Artist: Aretha Franklin Album: Laughing On The Outside

Year: 1963
Duration: 0:0-1

A of the Album: Laughing On The Outside by Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin, famously known as the “Queen of Soul,” was one of the most renowned and influential musicians in history. Her soulful voice and powerful lyrics have garnered her a legion of fans all over the world. In this review, we’ll be taking an in-depth look at her album, Laughing On The Outside. Not only will we give you a brief history of Aretha herself, but we’ll also break down the music genre of the album, discuss the best songs, the most innovative parts, and provide our overall critic of this iconic album.
First, let’s talk about the history of Aretha Franklin. Born in Tennessee in 1942, Franklin grew up singing in her father’s church. At the age of 18, she signed with Columbia Records, releasing her first album, Aretha, in 1961. However, it wasn’t until she signed with Atlantic Records in 1967 that she truly hit her stride. Throughout her career, Franklin released numerous albums, including the seminal Lady Soul, Amazing Grace, and of course, Laughing On The Outside.
Moving on to the genre of Laughing On The Outside, this album can be classified as soul, jazz and blues. Released in 1963, the album is one of Aretha's earlier works, featuring a range of covers that showcase her incredible vocal abilities. Nine of the twelve tracks are slow ballads, beautifully sung by Franklin with a touch of melancholy.
As for the best songs on the album, we can’t miss out on Skylark which is a beautifully intimate and poignant portrayal of heartbreak. Say It Isn't So is another standout track, with its seductive melodies and raw emotion sure to captivate listeners. Of course, no review of this album is complete without mentioning If Ever I Would Leave You,” a track that displays Franklin’s unmatched range and versatility.
One of the most innovative parts of the album must be the way it showcases Franklin’s versatility as a performer, with her signature gospel, jazz, and blues influences all coming together seamlessly. Additionally, the album’s production is top-notch, with the arrangements perfectly complementing Franklin’s soulful voice.
Moving on to our overall critic of the album, while Laughing On The Outside may not be Aretha Franklin’s most well-known work, it’s still an iconic album that brings forth a range of emotions. Franklin’s singing prowess is on full display here, and the selection of songs demonstrates her versatility as a performer. Yet, some listeners might find the slower pace of the album a bit monotonous.
In conclusion, Laughing On The Outside is an album that’s not to be missed for fans of soul music and Aretha Franklin herself. While it may not be as upbeat as some of her other records, the album still showcases the power of her voice and her ability to tackle a range of genres. We hope that this review has helped you gain a deeper appreciation of this iconic album from one of the greatest singers of all time.