The 10 best Al Green songs of all time

Al Green is a legendary American singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his soulful voice and influential contribution to soul music. Born in Arkansas in 1946, Green rose to fame in the 1970s with hits such as “Let’s Stay Together,” “Tired of Being Alone,” and “Love and Happiness.” His smooth, soulful vocals, often accompanied by lush orchestration and gospel-inspired arrangements, defined the Memphis soul sound. Green’s music combines elements of soul, R&B, gospel, and pop, and his distinctive style has earned him a reputation as one of the greatest singers in music history.

1. Sha-La-La (Make me happy)

“Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy)” is a song by Al Green, released in 1974 as part of his album Al Green Explores Your Mind. It is an emotional track known for its fast rhythm, catchy melody, and Green’s smooth vocals. The song contains a mix of soul and funk elements that were typical of Green’s musical style of the time. “Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy)” became a popular hit and showcases Green’s ability to inject joy and emotion into his music, making it a favorite among fans of classic soul and R&B.

2. LOVE (Love)

“LOVE (Love)” is a classic song originally recorded by Nat King Cole in 1964. It is known for its enchanting melody and simple yet heartfelt lyrics that express the word “love” as a declaration of affection. Nat King Cole’s smooth vocals and jazzy arrangement of the song add to its timeless appeal. Over the years, “LOVE” has become a standard in pop music and has been covered by various artists in a variety of genres. It remains a popular romantic anthem that continues to resonate with audiences for its universal message of love and positivity.

3. You should be with me

“You Ought to Be with Me” is a soul song by Al Green, released in 1972. The song is a standout track from his album “Call Me”. Written by Al Green, Willie Mitchell, and Al Jackson Jr., the song is an example of Green’s smooth vocal style and the lush production typical of his work with producer Willie Mitchell.

Lyrically, “You Ought to Be with Me” is a love song in which Green expresses his longing for a romantic connection. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and desire for closeness with a loved one, underlined by Green’s soulful and emotional delivery.

Musically, the song features Green’s trademark falsetto, a relaxed yet groovy rhythm section, and rich, warm instrumentation including brass and strings. The piece’s gentle, soulful atmosphere is enhanced by the tight arrangements and subtle but effective use of backing vocals.

“You Ought to Be with Me” was a commercial success, peaking at number one on the Billboard R&B chart and number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song remains one of Al Green’s classic hits and continues to be celebrated for its soulful lyrics, catchy melody, and Green’s unparalleled vocal performance.

4. Let us stay together

“Let’s Stay Together” is a classic soul song by Al Green, released in 1971. It is the title track from his album Let’s Stay Together and one of Green’s best known songs. The song was written by Al Green, Willie Mitchell and Al Jackson Jr. and is an example of Green’s smooth vocal style and the lush production that became his trademark.

Lyrically, “Let’s Stay Together” is a love song that emphasizes devotion and lasting love. The lyrics express a deep and unwavering devotion, with Green singing about sticking together through good times and bad, and his heartfelt delivery adds to the emotional impact of the song.

Musically, the song features Green’s silky falsetto, a smooth and steady rhythm, and rich instrumentation including strings, horns, and a prominent bass line. Willie Mitchell’s production is sophisticated yet soulful, highlighting Green’s voice while providing a warm and inviting backdrop.

“Let’s Stay Together” was a huge commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming a defining hit of the early 1970s. The song’s timeless appeal and Green’s passionate performance have made it a classic of the soul and R&B genres, and it remains a beloved favorite of listeners around the world.

5. Tired of being alone

“Tired of Being Alone” is a soulful classic by Al Green, released as a single from his 1971 album Al Green Gets Next to You. The song features Green’s soulful vocals and smooth delivery, characteristic of his distinctive soul style. “Tired of Being Alone” has a soulful groove and lyrics that express loneliness and a longing for companionship. It became one of Al Green’s signature songs and a major hit, cementing his reputation as a towering figure in soul music. The song’s timeless appeal lies in its soulful lyrics and melody, which have resonated with listeners for decades.

