Grace was recorded in a large Baptist church with an ultraenthusiastic, loving audience in the pews and a full, funky, band as well as the Southern California Community Choir under the direction of Franklin's mentor Rev. James Cleveland.

Franklin's voice is melismatic and intensely emotional, yet pure and controlled--as if she were directly channeling the Holy Ghost.

Aretha Franklin's father, the brilliant preacher Rev. C.L. Franklin, makes a brief, proud appearance, remarking how "she has never left the church!"

Highlights include the beautiful "Wholy Holy," an 11-minute, heart-stopping "Amazing Grace," and Inez Andrews's stirring song "Mary, Don't You Weep." Way more than a return-to-the-roots record, the set is an inspired gospel-soul workout that arguably showcases Franklin's strongest singing ever. --Mike McGonigal