Al Green is a celebrated American singer, songwriter, and record producer renowned for his soulful voice and influential contributions to soul and gospel music. Born on April 13, 1946, in Forrest City, Arkansas, Green’s career soared in the 1970s with hits like “Let’s Stay Together” and “Love and Happiness.” Known for his smooth vocal delivery and heartfelt performances, Green’s music often blends elements of gospel and soul, creating a rich, emotional sound. Despite a brief hiatus from secular music, he remains a revered figure in the genre, recognized for his profound impact on music and his enduring influence.
1. Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy)
“Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy)” is a song by Al Green from his 1973 album *Call Me*. The track features Green’s signature smooth, soulful style and was written by Green, along with his frequent collaborators Al Jackson Jr. and Willie Mitchell. The song showcases Green’s emotive vocal delivery and is characterized by its upbeat tempo and catchy melody. It reflects the artist’s ability to blend soulful melodies with uplifting lyrics, contributing to his reputation as one of the leading figures in soul music.
2. L-O-V-E (Love)
“L-O-V-E (Love)” is a song by Al Green from his 1973 album *Call Me*. The track is known for its soothing melody and Green’s soulful vocal performance. It was written by Green, along with Al Jackson Jr. and Willie Mitchell, who were key collaborators in Green’s music. The song’s lyrics express a deep, heartfelt appreciation for love, emphasizing its transformative power. With its smooth rhythm and emotional depth, “L-O-V-E (Love)” is a quintessential example of Green’s ability to convey profound feelings through his music.
3. You Ought to Be with Me
“You Ought to Be with Me” is a soulful track by Al Green from his 1972 album *I’m Still in Love with You*. The song features Green’s signature smooth, emotive vocals and showcases his ability to blend soulful melodies with heartfelt lyrics. In this track, Green sings about longing and the desire for a romantic partner to be by his side. The song’s rich, lush arrangements and Green’s passionate delivery contribute to its enduring appeal, making it a classic example of his influential style in the soul and R&B genres.
4. Let’s Stay Together
“Let’s Stay Together” is one of Al Green’s most iconic songs, released in 1971 as the title track of his album *Let’s Stay Together*. The song features Green’s smooth, emotive vocals and is celebrated for its soulful melody and romantic lyrics. It expresses a deep commitment to love and togetherness, with Green’s heartfelt delivery making it a timeless classic. The track reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has become a defining song in Green’s career, showcasing his ability to blend soul, R&B, and gospel influences into a powerful and enduring love song.
5. Tired of Being Alone
“Tired of Being Alone” is a hit song by Al Green, released in 1971 as the lead single from his album *Tired of Being Alone*. The song features Green’s soulful, expressive vocals and explores themes of loneliness and the desire for companionship. Its smooth melody and heartfelt lyrics resonate deeply, making it a quintessential example of Green’s ability to convey emotion through his music. “Tired of Being Alone” was a commercial success, reaching No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and establishing Green as a leading figure in soul music. The song’s blend of soul and R&B elements continues to be celebrated.
6. Call Me (Come Back Home)
“Call Me (Come Back Home)” is a soulful track by Al Green from his 1973 album *Call Me*. The song features Green’s signature smooth vocals and heartfelt delivery, blending elements of soul and gospel. It expresses a deep yearning for a loved one to return, reflecting themes of love and longing. The track showcases Green’s ability to convey emotion through both his lyrics and musical arrangements. “Call Me (Come Back Home)” is celebrated for its rich, emotional depth and has become one of Green’s classic hits, contributing to his legacy as a leading figure in soul music.
7. Love and Happiness
“Love and Happiness” is a classic song by Al Green, released in 1972 on his album *I’m Still in Love with You*. The track is renowned for its smooth, soulful sound and Green’s emotive vocal performance. It combines elements of soul, gospel, and R&B, reflecting Green’s unique style. The lyrics celebrate the transformative power of love, with an infectious rhythm and uplifting melody that convey joy and gratitude. “Love and Happiness” is considered one of Green’s signature songs, widely appreciated for its timeless appeal and influential role in soul music.
8. Take Me to the River
“Take Me to the River” by Al Green is a classic soul song from his 1974 album, “Al Green Explores Your Mind.” Co-written by Green and Teenie Hodges, the song features a smooth blend of soul and gospel influences, highlighted by Green’s emotive vocals and rich instrumentation. The lyrics tell a story of redemption and renewal, using the metaphor of baptism to express a yearning for cleansing and starting anew. The song has been widely covered by various artists, including Talking Heads, and remains a timeless piece that showcases Al Green’s mastery of soul music and his ability to convey deep emotional truths.
9. I’m Still in Love with You
“I’m Still in Love with You” by Al Green is a seminal soul track from his 1972 album of the same name. The song epitomizes Green’s smooth, emotive vocal style and is marked by its lush orchestration and heartfelt lyrics. Co-written by Green and producer Willie Mitchell, the track expresses a deep, enduring love and has a timeless quality that resonates with listeners. The album and single were both highly successful, cementing Green’s status as a leading figure in soul music. The song’s blend of passion and elegance continues to make it a beloved classic in Al Green’s discography.
10. Here I Am (Come and Take Me)
“Here I Am (Come and Take Me)” is a vibrant soul track by Al Green from his 1973 album “Call Me.” Co-written by Green and Teenie Hodges, the song showcases Green’s silky vocals and the dynamic Memphis sound crafted by producer Willie Mitchell. With its upbeat tempo and infectious groove, the track exudes a sense of longing and invitation, as Green sings about being ready and open for love. The song’s catchy melody and heartfelt delivery have made it a standout in Green’s catalog, reflecting his ability to blend emotion with rhythm in an irresistibly soulful manner.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
