Al Green | ||
| Allmusic Biography : Al Green was the first great soul singer of the 70s and arguably the last great Southern soul singer. With his seductive singles for Hi Records in the early 70s, Green bridged the gap between deep soul and smooth Philadelphia soul. He incorporated elements of gospel, interjecting his performances with wild moans and wails, but his records were stylish, boasting immaculate productions that rolled along with a tight beat, sexy backing vocals, and lush strings. The distinctive Hi Records sound that the vocalist and producer Willie Mitchell developed made Al Green the most popular and influential soul singer of the early 70s, influencing not only his contemporaries, but also veterans like Marvin Gaye. Green was at the peak of his popularity when he suddenly decided to join the ministry in the mid-70s. At first, he continued to record secular material, but by the 80s, he was concentrating solely on gospel. During the late 80s and 90s, he occasionally returned to R&B;, but he remained primarily a religious performer for the rest of his career. Nevertheless, Greens classic early- 70s recordings retained their power and influence throughout the decades, setting the standard for smooth soul. Green was born in Forrest City, AR, where he formed a gospel quartet, the Green Brothers, at the age of nine. The group toured throughout the South in the mid-50s, before the family relocated to Grand Rapids, MI. The Green Brothers continued to perform in Grand Rapids, but Als father kicked the boy out of the group after he caught his son listening to Jackie Wilson. At the age of 16, Al formed an R&B; group, Al Green & the Creations, with several of his high-school friends. Two Creation members, Curtis Rogers and Palmer James, founded their own independent record company, Hot Line Music Journal, and had the group record for the label. By that time, the Creations had been re-named the Soul Mates. The groups first single, "Back Up Train," became a surprise hit, climbing to number five on the R&B; charts early in 1968. The Soul Mates attempted to record another hit, but all of their subsequent singles failed to find an audience. In 1969, Al Green met bandleader and Hi Records vice president Willie Mitchell while on tour in Midland, Texas. Impressed with Greens voice, he signed the singer to Hi Records, and began collaborating with Al on his debut album. Released in early 1970, Greens debut album, Green Is Blues, showcased the signature sound he and Mitchell devised -- a sinewy, sexy groove highlighted by horn punctuations and string beds that let Green showcase his remarkable falsetto. While the album didnt spawn any hit singles, it was well-received and set the stage for the breakthrough success of his second album. Al Green Gets Next to You (1970) launched his first hit single, "Tired of Being Alone," which began a streak of four straight gold singles. Lets Stay Together (1972) was his first genuine hit album, climbing to number eight on the pop charts; its title track became his first number one single. Im Still in Love With You, which followed only a few months later, was an even greater success, peaking at number four and launching the hits "Look What You Done for Me" and "Im Still in Love With You." By the release of 1973s Call Me, Green was known as both a hitmaker and an artist who released consistently engaging, frequently excellent, critically-acclaimed albums. His hits continued uninterrupted through the next two years, with "Call Me," "Here I Am," and "Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy)" all becoming Top Ten gold singles. At the height of his popularity, Greens former girlfriend, Mrs. Mary Woodson, broke into his Memphis home in October 1974 and poured boiling grits on the singer as he was bathing, inflicting second-degree burns on his back, stomach, and arm; after assaulting Green, she killed herself with his gun. Green interpreted the violent incident as a sign from God that he should enter the ministry. By 1976, he had bought a church in Memphis and had become an ordained pastor of the Full Gospel Tabernacle. Though he had begun to seriously pursue religion, he had not given up singing R&B; and he released three other Mitchell-produced albums -- Al Green Is Love (1975), Full of Fire (1976), Have a Good Time (1976) -- after the incident. However, his albums began to sound formulaic, and his sales started to slip by the end of 1976, with disco cutting heavily into his audience. In order to break free from his slump, Green stopped working with Willie Mitchell in 1977 and built his own studio, American Music, where he intended to produce his own records. The first album he made at American Music was The Belle Album, an intimate record that was critically acclaimed but failed to win a crossover audience. Truth and Time (1978) failed to even generate a major R&B; hit. During a concert in Cincinnati in 1979, Green fell off the stage and nearly injured himself seriously. Interpreting the accident as a sign from God, Green retired from performing secular music and devoted himself to preaching. Throughout the 80s, he released a series of gospel albums on Myrrh Records. In 1982, Green appeared in the gospel musical Your Arms Too Short to Box With God with Patti Labelle. In 1985, he reunited with Willie Mitchell for He Is the Light, his first album for A&M; Records. Green tentatively returned to R&B; in 1988 when he sang "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" with Annie Lennox for the Bill Murray comedy Scrooged. Four years later, he recorded his first full-fledged soul album since 1978 with the U.K.-only Dont Look Back. Al Green was inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. That same year, he released Your Hearts in Good Hands, an urban contemporary record that represented his first secular album to be released in America since Truth and Time. Though the album received positive reviews, it failed to become a hit. Green did achieve widespread recognition eight years later with his first album for Blue Note, I Cant Stop. One and a half years later, he followed it with Everythings OK. His third Blue Note album, 2008s Lay It Down, featured an updated sound that still echoed the feel of his classic earlier soul style. | ||
 | Album: 1 of 42 Title: Cover Me Green Released: 0199 Tracks: 15 Duration: 52:42 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 I Want to Hold Your Hand (02:23) 2 My Girl (02:56) 3 The Letter (02:29) 4 Light My Fire (03:56) 5 I Say a Little Prayer (02:13) 6 Summertime (03:01) 7 Get Back (02:20) 8 For the Good Times (06:31) 9 Oh Pretty Woman (03:24) 10 Im So Lonesome I Could Cry (03:13) 11 Lean on Me (02:12) 12 Unchained Melody (05:39) 13 Aint No Mountain High Enough (02:24) 14 People Get Ready (06:27) 15 Amazing Grace (03:33) |
 | Album: 2 of 42 Title: Back Up Train Released: 1967 Tracks: 13 Duration: 30:53 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Back Up Train (02:20) 2 Hot Wire (02:56) 3 Stop & Check Myself (01:43) 4 Let Me Help You (01:47) 5 Im Reachin Out (02:44) 6 Dont Hurt Me No More (02:18) 7 Dont Leave Me (02:19) 8 Ill Be Good to You (02:15) 9 Guilty (02:58) 10 Thats All It Takes (Lady) (02:21) 11 Get Yourself Together (02:28) 12 Whats It All About (01:58) 13 A Lovers Hideaway (02:40) |
