Al Green
American singer, songwriter, and pastor Al Green (born Albert Leornes Greene on April 13, 1946) is widely regarded as the "last of the great soul singers". As of 2025, he remains a seminal figure in Memphis soul, celebrated for his smooth falsetto and his ability to bridge the gap between sacred gospel and secular R&B.
Born in Forrest City, Arkansas, to a family of sharecroppers, Green began performing at age nine in a gospel quartet called the Greene Brothers. His family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the late 1950s.
As a teenager, Al was kicked out of the family group by his devout father after being caught listening to Jackie Wilson. He subsequently formed the pop group Al Greene & the Creations, which later became Al Green & the Soul Mates. In 1967, the Soul Mates released "Back Up Train," which reached No. 5 on the R&B charts.
Green’s career was defined by his partnership with producer Willie Mitchell at Hi Records in Memphis. This era produced a string of iconic tracks, including: "Tired of Being Alone", "Let’s Stay Together", – His signature song and first No. 1 hit, "I'm Still In Love With You", "Look What You Done For Me", "You Ought To Be With Me", "Here I Am (Come And Take Me)", and Sha La La (Make Me Happy). By 1973, Green was a leading R&B artist, releasing gold singles and critically acclaimed albums like Call Me and I'm Still in Love with You.
A major turning point occurred in October 1974 when a former girlfriend, Mary Woodson, attacked Green with boiling grits while he was showering, causing second-degree burns, before committing suicide. Following this tragedy and a subsequent 1979 fall from a stage in Cincinnati, Green dedicated his life to the ministry. In 1976, he founded the Full Gospel Tabernacle church in Memphis, where he remains an ordained pastor and bishop in 2025. Throughout the 1980s, he focused almost exclusively on gospel music, winning eight Grammy Awards in that category.
In the 1990s and 2000s, Green successfully returned to secular music, reuniting with Willie Mitchell for the 2003 album I Can't Stop.
Notable Honors: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. Received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002. Inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2004. Kennedy Center Honors recipient in 2014.
In recent years, Green has released cover tracks, including a 2023 version of Lou Reed's "Perfect Day" and a 2024 cover of R.E.M.'s "Everybody Hurts". He continues to reside in Memphis, serving his congregation at the Full Gospel Tabernacle.
... And The Message Is Love - The Best Of Al Green
Executive-Producer – Al Green
Producer, Written-By – Eban Kelly, Jimi Randolph 4:21
2 The Message Is Love
Written-By, Producer, Arranged By – Arthur Baker, Richard Scher 6:22
3 You Know And I Know
Executive-Producer, Written-By – Al Green
Producer – Errol Thomas
Written By, Producer – Paul Zaleski 3:58
4 As Long As We're Together
Producer – Eban Kelly, Jimi Randolph, Paul Zaleski
Producer, Executive-Producer,
Written-By – Al Green 3:52
5 Put A Little Love In Your Heart (W / Annie Lennox)
Producer – David A. Stewart
Written-By – Jackie De Shannon, Jimmy Holiday, Randy Myers 3:48
6 Going Away
Producer – Willie Mitchell
Written-By – Al Green 3:34
7 He Ain't Heavy
Executive-Producer – Al Green
Producer – Errol Thomas, Paul Zaleski
Written-By – Bob Russell, Bobby Scott 4:00
8 True Love
Written-By – Al Green
Written-By, Producer – Willie Mitchell 4:27
9 Soul Survivor
Written-By, Producer – Eban Kelly, Jimi Randolph 4:40
10 Tryin' To Do The Best I Can
Producer – Eban Kelly, Jimi Randolph, Paul Zaleski
Written-By, Producer, Executive-Producer – Al Green 3:04
11 Mighty Clouds Of Joy
Producer – Eban Kelly, Jimi Randolph, Paul Zaleski
Producer, Executive-Producer – Al Green
Written-By – B. Buie, R. Nix 4:17
12 You've Got A Friend (W / Billy Preston)
Executive-Producer – Al Green
Producer – Deborah McDuffie
Written-By – Carole King 5:35
13 I Feel Like Going On
Producer – Willie Mitchell
Written-By – Al Green 3:09
14 Tryin' To Get Over You
Producer – Eban Kelly, Jimi Randolph, Paul Zaleski
Written-By, Producer, Executive-Producer – Al Green 2:05
15 Nearer My God To Thee
Arranged By – Al Green
Producer – Willie Mitchell 3:46
Label: A&M Records – 540 255-2
Format: CD, Compilation
Country: Europe
Released: 1994
Genre: R&B Soul, Gospel
Style: Soul, Christian
Released in 1994, ... And The Message Is Love - The Best Of Al Green (A&M Records – 540 255-2) is a 15-track compilation specifically focusing on the soul icon's 1980s recordings for the A&M label.
