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Sings the Great Diva Classics
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Sings the Great Diva Classics Image
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

  • Summary: Co-produced by Clive Davis, Babyface, and Antonio Dixon, the singer known as the Queen of Soul returns with a covers album of songs from such artists as Adele, Etta James, Alicia Keys, Gladys Knight, Sinead O'Connor, Diana Ross, Barbra Streisand, The Supremes, with guest appearances fromCo-produced by Clive Davis, Babyface, and Antonio Dixon, the singer known as the Queen of Soul returns with a covers album of songs from such artists as Adele, Etta James, Alicia Keys, Gladys Knight, Sinead O'Connor, Diana Ross, Barbra Streisand, The Supremes, with guest appearances from Cissy Houston, and Tawatha Agee.… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. New York Daily News (Jim Faber)
    Oct 21, 2014
    80
    The looseness of the takes, along with the breadth of genres they draw upon, lets Franklin work all of her tricks, from gospel shouts to Broadway belts to soul runs to a rock star belligerence.
  2. Boston Globe
    Oct 20, 2014
    80
    At age 72, Franklin can still shut down the competition with a breathtaking, gospel-trained grace and power.
  3. Billboard.com
    Oct 20, 2014
    70
    One that makes us hope the Queen takes a stab at even bolder covers in the future.
  4. The New York Times
    Oct 20, 2014
    70
    The vocals sound spontaneous and unprocessed, not hiding the occasional strain; “People,” in a slow orchestral arrangement, strives but creaks. There’s only one complete mismatch of song and treatment: a snappy big-band version of “Nothing Compares 2 U.”
  5. Paste Magazine
    Oct 22, 2014
    70
    The best tracks on Aretha Franklin Sings The Great Diva Classics actually come in the form of mashups.
  6. Entertainment Weekly
    Oct 29, 2014
    67
    The Queen of Soul delivers a rollicking take on Adele's "Rolling in the Deep," but covers of other lady icons--Chaka, Barbra, Etta--feel dated or ill conceived. [24 Oct 2014, p.63]
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  7. AllMusic
    Oct 20, 2014
    40
    The energy she put into these versions helps make up for the vocal shortcomings and audible use of Auto-Tune.

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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. eeebeebee
    Apr 10, 2020
    10
    This is a great album. I really like her takes on the songs, and how she puts the Aretha twist on all on them. Nothing Compares to You andThis is a great album. I really like her takes on the songs, and how she puts the Aretha twist on all on them. Nothing Compares to You and Midnight Train to Georgia really stand out to me. Aretha was in her 70's when she recorded this, I don't think it's fair to expect her to have the same vocal strength and agility as she did when she was younger. Nevertheless, I think this is a great album, but no where near her best work.

    As some of her last recorded work, this holds a special place in my heart. Rest in peace Aretha.    … Expand