February 26 2003

I cheered out loud when a new copy of Al Green's incredible 1972 album, I'm Still in Love with You, arrived at my office. I loved him then, and I love him still, even if his life today is more about the glories of God than about the powerful but petty needs of man. He could, at his best, touch body and soul like few others. Listen to this recently reissued (along with Green Is Blues, Gets next to You, and Let's Stay Together) album and you'll understand. It, along with his other recordings and those of Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, and Aretha Franklin, ranks as the finest R&B ever recorded. Green's music brings heaven to earth and earth to heaven; his slightly rough yet feather-light baritone is the essence of sensual seduction, while the pure, aching falsetto could soar to the heavens. His voice is a blessed instrument, so much so that some – including the singer himself – consider it to be divine; I'll say no more than this: it is absolutely, unquestionably divine.

To believe that "Love and Happiness" stands out on I'm Still in Love with You means you'd rather hear it than "I'm Still in Love with You," "I'm Glad You're Mine," and "Look What You Done for Me." Speaking strictly for myself, it may be Green's best moment ever – four minutes of R&B perfection cowritten by Green and bassist Leroy Hodges and featuring a band directly descended from the legendary Stax house band, Booker T and the MGs. Listen to the steady, propulsive groove – these musicians never wasted a note. The fat B-3 added rich punctuation to each verse and a warm quilt to the chorus. And, excuse me, but Jesus fucking Christ, will any nonbelievers in the audience please open your souls and let Green's voice through the door?