| Back Up Train : Allmusic album Review : Nearly forgotten by all but serious soul fans, Back Up Train is Al Greens debut. Released in 1967, when he was still billed as "Al Greene" and before he worked with producer Willie Mitchell, the record is a perfectly serviceable slice of slightly sweet period soul -- perhaps a little generic, but never less than pleasant. Much of the record was either written or co-written by the albums producers, Palmer E. James and Curtis Rodgers, who were not just part of Hot Line Records, but in the Creations, Greens previous backing band. Though theyre fine as producers, they didnt have strong material as songwriters, never producing something as limber and memorable as Greens lone songwriting credit, "Stop and Check Myself." Musically, this number, along with a few other cuts, suggest the tight, sexy sound of his seminal Hi albums, but theyre nowhere near as seductive as those slow grooves, nor are they as effortless. Still, its possible to hear their roots throughout the record. Greens voice, while not as smooth as it would be just a few years later, shows enormous talent, hes equally comfortable with ballads and funky workouts, and the production, while dated, is quite appealing in how it falls somewhere between the grit of Memphis and the sweetness of Chicago soul. Back Up Train is good enough that if Green hadnt gone on to greater work, this would be the kind of record soul fanatics would treasure and trade, speculating on what might have happened if Green had been given another shot. Of course, Green went on to bigger, better things, and this stands as no more than a footnote to his career, but its an interesting, enjoyable footnote all the same. | ||
 | Album: 3 of 42 Title: Green Is Blues Released: 1969-04-15 Tracks: 15 Duration: 00:00 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 One Woman (?) 2 Talk to Me (?) 3 My Girl (?) 4 The Letter (?) 5 I Stand Acused (?) 6 Gotta Find a New World (?) 7 What Am I Gonna Do With Myself? (?) 8 Tomorrows Dream (?) 9 Get Back Baby (?) 10 Get Back (?) 11 Summertime (?) 12 I Want to Hold Your Hand (?) 13 Nothing Impossible With Love (?) 14 Baby, Whats Wrong With You (?) 15 Memphis Tennessee (?) |
| Green Is Blues : Allmusic album Review : The first album linking the soul-singing greatness of Al Green with the production brilliance and expertise of Willie Mitchell. The results were mutually beneficial; Green got the great production, arrangements, and backing from the Hi Rhythm section that often turned good songs into classics, and he sang with the conviction and talent that provided the final component in an artistically and commercially satisfying union. | ||
 | Album: 4 of 42 Title: Al Green Gets Next to You Released: 1971-08-14 Tracks: 10 Duration: 32:59 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 I Can’t Get Next to You (03:47) 2 Are You Lonely for Me Baby (03:58) 3 God Is Standing By (03:14) 4 Tired of Being Alone (02:50) 5 I’m a Ram (03:47) 6 Driving Wheel (02:59) 7 Light My Fire (03:55) 8 You Say It (02:52) 9 Right Now, Right Now (02:52) 10 All Because (02:45) |
| Al Green Gets Next to You : Allmusic album Review : After the shaky start of Green Is Blues, Al Green and producer Willie Mitchell established their classic sound with Greens second album, Gets Next to You. The main difference is in the rhythm section. Abandoning the gritty syncopations of deep Southern soul, the Hi Rhythm Section plays it slow and seductive, working a sultry, steady pulse that Green exploits with his remarkable voice. Alternating between Sam Cookes croon and Otis Reddings shout, Green develops his own distinctive style, and Gets Next to You only touches the surface of its depth. Although the album is filled with wonderful moments, few are as astonishing as Green and Mitchells reinterpretation of the Temptations "I Cant Get Next to You," which turns the original inside out. | ||
 | Album: 5 of 42 Title: Let’s Stay Together Released: 1972-01-31 Tracks: 11 Duration: 41:22 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Let’s Stay Together (03:17) 2 La-La for You (03:31) 3 So You’re Leaving (02:57) 4 What Is This Feeling (03:42) 5 Old Time Lovin’ (03:19) 6 I’ve Never Found a Girl (03:40) 7 How Can You Mend a Broken Heart (06:21) 8 Judy (03:47) 9 It Ain’t No Fun to Me (03:23) 10 Eli’s Game (04:55) 11 Listen (02:28) |
| Let’s Stay Together : Allmusic album Review : Prior to this album, Al Green never had a number one song. The title track, "Lets Stay Together," achieved that status and held it for nine consecutive weeks. Greens ingenuity produced one of the all-time classics, which has the bounce of a dance cut and the passion of a ballad. The dynamic soul singers whispers, animated cries, and riffing enhance his already stirring delivery. This album was sold on the strength of the title track as there were no other selections to grace the Billboard charts. However, this album includes the timeless gem "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart" and lesser-known beauties like the exulting "Judy," the cookin testimonial "I Never Found a Girl," and the soothing blues effort "It Aint No Fun to Me." The Arkansas native and his creative partner Willie Mitchell season these selections with lucid rhythm arrangements complemented by the faint strums of a guitar and brawn, unchiding horns. | ||
 | Album: 6 of 42 Title: I’m Still in Love With You Released: 1972-10-23 Tracks: 9 Duration: 35:16 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 I’m Still in Love With You (03:13) 2 I’m Glad You’re Mine (02:56) 3 Love and Happiness (05:07) 4 What a Wonderful Thing Love Is (03:37) 5 Simply Beautiful (04:11) 6 Oh, Pretty Woman (03:21) 7 For the Good Times (06:27) 8 Look What You Done for Me (03:06) 9 One of These Good Old Days (03:15) |
| I’m Still in Love With You : Allmusic album Review : Im Still in Love With You shares many surface similarities with its predecessor, Lets Stay Together; from Al Green and Willie Mitchells distinctive, sexy style to the pacing and song selection. Despite those shared traits, Im Still in Love With You distinguishes itself with its suave, romantic tone and its subtly ambitious choice of material. Green began exploring country music with this album by performing a startling version of Kris Kristoffersons "For the Good Times," as well as a wonderful, slow reinterpretation of Roy Orbisons "Oh Pretty Woman." And the soul numbers are more complex than they would appear -- listen to how the beat falls together at the beginning of "Love and Happiness," or the sly melody of the title track. There isnt a wasted track on Im Still in Love With You, and in many ways it rivals its follow-up, Call Me, as Greens masterpiece. | ||
 | Album: 7 of 42 Title: Call Me Released: 1973-07-18 Tracks: 9 Duration: 35:30 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Call Me (Come Back Home) (03:05) 2 Have You Been Making Out O.K. (03:46) 3 Stand Up (03:28) 4 Im So Lonesome I Could Cry (03:13) 5 Your Love Is Like the Morning Sun (03:11) 6 Here I Am (Come and Take Me) (04:15) 7 Funny How Time Slips Away (05:35) 8 You Ought to Be With Me (03:19) 9 Jesus Is Waiting (05:37) |
| Call Me : Allmusic album Review : Al Green reached his creative peak with the brilliant Call Me, the most inventive and assured album of his career. So silky and fluid as to sound almost effortless, Greens vocals revel in the lush strings and evocative horns of Willie Mitchells superbly intimate production, barely rising above an angelic whisper for the gossamer "Have You Been Making Out O.K.." With barely perceptible changes in mood, Call Me covers remarkable ground, spanning from "Stand Up" -- a call to arms delivered with characteristic understatement -- to renditions of Hank Williams "Im So Lonesome I Could Cry" and Willie Nelsons "Funny How Time Slips Away," both of them exemplary fusions of country and soul. Equally compelling are the albums three Top Ten hits -- "You Ought to Be With Me," "Here I Am (Come and Take Me)," and the shimmering title cut. A classic. | ||
