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Aretha's "unforgettable" tribute to one of her idols. Sep 17, 2005
Let's face it: Aretha Franklin's Columbia recordings have been wrongly criticized and dismissed by many for far too long. This classic album is a spellbindingly-gorgeous tribute to Dinah Washington and is every bit as important and relevant as any of her 1967-75 Atlantic releases. Had this album been a commercial success when originally issued in 1964 it just might have vindicated John Hammond's vision of Aretha as the next "Queen of the Blues".
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 One of her Best Columbia recordings Sep 01, 2005
As a tribute to the recently departed Dinah Washington, called by many the Queen of the Blues, the future Queen of Soul recorded many of her best known songs in 1964. Needless to say the young Aretha puts her own vocal stamp on these songs, improvising lyrics here and there, and altering vocal melodies to suit her own style. That is but one of her many gifts. ( Her own songwriting and her piano playing are both quite noteworthy.) But it's the music on "Unforgetable" that some might find slightly pedestrian and "adult" in their arrangements. True, that is the one weak link in a lot of her Columbia material . But I think there are many moments of incredible musical intensity here. The organ and drum fueled "Nobody Knows the Way Feel This Morning" just smokes. The mournful trombone solo that begins "Don't Say You're Sorry Again" sets the tone for the lyric perfectly. The title track itself begins just as many of the songs on the album do; slowly the strings and the spare combo begins, building and blending with the first few somewhat undersung verses, until the vocals and instruments reach a fever pitch and almighty is let loose for the finale. "Drinking Again" , "This Bitter Earth " and "What A Diff'rence a Day Made" all follow this same pattern. Her take on "Cold Cold Heart" actually manages to rival the original Dinah Washington single ( itself a cover of the classic Hank Williams tune ) . While Dinah's versions ( she recorded this song a number of times ) featured bland backing vocals from a chorus of what sounds like a terribly uptight all white church choir, Aretha belts this number like her life depended on it. The music is spare, and the just-behind-the-beat rhythm puts her voice front and center. This cd re-issue closes with the bonus track "Lee Cross." Not included on the original album, it was recordeded during the "Unforgetable" sessions, and is a Southern Gospel-style raver that points both to where Aretha came from and where she was headed with Atlantic Records. A worthy addition to your Aretha collection, and a real keeper. I think this is one of her finest Columbia albums, when taken as a whole. Very Highly recommended.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Dinah, Aretha-ized Jan 12, 2005
The Queen of Soul before she was the Queen of soul. Aretha Recorded this tribute shortly after Dinah's death in 1964. I assume that recording a tribute album of covers to a legend who only had just died would be terrifying. Aretha did it, and did it well. Aretha, 'churchified' some select tracks from the Dinah Washington song book.Her version of "Drinking again" is an intense mature recording, and surprisingly empathetic from someone who was so young.The album shows off her range and style brilliantly. Vocal runs and prowess are great.Aretha maintained the origional dignity of the songs she was covering, and added her soul and personality into every recording, essentially "Aretha-izing" the already brilliant songs.Aretha would continue to cover songs through her long successful carrer. She always did them her way. The same way she did here. She Aretha-ized them.
Key tracks: Cold Cold Heart, What a differance a day made, Evil gal Blues, and drinking Again.
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Aretha Franklin Unforgettable A Tribute To Dinah Washington Jun 22, 2004
This proves that she can be Standard Jazzy as well as Contemporary and the best was yet to come from Aretha Franklin.This is a wonderful tribute to Dinah Washington especially with Unforgettable,Cold Cold Heart,and What A Difference A Day Made just to name a few of the Albums Highlights.
Dinah Washington.....Aretha-ized. Apr 28, 2004
The Queen of Soul before she was the Queen of soul. Aretha Recorded this tribute shortly after Dinah's death in 1964. I assume that recording a tribute album of covers to a legend who only had just died would be terrifying. Aretha did it, and did it well. Aretha, 'churchified' some select tracks from the Dinah Washington song book.Her version of "Drinking again" is an intense mature recording, and surprisingly empathetic from someone who was so young.The album shows off her range and style brilliantly. Vocal runs and prowess are great.Aretha maintained the origional dignity of the songs she was covering, and added her soul and personality into every recording, essentially "Aretha-izing" the already brilliant songs.Aretha would continue to cover songs through her long successful carrer. She always did them her way. The same way she did here. She Aretha-ized them.
Key tracks: Cold Cold Heart, What a differance a day made, Evil gal Blues, and drinking Again.
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