US
1980- Label and catalog number
- Arista AL 9538
- Format
- LP, Album
- Runout / matrix
AL-9538-SA-RE1-CP2Side 1, etched
AL-9538-SB-1C SX BSide 2, etched
Vinyl pressings
Aretha
by Aretha Franklin · 1980
31 pressings18 countriesSoulBalladFunk / SoulPop
Aretha was first pressed on vinyl in 1980. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of Aretha
28 pressings came out in 1980, the album's first year, in 18 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
US
1980- Label and catalog number
- Arista AL 9538
- Format
- LP, Album, Stereo · 53 - Keel Press
- Runout / matrix
A-1 ᐉ AL-9538-SA STERLINGSide A Hand Etched - variant 1
A-1 ᐉ AL-9538-SB STERLINGSide B Hand Etched - variant 1
STERLINGSide B Stamped - variant 1
A-3 ᐉ AL-9538-SA STERLINGSide A Hand Etched, STERLING stamped - variant 2
US
1980- Label and catalog number
- Arista AL 9538
- Format
- LP, Album
- Runout / matrix
AL 9538 SAA side label
AL 9538 SBB side label
AL-9538-SA STERLING !LVBA side
AL-9538-SB STERLINGB side
US
1980- Label and catalog number
- Arista AL 9538
- Format
- LP, Album · Terre Haute Pressing
US
1980- Label and catalog number
- Arista AL 9538
- Format
- LP, Album · Santa Maria Pressing
- Runout / matrix
AL-9538-SA-1B [sᴛᴇʀʟɪɴɢ] A2 I SRun-out side A / etched [stamped]
AL-9538-SB-1B [sᴛᴇʀʟɪɴɢ] A3 I SRun-out side B / etched [stamped]
US
1980- Label and catalog number
- Arista AL 9538
- Format
- LP, Album · Monarch Pressing
- Runout / matrix
STERLING MR AL-9538-SA △24875 (2)Side A run-out stamp and etching
STERLING MR AL-9538-SB △24875XSide B run-out stamp and etching
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 31 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s30 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Argentina | Arista SUP - 80128First yearLP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1980 | Australia | Arista AL 9538First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Barbados | Arista AL 9538First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Brazil | Arista 203 015First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Canada | Arista AL 9538First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Canada | Arista AL 9538First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | France | Arista AL 9538First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1980 | Germany | Arista 202.850First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Greece | Arista 6483 264First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Italy | Arista ARS 39076First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Jamaica | Arista AL 9538First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Japan | Arista 25RS-108First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Japan | Arista 25RS-108First yearLP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1980 | Netherlands | Arista 202.850 / Arista 202 850First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1980 | New Zealand | Arista AL 9538First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
Year unknown1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Australia | Arista L 37433 / Arista L-37433LP, Album | LP, Album |
Tracklist
- A1Come To Me3:42
- A2Can't Turn You Loose3:55
- A3United Together5:02
- A4Take Me With You4:05
- A5Whatever It Is3:38
- B1What A Fool Believes5:12
- B2Together Again5:16
- B3Love Me Forever3:34
- B4School Days4:58
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Aretha are there?
31 vinyl pressings of Aretha are listed here, from 18 countries.
When was Aretha first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in US, UK, Australia, Barbados and more. One of them is Arista AL 9538.
How do I tell if my copy of Aretha is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use AL 9538, ALDJ 9538, SPART 1147, 203 015) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AL-9538-SA-RE1-CP2 and AL-9538-SB-1C SX B. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Aretha on vinyl worth?
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
