Al Green Albums Ranked
Albert Leornes Greene (born April 13, 1946), often known as The Reverend Al Green, is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer; he is best known for recording a series of soul hit singles in the early 1970s, including “Take Me to the River”, “Tired of Being Alone”, “I’m Still in Love with You”, “Love and Happiness”, and his signature song, “Let’s Stay Together”. After an incident in which his girlfriend committed suicide, Green became an ordained pastor and turned to gospel music. He later returned to secular music. Green is the winner of 11 Grammy Awards, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He has also received the BMI Icon Award and is a Kennedy Center Honors recipient. He was included in the Rolling Stone list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, ranking at No. 65, as well as its list of the 100 Greatest Singers, at No. 14. Here are all of Al Green albums ranked.
Don’t miss out on the music of Al Green below! Click to enjoy the great music of his long career!
10. Al Green Is Love (1975)
“”L-O-V-E (Love)” opens the album on an optimistic note with what is essentially Green’s trademark uptempo Southern soul sound that addresses the title subject of the song as something that Green can grasp onto as a load barring concept within his inner conflict. And if I must say so myself,not a bad one. “Rhymes” is a deeply grooving funk number that is a bit lyrically random but a lyrical reference to “they took everything I own” again showcases that two headed hydra of his consciousness at that time.”
9. Livin’ For You (1973)
“Although some of the tracks sound a bit tired and uninspired, too much like generic 70s smooth soul, to really enjoy, the incredible soothing warmth of his voice makes even these worthwhile. And then you have enough great songs to make this worthwhile: “Home Again”, “Free at Last”, and “Sweet Sixteen” with its fun disco tinge, and the beautiful “My God Is Real” that even an atheist can enjoy.”
8. The Supreme Al Green (1992)
“This compilation encompasses the main part of Al Green’s brilliant career. Songs like ‘Let’s Stay Together’, ‘Simply Beautiful’ and ‘What a Wonderful Thing Love Is’ are amazing. But ‘How Can You Mend a Broken Heart’ is even more special. It is simply the most passionate popular song ever written. It is absolutely impossible not to be moved by it.”
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7. Green Is Blues (1969)
“Green Is Blues is phenomenal. It’s mostly covers of songs by acts like the Box Tops, the Temptations, Chuck Berry, Jerry Butler, and the Beatles. The songs are amazing and Green sounds awesome (more on that later). He changes the songs to something other than their originals; “The Letter” seems to melt with ache and longing, “Summertime” is comforting and creepy, and “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” is funky as all motherfuck.”
6. Gets Next To You (1971)
“Despite GETS NEXT TO YOU not taking the world by storm, the album did find GREEN’s idiosyncrasies finding themselves in perfect harmony which allowed the momentum to continue into the following breakthrough album “Let’s Stay Together.” While the album failed to find the success it deserved in its own day, the album has since been deemed one of his best with a killer set of perfectly delivered soul grooving songs that perfectly display GREEN’s vocals in conjunct with a funky bass, a swinging horn section and some of the catchiest melodic ear worms that exist in pop music.”
5. Explores Your Mind (1974)
“Despite one of his best album titles and the presence of “Take Me to the River”, this is a second-rank Al Green album, mostly content to rely on retreads and pastiches of his best past work. Although there’s a clue to the depths of the man in the inclusion of songs called “God Blessed Our Love” and “One Nite Stand” on the same side. Plus the entire album clocks in under half an hour.”
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4. Greatest Hits (1975)
“Absolute perfection when talkin about soul. All ten songs included are classic and must haves in Al’s catalog. To this day “Let’s Stay Together” is one of my favorite songs and I really can’t imagine ever getting tired of it. So soulful and alluring Al Green’s voice was that this is really the greatest place to get into his music and a must have for any serious collection. Highly recommended to everyone.”
3. I’m Still In Love With You (1972)
“I’m Still in Love with You is pretty similar to Let’s Stay Together in it’s sweet, smooth and understated, yet gently gritty and sometimes funky soul sound, yet there are differences. The opening title track exchanges the brassy, sultry sensuality of it’s predecessor’s opening title track for a much airier and more sweetly romantic sound that gives the impression of floating through the air on a fine spring or summer day.”
2. Let’s Stay Together (1972)
“The album that catapulted the Reverend Al Green into a household name. Classic smooth soul, just heater after heater. Green’s got that passionate rasp with the killer falsettos. The instrumentals are groovy and lush, great guitar and horns all over this thing. Home to some of the most iconic soul tracks of all time. Not much I can really say, just essential and classic.”
1. Call Me (1973)
“The song lineup is fantastic, containing gems like “Jesus Is Waiting”, “You Ought to Be with Me” and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”. Al’s voice is strong, and the band lays down tracks that simmer. As usual for an Al Green album, the groove is subtle and insistent. You can’t deny it and you can’t ignore it, but it doesn’t beat you over the head the way a Parliament funk groove will.”
