Search - Aretha Franklin :: One Lord One Faith One Baptism

The Queen's Gospel, Part II

Peace Brotha | Ohio, United States | 05/10/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is the digitally remastered version of the original "One Lord" collection from 1987, with 4 bonus tracks.



The album is not as consistently strong as 1972's "Amazing Grace," but there are several high points. "Surely God Is Able" and "Higher Ground" are standouts...but the bonus track "Beams Of Heaven" catches Aretha at her most inspired in this outing. The inclusion of this one song, a duet with Joe Ligon (Mighty Clouds Of Joy), is almost enough by itself to move this project to a 5 star rating. The first time I heard it, it literally gave me goose bumps. It is the song that comes closest to the genius and spirit of the "Amazing Grace" album, and makes one wonder how in the world it was left off the original release. "Be Grateful," a duet with Mavis Staples, is another gem that has finally been released from the vaults; and as with "Beams," it's apparent that Aretha is not just going through the motions with this one.



The low points? As one mentioned in the review of "One Lord's" original release, there may be too many spoken words/prayers for the average listener, and time has taken a toll to some degree on the voices of the participants (most obvious on "Ave Maria" and "Oh Happy Day").



Having said that: anything Aretha commits to a recording is worth having, period. I recommend this album to anyone who wants a good ol' fashioned dose of gospel from the Queen's court."

Return to Glory

Christopher Pendergrass | Ohio | 05/11/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Of course, it is always good to hear from the Queen. I am more than happy that this album from 1987 has been remastered and available. This is a great set, featuring Aretha,her brother, sisters, cousin Brenda and Mavis Staples(another emotional power house vocalist who comes from the church) and gospel power Joe Ligon of the Mighty Clouds of Joy among others. Fans of Aretha wont be dissapointed,but dont expect another Amazing Grace. In comparsion the album doesnt come close to the 1972 master piece. Obviously Aretha's voice has deepened and hoarsened, she delievers the songs slighty under the intensity of Amazing Grace, but that is not to say her singing and emotions are not well displayed, she is still the Queen of soul and possibly the greatest vocalist of all times.High lights include "Oh Happy Day" with Mavis, "I've Been In The Storm Too Long" with Joe, and "Packing Up" with all the singers including Aretha's sister. The latter ends the set in a romping and stomping finale. "The Lords Prayer" also stands out, Aretha gives it to us good on this one.There are alot of speeches from popular ministers such as Rev. Jesse Jackson among others that are excessive and perhaps present the sets down side, but on the other hand it gives the listener the impact of the church service. I perfer some of the speeches but the music is what it is about mainly.You all will enjoy this set overall, a must have for fans."

Wonderful message, imperfect delivery

J. Brady | PAWLEYS ISLAND, SC United States | 09/08/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I adore the "Amazing Grace" cd ( I have both versions, and still play them both regularly ). The music on this one, though, has that terribly slick, over-produced eighties sheen to it that I just can't get into. It has none of the soul that made "Amazing Grace" transcend all boundaries. The vocals are, as usual, incredibly moving. It's just the music itself that I don't care for. If you are a fan of newer RnB styled Gospel like Yolanda Adams and things like that, you might like this. I just found it "samey", much like the majority of Aretha Franklin's eighties recordings for Arista."