The compilation generally receives positive marks from collectors, with average user ratings ranging between 4.13/5 and 4.29/5 on enthusiast platforms like Discogs.
Reviewers often contrast this era with Green's 1970s Hi Records prime. While some fans describe it as "pure class" and a top-tier collection of his later work, others find the 80s production style less compelling than his legendary "Love and Happiness" era.
Listeners frequently note that this collection leans heavily into Green's gospel and religious influences, which became more prominent during his years with A&M.
Al Green is Love
A2 Rhymes 3:33
A3 The Love Sermon 6:36
A4 There Is Love 3:03
A5 Could I Be The One 4:05
B1 Love Ritual 4:18
B2 I Didn't Know 7:47
B3 Oh Me, Oh My (Dreams In My Arms) 2:45
B4 I Gotta Be More (Take Me Higher) 2:45
B5 I Wish You Were Here 3:17
Written-By – A. Green (tracks: A1 to A4, B1 to B3, B5), E. Randle (tracks: A3), M. Hodges (tracks: A1, A2, B3), W. Mitchell (tracks: A1, A3, A5, B3, B5), Y. Mitchell (tracks: B4)
Label: Hi Records – SHL 32092
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released:1975
Genre:R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Southern Soul
Al Green Is Love is the ninth studio album by soul singer Al Green, released in August 1975 on Hi Records. It is a classic of Southern soul, blending Green's signature sensual vocal style with deep emotional and spiritual themes, and features the collaborative production of Willie Mitchell and the backing of the tight Memphis Hi Rhythm Band.
The album epitomizes the smooth, lush, orchestral soul sound that Green and Mitchell perfected in the early 1970s. The sound is built on the subtle, groove-oriented foundation of the Hi Rhythm Section (including brothers Charles, Leroy, and Teenie Hodges). This is layered with rich string arrangements by James Mitchell and vibrant accents from The Memphis Horns.
Green's vocal performance is a highlight, moving effortlessly from an understated, intimate delivery to a soaring, emotive falsetto.
The album explores love in its various forms, blending secular passion with spiritual introspection. The lyrics touch on joy, vulnerability, and devotion, reflecting Green's personal turmoil and deepening religious inclinations following a traumatic 1974 incident involving his then-girlfriend.
The album was a critical and commercial success, becoming Green's final of six consecutive albums to hit number 1 on the Billboard Top Soul LPs chart.
Critics praised the record for its "rare unity of feeling and mood, and a refinement of style," recognizing it as one of the final masterpieces of Green's secular soul era before his full transition to gospel music in the mid-1970s.
In essence, Al Green Is Love delivers high-quality, signature Al Green soul, offering both danceable grooves and heartfelt reflections on love, all wrapped in impeccable production.
Call Me
A2 Have You Been Making Out O.K. (Green 3:42)
A3 Stand Up (Green 3:25)
A4 I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry (Williams 3:10)
A5 Your Love Is Like The Morning Sun (Green 3:09)
B1 I Am (Come And Take Me) (Green, Hodges 4:14)
B2 Funny How Time Slips Away (Nelson 5:33)
B3 You Ought To Be With Me (Green, Jackson, Mitchell 3:15)
B4 Jesus Is Waiting (Green 5:36)
Label: Hi Records – XSHL 32077
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: R&B, Seventies Soul
Style: Southern Soul
Al Green's 1973 album Call Me is widely regarded as his masterpiece, praised for its inventive and assured "Hi" studio sound that blends Southern soul with country influences. The album includes the hits "Call Me(Come Back Home)," "Here I Am (Come and Take Me)" and "You Ought To Be With Me," along with unique country covers of Hank Williams' "So Lonesome I Could Cry" and Willie Nelson's "Funny How Time Slips Away". Green's signature whispering, emotive vocals and the sophisticated, lush production by Willie Mitchell are key to the album's enduring appeal.
