Aretha Franklin's 'Sparkle' soundtrack is a neglected classic
NPR • • entertainment
Key Points:
- The 1976 film Sparkle, inspired by The Supremes, chronicles the challenges of a 1960s soul-singing trio and marked the debut of Irene Cara, later famous for Fame.
- While the movie had modest success, its standout feature is Curtis Mayfield's music performed passionately by Aretha Franklin, especially the ballad "Look into Your Heart."
- The album's highlight is "Hooked on Your Love," showcasing Franklin's dynamic vocal range from smooth melodies to intense gospel-rooted expressions of love addiction.
- The single "Something He Can Feel" topped the R&B charts but had limited pop success, reflecting the album's overall underrated status despite its artistic depth.
- Sparkle gained a cult following influencing later works like Dreamgirls and was remade in 2012, but the Franklin-Mayfield collaboration remains a significant, underappreciated contribution to pop music history.
