Though the original LP was certainly worth the price of admission, this reissue, augmented with mono single versions and the unedited mix of "Chain of Fools" is a real treat. The original 56-second intro to "Chain of Fools," clipped for the single and LP and heard here for the first time on CD, sets Joe South's twangy guitar against Aretha's gospelizations and provides a completely different launch to the song. The single will forever sound edited once you've heard the full cut. Franklin also recorded her signature version of Goffin & King's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," backed by the Muscle Shoals rhythm section and the harmonies of the Sweet Inspirations. Elsewhere, she works out on James Brown's "Money Won't Change You", Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready," Ray Charles "Come Back Baby," The Rascals "Groovin'," as well as her own "Since You've Been Gone (Sweet Sweet Baby)." Franklin's third LP packs plenty of punch and this reissue sweetens the till.

"Lady Soul" is my favorite Aretha Franklin album. I've had it for about a decade, and I have probably listened to it over a hundred times. Aretha has what is probably the best voice of anyone in the history of rock music. Actually, this music is a mixture of rock and soul. Although there really isn't any gospel on this CD, Aretha's voice does benefit from her gospel singing that she had done in her youth, too, which has definitely helped her to use her voice when she sings rock and soul. The physical quality of her voice, the smoothness, the feeling, the soul, the power in her voice, and the way that she uses her voice to its full effect, are all amazingly displayed on this album. You really can't go wrong with this CD.

I like all of the songs here. There are no duds - no filler at all. My favorites here are "Chain of Fools," "Money Won't Change You," "Niki Hoeky," and "Come Back Baby." This is a great CD. A lot of people buy her greatest hits CDs, but I prefer her albums. In addition to "Lady Soul," I also strongly recommend that you get "I Never Loved a Man The Way I Love You."

If, like myself you're into the gritty, soul drenched Musle Shoals sound, then you've got to hear Lady Soul. Aretha has no peer, there simply is no other soul singer dead or alive who can stand along side The Queen of Soul. Keep your Dinah Washingtons', Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Carla Thomas, Ruth Brown, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Dione Warwick, Whitney Houston, Mary Wells, Martha Reeves, (have I forgotten anyone?). Keep them all. Aretha is the real thing. She has that special something deep down inside, that just reaches out and grabs you. I could go on and on, but what's the use. Just give this record one listen and you'll know immediately, exactly what I mean.

I have 99% of everything that is available by Aretha Franklin and for me personally, this album is the definitive late 60's Aretha Franklin -- bold, beautiful, vulnerable, earthy, sexy, defiant, spiritual and strong. All these qualities and quite a bit more are conveyed by that marvelous Voice and piano (via those lovely, delicate fingers).

My favorite Aretha song ever is here -- Good To Me As I Am To You. The sheer force of this song not only makes this a testimony of victory over victimization in a relationship, but I've always thought it was one of the sleeper anthems of the civil rights movement, as well. The lyrics convey this, as do the angst and the "I-will-win" factor that Aretha always carries within her voice to some degree. Never did she carry it in the 60's like she did on this album and with this particular song.

The rest of the album is not quite that transcendent for me, but "Lady Soul" still kicks like few others. Chain Of Fools is still a haunting tune with an indisputable groove even after hearing it for the 500th time; People Get Ready inspires repeated playbacks; and there are few summer songs better than Aretha's take on Groovin.

Money Won't Change You and Niki Hoeky are quite fun to listen to because of Aretha's voice, but beyond that they are not essential. Come Back Baby's vocal is amazing, yet it's all but buried in the mix (what was Atlantic thinking?).

But when you add the ones that ARE essential -- Natural Woman, Since You've Been Gone, and Ain't No Way -- you have an absolutely classic and indispensable piece of American music history here.

The one and only Aretha Franklin: "Lady Soul."

You'll find a whole slew of her biggest hits in this set ("Chain Of Fools", "Natural Woman", "Since You've Been Gone"), as well as some alternate versions of them not found on the original release, but one of the best tracks on the album is Aretha's cover of the Rascals' hit "Groovin'". While I'm not big on cover songs, this one is SUPERIOR. Aretha sings it to perfection!