Don’t Look Back
02 Love Is A Beautiful Thing (S. Swirsky 5:28)
03 Waiting On You (A. Green, D. Steele 3:30)
04 What Does It Take (A. Green, D. Steele 4:13)
05 Keep On Pushing Love (A. Green, A. Baker, L. Golden, T. Farragher 5:09)
06 You Are My Everything (A. Green 5:18)
07 One Love (A. Green, D. Steele 3:46)
08 People In The World (Keep On Lovin' You) (A. Green, D. Steele 4:08)
09 Give It Everything (A. Green, D. Steele 5:34)
10 Your Love (Is More Than I Ever Hoped For) (A. Green, D. Steele 5:08)
11 Fountain Of Love (A. Glass, J. Roberts 4:59)
12 Don't Look Back (R. White, W. "Smokey" Robinson 4:40)
13 Love In Motion (A. Roman, A. Jacobson, E. Chase 4:33)
Label: RCA/BMG – 74321 16310 2
Format: CD, Album
Country: Europe
Released: 1993
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Southern Soul
Don't Look Back is a 1993 album by Al Green, notable as his first full-fledged soul album since the late 1970s, marking a significant return to secular music after over a decade focused on his ministry and gospel recordings.
The album features a contemporary 1990s feel and arrangements while maintaining Green's signature soulful vocals. It is a blend of traditional soul with contemporary pop, electronic, house, and disco elements, reflecting the production styles of the early 90s. The production, handled by various individuals including Terry Manning and Arthur Baker, incorporates synthesizers and programmed beats, giving it a distinct feel from his classic 1970s work with Willie Mitchell.
Despite the updated sound, Green's voice remains a central element, described as still powerful and capable of delivering the tenderness and emotion that defined his career. The album includes eight songs written or co-written by Green, alongside covers such as the title track, a version of the Smokey Robinson song.
Don't Look Back has been described as a positive, upbeat album by critics and fans, though it remains a lesser-known part of his extensive discography compared to his 1970s hit albums.
Al Green's album Don't Look Back was never released in the United States as a standalone album because its tracks were incorporated into his subsequent 1995 US release, Your Heart's in Good Hands.
The 1993 album was released by RCA exclusively in Europe. When Green signed a new deal with MCA Records for his return to secular music in the US, the decision was made to repackage most of the material for the American market.
Eight of the thirteen tracks from Don't Look Back were included on the 1995 US album Your Heart's in Good Hands. The US album supplemented these tracks with two new, exclusive songs produced by Narada Michael Walden and DeVante Swing.
Critics noted that the various producers involved in the European album had different visions, attempting to fit Green's voice into contemporary 90s pop and R&B styles, which some felt denied him the improvisational freedom of his classic work. The subsequent US release aimed for an urban contemporary sound that was potentially more focused for the American audience at the time.
As a result, Don't Look Back was only available in the US as an import album, leaving five of its original songs unreleased in the US market on an official album until digital releases and reissues became more common.
(Review provided by SoulYears.com)
Explores Your Mind
Written-By – A. Green 2:56
A2 Take Me To The River
Written-By – A. Green, M. Hodges 3:43
A3 God Blessed Our Love
Written-By – A. Green, E. Randle, W. Mitchell 3:54
A4 The City
Written-By – A. Green, C. Hodges 3:24
A5 One Nite Stand
Written-By – A. Green 2:24
B1 I'm Hooked On You
Written-By – A. Green, W. Mitchell 3:19
B2 Stay With Me Forever
Written-By – A. Green, A. Sanders 3:12
B3 Hangin' On
Written-By – A. Green, M. Allen 4:18
B4 School Days
Written-By – A. Green 3:09
Label: Hi Records – SHL 32087
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Southern Soul
Released in October 1974, Al Green Explores Your Mind is the eighth studio album by soul icon Al Green. It is widely regarded as one of his most accessible and polished efforts, bridging the gap between deep Southern soul and pop-oriented smooth soul.
The album was produced by Willie Mitchell at Royal Studios in Memphis. Mitchell employed a "lighter touch" than on previous records, creating a sophisticated sound characterized by dreamlike string arrangements and smooth horns.
Backed by the Hi Rhythm Section—featuring the Hodges brothers on bass, guitar, and organ—the record maintains a "kinetic groove" and a "chunky, punchy" feel.
Recorded shortly after Green’s religious conversion in 1973, the album blends romantic, secular themes with an emerging spiritual depth.
Key Tracks:
"Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy)": The album’s primary commercial hit, peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. It is noted for its infectious pop charm and Green's charismatic delivery.
