The Concept Rocked But The Reality Was Dry: “Spanish Harlem” by Aretha Franklin

One of three new tracks recorded for inclusion in that year’s Aretha’s Greatest Hits album. The singer recasts the original red rose as “a rose in Black and Spanish Harlem,” sacrificing Ben E King/Leiber and Stoller’s baion sway for a foursquare no-nonsense funk(-esque) groove. She is working with quality musicians, including Chuck Rainey on bass, Bernard “Pretty” Purdie at the drums and special guest Dr John on keyboards, and her attempted recasting of the song as a black feminist anthem is salutary. But the record, as a record, is efficient rather than exciting. It sounds worthy rather than heartfelt, and the presence on its parent album of things like “Let It Be” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water” suggests an artist unsure of where to go next – 1972’s gospel double Amazing Grace, amazing as it is, was a useful sidestep in this respect. However, her “Harlem” is certainly no match for her “Respect.”

Date Record Made Number Two: 11 September 1971

Number Of Weeks At Number Two: 2

Record At Number One: “Go Away Little Girl” by Donny Osmond

UK Chart Position: 14

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