This week's entry is no surprise at all, it's influence undeniable, but not exactly among my favorites. I suppose mostly because I've heard the monster hit from this album about 70 gazillion times in my life, and so has everyone else on this earth. Talk about overplayed. Aretha Franklin - I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You (1967)

'R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Find out what it means to me!' Is there a more potent female lyric in pop? Franklin's Atlantic Records debut unleashed her soulful ferociousness upon an unsuspecting public, and both the singer and her album quickly became iconic symbols of black American pride. Without this there would be no Tina Turner, Mariah Carey, girl power would not exist, and rudeboys would not spit 'res'pec' through kissed teeth.

Well, I think it's a great choice, but no "girl power"? No Mariah Carey? Oy vey!

Swish