"Take Me to the River": Often cited as one of Green’s greatest performances, this "sex and religious ode" became an enduring soul standard. It gained further fame when covered by the Talking Heads in 1978.
"God Blessed Our Love": A solemn, mellow track that reflects Green's spiritual concerns and remains a favorite for romantic occasions.
"School Days": The album's closing track, featuring sentimental lyrics about a school girlfriend that "works like a charm" due to Green's phrasing.
The album was Green’s fifth consecutive record to reach No. 1 on the Soul Albums chart and peaked at No. 15 on the Pop Albums chart.
Critics frequently rank it among his finest works, praising the "sheer amount of string arrangements" and Green’s intimate, persuasive vocals. You can find various editions of the album on Discogs or download it digitally on Amazon..
(Provided by Soulyears.com)
He Is The Light
A2 True Love (Al Green, Willie Mitchell 4:27)
A3 He Is The Light (Julius Bradley 3:20)
A4 I Feel Like Going On (Al Green 3:09)
A5 Be With Me Jesus (Sam Cooke 2:50)
B1 You Brought The Sunshine (Elbernita Clark 5:05)
B2 Power (Al Green, Willie Mitchell 5:18)
B3 Building Up (Al Green 3:07)
B4 Nearer My God To Thee (Al Green, Public Domain 3:46)
Produced by Willie Mitchell and released under the title of "Going Away" in the UK.
Label: A&M Records – SP-5102
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: R&B Gospel
Style: Eighties Gospel Soul
He Is the Light is a gospel and soul album by Al Green, notable for reuniting him with producer Willie Mitchell, who was the creative force behind his classic 1970s hits. Released on A&M Records, the album successfully blended Al Green's signature southern soul style with his commitment to gospel music.
The album is characterized by a sparse, crisp production style that many found refreshing compared to other mid-1980s music, featuring the return of the Hi Rhythm Section's solid bass and drums. Mitchell's production wisely invoked the sound that made Green famous, particularly on standout tracks featuring punchy horn lines and searing strings reminiscent of his Hi Records catalog.
Primarily Gospel and Soul, with elements of Funk, the album focuses on themes of faith, redemption, and spiritual guidance, reflecting Green's transition to a career as an ordained minister in the late 1970s.
It was a commercial success in the gospel market, peaking at No. 11 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart. Critics praised Green's excellent and inspired vocal performances.
I Can’t Stop
02 Play To Win (A. Green, W. Mitchell 4:38)
03 Rainin' In My Heart (A. Green, W. Mitchell 4:45)
04 I've Been Waitin' On You (Al Green 3:43)
05 You (A. Green, W. Mitchell 4:29)
06 Not Tonight (A. Green, W. Mitchell 4:25)
07 Million To One (A. Green, W. Mitchell 4:52)
08 My Problem Is You (A. Green, W. Mitchell 6:28)
09 I'd Still Choose You (A. Green, W. Mitchell 4:05)
10 I've Been Thinkin' Bout You (Al Green 4:04)
11 I'd Write A Letter (Al Green 3:53)
12 Too Many (Al Green 4:01)
Label: Blue Note – 7243 5 93556 2 7
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 2003
Genre R&B Soul
Style: Southern Soul
I Can't Stop is a studio album by American soul singer Al Green, notable for marking his return once again to secular music and reuniting him again with his classic 1970s producer, Willie Mitchell.
The album was recorded at the same Memphis facility (Royal Recording Studios) and used many of the same musicians and recording techniques as his seminal 1970s hits, resulting in a sound that effortlessly revives the "warm, sexy vibe and urbane yet funky" feel of his classic work. The production features the signature elements of a deep groove, punchy horns, strings, and Green's "transcendently expressive voice," which critics noted was still strong, with his falsetto intact.
I Can't Stop was a highly anticipated and commercially successful 2000s "comeback" album. It received generally positive reviews, with many critics praising the quality of the songwriting and Green's strong vocal performance. Some even described it as being "as good as anything he recorded back in the early '70s".
It was Green's highest-charting album since 1975, peaking at number 53 on the US Billboard 200. The album was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album in 2004, and the title track received a nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance.
Overall, the album is celebrated for its successful recreation of the classic Southern soul sound and for proving that Green's charisma and vocal ability remained undiminished after two decades of focusing mainly on gospel music, thus confirming his position as one of the greatest male soul singers of all time.
