Though the Detroit-raised powerhouse is known for her chart-topping hits like "Respect," "Think," and "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," true fans know there's just as much beauty in the Aretha songs with a few less spins in the jukebox.

NPR Music staff members recall their favorite Aretha Franklin deep cuts — from the lesser-known B-side tracks of the 1960s to the unexpected dance music collaborations of the '80s.

"Dr. Feelgood," Live at Fillmore West (1971)

This performance is already so sexually charged that it's almost embarrassing to listen to. In these days of sexually charged lyrics that border on the obscene, this performance from 1971 has Franklin delivering a raw sexual energy with innuendo, raised eyebrows and a knowing smile among girlfriends.

And that stop time break at the chorus? Did she just have a...?

Dr Feelgood, indeed. It still gives me chills. -- Felix Contreras

"I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" Featuring George Michael, Aretha (1986)

It is two tremendous vocalists cutting through a lot of '80s production (it came out in 1987) to make something that is, to me, still a total jam. The '80s did this to a lot of people, forcing them to tolerate shitty fake noise in the production, but when you're these two, you really can get past it. They're weirdly perfectly matched, despite having a lot of things not in common. I also like the fact that the video shows a lot of great duets: Sonny and Cher, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.. It's just super-charming.

(I will now listen to this ten times in a row.) — Linda Holmes

"First Snow In Kokomo," Young Gifted And Black (1972)

It's an art song rooted in everyday Midwestern experience, Aretha's jazz in the moment after she's reconsidering the limits of soul, and one of her most tender invitations to live in the moment with her. -- Ann Powers

"Angel," Hey Now Hey Now (The Other Side of the Sky) (1973)

Co-written by her sister Carolyn, this Quincy Jones-co-produced dip into dreamy desire defined quiet storm before anybody thought of that term. -- Ann Powers

"Wholy Holy," Amazing Grace (1972)

The album she recorded at her father's church in Los Angeles in 1972. God walked through the room that day. The audience that took musical program of traditional spirituals backed by a large choir was treated to Franklin acknowledging her roots while at the height of her formidable R&B vocal powers.

Her mix of the sacred and the secular on this album convinced me of the existence of god and I've played this album every Christmas morning ever since because of that. -- Felix Contreras

"Spirit in the Dark" Featuring Ray Charles, Live at Fillmore West (1971)

Their version of her 1970 hit "Spirit In The Dark" makes me tap my feet no matter how many times I've heard it. Rockified gospel? Gospelized rock? Whatever, it works. — Karen Grigsby Bates

"The Woman," A Rose Is Still A Rose (1998)

Written by Aretha herself, this wash of tinkly keyboards and wandering love confessions stood out on her late-1990s reckoning with hip hop, A Rose Is Still a Rose. It's the musical equivalent of your auntie cornering you at your cousin's wedding and instead of boring your socks off, sharing some wisdom you'll never forget. — Ann Powers

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