Glasses)" by John Fred and the Playboys.
The third Lady Soul single was a two-for-one hit: A-side "(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone" peaked at #5 on the Hot 100 in late March 1968, as well as topping the Hot Rhythm and Blues chart for three weeks. The B-side, "Ain't No Way," climbed to #9 on the Hot Rhythm and Blues chart, and #16 on the Hot 100. Among the deep album cuts on Lady Soul, Franklin would take on the Young Rascals' #1 hit, "Groovin'."