[9][10] However, as the sessions evolved, Franklin and Jones began embracing and incorporating pop, soul, and funk.

2021's ARETHA compilation included an additional 2 unreleased recordings from the sessions, an alternate take of "Somewhere" and the work tape of "Angel".

Rolling Stone praised Aretha's singing and certain moments but criticized Jones' productions and called the Aretha-written compositions as underdeveloped, anemic, and not measuring up to the standards she'd set for herself previously.

[14] Jazz Digest criticized the album's cover, but said that "Ms. Franklin is cooking her tail off here!"

Ebony called the album "a very mixed bag," but noted that "Angel" "presents Aretha at her best[16]."