Search - Al Green :: Lay It Down

Al Green in a soulful "Grammy" groove~Bravo Al!!!

Bradly Briggs | TOLUCA LAKE, CALIFORNIA | 09/01/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Right off the top with "Lay It Down" it is clear Al Green found his groove in this new collection of soulful songs sung with passion & depth that is his trademark! "You've Got The Love I Need" flourishes with strings, choir and great guitar licks surrounding a smooth & prime vocal from the legendary singer blending fine with an inspired vocal from guest Anthony Hamilton and this winner has that hit sound but today radio plays only the "wannabes" & is not in to the real thing but great thing is this stunner won well-deserved Grammy Awards anyway...too bad though for that talent starved radio audience! Sublime love is celebrated in another new Green classic "No One Like You" and quality of vocals are timeless & in addition to that great rangy voice, Al Green co-wrote most songs in this tremendous set and continues to be prolific in this area as with writing credits for "I Can't Stop" and "Everything's OK" filled with great new songs that would have scored highly in better musical times than this bleek and musically bankrupt time zone! Bluesy and soulful duet "Take Your Time" with Corinne Bailey Rae is fine & engaging while the super-fine "Too Much" is smooth & soulful. "Stay With Me (By The Sea)" featuring John Legend is another soulful gem in a program where all songs are winners! Al Green is a timeless legendary giant who continues turning out sublime classic sets for all to savor and enjoy who love and embrace the finest music has to offer...Bravo Al Green and can't wait for the next!!!"