Aretha Franklin released “A Rose Is Still A Rose” in 1998. The Queen Of Soul surrounded herself with an all-star lineup of producers and writers including the new wave of top hip-hop, nu soul music makers like Jermaine Dupri, The Fugees’ Lauryn Hill and Puff Daddy. This new challenge brought some amazing sounds like the title track, co-written and produced by Hill. However, it also brought some weak results including the collaboration with Puff Daddy on “Never Gonna Leave You Again.”

“A Rose Is Still A Rose” has a few radio friendly pop/soul moments produced by R&B mainstays Narada Michael Walden and Michael J. Powell. Among these songs is “How Many Times,” certainly one of the best cuts on the album. This gorgeous ballad was co-written by David Foster and produced here by Walden. “How Many Times” was originally recorded by Jordan Hill for her noteworthy Foster-produced debut album. It is a classic soul ballad with a great melody and a memorable hook. Franklin’s performance oozes class and style. She sang the bittersweet lyrics with just the right intensity. Add to that Walden’s state of the art production and smart arrangement and you have an amazing song by the legendary singer.

Some other good tunes on the album are “Love Pang,” a great ballad produced by Powell, and Dupri’s funky “Here You Go Again.” “A Rose Is Still A Rose” performed well on the charts reaching the top 30 on Billboard’s Top 200 and certified gold.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/archives/clips/how_many_times.mp3|titles=How many times|artists=Aretha Franklin]

Lead Vocals: Aretha Franklin
Keyboards & Programming, Drums Programming, Bass: Louis “Kingpin” Biancaniello
Background Vocals: Claytoven Richardson, Sandy Griffith, Nikita Germaine, Annie Stocking & Tina Gibson
Produced & Arranged by Narada Michael Walden
Associate Producer: Louis Biancaniello

Lyrics

You used to tell you loved me
You used to show me you cared
I used to be the one that you adored
But lately I don’t feel
you love me anymore
See I don’t understand
What’s come over you
And I don’t understand
Why I let you
Treat me so cruel, so tell me
How many times, must I break down and cry
I’m confused my understanding
Was true love should never die
How many times
Will you kill me inside
Any kind of fool should see the light
So why can’t I
Time after time,
I have tried and tried
To give you some space, some time
But no matter what I do, it is never enough
You just refuse to try to do by me right
Though I know I should leave
There’s something holding me
I can’t seem to find the strength
To set myself free
How many times, must I break down and cry
I’m confused my understanding
Was true love should never die
How many times
Will you kill me inside
Any kind of fool should see the light
So why can’t I
I gave my heart and soul
I gave my all you know
I deserve better baby, oh so much better baby
You know it’s just not fair
For you to act like just don’t care
For you to act like I’ve done something wrong
Boy how could you dare
How many times, must I break down and cry
I’m confused my understanding
Was true love should never die
How many times
Will you kill me inside
Any kind of fool should see the light
So why can’t I