Aretha Franklin - Jewels in the Crown: All-Star Duets with the Queen - Music & Performance - CD

Aretha Franklin is a throwback to a time when female artists ruled the charts because of their mighty voices, not because of record label packaging. On Jewels In the Crown: All-Star Duets With The Queen of Soul, Aretha shows time and time again why she still wears the crown.

Teamed with an impressive roster of talent, her majesty shines on every track while at the same time not overshadowing the talent on the other mic. The pairings are powerful and the songs are magical -- and Aretha makes each and every one memorable.

Not everything here is new, but this is the first time all these great duets have been pulled together in one package. There are some classic, unforgettable duets, including Aretha and Keith Richards on "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and a pairing with The Eurythmics on a soul-stirring rendition of "Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves." Those tracks are among those that date back to the mid-'80s, but they're still worth a listen. And hearing back-to-back legends like Frank Sinatra, Luther Vandross and Elton John stepping up to the plate for their turn with the queen adds up to a can't-miss musical parade.

The three new tracks are absolute perfection. Proving that she's still contemporary -- even after five decades in the business -- Aretha teams up with American Idol star Fantasia for the modern "Put You Up On Game." Young Fantasia is up to the challenge, and Aretha plays the role of the older, wiser protector giving advice to a young woman in love. The interplay between the two is spot on, and their voices work together in a way that's bound to thrill fans of both women.

Another new track, "What Y'all Came To Do," sees Aretha partnering with John Legend. Uplifting and energetic, this scorching track has a funk-flavored rhythm that celebrates going out and doin' your thing. Legend and the legendary soul woman turn up the heat and create a dance party that has all the grooves needed to jump-start a Saturday night.

Mary J. Blige's 1999 duet with Aretha, "Don't Waste Your Time," is included here, but so is a new Blige/Franklin partnership. "Never Gonna Break My Faith" is a rousing gospel number that also features the Harlem Boys Choir. Initially reverent and prayerful, the song builds into a stirring testament of faith as the women cut loose and take a stand for what's important.

Some of the classics feel like intimate moments in music history, such as the stunning cover of "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," which isn't technically a duet, as Aretha is joined by both Bonnie Raitt and Gloria Estefan. Recorded during her 1993 television special, the results are exactly what you'd expect when you put three strong musical forces together. The album also features Aretha's duet with Mariah Carey on "Chain of Fools," from the 1998 VH1 Divas Live concert.

Her legendary 1998 performance of Puccini's "Nessun Dorma" provides a phenomenal close to the album. The improvised performance with the New York Recording Orchestra came during a tribute for Luciano Pavarotti at which the opera star was supposed to perform -- but was too sick to attend. Sister Ree stepped in, and this soulful version of the song is a testament as to why they call her The Queen.

By Paula Felps