Andrew Martone

Aretha Franklin’s Young, Gifted & Black is a Masterpiece

January 24, 2017

Young, Gifted & Black: The Queen On The Throne 45 years ago Aretha Franklin was at her peak. 3 major events mark this era: First, her show stopping 1971 performances at the Fillmore West in San Francisco helped expose her to a brand new audience. Second, her game-changing 1972 gospel album Amazing Grace redefined the gospel genre, and helped bring

Music·Then

Is Aretha Franklin’s “Ain’t No Way” An Undercover LGBT Anthem?

Introduction Before I get started on “Ain’t No Way”, I want to address a few things (in case this crosses Miss Franklin’s eyes). The intention of this piece is not gossip. No malice is intended in these words. I’m simply working off information I’ve learned, and a theory I came up with as

Where Are You Christmas? Mariah Carey’s Unsung Holiday Classic

Faith Hill’s “Where Are You Christmas?” To some, it’s ‘that song from

Me. I Am Misunderstood… The Elusive Chronicles of Mariah’s 14th studio album

Introduction In 2014, Mariah Carey released her fourteenth studio album, Me. I

Top 5 Songs: Mariah Carey’s Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel

September 25, 2016

For the Nostalgia·Mariah Carey·Music

Looking back on Mariah Carey’s 2009 album… I have an interesting relationship with the Mariah Carey Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel album. During this era, for the first and only time in what is now 18 years, I jumped ship as a Mariah Carey fan. To make a long story short, I

97 Words: Years & Years “Meteorite”

September 18, 2016

In 97 Words·Music·Now·Reviews

For their first new musical offering of 2016, Years & Years take off with “Meteorite”. Featured on the soundtrack to Bridget Jones’ Baby, the track opens with starry synths and highlights the band’s signature electro-pop sound, but is enhanced with several nods to disco. It’s complimented, as always, by Olly Alexander’s

Celebrating Glitter, Mariah Carey’s Most Underrated Album

September 11, 2016

For the Nostalgia·In Depth·Mariah Carey·Music·Then

Grouping the terms “Mariah Carey” and “Glitter” together typically results in conversations and recollections of “flop”, “disaster”, and “train wreck”. Today, that ends and we demand #JusticeForGlitter. While the film still stands on shaky ground, it has evolved to develop something of a cult following. We’re not here to talk

15 Years Later, Mary J. Blige’s No More Drama Still Reigns

August 28, 2016

Music·Then

Mary J. Blige’s Declaration In 2001, Mary J. Blige was publicly riding high. Her personal demons were still privately fighting her, but she was fighting back. 2001’s No More Drama was a proclamation of that, as well as a return to form for Mary musically. 1999’s Mary was a departure,

Concert Review: Aretha Franklin at NJPAC 06/16/16

June 17, 2016

Music·Reviews

I have a bit of a ritual- it basically consists of going to see Aretha Franklin every single time she performs in the area. I’ve been pretty religious at it for the last few years, and have seen her live 12 times now (11 if we’re only counting performances). She’s

Natalie Cole’s “Unforgettable… With Love” at 25

June 11, 2016

In Depth·Music·Then

“I was just ready.” In 1991, after more than 15 years in the music industry, Natalie Cole dug into her roots and found the biggest success of her career. The one thing Natalie Cole avoided early on in her career was her father’s music, she was determined to be her own musician. She achieved

Black Music Month Spotlight: Nina Simone

June 6, 2016

Music

I never really listened to Nina Simone until a few years ago. I was familiar with her name, knew her voice a bit especially from samples in hip hop (Common, Lil’ Wayne, Kanye West & Jay-Z). Then I listened to Nina Simone, and I have yet to slow down. Nina

Concert Review: Years & Years at Webster Hall

June 6, 2016

Music·Now·Reviews

The doors of Webster Hall opened promptly at 10pm. By 10:45, the room was crowded and the temperature was going up. By 11:15, the crowd was sweating and getting impatient. Finally, shortly after 11:30, Emre Türkmen and Mikey Goldsworthy took their positions on each side of the stage. Then, Olly

97 Words: James TW “Naked”

May 22, 2016

In 97 Words·Music·Now·Reviews

James TW kicks down the door on “Naked”, the standout track from his debut EP First Impressions. Built on a foot-stomping bluesy beat and guitar/bass, his masterfully doubled vocals (a high and low) flow incredibly. His voice stretches across octaves, showing promise to reach into an upper register that compliments

45 Years Later: Aretha Franklin’s Live At Fillmore West

May 19, 2016

In Depth·Music·Then

“What she did was make history.” That’s what Billy Preston had to say about Aretha Franklin’s 3-night stint at San Francisco’s Fillmore West in March of 1971. In the months that followed, the shows were edited down to fit an LP, and released 45 years ago on May 19, 1971.

Previous 1 … 6 7 8 9 10 Next

Andrew Martone

Aretha Franklin’s Young, Gifted & Black is a Masterpiece

Is Aretha Franklin’s “Ain’t No Way” An Undercover LGBT Anthem?

Where Are You Christmas? Mariah Carey’s Unsung Holiday Classic

Me. I Am Misunderstood… The Elusive Chronicles of Mariah’s 14th studio album

Top 5 Songs: Mariah Carey’s Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel

97 Words: Years & Years “Meteorite”

Celebrating Glitter, Mariah Carey’s Most Underrated Album

15 Years Later, Mary J. Blige’s No More Drama Still Reigns

Concert Review: Aretha Franklin at NJPAC 06/16/16

Natalie Cole’s “Unforgettable… With Love” at 25

Black Music Month Spotlight: Nina Simone

Concert Review: Years & Years at Webster Hall

97 Words: James TW “Naked”

45 Years Later: Aretha Franklin’s Live At Fillmore West

ABOUT THE 97

Join Our mailing List

THE 97 ZINE

Writers

Vincent Anthony

Andrew Martone

Mario M.

Staff

Keenan

Jordan Listenbee

In 97 Words

97 Words: “cut” by Tori Kelly

97 Words: Frank Sinatra at 100

97 Words: Pusha T’s ‘King Push- Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude’

97 Words: “Rain on Me” by Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande

97 Words: “K-POP” by Travis Scott, Bad Bunny & The Weeknd

Search

Go Back In Time

Andrew Martone

ABOUT THE 97

Join Our mailing List

THE 97 ZINE

Writers

In 97 Words

Search

Tags

Go Back In Time

Archives