Whether it was with the help of Quentin Tarantino nine years ago on the Pulp Fiction soundtrack or the public’s recent love affair with 70’s soul - amongst the likes of Isaac Hayes and Barry White - the world has come to realize that Al Green is bad. Yeah, that’s right. so bad, he’s come back for more. Like a Muhammad Ali quote, Green’s voice floats, stings, flutters and knocks you down, but keeps you coming back for more.
Today, at 57 and an ordained pastor, Green has spent the last two decades focused on more gospel platforms, preaching to the congregation rather than the clubs. Returning to his roots, Green’s latest
I Can’t Stop is his first collaboration since 1976 with his mentor, Willie Mitchell; the brains behind much of Green’s soul laden records. These are the vinyl classics that consisted of the resounding beats and prime horn and string orchestrations, where Green’s distinguished voice would be the permanent tattoo.
From the first opening notes of the title track, " I Can’t Stop," the 70’s groove of Green classics like "Love and Tenderness" and "Look What You Done For Me," shimmy their plaid patterns in a full circle effort. The title track is perhaps one of the finest moments in the Reverend’s four-decade plus career, standing tall as its polished sound keeps the vibe warm and fuzzy, yet calm and cool. Each song effortlessly carries the torch to the next, the horns the keyboards, the soul sisters providing the background karma......it's all there.
Green is perhaps a bit over generous with the word "you" in both lyrics and titles, but whose to criticize? The song "You" with its over cliched love lines, sound mightily powerful with the top notch production efforts all around, proving Green’s best work may still be right around the corner. Perhaps 2003/2004 isn't too late for another timeless classic, because for the time being - Al Green "just can't stop."
