re: NPR's Top 150 Albums by Women

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So you think Whitney Houston, The Supremes, Selena, The Ronettes, and Aretha Franklin had more to do with the song writing process than Beyonce?

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Beyonce's album is lauded as artistic genius by critics and fans. The value and quality of songwriting is often diminished by the involvement of more and more individuals. It's one of the many reasons why singer-songwriters are much more respected than pop artists (i.e., they write their own lyrics and arrangements).

In my opinion, the praise heaped on Aretha Franklin's work has less to do with the brilliance of her compositions. Instead, it is based more on her vocal performance and the musical accompaniment of the Muscles Shoals session musicians.

Of the 12 tracks on Lemonade only two have less than five writers credited. Aretha's I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You only has more than two writers on one song. Yes, most of the album is comprised of covers, but that was par for the course in the world of soul and blues during that period.

I didn't say shite about any of those other artists you referenced. Again, I've never heard any of them praised for their artistic creativity and writing. There are people who legitimately think that Beyonce is a musical genius. It is for that reason why I cited all of the producers responsible for her latest "hit" record.

Also, anyone with a functioning pair of ears will say that regardless of songwriting involvement, Whitney Houston was the greater talent.