 | Album: 8 of 42 Title: Livin for You Released: 1973-12-06 Tracks: 9 Duration: 39:13 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Livin’ for You (03:11) 2 Home Again (03:59) 3 Free at Last (03:29) 4 Let’s Get Married (05:35) 5 So Good to Be Here (02:47) 6 Sweet Sixteen (03:29) 7 Unchained Melody (05:36) 8 My God Is Real (02:46) 9 Beware (08:20) |
| Livin' for You : Allmusic album Review : Starting in 1971 with Al Green Gets Next to You, Al Green albums became necessities. Livin for You is Greens sixth album, and the fourth to be certified gold. (Its predecessor, the classic Call Me, was still on the charts when this was released.) Each of Greens albums with Willie Mitchell are singular, with their own distinct style, and Livin for You is no exception. It takes a more relaxed approach and offers some of his best ballads; the title track is Green at his most engaging, even when he sang potentially mood-interrupting lines like "Im tired of your bright ideas about leaving me." "Home Again" and "So Good to Be Here" are romantic if not hypnotic, offering subtle drumming, economical keyboards, and gentle vocals. The biggest track here, the proficient and smooth "Lets Get Married," has Green being a little wishy-washy as he sings, "I didnt mean to say all the things I said/The way I felt in my heart it came out that way." Although the originals here rank with his best, Green also did good cover work too. The often useless "Unchained Melody" shows up and benefits from Greens methodical delivery. In many ways, Livin for You is the perfect, intimate album for his fans. | ||
 | Album: 9 of 42 Title: Explores Your Mind Released: 1974-10-02 Tracks: 9 Duration: 30:36 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Sha‐La‐La (Make Me Happy) (02:59) 2 Take Me to the River (03:44) 3 God Blessed Our Love (03:56) 4 The City (03:24) 5 One Nite Stand (02:25) 6 I’m Hooked on You (03:21) 7 Stay With Me Forever (03:14) 8 Hangin’ On (04:20) 9 School Days (03:11) |
| Explores Your Mind : Allmusic album Review : By the time of 1974s Al Green Explores Your Mind, this version of the Memphis sound was the production style for only a handful of artists. Producer Willie Mitchell used a lighter touch for his most famous artist, and its all but crafted into the Al Green sound. Despite his skills, Green never falls into mannerism here and gives heartfelt and cogent vocals rooted in intelligence and technique. "Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy)," although lyrically slight, has the artists charisma and Mitchells pop chops. "Take Me to the River," with perfect backing from Hi Rhythm and a horn and string arrangement, finds Green at his most persuasive. The last track, "School Days," has Green longing for a school girlfriend and despite the potentially sappy sentiment, it works like a charm. The greatness of Al Green Explores Your Mind comes from a collective effort, including James Mitchells dreamlike string arrangements and the always skilled backing vocals of Rhodes, Chalmers & Rhodes. But the biggest draw here is Greens phrasing and intimate vocals, making the record an extremely strong effort. | ||
 | Album: 10 of 42 Title: Al Green Is Love Released: 1975 Tracks: 10 Duration: 41:36 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 L-O-V-E (Love) (03:06) 2 Rhymes (03:35) 3 The Love Sermon (06:38) 4 There Is Love (03:05) 5 Could I Be The One (04:08) 6 Love Ritual (04:21) 7 I Didnt Know (07:48) 8 Oh Me, Oh My (Dreams In My Arms) (02:47) 9 I Gotta Be More (02:46) 10 I Wish You Were Here (03:20) |
| Al Green Is Love : Allmusic album Review : In a short time, Al Green became a premier singer in R&B and pop. With songs like "Look What Youve Done for Me" and "Here I Am (Come and Take Me)," among many others, Green and producer Willie Mitchell refined the sounds of each genre. As Al Green Explores Your Mind was the peak of Greens insouciance, Al Green Is Love finds a starker reality -- the majority of the tracks here are ruminative but not always coherent. The first track, the propulsive "L-O-V-E (Love)," would be even more believable if Green didnt sound so ambivalent. Other up-tempo tracks, "I Gotta Be More" and "Rhymes," are edgy and dark, with great riffs from guitarist Mabon Hodges. The heart of Al Green Is Love is the ballads, though Greens not very happy, and those looking for heartwarming thoughts on romance wont find it here. "The Love Sermon" and, even better, "I Didnt Know" are spare, dirge-like songs that give Green great opportunities to turn in raw and emotional performances. "I Wish You Were Here" and "Could I Be the One" have producer Willie Mitchell offering suitably bleak arrangements to go with Greens airy vocals. The best track here, "There Is Love," strikes a balance between the customary production grace and the albums pervading sorrow. Al Green Is Love might be too depressing for some, but his fans will find Greens truthfulness appealing and some of the songs among his best. | ||
 | Album: 11 of 42 Title: Greatest Hits Released: 1975 Tracks: 10 Duration: 37:59 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Tired of Being Alone (02:50) 2 Call Me (Come Back Home) (03:03) 3 I’m Still in Love With You (03:13) 4 Here I Am (Come and Take Me) (03:10) 5 How Can You Mend a Broken Heart (06:21) 6 Let’s Stay Together (04:46) 7 I Can’t Get Next to You (03:47) 8 You Ought to Be With Me (03:19) 9 Look What You Done for Me (03:06) 10 Let’s Get Married (04:20) |
| Greatest Hits : Allmusic album Review : Upon its original release in 1975, Al Greens Greatest Hits pretty much summed up everything about Green, containing his ten biggest hits up to that point. A few years later, it was followed by a second volume, which contained hit singles that had charted since the release of the first collection. In 1995, The Right Stuff reissued Al Greens Greatest Hits, adding five of the highlights from the second volume of greatest hits as bonus tracks. The result was a definitive single-disc compilation, featuring 15 of Greens absolute best songs, including "Tired of Being Alone," "Lets Stay Together," "Im Still in Love With You," "Call Me," "Here I Am," "Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy)," and "L-O-V-E (Love)." The original version of Greatest Hits was great, but the revision made it nearly perfect. | ||
 | Album: 12 of 42 Title: Have a Good Time Released: 1976 Tracks: 9 Duration: 30:10 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Keep Me Crying (03:08) 2 Smile a Little Bit More (02:53) 3 I Tried to Tell Myself (03:28) 4 Something (04:24) 5 The Truth Marches On (02:42) 6 Have a Good Time (03:38) 7 Nothing Takes the Place of You (04:39) 8 Happy (02:40) 9 Hold on Forever (02:38) |
