IT is not a given that everything Aretha sings turns to gold – far from it.

Her last studio album A Woman Falling Out Of Love was exclusively available from American branches of Walmart, making it rather difficult for UK fans to track down. Those undeterred by such distribution issues were ultimately solely disappointed with the finished set.

However, now reunited with her former mentor, Clive Davis, the quality of her new material simply cannot be disputed. Actually, Franklin steps into territory that should be avoided by all, except the supremely brave and uniquely gifted. Hence Franklin covers the absolute classic songs of the Great Gospel Divas.

Actually, despite the last album or so, Franklin does have the class, pedigree and skill to cover anything she wants, but even she must have had some concerns about tackling the ultimate signature songs of many of her contemporaries, all of whom she must have personally known over the years.

It must have been strange singing Midnight Train To Georgia, knowing Gladys Knight has included this song in her set every night for the past 40-odd years. Likewise, the same thoughts must have crossed Franklin getting down and dirty on Diana Ross’s You Keep Me Hanging On and Chaka Khan’s I’m Every Woman, albeit a mash-up with Aretha’s own R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

This treatment is also given to I Will Survive with the added thrill of Destiny Child’s I’m A Survivor, but the high point is a thumping Southern Gospel revamp of Adele’s Rolling In The Deep. which is stupendously divine. Without wishing one’s life away, Volume 2 is greatly anticipated.