ARETHA FRANKLIN: A Brand New Me (Rhino)

WITH concerns over her health after cancelled shows in the summer, this orchestral revamp is a timely reminder of Aretha Franklin’s soul genius. Like Elvis Presley’s If I Can Dream compilation, it pairs her original vocals with fresh arrangements by The Royal Philharmonic. It’s difficult to add to the brilliance of early hits like I Say A Little Prayer, but the renovations are a more natural fit on Seventies pop covers such as Let It Be.