Introduction

In the pantheon of soul music, few names resonate with the same majesty and raw emotional depth as Aretha Franklin’s. Known worldwide as the “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin captivated audiences with her powerful voice, unfiltered expression, and unmatchable performances. Her music is often synonymous with hits like “Respect,” “Think,” and “Chain of Fools,” but beyond her vocal prowess, Aretha was also a keen, thoughtful songwriter whose compositions reflected her inner battles, beliefs, and experiences. While she didn’t write all of her hits, her contributions to songwriting showcased her unique perspective and soul-baring honesty. This side of Aretha is often overshadowed by her success as a performer, but it’s worth revisiting her catalog to truly appreciate the pieces she personally crafted.

Through her lesser-known works, we see Aretha not only as a performer but as a woman, grappling with love, identity, social justice, and personal resilience. These songs, though perhaps lesser celebrated, are a testament to her influence as both a musical and cultural icon. Here, we take a closer look at some of Aretha’s compositions, exploring the stories, themes, and legacies of these hidden gems.

Song Highlights

Song 1: “Dr. Feelgood (Love Is a Serious Business)” (1967)

Released on I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You, an album that marks Aretha’s rise as a definitive voice in soul, “Dr. Feelgood” is a sultry, confident declaration of love, autonomy, and desire. Written at a time when women were seldom open about sensuality in music, Aretha broke ground with her unapologetically raw lyrics: “When me and that man get to lovin’ / I tell ya girls, I dig you, but I just don’t have time.”

Aretha wrote “Dr. Feelgood” in response to her own experiences with love and intimacy, themes she held close to her heart. Although the song is ostensibly about a romantic partner, the underlying message is one of independence. Aretha demands respect for her private life, a particularly bold stance in the 1960s, especially for a Black woman in the public eye. In it, she calls for autonomy over her body and relationships, and it’s this courage to articulate what was once unspeakable that has earned the song its lasting admiration. “Dr. Feelgood” not only resonated with audiences but also influenced future female artists who celebrated sensuality without shame. Artists like Mary J. Blige and Alicia Keys have cited Aretha’s ability to connect personal feeling with social messaging as a lasting inspiration.

Song 2: “Think” (1968)

One of Aretha’s biggest hits, “Think” is widely remembered as an anthem for empowerment. But what many may not know is that Aretha herself co-wrote this explosive track. The song arrived amid the rise of the civil rights movement, a turbulent time that marked a pivotal shift in American society. Aretha’s decision to write “Think” came from a place of deep frustration with the state of inequality, but it was also a personal outcry. Reflecting the rage and urgency of the era, she infused the lyrics with a demand for respect, freedom, and autonomy.

“Think” wasn’t merely a song about romantic struggles; it was a rallying cry that resonated with audiences of all backgrounds. The call-and-response style in the lyrics, coupled with Aretha’s impassioned delivery, made it impossible to ignore. Its message wasn’t just for women but for anyone feeling oppressed. Artists like Beyoncé, who sampled the song in her own work, have acknowledged “Think” as a powerful precursor to modern empowerment anthems. “Think” is a timeless reminder of how Aretha’s voice transcended personal narrative to encompass broader struggles, transforming her into an indomitable force in the social justice landscape.

Song 3: “Call Me” (1970)

From her album This Girl’s in Love with You, “Call Me” is one of those tracks that fans cherish but rarely makes mainstream lists. Aretha wrote “Call Me” after being inspired by an overheard conversation between two lovers who, reluctant to part, exchanged heartfelt goodbyes. She captures the bittersweet moment with lyrics that are both tender and haunting, showing her ability to find beauty in the simplest experiences of human connection.

“Call Me” became a cult favorite, especially among die-hard Aretha fans, for its vulnerability. It showcases Aretha’s softer side, a departure from her more powerful, demanding hits. The song’s intimacy has led it to be covered by a diverse array of artists, from Diana Ross to Erykah Badu. While it didn’t reach the same commercial heights as “Respect” or “Think,” “Call Me” has continued to resonate with listeners who appreciate its quiet but profound appeal. It demonstrates Aretha’s versatility, both as a vocalist and a songwriter capable of creating timeless love songs that feel personal and universal.

Song 4: “Rock Steady” (1971)

Written during a time when funk was taking over the music scene, “Rock Steady” is Aretha’s homage to the energy of the genre. The song is a bold, rhythmic exploration that celebrates freedom and fun, while still grounded in her unique lyrical style. “Rock Steady” is not simply a party track; Aretha brings her own flair and poetic style, using the lyrics to convey a sense of movement, rhythm, and vitality. It’s a declaration of joy and resilience, written during a period when she was asserting her independence in both her career and personal life.

“Rock Steady” was embraced as a daring venture into funk, a genre where few women had made a mark at the time. Her willingness to experiment, combined with her distinctive approach, made it a standout song that paved the way for future artists to blend genres freely. The song has since been sampled and covered by hip-hop and R&B artists, reinforcing Aretha’s lasting influence on musicians who cross genre boundaries. Her impact here is clear: she showed the world that women could be as dynamic and experimental as their male counterparts.

Song 5: “Angel” (1973)

Perhaps one of the most overlooked songs that Aretha wrote, “Angel” was co-written with her sister Carolyn Franklin and stands as a haunting ballad of yearning and loss. Aretha wrote it during a time of introspection, following a period of personal and professional challenges. With lyrics like “I want somebody to hold me tight,” “Angel” is an intensely personal song that reflects Aretha’s vulnerability and desire for companionship, even amid her larger-than-life persona.

“Angel” was not only a beautiful addition to her discography but also an example of her ability to express her pain and desire through music. The song resonated with listeners who saw their own struggles in her words. Erykah Badu later covered “Angel,” paying homage to Aretha and the raw honesty she embodied. The song serves as a reminder of Aretha’s gift for conveying complex emotions and her skill at capturing moments of profound longing.

Conclusion

Aretha Franklin’s influence on music and culture extends far beyond her unmatched vocal talent. These songs—“Dr. Feelgood,” “Think,” “Call Me,” “Rock Steady,” and “Angel”—stand as a testament to her skill as a songwriter, showing that she was not only a voice of her generation but also a powerful storyteller. Her ability to translate personal experience into universal themes gave her music a timeless quality that continues to resonate.

As we revisit these compositions, we’re reminded of Aretha’s depth, not only as a performer but as a writer and thinker who navigated her career with purpose and passion. Through her lyrics, Aretha Franklin offered a window into her soul, inviting us to witness her joys, her sorrows, and her journey toward self-empowerment. So the next time you play an Aretha song, listen a little closer to her words, for in them lies the heart of a woman who truly lived and breathed the essence of soul.