"A Rose Is Still a Rose" is a song recorded by American singer Aretha Franklin. It was written and produced by singer Lauryn Hill for Franklin's album of the same name (1998). The song focused on a motherly figure giving advice to a younger woman who keeps getting into bad relationships. Throughout "A Rose Is Still a Rose", Franklin advises that in spite of everything and despite the woman's "scorned roses and thorn crowns," the woman is "still a rose". Elements of the song "What I Am" by Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians were sung throughout the song by Hill herself.
Released as the album's lead single in February 1998 by Arista, the song became a surprise hit for Franklin, 40-plus years into her career, reaching number 26 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number-five on the BillboardHot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, while also reaching the UK top 40. "A Rose Is Still a Rose" remains one of Franklin's most played songs from her later years and was her last top 40 hit. The single received nominations for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song at the 41st Annual Grammy Awards.[1] Lauryn Hill directed its music video.
Critical reception
Larry Flick from Billboard described the song as "a sleek, jeep-styled cruiser that matches her with Lauryn Hill of the Fugees," noting that "it's an absolutely electric union that results in Franklin's strongest, most instantly pop-viable single in eons. Hills dresses the track in fashionable shuffle-funk beats, a snaky bassline, and jiggly wah-wah guitars, leaving the legendary singer plenty of room to flex and vamp to maximum effect." He also added, "Kids will dig the contemporary vibe of the track (and, it is hoped, use this single as a springboard into a deeper exploration of Franklin's plush catalog), while more mature listeners will bond with the sage, almost motherly tone of the lyrics. A li'l something for everyone."[2]
Jeremy Helligar from Entertainment Weekly said that "A Rose Is Still a Rose" "doesn't match the soulful finesse of "Spanish Harlem", but when Lady Soul sings about a rose, something divine happens." He concluded, "Even after a dozen listens, the song's it's-his-problem-not-yours message doesn't lose its bloom."[3] After the passing of Franklin in 2018, Alexis Petridis from The Guardian wrote, "The late 90s attempt to give Franklin a hip-hop/neo soul-influenced makeover didn’t really work, except on the album’s Lauryn Hill-penned title track. The beat and the lyrical references to “flossin’” are contemporary, but the singer sounds unfazed, delivering a coolly controlled performance."[4]Music Week stated that the single "will produce another hit for both these accomplished musicians. The combination of Lauryn's laid-back hip hop style and Aretha's powerful voice means the track will appeal to all markets. The most contemporary track released by Aretha lately, it is now in the top five of the RM Club Chart."[5] A reviewer from People Magazine named it the best song of the album.[6]
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