Aretha Franklin sings "Bridge Over Troubled Water"

We're coming up on blues melody day in aural skills class. I always like to do some close listening to Aretha Franklin for that session, especially her version of "Bridge Over Troubled Water." I hadn't previously done any analysis of it; we just listen and let it speak for itself. But I thought, this semester, I want to be more ambitious and get into the details.

First, let's refresh your memory of the original Simon and Garfunkel recording, released in 1970.

I don't love the production and arrangement. The Phil-Spector-esque reverb and schmaltzy strings get on my nerves. That's okay, the song cuts through.