Artist: Aretha Franklin Album: Unforgettable: A Tribute to Dinah Washington

Year: 1964
Duration: 0:0-1

Unforgettable: A Tribute to Dinah Washington by Aretha Franklin - A

Aretha Franklin, also known as the Queen of Soul, is a legendary icon in the music industry who needs no introduction. And when she pays tribute to another great artist, Dinah Washington, you know it's going to be nothing short of spectacular. Today, we'll be diving into her album Unforgettable: A Tribute to Dinah Washington and analyzing it piece by piece.
With her soulful voice, Franklin takes us on a journey through time and brings back the classic tunes by the late Dinah Washington. But how well does she execute this tribute, and how does it compare to the original artist's work? Let's find out!
Firstly, some background on the artist and genre is essential. Dinah Washington, who passed away in 1963, was recorded with the leading big bands and jazz musicians of her time and considered one of the most prominent voices in the 1950s and 1960s. She was known for her intricate phrasing, elegant delivery and expressive interpretations of the songs. And with Aretha Franklin's album, she brings back some of those musical gems.
Unforgettable: A tribute to Dinah Washington features some of Washington’s most popular songs and personal favorites like “Unforgettable,” “Cold, Cold Heart,” and “This Bitter Earth.” The album title track, “Unforgettable” has a superb performance by Franklin whose voice manages to reflect the mood of the song, accompanied by the subtle orchestration creating an almost dream-like atmosphere.
Another tune that stands out is “Drinking Again” which is led by the piano and shows off Franklin's soulful and emotive voice which gives the song an almost bluesy sound to it. With her husky yet powerful delivery, Franklin excellently captures the yearning and heartbreak in the lyrics, crafting a brilliant cover of the song.
What is particularly innovative about the album is the way in which Franklin successfully manages to integrate her style within the genre while maintaining the classic charm of Washington’s works. She does not choose to imitate or merely cover the songs but instead effortlessly mixes her soulful stylings giving the tracks new life and spirit. The arrangements also take on a new tone that incorporates more rhythm and a light touch of contemporary beats.
However, some parts of the album did not hit the right mark, especially in “This Bitter Earth”. The relationship between the vocals and the orchestra feels disconnected with unnecessary changes in tempo and phrasing, which derails the song's melancholic vibe. This certainly did not do justice to Washington's original and sincere performance.
Overall, Unforgettable: A Tribute to Dinah Washington by Aretha Franklin is a beautiful and respectful tribute to the legendary late artist. With her unique vocal style and soulful interpretation, Franklin successfully delivers some of Washington's timeless classics with a touch of contemporary flair. Although some parts of the album were not perfect, Aretha Franklin’s tribute is a gentle reminder of the impact and remarkable quality of Washington’s music that still influences numerous artists today.