Spirit in the Dark was one of
Aretha Franklin's more overlooked albums from her Atlantic prime, despite the inclusion of a couple hit singles (the title track and "Don't Play That Song"). The disc includes five of her own compositions (the most she ever recorded for a single album) and her usual eclectic choice of cover material. On this record, the covers ranged from
B.B. King and
Dr. John to
Jimmy Reed and
Goffin/
King's "Oh Not My Baby." The album also benefits from great backup players: Both
the Muscle Shoals rhythm section and the Dixie Flyers contributed to the sessions, and
Duane Allman lends his guitar to a couple of tracks. Though it doesn't rank with her very best Atlantic LPs, it's an exuberant and remarkably consistent effort. The 1993 CD reissue has detailed liner notes on the songs and sessions by
David Nathan. ~ Richie Unterberger