| Have a Good Time : Allmusic album Review : The final offering from the magical collaboration between Al Green and producer Willie Mitchell, Have a Good Time found the dynamic duo in the midst of a creative crossroads. Green had just purchased a church and was looking to pour his energies into his congregation and his newly appointed title of Reverend. While the message and tones of religion arent as obvious on Have a Good Time as they were on Full of Fire, they still do make appearances here and there. But it wasnt just a change in Greens life that made Have a Good Time so distinct from the earlier classics; it was also the changing shift in cultural tastes (thanks in no small part to the emergence of disco to the forefront of Americas collective dance consciousness). With style shifts and members of a once solid backing band going their own way, the writing on the wall couldnt have been any clearer to both Green and Mitchell. With Have a Good Time they recapture moments of classic collaboration, the wonderful "Nothing Takes the Place of You" being the prime example of how good the two could be when they were in sync. | ||
 | Album: 13 of 42 Title: Full of Fire Released: 1976 Tracks: 9 Duration: 35:03 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Glory, Glory (02:49) 2 Thats the Way It Is (03:43) 3 Always (03:23) 4 Theres No Way (03:33) 5 Id Fly Away (04:14) 6 Full of Fire (05:15) 7 Together Again (05:20) 8 Soon as I Get Home (03:28) 9 Let It Shine (03:15) |
| Full of Fire : Allmusic album Review : Full of Fire is the second to last 70s effort that Al Green co-produced with Willie Mitchell. While much of Greens previous work (Im Still in Love With You, Call Me, Al Green Explores Your Mind) spotlighted Greens skill at doing songs filled with romance and longing, on Full of Fire hes more concerned with his burgeoning religious nature. Although that may seem slightly boring, the album is better structured and, as a whole, comes off even better than Al Green Is Love. The first track, "Glory, Glory," sneaks in religion so deftly that even Willie Mitchell probably didnt even get it until the track was done. One of the few romantic tracks, the sweet and old-fashioned "Always," has him coming in soft with much charm. "Id Fly Away" and "Soon as I Get Home" both have Green fantasizing about heaven, but theyre both spacey rather than morbid. The last track, the hard-edged "Let It Shine" is enlivened by Howard Grimes patently surprising drumming. Although Green isnt always all there on Full of Fire, his co-production with Mitchell and the playing of Hi Rhythm makes this an essential offering. | ||
 | Album: 14 of 42 Title: The Belle Album Released: 1977-12-06 Tracks: 8 Duration: 39:37 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Belle (04:51) 2 Loving You (03:34) 3 Feels Like Summer (03:43) 4 Georgia Boy (07:03) 5 I Feel Good (05:21) 6 All n All (03:40) 7 Chariots of Fire (03:51) 8 Dream (07:30) |
| The Belle Album : Allmusic album Review : Al Green severed his ties with longtime producer Willie Mitchell in 1977, establishing his own backup band and seizing the production reins. But he hadnt yet made the final break with soul; this was the last secular work he would make for many years, and it was brilliant, even though it didnt come close to equaling his previous commercial heights. In retrospect, many just didnt understand where he was going, while others were turned off by the blurred lyrical focus of songs like "Belle." But "I Feel Good" had as much danceable energy and soulful fire as any Green up-tempo tune, and "Lovin You" and "Dream" were sorely underrated compositions. | ||
 | Album: 15 of 42 Title: Truth N Time Released: 1978 Tracks: 8 Duration: 26:43 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Blow Me Down (03:08) 2 Lo and Behold (03:13) 3 Wait Here (02:44) 4 To Sir With Love (04:08) 5 Truth N Time (03:41) 6 King of All (02:22) 7 I Say a Little Prayer (02:12) 8 Happy Days (05:10) |
| Truth N' Time : Allmusic album Review : Returning to the formula of his classic Hi albums, Al Green assembled a fine collection of originals and covers for Truth N Time. Although Green is in good voice, and his version of "Say a Little Prayer" is impressive, the album feels a bit like a holding pattern, simply repeating ideas that were more fruitful the first time around. Given the generally listless nature of Truth N Time, and the way Green sounds vaguely uninterested in the material, its not a surprise that it was his last secular record for a very long time. | ||
 | Album: 16 of 42 Title: Higher Plane Released: 1981 Tracks: 8 Duration: 36:31 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 Higher Plane (03:31) 2 People Get Ready (06:21) 3 By My Side (04:20) 4 On and On (05:27) 5 Where Love Rules (05:15) 6 Amazing Grace (03:33) 7 His Name Is Jesus (05:30) 8 Battle Hymn of the Republic (02:32) |
 | Album: 17 of 42 Title: He Is the Light Released: 1985 Tracks: 9 Duration: 35:11 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Going Away (03:38) 2 True Love (04:31) 3 He Is the Light (03:24) 4 I Feel Like Going On (03:13) 5 Be With Me Jesus (02:54) 6 You Brought the Sunshine (05:10) 7 Power (05:21) 8 Building Up (03:10) 9 Nearer My God to Thee (03:46) |
| He Is the Light : Allmusic album Review : Al Green suffered a slight lull in his gospel career with 1984s Trust in God. As a response, he reunited with producer Willie Mitchell, who admittedly preferred the secular to the gospel. At this point, Green was unwavering in his faith and presents a challenge for He Is the Light. "Going Away" and "True Love" are great updates of the classic 1971-1976 sound with Greens dulcet, anxious vocals above an updated version of the sound that made him famous. The cover of "Be With Me Jesus" has Green in a playful mood despite the dire lyrics, and shows how Mitchell could coax vocals from Green no one else could. To Mitchells credit, this album not only embraced Greens pop/gospel but also the newer sounds and styles Green had been working on in the 80s. The cover of the Clark Sisters "You Brought the Sunshine" features adroit synth work and fun vocals. On the flip side, "Power," "Building Up," and "Nearer My God to Thee" are too cautious and quite boring. While He Is the Light finds Green in better voice than his last 70s efforts with Mitchell, it still has weak spots that prevent it from being a resounding success. | ||
 | Album: 18 of 42 Title: Call Me / Livin’ for You Released: 1986 Tracks: 18 Duration: 1:14:44 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Call Me (03:06) 2 Have You Been Making Out O.K. (03:46) 3 Stand Up (03:28) 4 I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry (03:13) 5 Your Love Is Like the Morning Sun (03:12) 6 Here I Am (Come and Take Me) (04:15) 7 Funny How Time Slips Away (05:35) 8 You Ought to Be With Me (03:19) 9 Jesus Is Waiting (05:37) 10 Livin’ for You (03:11) 11 Home Again (03:59) 12 Free at Last (03:29) 13 Let’s Get Married (05:35) 14 So Good to Be Here (02:47) 15 Sweet Sixteen (03:29) 16 Unchained Melody (05:36) 17 My God Is Real (02:46) 18 Beware (08:19) |
 | Album: 19 of 42 Title: Lets Stay Together / Im Still in Love With You Released: 1986 Tracks: 18 Duration: 1:08:59 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Let’s Stay Together (03:17) 2 La-La for You (03:29) 3 So Youre Leaving (02:54) 4 What Is This Feeling (03:40) 5 Old Time Lovin (03:16) 6 Ive Never Found a Girl (Who Loves Me Like You Do) (03:37) 7 How Can You Mend a Broken Heart (06:21) 8 Judy (03:43) 9 It Aint No Fun to Me (03:25) 10 I’m Still in Love With You (03:13) 11 I’m Glad You’re Mine (02:56) 12 Love and Happiness (05:07) 13 What a Wonderful Thing Love Is (03:37) 14 Simply Beautiful (04:11) 15 Oh, Pretty Woman (03:21) 16 For the Good Times (06:27) 17 Look What You Done for Me (03:06) 18 One of These Good Old Days (03:15) |
