Aretha Franklin Laughing On The Outside Clear Audiophile Vinyl Version

Laughing on the Outside is the fifth studio album by American singer Aretha Franklin released on August 12, 1963. The album was recorded at Columbia Recording Studios in New York and Hollywood. These sessions found a 21-year-old Aretha Franklin recording Jazz Music and Pop Music standards, from Johnny Mercer to Duke Ellington. She is backed by the arrangements of Columbia producer Robert Mersey.

(...)In Skylark, the opening number, her voice soars “in lovely flight,” like the bird invoked in the lyrics; standards like For All We Know, Ellington’s Solitude and Berlin’s Say It Isn’t So become new experiences as projected by Aretha’s rare magnetic power. She gives new songs like I Wonder (for which Aretha wrote the words), If Ever I Would Leave You and I Wanna Be Around distinctive, unforgettable interpretations, the kind that set standards for time and singers to come. An especial highlight is Aretha’s treatment of one of the most touching songs to come along in some time, Mr. Ugly. Throughout the album,conductor Robert Mersey’s tasteful arrangements lend Aretha strong, sympathetic support”

Numbered first press of 500 copies.