(Review provided by SoulYears.com)
I’m Still In Love With You
Written-By – A. Green, A. Jackson, W. Mitchell
3:12
A2 I'm Glad You're Mine
Written-By – A. Green
2:54
A3 Love And Happiness
Written-By – A. Green, M. Hodges
5:00
A4 What A Wonderful Thing Love Is
Written-By – A. Green
3:37
A5 Simply Beautiful
Written-By – A. Green
4:08
B1 Oh, Pretty Woman
Written-By – B. Dees, R. Orbison
3:22
B2 For The Good Times
Written-By – K. Kristofferson
6:27
B3 Look What You Done For Me
Written-By – A. Green, A. Jackson, W. Mitchell
3:04
B4 One Of These Good Old Days
Written-By – A. Green
3:15
Label: Hi Records – XSHL 32074
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Southern Soul
Released in 1972, Al Green’s I'm Still in Love With You is a masterpiece of soul music, widely considered the pinnacle of his collaboration with producer Willie Mitchell. Known for its smooth, romantic tone, the album features iconic hits like "Love and Happiness" and the title track, showcasing refined, intimate vocals, sophisticated horn/string arrangements, and a tight Memphis rhythm section.
The album is a premier example of the "Memphis Sound," featuring, warm, intimate, and often minimalist arrangements that highlight Green's vocals, such as on the stripped-down "Simply Beautiful".
Beyond the hits, the album includes a soulful cover of "Oh, Pretty Woman" and the melancholic, heartfelt "For the Good Times".
Green displays a highly developed range, moving seamlessly between passionate belting and his signature, delicate falsetto.
As the follow-up to Let's Stay Together, it cemented Green's status in the early 1970s as a dominant force in soul, delivering a consistent, moody, and deeply romantic listening experience.
Critics frequently praise the album for having no wasted tracks and for perfectly capturing a sophisticated, mellow, yet funky vibe. It is often regarded as essential listening for fans of 70s soul and R&B.
The album peaked at #4 on the US Billboard 200 and #1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. It has consistently appeared on the Rolling Stone 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list, most recently at #306 in the 2020.
Livin’ For You
Written-By – A. Green, W. Mitchell 3:09
A2 Home Again
Written-By – A. Green 3:56
A3 Free At Last
Written-By – A. Green 3:26
A4 Let's Get Married
Written-By – A. Green 5:28
A5 So Good To Be Here
Written-By – A. Green, M. Allen 2:40
B1 Sweet Sixteen
Written-By – A. Green 3:26
B2 Unchained Melody
Written-By – A. North, H. Zaret 5:33
B3 My God Is Real
Written-By – K. Morris 2:43
B4 Beware
Written-By – A. Green 8:12
Label: Hi Records – ASHL 32082
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Southern Soul
Al Green's 1973 album Livin' For You is widely considered a strong, essential work from the peak of his career, praised for its smooth Southern soul sound and Al Green's passionate, emotive vocals. It was a major commercial success, topping the US R&B charts and reaching number twenty-four on the Billboard Pop charts.
The album represents the artistic apogee of the collaboration between Al Green and producer Willie Mitchell at Hi Records. They perfected a signature sound: a tight, uncluttered rhythm section provided by the Hi Rhythm Section (including the Hodges brothers and, on some tracks, Al Jackson Jr.) augmented by lush string and horn arrangements.
Reviewers consistently highlight Green's exceptional vocal performance, which ranges from tender, understated pleas to powerful, gospel-tinged exclamations. His voice is described as soaring with emotion, passion, sadness, and regret.
Some critics note that the album marks a slight shift towards a more polished, "easy-listening" sound compared to his earlier, rawer work, with less of the "bestiality" or "animal nature" found in classic soul. This polished sound, however, is precisely what many fans adore, considering it "gorgeous soulful funky melodious heaven".
Green wrote or co-wrote most of the tracks on the album. The album features a single cover, a slow, emotive rendition of "Unchained Melody," which is considered a masterpiece by some and a "bore" by others, highlighting a point of critical division on the album's direction. The inclusion of a passionate gospel track, "My God Is Real," also signals the direction his life and music would take soon after.
The album is known for its major hits and deep cuts: "Livin' For You", The title track and a number one US R&B single, it is a beautiful opening track featuring gentle horns, a Hammond organ, and emotive vocals. "Let's Get Married": A joyous, upbeat track with masterclass horns and backing vocals, described as a powerful "pleading paean to love and happiness". "Free At Last" and "Beware" - These original tracks are praised for their emotional depth, with "Beware" being an eight-minute extended jam that allows the band to stretch out into jazz-funk territory, showcasing their versatility.