| Let's Stay Together / I'm Still in Love With You : Allmusic album Review : In the early days of the CD age, Motown released an astonishing number of CDs, including a whole line of single-disc sets that contained two original records on one CD. Motowns initial CD two-fers were criticized in many quarters for shoddy, unattractive packaging and indifferent remastering, but less discriminating consumers found them perfectly acceptable, since they offered a lot of music at a reasonable price. By the mid-90s, Motown eventually phased these discs out of print, replacing them with remastered individual discs, but some of the records never were re-released on CD, which made this series valuable for Motown collectors. By the early 80s, Motown had acquired the rights to Hi Records, which meant they were able to release Al Greens Lets Stay Together and Im Still in Love with You on one CD. Since both albums share a similar mood, they make for an excellent two-fer. The Right Stuff later issued these albums individually with better packaging and sound, yet this remains a good bargain. | ||
 | Album: 20 of 42 Title: White Christmas Released: 1986 Tracks: 13 Duration: 40:30 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 White Christmas (02:36) 2 Christmas Song (03:29) 3 Winter Wonderland (02:08) 4 Ill Be Home for Christmas (03:15) 5 Jingle Bells (02:00) 6 What Christmas Means to Me (03:45) 7 Oh Holy Night (03:42) 8 Silent Night (03:19) 9 Christmas Song (03:29) 10 My God Is Real (02:46) 11 Glory Glory (02:46) 12 God Is Standing By (03:14) 13 God Blessed Our Love (03:55) |
 | Album: 21 of 42 Title: Al Green Is Love / Full of Fire Released: 1986 Tracks: 19 Duration: 1:10:50 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 L-O-V-E (Love) (03:03) 2 Rhymes (03:24) 3 The Love Sermon (04:14) 4 There Is Love (03:08) 5 Could I Be the One (04:04) 6 Love Ritual (04:02) 7 I Didnt Know (05:43) 8 Oh Me, Oh My (Dreams in My Arms) (02:49) 9 I Gotta Be More (Take Me Higher) (02:47) 10 I Wish You Were Here (03:19) 11 Glory, Glory (02:43) 12 Thats the Way It Is (03:23) 13 Always (03:17) 14 Theres No Way (03:25) 15 Id Fly Away (04:02) 16 Full of Fire (05:15) 17 Together Again (05:21) 18 Soon as I Get Home (03:30) 19 Let It Shine (03:12) |
| Al Green Is Love / Full of Fire : Allmusic album Review : A pair of glittering, majestic 70s soul albums by the decades premier vocalist in the genre. Greens striding, relaxed, stunning delivery, the sweeping falsetto, and the perfectly paced songs on both these albums were and are classics. Willie Mitchells marvelous production and The Hi Rhythm sections right-off-the-beat support are just as stunning. | ||
 | Album: 22 of 42 Title: More Greatest Hits Released: 1988 Tracks: 18 Duration: 1:11:46 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Lets Stay Together (04:50) 2 Take Me to the River (03:47) 3 Right Now, Right Now (02:54) 4 Oh Me, Oh My (Dreams in My Arms) (02:47) 5 Back Up Train (02:20) 6 For the Good Times (06:27) 7 Let It Shine (03:15) 8 As Long as Were Together (03:40) 9 I Tried to Tell Myself (03:28) 10 You Say It (02:52) 11 Guilty (02:59) 12 Your Hearts in Good Hands (06:04) 13 How Can You Mend a Broken Heart (06:26) 14 Keep Me Cryin (03:08) 15 Funny How Time Slips Away (04:34) 16 I Feel Good (05:22) 17 Wait Here (02:44) 18 To Sir With Love (04:05) |
| More Greatest Hits : Allmusic album Review : For its 1995 reissue, The Right Stuff revamped Al Greens Greatest Hits, adding five bonus tracks, four of which were featured on the original Greatest Hits, Vol. 2. As a result, when it came time to reissue Greatest Hits, Vol. 2, The Right Stuff decided to replace it with More Greatest Hits, since they would simply be replicating a good portion of their previous collection. However, More Greatest Hits isnt exactly the perfect supplement to Greatest Hits. Combining minor hits, album tracks, and rarities, the collection doesnt have the cohesiveness of its predecessor. Furthermore, tracks like "Back Up Train" (his first charting single, previously available only on the box set), the long version of "Lets Stay Together" (exclusive to this compilation), and 1968s "Guilty" are strong, but are mainly here to bait collectors, while his latter-day duets with Al B. Sure! ("As Long as Were Together") and Lyle Lovett ("Funny How Time Slips Away") pale next to "Livin for You" and "Love and Happiness," two highlights from Vol. 2 that are curiously missing here. Even with these flaws, More Greatest Hits does contain more than its share of great moments -- no Green collection is complete without "Take Me to the River," "For the Good Times," and "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?" -- and in that sense, it acts as a nice supplement to the expanded Greatest Hits. Nevertheless, it doesnt act as a substitute for such classic albums as Call Me and Im Still in Love with You, which is where anyone digging deeper into Greens catalog should start after theyve exhausted Greatest Hits. | ||
 | Album: 23 of 42 Title: I Get Joy Released: 1989 Tracks: 10 Duration: 37:00 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 You’re Everything to Me (04:17) 2 All My Praise (04:10) 3 The End Is Near (04:06) 4 Mighty Cloud of Joy (04:19) 5 I Get Joy (03:55) 6 As Long as We’re Together (03:49) 7 Praise Him (03:06) 8 Blessed (04:06) 9 Tryin’ to Do the Best I Can (03:06) 10 Tryin’ to Get Over You (02:04) |
 | Album: 24 of 42 Title: Love Ritual: Rare and Previously Unreleased 1968-1976 Released: 1989 Tracks: 11 Duration: 50:17 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Love Ritual (Alt. mix) (04:17) 2 Strong as Death (Sweet as Love) (04:22) 3 I Think Its for the Feeling (Its Alright) (04:25) 4 So Good to Be Here (02:57) 5 Up Above My Head (02:59) 6 Surprise Attack - Highway to Heaven (03:06) 7 Mimi (03:23) 8 Love Is Real (04:47) 9 I Want to Hold Your Hand (02:24) 10 Ride Sally Ride (02:25) 11 Beware (extended mix) (15:07) |
 | Album: 25 of 42 Title: You Say It! Raw! Rare! And Unreleased! Released: 1990-09-28 Tracks: 13 Duration: 46:40 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 You Say It! (03:40) 2 Ill Be Standing By (03:21) 3 True Love (02:49) 4 Right Now, Right Now (03:24) 5 Memphis Tennessee (03:16) 6 Im A Ram (04:12) 7 Listen (02:31) 8 Baby Whats Wrong With You (03:41) 9 Ride Sally Ride (03:56) 10 Elis Game (04:55) 11 Sweet Song (03:27) 12 Everything To Me (04:00) 13 Starting All Over Again (03:28) |
 | Album: 26 of 42 Title: Al Released: 1992 Tracks: 16 Duration: 59:18 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Tired of Being Alone (02:50) 2 Call Me (Come Back Home) (03:05) 3 Im Still in Love With You (03:11) 4 Here I Am (Come and Take Me) (04:17) 5 Let’s Stay Together (04:46) 6 Sha La La (Make Me Happy) (02:58) 7 L-O-V-E (Love) (03:03) 8 Look What You Done for Me (03:06) 9 Love and Happiness (05:07) 10 Take Me to the River (03:42) 11 I Cant Get Next to You (03:46) 12 How Can You Mend a Broken Heart (06:21) 13 I Tried to Tell Myself (03:25) 14 Ive Never Found a Girl (03:39) 15 Oh Me Oh My (Dreams in My Arms) (02:45) 16 You Ought to Be With Me (03:16) |
