"The Queen of Soul," says one Rolling Stone writer, "has never been in better form. The songs are fresh, the hooks are seductive and the album -- from start to finish - is filled with new pleasures and happy surprises." Rated among the most celebrated artists of our time, Aretha Franklin is unique, not only for the power of her voice and passion of her music, but her ability to stay absolutely contemporary. "A Rose Is Still A Rose" teams Aretha with today's hottest producers-Puffy Combs, Lauryn Hill of the Fugees, Jermaine Dupri, Dallas Austin, Daryl Simmons, Michael Powell, Michael Narada Walden-and the results are dynamic, a smooth synthesis of classic soul and cutting-edge pop. At the same time, "A Rose Is Still A Rose" reflects the wisdom and wit of someone who has lived the life of her songs. This is Aretha at the top of her game, singing with the emotional intensity that turned her into an international superstar. Aretha has survived-and prospered-in the ever-changing world of musical fashion. Fact is, she has created a few fashions of her own. Starting in the sixties, when she defined the Golden Age of Soul, her highly personal gospel-inspired sound brought her status as one of the Greats of American Music. She has won virtually every award there is to win, scoring dozens of smash hits, and a truckload of Grammys and Lifetime Achievement Awards. She is the youngest recipient in the history of the Kennedy Center Honors-as well as the first woman elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. But it's not the legendary icon who greets you at Vanguard Studios in Detroit; this isn't the fabled diva or hallowed Queen. This is simply Aretha, real and ready to sing.

*By arrangement with the William Morris Agency