If you think Aretha Franklin's early Atlantic albums were the perfect combination of gospel, soul and rock, and you haven't heard this set, then you need to. It is in my opinion the best record of her career. Recorded live, with a few overdubs, during two nights at a church, she is backed by a great band, and a truly amazing choir. She is joined on occasion by the Reverend James Cleveland ( most notably on an awe-inspiring and spine tingling rendition of Precious Memories ). Amazing Grace was originally two compact discs, but was much shorter, and had most of the sermons taken out. This re-issue is the COMPLETE 2 nights,sermons included, and with all of the original overdubbing removed. If you have listened to both versions as many times as I have , you will spot the few overdubs that were removed. This is Aretha in a voice more primal, more moving, more soulful than at any time in her long recorded career. Everything else pales in comparison. A truly gifted woman at her prime. This is a must have fans of Franklin or fans of Gospel music.

I brought this cd because i lost my copy of the original amazing grace cd. But when i got amazing grace: the complete recordings, i was very dissapointed, most because my favorite songs on the original recording; Old landmark and climbing higher mountain, have been replaced by different versions, which does not showcase Aretha`s vocal skills as they do on the original recording. Although the packaging and booklet are great, i would much rather reccomend the original cd, at lest if you want to hear Aretha at her very best:)

Speaking of "weeping" this album never fails to make me do just

that as I'm listening to this beautiful choir,band and of course

Aretha doing what she does best. This album has a wonderful "live" presence to it that makes you feel like you

are "right there". If you are a "Gospel Fan"....doen't hesitate to click on the "purchase" button. You will have something very special.

I have listened to this CD numerous times. I never get tired of hearing it. I viewed a clip of Aretha singing Amazing Grace on the night this recording was made. I would love to see the whole recording in its entirety. I wish someone would tell the powers that be that people would love to have Amazing Grace as a part of their video library. This is Gospel. Aretha "sang" that night. I do mean Sang. I realize this was recorded in 1972, who cares. I heard it suppose to have been released as a documentary. I don't understand what the hold up is. this recording is a Jewel. I purchased the album, and I have 2 of the CD's. This recording is definetly Gospel at its best.

It is difficult if not impossible to describe Aretha Franklin, and by extension, this recording without revisiting every cliche that has been used: her voice is powerful, piercing, sometimes overwhelming and at others soft and achingly sweet. This version, thankfully, leaves intact the church atmosphere, allowing the listener to experience the same build-up to religious ectasy experienced by the members of the audience. This recording defines modern gospel, not only sound, but amazingly, the passion as well.