Overall, Livin' For You is a highly regarded album that successfully bridges sixties soul and seventies pop, capturing Al Green at the pinnacle of his commercial and artistic powers.
Love is Reality
2 Love Is Reality 4:32
3 Just Can't Let You Go 4:08
4 You Don't Know Me 4:05
5 Again 4:50
6 Positive Attitude 4:30
7 Sure Feels Good 4:26
8 A Long Time 4:00
9 Why 4:11
10 I Like It 4:02
Words By, Music By – Al Green, Angie Alan Ebensberger (tracks: 5 to 7, 10), Cindy Cruse (tracks: 4), David Ebensberger (tracks: 5 to 7, 10), John Wirtz (4) (tracks: 9), Mark Stitts (tracks: 1, 2), Mike Stitts (tracks: 1, 2), Robert Wirtz (tracks: 9), Tim Miner (tracks: 1, 3, 4, 8, 9)
Label: Word – 701927160X
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 1992
Genre: R&B Soul, Gospel
Style: Gospel-Soul
Al Green's Love Is Reality (1992) received mixed reviews, often criticized for its slick, contemporary Christian/R&B sound that leaned heavily on producer Tim Miner's electronic style, moving away from Green's classic soul, though some found it a respectable gospel effort, praising Green's enduring voice but noting weaker compositions compared to his '70s work. Critics felt it was a departure, sometimes bland or generic, with some calling it the weakest of his career, while others appreciated it as a contemporary gospel album or a decent listen despite the production shift.
Produced by Tim Miner, the album featured a modern, synthetic sound with heavy electronic drums, which some disliked as overly commercial or formulaic.
Green's voice remained a highlight, described as fluid, fervent, and honey-toned, even if the songs didn't always match his talent. It marked a distinct move into high-tech, contemporary R&B gospel, a departure from his iconic soul sound.
Critical Reception was mixed; some found it disappointing or weak, while others saw it as a solid gospel record, with some listeners loving the sound and others preferring his older material.mReviews suggested songs varied from good to forgettable, often lacking the depth of his classic tracks, despite Green's vocal power.
In essence, Love Is Reality is seen as a commercially-driven, modern gospel album that showcases Al Green's voice but is let down by its production and less inspired songwriting compared to his legendary '70s soul albums, making it a polarizing release within his discography.
The Belle Album
A2 Loving You 3:33
A3 Feels Like Summer 3:43
A4 Georgia Boy 6:59
B1 I Feel Good 5:17
B2 All N All 3:37
B3 Chariots Of Fire 3:53
B4 Dream 7:28
Label: Hi Records – HLP 70001
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Gospel
Al Green's The Belle Album (1977) is a pivotal, transitional masterpiece where he steps away from his iconic Hi Records soul sound (and producer Willie Mitchell) to embrace gospel, self-produce, and blend smooth soul with funk and nascent Christian themes, creating a deeply personal, "field recording" style album praised for its raw honesty, stunning vocals, and the spiritual-yet-funky vibe, marking a brave pivot from secular pop to sacred music, especially with tracks like "Belle".
The album signifies Green's major shift towards ministry, directly addressing his faith, but in a way that still resonates with his pop/soul fans, famously stating, "Belle, it's you that I want / But it's Him that I need".
It's Green's first self-produced project, resulting in a looser, more direct, and intimate sound, with him playing his own guitar. It mixes his classic smooth soul with funkier basslines, tight horns, keyboards, and even hints of disco and rock, feeling raw and powerful despite its spiritual core.
Critics noted Green singing better than ever, with powerful, perfectly timed wails and accessible, emotionally packed delivery, as heard on tracks like the sprawling "Dream".
Standout Tracks: "Belle": The title track, a declaration of faith, but also a plea for love; "Dream": A long, atmospheric, and highly praised centerpiece; "I Feel Good": A funky, joyful track where listeners might mistake "King Jesus" for a lover; "Chariots of Fire": A song hinting at the spiritual realm.
Considered a brave, idiosyncratic, and deeply honest record, praised for fusing pop sensibility with "Pentecostal fire" and capturing "down home power", it's seen as a pivotal moment, bridging his secular past with his sacred future, offering comfort and spiritual depth.
In essence, The Belle Album is celebrated as a courageous and beautiful work, essential for soul fans, capturing Al Green at a vital crossroads with powerful music and profound personal meaning.