"Never Loved A Man The Way That I Love You" Song Analysis

The title album track “Never Loved a Man The Way That I Love You” was originally written for a Motown pop cover band. However, Jerry Wexler from Atlantic Records knew Aretha could transform it into a deep, emotional ode. Wexler chose this song for her, along with many others on the album, knowing that she could live up to each and every song – delivering emotion and soul into each song in a different way. In contrast to other songs on the album such as “REPECT”, “Never Loved A Man The Way That I Love You” is deeply moving and has a feeling of sadness surrounding it. However, Aretha’s strong voice assures the listener that she won’t let this pain overtake her. She is strong, despite her struggles. Organs, horns, and Aretha’s church piano surge and create a harmonious background for her powerful vocals. The song has a heavy blues influence. The swinging tune reminds me of Ray Charles’ deep, soulful blues. Throughout the song, Aretha’s emotions become stronger and stronger. They begin to explode through her words, surge up simultaneously with the background music, creating a musical flood of emotions that makes the listener feel the bursting feeling behind the words. At this time in her life, Aretha was brimming with emotion. She was in the process of freeing herself from her husband, Ted White’s control. She was breaking out into a new fabulous career; she was a promising talent. She knew White would only hold her back. He was reeking havock on her personal and professional life – trying to destroy her blooming career. But Aretha wouldn’t let him hold her down. She knew she had a promising future, and she wouldn’t let an abusive man constrain her soul.

She exceeded all expectations for “Never Loved a Man The Way That I Love You”. She interpreted the song in her own way, applying it to her own relationship and allowing her emotions to flow freely through the music. She gives the audience a perfect blend of deep, dark blues and jazzy revival soul music. The whole song contains a certain clarity of words and emotion, which enlightens us to Aretha’s pain, but also her strength. Her range is impeccable, impacting the audience to feel her struggle. These overpowering emotions and her flawless voice make “Never Loved a Man The Way I That I Love You” a timeless, transcendental ode.