Posted by Andrew Unterberger on 03/07/2011 at 12:45 PM News

The Popdust Files: aretha franklin, r. kelly

A few weeks after receiving an all-star tribute at the Grammys and seemingly recovering from the ailment that struck her down late last year, soul immortal Aretha Franklin has announced plans for a new album, Aretha: Woman Falling Out of Love, due on May 3. What’s more, Franklin has leaked the name of one very high-profile collaborator—embattled R&B star R. Kelly, who will be lending his songwriting talents to the album.

Aretha: Woman Falling Out of Love, which will be sold exclusively at Wal-Mart, will be Franklin’s first full-length release of original material since 2003′s So Damn Happy. “It’s definitely going to take the Boomers back,” said Franklin. “But it’s also contemporary with respect to other writers and production.” The announcement of the upcoming partnership comes about two months after Franklin revealed her love of Kelly and his recent single “When a Woman Loves“—which also blends the old and new schools—to Wendy Williams. “You know, if he isn’t careful,” cautioned the 68-year-old Franklin, “I might become a cougar.” Fair warning, Kells—best to keep the love-stepping to a minimum whilst in the Queen’s proximity.