Recommendations of the Editorial team
The best songwriters of all time – 38th place: Al Green
By the time he began writing songs seriously, Al Green had already released several successful albums. As a result, his singing qualities always overshadowed his writing talents. But that doesn’t change the fact that his best songs were much more than just vehicles for his vocal talents.
Together with Hi Records producer Willie Mitchell and guitarist Teenie Hodges, “The Reverend” Al (as he called himself after his ordination in 1976) developed a repertoire. Das mixed secular and religious music more consistently than any other soul singer. Green could sing about physical ecstasy. But also about the lifelong search for divine love (with biblical language and symbolism also reflected in his secular songs).
You could also easily put together a greatest hits album of his songs, which only became successful when other musicians interpreted them. Syl Johnson or the Talking Heads with “Take Me To The River”, Tina Turner’s “Let’s Stay Together”, UB40’s “Here I Am (Come And Take Me)”, Meli’sa Morgan’s “Still In Love With You”, Earnest Jackson’s “Love And Happiness”. And many others. His songs weren’t as political as those of Marvin Gaye or Donny Hathaway. But – as Justin Timberlake once wrote brilliantly in ROLLING STONE – “if those guys were speaking to you, Al Green was speaking for you”.
Whenever the beat starts and the guitar kicks in, you know you’re in for a treat
Justin Timberlake acknowledged Green as follows: “Al Green is not entirely innocent of overpopulation. His music is more than conducive to nights of love with consequences. But what really made him an inspiration for me was his unfiltered passion. His emotional directness and the enthusiasm with which he immerses himself in his music. There are people who are predestined for certain activities. Al Green was born to put a smile on our faces conjure up.
Whether it’s “You Ought To Be With Me”, “I’m Still In Love With You”, “Love And Happiness” or, not forgetting, “Let’s Stay Together”. Whenever the beat starts and the guitar kicks in, you know you’re in for a treat. However, his songs were never as political as those of Marvin Gaye or Donny Hathaway.”