| Al : Allmusic album Review : This British import is basically Englands answer to THE HI MASTERS. It features a batch of Green hits from his fertile secular period in the 70s. One of the greatest and most original vocalists and composers in R&B;, Green forged his own sound, equal parts sensuality and spirituality. That powerful combination is explored with mastery on "Take Me to the River," "L-O-V-E" and others included here. The dreamy ballad side of Greens work is also well represented here by his version of the Bee Gees "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart" and the ultimate devotional anthem "Lets Stay Together." Since theres a fair amount of overlap, theres no reason to own both this and THE HI MASTERS, but either one will serve as an excellent introduction into the soulful world of Al Green. | ||
 | Album: 27 of 42 Title: Love Is Reality Released: 1992-03-10 Tracks: 10 Duration: 43:58 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 I Can Feel It (04:59) 2 Love Is Reality (04:34) 3 Just Cant Let You Go (04:08) 4 You Dont Know Me (04:07) 5 Again (04:52) 6 Positive Attitude (04:30) 7 Sure Feels Good (04:29) 8 A Long time (04:02) 9 Why (04:13) 10 I Like It (04:02) |
| Love Is Reality : Allmusic album Review : After years of refusing to sing anything but gospel, Green decided the time had finally come to fuse the godly and the secular elements of his soul. Love Is Reality made an overt play for the mainstream R&B; market. Unfortunately, Christian dance-pop producer Tim Miner works from formulas, while Green runs on inspiration. Green sounded great, but the final result paled in comparison to the rest of his catalog. | ||
 | Album: 28 of 42 Title: Dont Look Back Released: 1993-10 Tracks: 13 Duration: 1:00:10 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Best Love (03:42) 2 Love Is a Beautiful Thing (05:28) 3 Waiting on You (03:30) 4 What Does It Take (04:11) 5 Keep on Pushing Love (05:08) 6 You Are My Everything (05:19) 7 One Love (03:47) 8 People in the World (Keep on Loving You) (04:08) 9 Give It Everything (05:34) 10 Your Love (Is More Than I Ever Hoped For) (05:07) 11 Fountain of Love (05:00) 12 Dont Look Back (04:38) 13 Love in Motion (04:32) |
 | Album: 29 of 42 Title: And the Message Is Love: The Best of Al Green Released: 1994 Tracks: 15 Duration: 1:01:31 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Everythings Gonna Be Alright (04:24) 2 The Message Is Love (06:22) 3 You Know and I Know (04:01) 4 As Long as Were Together (03:47) 5 Put a Little Love in Your Heart (03:50) 6 Going Away (03:38) 7 He Aint Heavy (04:02) 8 True Love (04:31) 9 Soul Survivor (04:43) 10 Tryin to Do the Best I Can (03:05) 11 Mighty Clouds of Joy (04:18) 12 Youve Got a Friend (05:37) 13 I Feel Like Going On (03:13) 14 Tryin to Get Over You (02:06) 15 Nearer My God to Thee (03:46) |
 | Album: 30 of 42 Title: The Supreme Al Green: The Greatest Hits Released: 1994-10-20 Tracks: 18 Duration: 1:15:32 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Tired of Being Alone (02:50) 2 I Can’t Get Next to You (03:47) 3 Let’s Stay Together (03:17) 4 How Can You Mend a Broken Heart (06:21) 5 Love and Happiness (05:02) 6 I’m Still in Love With You (03:13) 7 Simply Beautiful (04:11) 8 What a Wonderful Thing Love Is (03:32) 9 Call Me (Come Back Home) (03:03) 10 My God Is Real (02:45) 11 Lets Get Married (05:35) 12 Sha‐La‐La (Make Me Happy) (02:59) 13 Take Me to the River (03:44) 14 Love Ritual (original version) (04:18) 15 L-O-V-E (Love) (03:04) 16 I Didnt Know (07:46) 17 Full of Fire (05:11) 18 Belle (04:48) |
| The Supreme Al Green: The Greatest Hits : Allmusic album Review : Released by the British division of Hi, The Supreme Al Green: The Greatest Hits is a terrific 18-track collection that contains almost all of Greens hits, including "Tired of Being Alone," "Call Me," "Im Still in Love With You," "Lets Stay Together," "I Cant Get Next to You," "Love and Happiness," "Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy)," "Take Me to the River," and "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart." Although it inexplicably overlooks "Here I Am (Come and Take Me)" and contains a bit too much latter-day material for some tastes, its still one of the best single-disc collections yet assembled on Green, rivaling the revamped Greatest Hits the Right Stuff released in the mid-90s. | ||
 | Album: 31 of 42 Title: Your Hearts in Good Hands Released: 1995 Tracks: 10 Duration: 46:12 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Your Hearts in Good Hands (06:04) 2 Keep on Pushing Love (05:08) 3 Could This Be the Love (03:45) 4 Love Is a Beautiful Thing (05:28) 5 One Love (03:47) 6 Dont Look Back (04:51) 7 Best Love (03:40) 8 Your Love (Is More Than I Ever Hoped For) (05:06) 9 What Does It Take (04:11) 10 People in the World (Keep on Lovin You) (04:08) |
| Your Heart's in Good Hands : Allmusic album Review : Designed as Al Greens triumphant comeback to the R&B; mainstream, Your Hearts in Good Hands is a mixed blessing. Although Greens voice is still astonishing, the album is undermined by a sterile urban R&B; production that fails to capture the sensuality inherent in his music. As a result, Your Hearts in Good Hands is quite frustrating -- you can hear Green hit new heights with his performance, but the music is constantly reined in by the lifeless production and the lackluster songs. | ||
 | Album: 32 of 42 Title: Glory to His Name Released: 1995-06-16 Tracks: 10 Duration: 35:44 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Precious Lord (03:11) 2 Rock of Ages (02:32) 3 What a Friend We Have in Jesus (04:14) 4 Hallelujah (I Just Want to Praise the Lord) (04:36) 5 How Great Thou Art (03:32) 6 The Old Rugged Cross (03:26) 7 Glory to His Name (02:56) 8 In the Garden (03:57) 9 Holy Spirit (03:08) 10 Trust in God (04:11) |
 | Album: 33 of 42 Title: A Deep Shade of Green Released: 1996 Tracks: 55 Duration: 3:43:53 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 What Am I Going to do With Myself (02:26) 2 One Woman (03:06) 3 Are You Lonely Baby (03:59) 4 True Love (02:48) 5 God Is Standing By (03:16) 6 Tired of Being Alone (02:50) 7 Let’s Stay Together (03:17) 8 Old Time Lovin (03:19) 9 Ive Never Found a Girl (03:43) 10 How Can You Mend a Broken Heart (06:21) 11 Judy (03:48) 12 Look What You Have Done for Me (03:08) 13 I’m Still in Love With You (03:13) 14 What a Wonderful Thing Love Is (03:38) 15 Simply Beautiful (04:16) 16 For the Good Times (06:31) 17 One of These Good Old Days (03:18) 18 You Ought to Be With Me (03:19) 19 Call Me (Come Back Home) (03:03) 20 Here I Am (Come and Take Me) (04:16) 1 Have You Been Making Out Ok (03:47) 2 Im So Lonely I Could Cry (03:14) 3 Funny How Time Slips Away (05:36) 4 So Good to Be Here (02:48) 5 Home Again (04:00) 6 Free at Last (03:31) 7 Unchained Melody (05:37) 8 Sha‐La‐La (Make Me Happy) (02:59) 9 God Blessed Our Love (03:56) 10 Im Hooked on You (03:21) 11 L-O-V-E (Love) (03:05) 12 I Wish You Were Here (03:20) 13 Strong as Death (Sweet as Love) (04:21) 14 Could I Be The One (04:08) 15 There Is Love (03:05) 16 The Love Sermon (06:38) 17 I Didnt Know (07:48) 18 There Is No Way (03:29) 1 Together Again (05:18) 2 Id Fly Away (04:11) 3 Soon as I Get Home (03:28) 4 Something (04:27) 5 Have a Good Time (03:31) 6 Nothing Takes the Place of You (04:37) 7 Belle (04:51) 8 Feels Like Summer (03:44) 9 Dream (07:30) 10 To Sir With Love (04:11) 11 Up Above My Head (02:59) 12 So Good to Be Here (02:55) 13 Ill Be Standing By (03:21) 14 Elis Game (04:57) 15 Silent Night (03:20) 16 People Get Ready (06:27) 17 The Spirit Might Come - on and On (05:26) |
