Aretha Franklin tops female-friendly album poll

Queen of soul ARETHA FRANKLIN's I NEVER LOVED A MAN THE WAY I LOVED YOU has topped a new poll to find the greatest albums released by female artists.

The singer's 1967 breakthrough beat out challenges from Joni Mitchell's Blue and Dusty in Memphis by Dusty Springfield to claim the prime spot in Rolling Stone magazine's new countdown.

Fleetwood Mac's Rumors, featuring the talents of Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie, also made the top five, as did Patti Smith's Horses.

The top 10 list is:

1. I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You by Aretha Franklin

2. Blue by Joni Mitchell

3. Dusty in Memphis by Dusty Springfield

4. Rumors by Fleetwood Mac

5. Horses by Patti Smith

6. 21 by Adele

7. Under Construction by Missy Elliott

8. Parallel Lines by Blondie

9. Anthology by The Supremes

10. The Singles by Bikini Kill