Always the ubiquitous soul album that I grew up hearing. So at first I didn’t consider it but I then realized that, often, the greatest records are that popular for a reason. So of course it belongs here. This is easily the Queen of Souls most recognized records.

John Bush at Allmusic writes: Appearing after a blockbuster debut and a sophomore set that was rather disappointing (in comparison), 1968's Lady Soul proved Aretha Franklin, the pop sensation, was no fluke. Her performances were more impassioned than on her debut, and the material just as strong, an inspired blend of covers and originals from the best songwriters in soul and pop music. The opener, "Chain of Fools," became the biggest hit, driven by a chorus of cascading echoes by Franklin and her bedrock backing vocalists, the Sweet Impressions, plus the unforgettable, earthy guitar work of guest Joe South. The album's showpiece, though, was "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," a song written expressly for her by Brill Building pop stalwarts Gerry Goffin and Carole King, based on a title coined by producer Jerry Wexler. One of the landmark performances in pop music, the song floats serenely through the verses until, swept up by Ralph Burns' stirring string arrangement again and again, Franklin opens up on the choruses with one of the most transcendent vocals of her career. And just as she'd previously transformed a soul classic (Otis Redding's "Respect") into a signature piece of her own, Franklin courageously reimagined songs by heavyweights James Brown, Ray Charles, and the Impressions. Brown's "Money Won't Change You" is smooth and kinetic, her testifying constantly reinforced by interjections from the Sweet Inspirations. Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready," a 1965 civil-rights anthem and a hit for the Impressions, is taken at a slower pace than the original; after a quiet verse, Franklin lets loose amidst a magisterial brass arrangement by Arif Mardin. Powered by three hit singles (each nested in the upper reaches of the pop Top Ten), Lady Soul became Aretha Franklin's second gold LP and remained on the charts for over a year.

Aretha Franklin's Lady Soul is one of the most acclaimed albums of her career and of soul music in general. Released in early 1968 by Atlantic Records, the album features a blend of original songs and covers of classics by James Brown, Curtis Mayfield, Ray Charles and others. The album showcases Franklin's powerful vocals, backed by the Sweet Inspirations, her sisters Carolyn and Erma, and guest musicians like Eric Clapton. Lady Soul produced three Top Ten singles: "Chain of Fools", "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" and "(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone". The album was a commercial and critical success, reaching number one on the R&B chart and number two on the pop chart. It was also recognized as one of the greatest albums of all time by various publications and institutions, such as Rolling Stone, VH1, Pitchfork and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Lady Soul is a testament to Franklin's artistic vision and musical influence, as well as a reflection of the turbulent times in which it was created.