 | Album: 34 of 42 Title: The Very Best of Al Green Released: 1997 Tracks: 19 Duration: 1:12:56 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Let’s Stay Together (03:17) 2 Sha‐La‐La (Make Me Happy) (02:59) 3 L-O-V-E (Love) (03:04) 4 Tired of Being Alone (02:50) 5 Call Me (Come Back Home) (03:03) 6 I’m Still in Love With You (03:13) 7 Here I Am (Come and Take Me) (04:15) 8 Look What You Done for Me (03:06) 9 I Cant Get Next to You (03:48) 10 Take Me to the River (03:44) 11 Love and Happiness (05:02) 12 How Can You Mend a Broken Heart (06:21) 13 I Tried to Tell Myself (03:24) 14 I’ve Never Found a Girl (03:40) 15 Oh Me Oh My (Dreams in My Arms) (02:44) 16 You Ought to Be With Me (03:19) 17 Simply Beautiful (04:14) 18 Let’s Get Married (05:35) 19 Full of Fire (05:11) |
 | Album: 35 of 42 Title: Anthology Released: 1997-02-11 Tracks: 61 Duration: 3:51:04 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Back Up Train (02:20) 2 Hot Wire (02:56) 3 Stop and Check Myself (01:43) 4 I Want to Hold Your Hand (02:20) 5 Tomorrows Dream (02:21) 6 Im a Ram (04:10) 7 I Cant Get Next to You (live) (04:45) 8 Light My Fire (03:55) 9 Intro to Tired of Being Alone (01:05) 10 Tired of Being Alone (02:43) 11 Driving Wheel (03:01) 12 Listen (02:29) 13 True Love (02:47) 14 Guilty (02:59) 15 Weve Only Just Begun / Lets Stay Together (live) (09:25) 1 Intro to Lets Stay Together (00:37) 2 Let’s Stay Together (03:17) 3 So You’re Leaving (02:57) 4 Judy (live) (04:59) 5 La-La for You (03:34) 6 How Can You Mend a Broken Heart? (live) (06:35) 7 I’m Still in Love With You (03:13) 8 Im Glad Youre Mine (02:59) 9 Look What You Done for Me (03:06) 10 Love and Happiness (live) (10:41) 11 Simply Beautiful (04:16) 12 The Technique of Writing My Songs (01:37) 1 Call Me (Come Back Home) (03:03) 2 You Ought to Be With Me (live) (04:55) 3 Have You Been Making Out O.K. (03:47) 4 Here I Am (Come and Take Me) (04:15) 5 "I Took What I Learned From Rock and Roll..." (00:44) 6 Jesus Is Waiting (05:40) 7 Free at Last (live) (05:29) 8 Livin’ for You (03:11) 9 Mimi (03:24) 10 I Think Its for the Feeling (04:32) 11 Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy) (live) (05:09) 12 Take Me to the River (03:47) 13 L-O-V-E (Love) (live) (03:54) 14 Rhymes (03:37) 15 The Love Sermon (06:41) 16 God Blessed Our Love (live) (05:52) 17 "Thats My Dog Roma..." / "How I Sing the Way I Sing..." (02:33) 1 I Dont Have to Go to Your Church... (01:35) 2 Id Fly Away (04:13) 3 Full of Fire (05:16) 4 Together Again (05:20) 5 Love Ritual (1988 remix) (04:17) 6 Always (03:22) 7 Have a Good Time (03:38) 8 Love and Happiness (05:03) 9 Too Close (live) (04:25) 10 We Try to Furnish... (00:34) 11 But One Thing I Like About Jesus... (04:33) 12 Belle (04:48) 13 Wait Here (02:44) 14 Chariots of Fire (03:51) 15 I Feel Good (live) (04:26) 16 Dreams / All n All (live) (03:50) 17 I Know One Thing I Had to Do... (01:20) |
| Anthology : Allmusic album Review : Theoretically, an Al Green box set should have been easy to assemble, given the overall excellence of his material, but the four-disc Anthology is a textbook example of a botched box set. Instead of simply condensing the best of Greens prolific output, including all of the hit singles, onto collection, the compilers were concerned with telling a story -- literarly. Three of the discs are spiked with lengthy interview segments, one which is as long as five minutes. Furthermore, they wanted to add as many rarities as possible, but most of the rarities were live tracks, which means classics like "I Cant Get Next to You," "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart, " "Love and Happiness, " "Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy), " and "L-O-V-E (Love)" are all presented in inferior live versions. The live cuts, interviews and rarities cut severely into the pacing of the set, and they dont make Anthology useful for the fan that wants to pick up one, definitive collection -- their appeal is solely for collectors, who already have the material elsewhere. Consequently, Anthology isnt useful for either the casual or dedicated fan, both of whom would be better off with the original albums and the Greatest Hits collection, which does contain the essence of Al Green, and most of his hits, on one single-disc. | ||
 | Album: 36 of 42 Title: Back 2 Back Hits Released: 1999 Tracks: 10 Duration: 32:09 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Lets Stay Together (live) (03:54) 2 You Ought to Be With Me (03:19) 3 Lets Get Married (03:23) 4 I Cant Get Next to You (03:48) 5 Keep Me Cryin (03:08) 6 Oh How I Miss You Baby (03:08) 7 Nobody Wants You When You’re Down and Out (02:56) 8 Daylight (03:29) 9 Its All Over Now (02:52) 10 Fly Me to the Moon (In Other Words) (02:08) |
 | Album: 37 of 42 Title: True Love: A Collection Released: 1999 Tracks: 18 Duration: 1:08:02 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Let’s Stay Together (03:17) 2 Shal-La-La (Make Me Happy) (02:58) 3 Old Time Lovin’ (03:15) 4 What a Wonderful Thing Love Is (03:32) 5 I Wish You Were Here (03:19) 6 Are You Lonely for Me Baby (03:58) 7 Could I Be The One (04:08) 8 The Love Sermon (06:38) 9 Feels Like Summer (03:43) 10 Schooldays (03:11) 11 Simply Beautiful (04:14) 12 True Love (02:45) 13 God Is Standing By (03:14) 14 God Blessed Our Love (03:56) 15 Ride Sally Ride (02:24) 16 Aint No Fun for Me (03:24) 17 Ive Never Found a Girl (03:38) 18 How Can You Mend a Broken Heart (06:21) |
 | Album: 38 of 42 Title: Take Me to the River Released: 2000-09-12 Tracks: 30 Duration: 1:58:37 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 I’m Glad You’re Mine (02:56) 2 What Am I Gonna Do With Myself (02:27) 3 Tired of Being Alone (02:43) 4 I’m Still in Love With You (03:13) 5 Let’s Stay Together (04:46) 6 I Tried to Tell Myself (03:24) 7 Love and Happiness (05:02) 8 You Ought to Be With Me (03:19) 9 Look What You Done for Me (03:06) 10 Here I Am (Come and Take Me) (04:15) 11 Call Me (Come Back Home) (03:03) 12 Livin’ for You (03:11) 13 L-O-V-E (Love) (03:06) 14 How Can You Mend a Broken Heart (06:21) 15 Take Me to the River (03:44) 1 Right Now, Right Now (02:51) 2 So Good to Be There (live) (02:41) 3 For the Good Times (05:29) 4 I Cant Get Next to You (03:48) 5 Let’s Get Married (05:35) 6 Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy) (live) (05:09) 7 God Bless Our Love (live) (05:47) 8 Let It Shine (03:14) 9 Lean on Me (02:10) 10 Hangin On (04:20) 11 Strong as Death (Sweet as Love) (04:21) 12 Nothing Takes the Place of You (04:37) 13 The Spirit Might Come-On and On (05:26) 14 Theres No Way (03:32) 15 Belle (04:48) |
 | Album: 39 of 42 Title: Listen to the Rarities Released: 2000-11-14 Tracks: 18 Duration: 1:16:20 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Love Ritual (04:18) 2 Ride, Sally Ride (extended version) (04:00) 3 Ill Be Standing By (03:20) 4 Nothing Impossible With Love (02:40) 5 Memphis Tennessee (03:16) 6 Listen (02:30) 7 Baby Whats Wrong With You (03:45) 8 Elis Game (04:57) 9 Up Above My Head (02:59) 10 So Good to Be Here (02:55) 11 I Think Its for the Feeling (Its Alright) (04:29) 12 Mimi (03:21) 13 Suprise Attack / Highway to Heaven (03:05) 14 Love Is Real (04:44) 15 Sweet Song (03:26) 16 Everything to Me (03:59) 17 Starting All Over Again (03:29) 18 Beware (15:07) |
 | Album: 40 of 42 Title: I Cant Stop Released: 2003-11-18 Tracks: 12 Duration: 53:11 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 I Can’t Stop (03:48) 2 Play to Win (04:38) 3 Rainin in My Heart (04:45) 4 Ive Been Writin on You (03:43) 5 You (04:29) 6 Not Tonight (04:25) 7 Million to One (04:52) 8 My Problem Is You (06:28) 9 Id Still Choose You (04:05) 10 Ive Been Thinkin About You (04:04) 11 Id Write a Letter (03:53) 12 Too Many (04:01) |
