What Aretha Franklin album released in 1968 includes the hit “Chain of Fools”? The album is Lady Soul.
Atlantic Records released Lady Soul on January 22, 1968, as Aretha Franklin’s twelfth studio album. “Chain of Fools” appears among its standout tracks, alongside “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “Since You’ve Been Gone (Sweet Sweet Baby),” and “Ain’t No Way.” The album was produced by Jerry Wexler, with recording sessions held mainly in 1967.
Lady Soul captures Franklin at the height of her breakthrough period. It became her third R&B album to reach No. 1 and peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. “Chain of Fools,” released as a single before the album, reached No. 2 on the pop chart and No. 1 on the R&B chart, making it one of the record’s defining performances.
The album’s sound combines Franklin’s commanding vocals with Memphis and Atlantic studio talent. The Sweet Inspirations, including Cissy Houston, provided backing vocals on several tracks, while Eric Clapton played guitar on “Good to Me as I Am to You.” A frequent mix-up is choosing Aretha Now, which was released later in 1968; Lady Soul is the album tied to “Chain of Fools.”