'Aretha Now' was released in 1968 by Atlantic Records, produced by Jerry Wexler. Recorded at Atlantic Studios in New York, the album solidified Franklin's Southern soul sound, with contributions from the Muscle Shoals musicians and arrangements by Tom Dowd.
The album reached number 3 on the Billboard 200 chart and number 1 on the R&B albums chart. It includes hits like 'Think', a song written by Aretha and her sister Carolyn, which became a feminist anthem, and 'I Say a Little Prayer', composed by Burt Bacharach and Hal David.
Considered one of the best albums of her career, 'Aretha Now' shows Franklin in full control of her artistry, blending gospel, soul, and pop with unmatched vocal power. The album was certified gold by the RIAA and remains a benchmark of classic soul.