| I Can't Stop : Allmusic album Review : Thomas Wolfe may have said you cant go home again, but he was wrong. People go home again all the time. Usually when they do they find that it just isnt the same. When musicians attempt to go back home, it usually turns out to be a pale imitation at best and a disaster at worst. On his 2003 album, I Cant Stop, Al Green attempts to go back home. The album was recorded at the Hi studios with old cohort Willie Mitchell behind the boards and helping write the songs, with members of the Hi session crew providing the music (right down to the same female backup singers). I Cant Stop is certainly no disaster; it is a well-made, funky, fun record that proves two things -- the Hi sound lives and Al Green still has it ("it" being all the things that made him so great in the 70s, things like charisma, style, and that amazing voice). He whoops and hollers his way through I Cant Stop like a man committed, fully alive, and excited by the chance to get old-school funky. That joy translates to the listener; it is hard to stop smiling and bopping along as the album plays. When Green lets loose with his trademark falsetto burst, its like the last 30 years never happened. As for the sound of the record, it is awesome to hear the Hi sound as played by the real-deal guys who built it in the first place. Expecting the record to sound exactly like a Hi record from the early 70s is unrealistic and the recording process reflects the technology of the age with a clean, well-separated sound. The drums are far too loud and processed, with the cymbals too high in the mix. Still, the combination of Greens voice and the replica Hi sound will raise goosebumps, but not throughout the whole record as some of the songs are kind of weak ("Play to Win" is a standard modern blues shuffle and "My Problem Is You" is a pretty corny Vegas-styled big-band ballad). When the songs are strong, like the thrilling album opener "I Cant Stop," the funky "You," the hard-rocking "Ive Been Thinkin Bout You," the almost perfect "Million to One," and the weepy ballad "Not Tonight" (which comes complete with classic Hi organ swoops), this record is as good as could be hoped for. Green has brought it all back home with style, class, and -- most of all -- total commitment. For that Willie Mitchell deserves a world of credit. He and Green make a perfect team; listeners can only hope they stay together. | ||
 | Album: 41 of 42 Title: Everythings OK Released: 2005-03-15 Tracks: 12 Duration: 47:32 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Everythings OK (04:14) 2 You Are So Beautiful (03:36) 3 Build Me Up (03:51) 4 Perfect to Me (04:08) 5 Nobody but You (03:32) 6 Real Love (05:24) 7 I Can Make Music (04:41) 8 Be My Baby (03:17) 9 Magic Road (03:45) 10 I Want to Hold Your Hand (03:42) 11 Another Day (03:21) 12 All the Time (04:01) |
| Everything's OK : Allmusic album Review : Al Greens second record for Blue Note reunites the same cast of characters who made his comeback disc, 2003s I Cant Stop, such a success. Willie Mitchell is behind the boards, the cream of old-school Hi musicians is here, and Green hasnt lost a step vocally. In fact, it sounds like he has gained a step somehow; his crazed screams, hollered interjections, and whoops of joy seem more assured and his falsetto is clear and strong. The songs are here, too, with a good mix of uptempo movers (the rollicking "Build Me Up," the high-energy title track, and "Nobody But You") and sweet, string-laden ballads ("Perfect to Me," "Real Love," and "All the Time"). Green sounds on fire most of the time, really letting loose on "Everythings OK," testifying on "Be My Baby," and ripping it up like a kid everywhere else. Mitchells production is wonderfully organic but also very lush, as there is a higher reliance on strings, background singers, and percussion to fatten up the sound this time out. This is often a sign that the singer is losing it somehow, but there is no cover-up being perpetrated here -- they are just shooting for the richest, lushest sound possible. And getting it, too. Such is the magic that Mitchell and Green conjure that they can rescue duff tracks like the terminally mawkish "You Are So Beautiful" with some unconsciously soulful vocals and subtle production, just like they did in the 70s. Speaking of the 70s, this record marks a step away from the Hi nostalgia of I Cant Stop. There are fewer obvious backward nods in the sound (hardly any of that Hi organ!) and in the songwriting; instead, the duo seem focused on creating a modern soul record with none of the trappings of earlier recordings, and they succeed dramatically. Consider I Cant Stop the rehab assignment in Triple A, while Everythings OK is the home run Green fans have been dreaming about. It may not replace Lets Stay Together or Im Still in Love With You, but you could play it back to back with either of them and not hear much difference other than time. Too bad about the amateurish cover art, though -- it is the one thing about the record that pales in comparison to Al Greens best. | ||
 | Album: 42 of 42 Title: Lay It Down Released: 2008-05-26 Tracks: 11 Duration: 44:38 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Lay It Down (04:30) 2 Just for Me (03:58) 3 Youve Got the Love I Need (04:14) 4 No One Like You (04:31) 5 What More Do You Want From Me (04:13) 6 Take Your Time (04:37) 7 Too Much (03:29) 8 Stay With Me (By the Sea) (03:23) 9 All I Need (03:41) 10 Im Wild About You (04:51) 11 Standing in the Rain (03:08) |
| Lay It Down : Allmusic album Review : The big question that greets listeners encountering Al Greens third Blue Note album, Lay It Down, is: what happens when you put that amazing soul-drenched voice in the hands of hip-hop producers Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson of the Roots and James Poyser, and add a slew of superstar guests? Answer: a killer Al Green soul album. Thompson and Poyser werent interested in straying far from the classic sound Green and producer Willie Mitchell created at Hi Records in the 1970s, but they did want to place it in a more contemporary -- albeit analog -- setting. Green cut his previous offerings for the label -- 2003s I Cant Stop and 2005s Everythings OK -- with Mitchell, and the results were good, not great, albums because Greens sound was simply re-created nostalgically. Even though Thompson and Poyser have been very creative here with their nuanced percussive, textural, and dynamic touches, Lay It Down is more of a classic-sounding Al Green record than either of its predecessors. The producers are at the core of a studio band (on drums and various analog keyboards, respectively) that also includes Mighty Clouds of Joy guitarist Chalmers "Spanky" Alford (in whose memory the album is dedicated), bassist Adam Blackstone (Jill Scott), and the Dap-Kings Horns. Lay It Down is a slow-burning, solid groover of a soul record; its dynamics and textures shift subtly and purposely to keep Greens voice at the center of its sound. If there is a flaw on the set, its that individual tracks dont assert themselves immediately. Green, Poyser, and Thompson were going for immediacy and feel: nine of the albums 11 cuts had basic tracks done in their first session. They achieved their goal and then some -- the album feels of such an atmospheric piece and is so present that it initially comes off as a whole. That said, there is no better place to spend 45 minutes than in Lay It Downs dreamy, sensual, gritty, and tender sound world. | ||