On this day July 9, 1985, Aretha Franklin released her thirtieth studio album Who’s Zoomin Who, a vibrant and modern record that brought the Queen of Soul into the heart of the 1980s pop and R and B scene. With updated production from Narada Michael Walden and a guest appearance by the Eurythmics, the album successfully bridged generations and introduced Franklin to a new wave of fans.
Featuring hits like Freeway of Love, Sisters Are Doin It for Themselves, and the title track Who’s Zoomin Who, the album blended energetic rhythms, synthesizers, and powerful vocals. It became one of Franklin’s most commercially successful releases of the decade, earning critical acclaim and reaffirming her relevance in a rapidly changing musical landscape. The album peaked at number 13 on the US Billboard 200 chart.
Revisit the album in our Who’s Zoomin Who thread.
80s insight: Who’s Zoomin Who reminded the world that Aretha Franklin could adapt to any era without ever losing her voice or her crown.
Featuring hits like Freeway of Love, Sisters Are Doin It for Themselves, and the title track Who’s Zoomin Who, the album blended energetic rhythms, synthesizers, and powerful vocals. It became one of Franklin’s most commercially successful releases of the decade, earning critical acclaim and reaffirming her relevance in a rapidly changing musical landscape. The album peaked at number 13 on the US Billboard 200 chart.
Revisit the album in our Who’s Zoomin Who thread.
80s insight: Who’s Zoomin Who reminded the world that Aretha Franklin could adapt to any era without ever losing her voice or her crown.
