Lay It Down

After 6 months:
No one like you - 5 stars, would be happy to hear several times in one day.
Two much, stay w me, all i need - not good enough for my ipod
all others - happy to hear in rotation on my ipod.
Good to hear new music from Al.

I can almost hear the discussions that went on between James Poyser, ?uestlove and Al Green before the first song was recorded. The debates about whether they should attempt to update Al's sound or go really retro. I'm sure we've all debated what Marvin Gaye would sound like if he was still alive? I think Al Green gives an interesting perspective on that question. If his latest CD is anything to go by, then I think the answer would be `exactly the way he did when he was alive and thank God for that'

That is what Al Green does on his latest album, he does the music he's most famous for, no reinventions, evolutions or experimentations. This is Al Green as my folks would remember. I'm not a scholar of his music but I've felt the impact of his music through hip-hop. I found this to be a brilliant introduction to the good reverend.

Words cannot describe how great this album is, I'm scratching my head wondering whether he was always this good or if this is special even by his own standards. This is by some distance my favourite album of the year (in any genre)

He is no magician with the pen and a close inspection of some of the lyrics reveals many shortcomings. `Lay It Down' is a prime example of what I'm referring to. Al Green's trump card is his butter smooth delivery (to borrow from my genre of choice, hip-hop) and his voice which is reminiscent of Mr. Biggs from the Isley brothers. He's a child of soul and every track on the album is drenched in it.

Credit also has to go to his production team whose interpretation of Al Green sound is no interpretation at all but the real thing. I'll be honest when ?uestlove started talking about making an album with Al Green 2 years ago I was skeptical. I thought the album would never see the light of day or would end up like his interpretation of Pharrell's "In My Mind".

Enlisting the assistance of Anthony Hamilton (who is probably the only artist who can even come close to Al), Corrine Bailey Rae and John Legend was also a master stroke.

Bravo Mr Green, excellent album

I purchased this CD for the song with Corinne Bailey Rae, but I got so much more. Al Green had songs with Anthony Hamilton and John Legend as well. I don't think I would call this classic Al Green,(though some of the beats reminded me of some of his former songs),but I believe Mr. Green has put his signature on today's music. I absolutely love this CD-I play it almost every day. Of course, most of the songs are love songs, with the kind of words women want to hear. This is a "sittin' on the back porch, in the evening, with a glass of lemonaid", CD.

Al Green is a singer extraordinaire and, though I was not living when he was in his heyday, I'm glad he released "Lay it Down", because it sounds a lot like his classics such as "Love and Happiness" and "Let's Stay Together." "Lay it Down" has that classic 1970s feel; I can't believe he pulled this off so effectively. I say this because he sounds exactly how he did in the 60s and 70s! It's simply a wonderful listening experience, namely for the older crowd. It's hard to believe this album was released in 2008, but it was, and it is easily one of the best albums of '08.

Some of music's most talented artists join Green on this album. I was pleasantly surprised to hear Anthony Hamilton, John Legend and Corrine Bailey Rae assisting Green on this album. Each artist did a stupendous job and added flavor to the album. The song which features Corrine Bailey Rae, "Take Your Time" is simply magical. She is the only female guest appearance, and because of that, this track stands out. She and Green sound beautiful coupled together. "Take Your Time" is one of this album's finest moments. When I first heard the title track, I immediately added it to my iPod because I knew I wanted to hear it again and again. The title track truly sets the tone for the rest of the album. Al Green has never sounded better. Also, the lyrics are clever and the bass is amazing! "No One Like You" is another standout with great bass. Some would argue that many of these songs sound the same, especially production-wise. For example, "No One Like You" sounds like "Stay With Me" (By the Sea.) Normally I have a problem with songs sounding the same as far as production, but, for some reason, it's alright on this album, maybe because it's such a fine work collectively.

You all need to add this album to your collection. I see why Al Green was so popular in the 60s and 70s because his music is nothing but the truth! Relax, take a load off, and let the mellow sounds of Al Green take you away! 5 shining stars!

Mikeisha's Top 5

1. "Lay it Down"
2. "Take Your Time"
3. "No One Like You"
4. "Just for Me"
5. "Too Much"

This work is what I consider the only true new rhythm and blues on the airwaves. Neo soul does not work for me. While it is a new album the songs and singing styles are from the 70" which is so great to hear.
In previous work Al seemed to be stuck between gospel and R&B, but he is clear on this album 'cause it is all about R&B. Also there are great duets. I wish I could hear more of it on the airwaves.