Happy (belated) birthday to the Queen of Soul! Aretha Franklin, born March 25, 1942, left an indelible mark on music, culture, and civil rights. Her voice—powerful, passionate, and unmistakable—redefined soul music and became a rallying cry for generations. Whether you’re revisiting the classics or discovering them for the first time, these 15 Aretha Franklin songs belong on every playlist. Turn the volume up and celebrate her legacy the best way we know how—by pressing play.
15 Aretha Franklin Songs You Need On A Playlist Now
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Three handwritten wills have been found in the suburban Detroit home of Aretha Franklin, months after the death of the Queen of Soul.” Aretha Franklin is seen her performing during the closing of the 25th annual Ford Detroit International Jazz Festival on Monday, September 06, 2004 at Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit.
1. “Respect” (1967)
“R-E-S-P-E-C-T / Find out what it means to me”
You already know this one—Aretha Franklin didn’t just sing it; she owned it. Her version of “Respect” flipped Otis Redding’s original on its head and turned it into a fiery anthem for women, Black empowerment, and anyone who’s ever felt undervalued. The horns are sharp, the rhythm struts, and her voice cuts through like a battle cry. It’s not just a hit—it’s a moment every time you hear it.
2. “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” (1967)
“You make me feel like a natural woman”
This one hits like a deep exhale. Aretha takes Carole King’s words and turns them into something sacred—full of soul, warmth, and love that feels earned, not fluffy. It’s soft but strong, and that final chorus feels like it’s pulling the heavens open. Perfect for quiet nights or when you need to remember what tenderness sounds like.
3. “Think” (1968)
“You better think / Think about what you’re tryin’ to do to me”
Aretha Franklin wasn’t here for your nonsense. “Think” is fast, fiery, and full of attitude—equal parts warning and liberation jam. You can practically hear her rolling her eyes as she tears through every verse, and when Aretha belts “freedom,” it’s a straight-up command. Whether you’re dumping someone or hyping yourself up, this is the soundtrack.
4. “Chain of Fools” (1967)
“Chain, chain, chain / Chain of fools”
One guitar lick in, and you already know. Aretha’s voice rides the beat like she’s been waiting just long enough to call someone out—and when she does, it’s surgical. Her delivery is so smooth, it’s almost cool… until you realize just how hard Aretha’s reading this poor guy. It’s petty, powerful, and perfect.
5. “I Say a Little Prayer” (1968)
“Forever, and ever, you’ll stay in my heart”
This one wraps around you like a memory. Aretha Franklin’s cover of Dionne Warwick’s hit adds layers of warmth, soul, and intimacy. Every word feels like a secret she’s letting you in on, especially when her harmonies float in like a soft breeze. It’s tender without being sappy—and somehow feels like home.
6. “Rock Steady” (1971)
“This is a groovy little tune to rock steady to”
It’s funky. It’s slick. It’s Aretha getting down hard in the best possible way. “Rock Steady” isn’t about heartbreak or empowerment—it’s just about feeling good, dancing, and letting go. Her vocals bounce through the beat like she’s smiling the whole time—and yeah, you’re gonna move when it comes on.
7. “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man” (1967)
“A woman’s only human / You should understand”
Aretha slows things down here, but don’t confuse quiet for weak. This song is a gentle, soulful call for mutual respect in love—less fireworks, more deep truth. The organ swells, her voice glides, and suddenly, you’re in the pews of a gospel church hearing about real-world romance. It’s soft strength, plain and simple.
8. “Freeway of Love” (1985)
“We’re goin’ ridin’ on the freeway of love / In a pink Cadillac”
’80s Aretha was a whole vibe. With Clarence Clemons on sax and glittery synths all around, this track is pure road trip energy. It’s bubbly, bold, and just a little sexy—like a convertible with the top down and zero regrets. Proof that even after decades in the game, Aretha still knew how to have fun.
9. “Baby I Love You” (1967)
“Ain’t no need to worry / No need to cry”
Aretha Franklin doesn’t ask for love here—she declares it, full throttle. There’s grit in her voice, fire in the keys, and that signature church-meets-club vibe that only she could pull off. It’s all joy and passion, but with just enough swagger to let you know Aretha’s not begging—she’s inviting you into something real. And if you’re smart, you’ll say yes.
10. “Ain’t No Way” (1968)
“Ain’t no way for me to love you / If you won’t let me”
Whew. This is Aretha Franklin baring her soul in real time. Her sister Carolyn wrote the song, and Aretha sings it like a woman breaking down every wall she’s got left. The backing vocals are haunting, and that final high note? Honestly, you might cry a little—and that’s okay.
11. “Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)” (1973)
“I’m gonna walk by myself / Just to prove that my love is true”
Don’t let the breezy vibe fool you—this is a song about heartbreak with a beat that’s almost too smooth for how sad it is. Aretha sings like she’s smiling through the pain, holding it all together with elegance and patience. It’s emotional grown-up stuff—when you’re not mad, just missing someone too much. A perfect Sunday afternoon track.
12. “Don’t Play That Song (You Lied)” (1970)
“Don’t play that song for me / ‘Cause it brings back memories”
Aretha’s voice practically explodes with feeling here. She takes Ben E. King’s original and turns it into a soulful shout of betrayal. You can hear the tremble in her voice as she digs into the lyrics—hurt, angry, and not afraid to show it. It’s heartbreak with a side of righteous fury.
13. “Spanish Harlem” (1971)
“There is a rose in Spanish Harlem”
Aretha turns this dreamy track into a full-on slow burn. It’s delicate and romantic, with a soft Latin rhythm and her voice floating above it like silk. She doesn’t overpower the song—Aretha lets it bloom naturally, one note at a time. It’s sultry without trying too hard.
14. “Jump to It” (1982)
“Boy, I can’t wait to get to you / That’s how much I love you”
Need a bop? Here’s your jam. Produced by Luther Vandross, this track has all the synth sparkle of the early ‘80s with Aretha’s powerhouse vocals right on top. It’s fun, fast, and full of flirtation—like a smile set to music.
15. “Spirit in the Dark” (1970)
“Let your soul shine bright / Like in the spirit in the dark”
This one feels like a revival—half gospel, half groove, and all Aretha Franklin. It’s spiritual without being preachy, sexy without being showy, and loose in all the right places. There’s a version with Ray Charles that’s pure electricity, but even solo, she brings the house down. It’s Aretha unfiltered, and it’s glorious.
Summary
Celebrate the Queen of Soul with this playlist of 15 essential Aretha Franklin songs, from timeless anthems like “Respect” to deep cuts like “Spirit in the Dark.” Her influence runs deep—just listen to today’s modern soul artists carrying her legacy forward. Aretha even put her stamp on Bob Dylan’s work, a fitting reminder as fans mark the 50th anniversary of Dylan’s iconic tour this year. Whether you’re rediscovering her classics or diving in for the first time, this playlist is the perfect way to honor her legacy.
