Aretha Franklin Young, Gifted and Black: Atlantic 75 Series

Aretha Franklin's Young, Gifted and Black Reissued for the Atlantic Records 75th Anniversary Series on 180g 45RPM 2LP: Mastered from the Original Master Tape by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio

Released on Atlantic Records in 1972, Young, Gifted and Black is Aretha Franklin's acclaimed 18th studio album. The album was recorded between 1970 and 1971 at Atlantic Studios in New York City and Criteria Studios in Miami.

This is a beautiful album that perfectly mixes both sides of Aretha Franklin's talents — the hard-edged soul singer who first flourished at Atlantic Records in the late '60s, and the artist who was growing even more as a vocalist — really reaching out her wings to more sophisticated material. The record teams Franklin with some of the best musicians of the day, including Billy Preston, Donny Hathaway, and Bernard Purdie — with backing vocals provided by Franklin's sisters, Carolyn and Erma, as well as The Sweet Inspirations.

There's a balance here that makes the record one of the deepest that Franklin ever recorded for Atlantic — lots of larger Arif Mardin touches, but also some raw moments that really round things out — on titles that include Aretha's classic take on the Weldon Irvine/Nina Simone tune "Young Gifted & Black," the funky classic "Rock Steady," the wonderful mellow groover "Day Dreaming," the hit "Brand New Me," and the strangely compelling "First Snow In Kokomo."

Cut by Kevin Gray/Cohearent Audio at 45RPM, pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Quality Record Pressings, and housed in a tip-on old-style gatefold double pocket jacket by Stoughton Printing.