6. Call me (Come back home)

“Call Me (Come Back Home)” is a soul ballad by Al Green, released as a single from his 1973 album Call Me. The song is characterized by its gentle rhythm, soulful orchestration, and Green’s soulful vocals. In “Call Me,” Green pleads with his lover to come back home, expressing regret and a desire for reconciliation. The song’s soulful lyrics and Green’s passionate delivery resonated with audiences, making it a chart hit and one of his most popular songs. “Call Me (Come Back Home)” showcases Al Green’s ability to blend soul, R&B, and gospel influences into a poignant and timeless ballad.

7. Love and happiness

“Love and Happiness” is a soulful and uplifting song by Al Green, released in 1973. The track can be found on his album “I’m Still in Love with You”. Written by Al Green and his long-time collaborator, producer Willie Mitchell, along with Mabon “Teenie” Hodges, the song is a prime example of Green’s ability to combine deep emotions with infectious grooves.

Lyrically, “Love and Happiness” explores the joy and fulfillment that comes with love, while also addressing the difficulties and complexities that come with it. The song begins with a catchy spoken word introduction and segues into Green’s soulful singing about the transformative power of love.

Musically, “Love and Happiness” features Green’s trademark falsetto and a driving, rhythmic beat. The instrumentation includes a tight, funky bass line, sharp guitar riffs, horns, and a steady drum pattern. The interplay of the instruments creates a rich, layered sound that complements Green’s passionate vocals.

“Love and Happiness” has become one of Al Green’s most enduring songs, celebrated for its positive message and dynamic arrangement. Its influence extends beyond soul music, as it has been covered and sampled by numerous artists across multiple genres. The song remains a staple in Green’s catalog and a testament to his talent as a singer and songwriter.

8. Take me to the river

“Take Me to the River” is a song originally written by Al Green and Mabon “Teenie” Hodges and released on Al Green’s 1974 album Al Green Explores Your Mind. The song became a huge hit for Green and has since been covered by various artists across different genres.

Green’s version is characterized by its soulful groove, soulful vocals and gospel-inspired arrangement. The lyrics are about longing and spiritual desire and use the metaphor of a river as a symbol of renewal and transformation. Green’s passionate delivery and the song’s infectious rhythm made it a soul music classic and showcased his ability to combine deep emotion with a catchy melody.

Other notable cover versions include Talking Heads and Tina Turner, each giving their own unique interpretation of this timeless song.

9. I’m still in love with you

“I’m Still in Love with You” is a soul classic by Al Green, released in 1972 as the title track from his album I’m Still in Love with You. The song features Green’s signature smooth vocals and a lush, soulful arrangement. It became a major hit for Green, reaching the top of the Billboard R&B charts and becoming one of his most enduring songs.

The lyrics of “I’m Still in Love with You” express heartfelt devotion and love, capturing the essence of romantic longing and devotion. Green’s soulful delivery and the soulful groove of the song resonated with listeners and cemented its place as a classic in the history of soul music.

The album I’m Still in Love with You and its title track demonstrate Al Green’s ability to blend soul, gospel and R&B influences into timeless and emotional music that continues to captivate audiences.

10. Here I am (come and take me)

“Here I Am (Come and Take Me)” is another soul classic by Al Green, released as a single from his 1973 album “Call Me”. The song is known for its smooth, soulful groove and Green’s soulful vocals. In “Here I Am (Come and Take Me)”, Green sings about surrendering to love and embracing vulnerability. The lyrics express a deep longing and willingness to be with someone despite past mistakes or challenges.

The song’s catchy melody, combined with Green’s passionate delivery and soulful arrangement, made it a major hit on the charts. “Here I Am (Come and Take Me)” showcases Green’s ability to convey emotional depth with his music, making it a timeless favorite among fans of soul and R&B music.

Edward Tomlin is a frequent collaborator with Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us on social media below.