Aretha Franklin - So Damn Happy

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I haven't read anything about this. I adore Aretha, but the most recent album of hers I own -or have heard- is Spirit in the Dark. This looks like a lovingly-produced, well put-together album. But I'm 4 songs into it, and my first thought is HER VOICE IS WAY TOO LOW in the mix. It also sounds tinny, although every other element in the mix sparkles. What is going on?? I'm liking the album so far, but having her voice sound like this is a joke.

― Sean (Sean), Saturday, 4 October 2003 23:14 (twenty-two years ago)

I doubt too many other people here have this; anyone?

― Sean (Sean), Saturday, 4 October 2003 23:14 (twenty-two years ago)

Now I'm listening to a couple of less busily-arranged songs that let you hear her voice better, and it's like shes surrounded by the audio equivalent of soft-focus lenses. It doesn't sound at all like her voice is shot... why would they do this? This is a decent album, but I'm annoyed.

― Sean (Sean), Saturday, 4 October 2003 23:26 (twenty-two years ago)

I have it and have listened to it once... from memory, it was both better than expected (given her recent offerings) and a disappointment (given that it's Aretha). I mean, it's pleasant (although you are right about the arrangements) but she's selling herself short.

― The Lex (The Lex), Sunday, 5 October 2003 10:51 (twenty-two years ago)

I do find it kind of odd that she's still making records (the last track of hers I heard was 'Who's Zooming Who?'). I know she's not that old or anything, but it's the way it's so low key, unlike when Neil Young or someone releases one. If her voice isn't shot, then what is it that makes her now irrelevant?

― N. (nickdastoor), Sunday, 5 October 2003 11:08 (twenty-two years ago)

She had that song with Lauryn Hill about 4 or 5 years back, "A Rose is Still a Rose." I think the album was of the same name. It was pretty good. Haven't heard the new one but I read a review in the Washington Post that said it's her best in 25 years, since she left Arista. (shrugs)

― Mike Ouderkirk (Mike Ouderkirk), Monday, 6 October 2003 06:23 (twenty-two years ago)

two months pass...

LOVED ARETHA'S "SO DAMN HAPPY"... ESPECIALLY THE LAST 4 SONGS ON THE CD. I DANCED, LAUGHED AND RELATED TO THE MATERIAL...SOULFUL...SHE HASN'T HAD THIS GOOD OF AN ALBUM IN MANY MANY YEARS!!! SHE STILL IS A POWERFUL PRESENCE AND ONE OF THE MOST UNIQUE VOCALISTS EVER! YOU GO GIRL!!

― CARL FRANCIS, Tuesday, 16 December 2003 23:58 (twenty-two years ago)

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