Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, gives a stirring performance in this VH1 Divas Live concert filmed at New York's Radio City Music Hall in 2001, serving up a 13-song set designed both to showcase her genius and celebrate her legacy with guest stars. Franklin's sizzling opener, “I Can't Turn You Loose,” quickly evokes the ecstatic rhythms of a gospel church and reminds us that there is nothing mannered about this uncompromising artist's vocal delivery (unlike other bestselling divas). A muscular “Chain of Fools” finds Franklin joined by three harmonious members of the Backstreet Boys. Her solo on the delicate ballad “Ain't No Way” is gorgeous, although the excitement dips when the star cedes the stage to singer Jill Scott, whose take on “Natural Woman” lacks majesty and feels earthbound. Mary J. Blige does better with a sultry, cool version of “Day Dreaming,” and sticks around for a feverish duet with Franklin on “Do Right Woman.” The mood turns prayerful when Franklin collaborates with the New Jersey Mass Choir for a solemn but soaring “Precious Memories,” and the concert winds up with blowout performances of “Respect” and “Freeway of Love,” the latter featuring Stevie Wonder, among others. Presented in 5.1 surround sound, extras include a bonus audio CD. Highly recommended. (T. Keogh)
Divas Live: The One and Only Aretha Franklin
(2001) 59 min. DVD: $19.99 (audio CD included). Music Video Distributors (avail. from most distributors). Volume 32, Issue 6
Divas Live: The One and Only Aretha Franklin
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