Aretha Franklin's career was in a down period in the mid-'70s when she collaborated with
Curtis Mayfield to sing his compositions for the film Sparkle. The film proved a non-event, but for
Franklin it marked a return to glory. Once again she was the Queen of Soul, doing the chilling, spectacular leaps, cries, whoops, and shouts that defined secularized gospel in the late '60s. The title cut was a sizable hit, while "Something He Can Feel" became an anthem.
Mayfield's lyrics and production shouldn't be overlooked; he added just the right amount of background trappings, and the Kitty Haywood Singers provided
Franklin's best continuing backgrounds since
the Sweet Inspirations. ~ Ron Wynn