Lay It Down
by: Al Green
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Amazon.co.uk:
Few performers have ever been so inimitable as the Reverend Al Green, so it's no surprise that the starry young collaborators who join him on the superb Lay It Down simply let the man sing in the way he knows best, and make their own contributions fit around his. Despite the presence of such luminaries as John Legend, Anthony Hamilton and Corinne Bailey Rae and the support of co-producers James Poyser and the Roots' Ahmir '?uestlove' Thompson, this is very much Green's show. But although the smart production attempts to update his classic sound, Lay It Down recognizes and preserves its enduring strengths. ?uestlove's brilliant drumming perfectly recaptures the languid snap the late Al Jackson Jr. brought to Green's legendary seventies hits, Larry Gold's string arrangements are measured and minimal while crack guitarist Chalmers 'Spanky' Alford, on one of his last sessions, demonstrates precisely how to balance rhythm and detail (The album is dedicated to his memory). Songs like the elegant title track, where Green out-emotes the decades-younger Hamilton, "Take Your Time", a lovely deep soul duet with Bailey Rae, and the quietly propulsive closer "Standing In The Rain" are naggingly timeless, though there really isn't a weak track on this excellent record. Lay It Down is a gift from one generation to the man that inspired them.--Steve Jelbert
Album Description:
Lay It Down with 11 tracks by Al Green. Friends laying it down with Al Green are Anthony Hamilton on the opening album title track and on 'You've Got the Love I Need'. Corinne Bailey Rae sings with Al on 'Take Your Time' and John Legend joins in on 'Stay With Me (By The Sea)'.
Few performers have ever been so inimitable as the Reverend Al Green, so it's no surprise that the starry young collaborators who join him on the superb Lay It Down simply let the man sing in the way he knows best, and make their own contributions fit around his. Despite the presence of such luminaries as John Legend, Anthony Hamilton and Corinne Bailey Rae and the support of co-producers James Poyser and the Roots' Ahmir '?uestlove' Thompson, this is very much Green's show. But although the smart production attempts to update his classic sound, Lay It Down recognizes and preserves its enduring strengths. ?uestlove's brilliant drumming perfectly recaptures the languid snap the late Al Jackson Jr. brought to Green's legendary seventies hits, Larry Gold's string arrangements are measured and minimal while crack guitarist Chalmers 'Spanky' Alford, on one of his last sessions, demonstrates precisely how to balance rhythm and detail (The album is dedicated to his memory). Songs like the elegant title track, where Green out-emotes the decades-younger Hamilton, "Take Your Time", a lovely deep soul duet with Bailey Rae, and the quietly propulsive closer "Standing In The Rain" are naggingly timeless, though there really isn't a weak track on this excellent record. Lay It Down is a gift from one generation to the man that inspired them.--Steve Jelbert
Album Description:
Lay It Down with 11 tracks by Al Green. Friends laying it down with Al Green are Anthony Hamilton on the opening album title track and on 'You've Got the Love I Need'. Corinne Bailey Rae sings with Al on 'Take Your Time' and John Legend joins in on 'Stay With Me (By The Sea)'.
Disc 1:
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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: 
- He's still the one
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 ... Read More
Rating: - Al Green brings 70s soul back effortlessly!
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 ... Read More
Rating: - Al is Back
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.
Rating: - Al Green Laid It Down
Non-Al Green fans will listen to this CD and say the songs all sound like old Al Green songs and thus, they will be disappointed. Al Green fans will listen to this album and say it sounds like old Al Green and will be very pleased music. Well, let's just say I am an even bigger Al Green fan now.
Rating: - Al never seems to amaze me!
I am 29 years old and have been listening to Al Green for as long as I can remember! I believe he is one of the greats and my most favorite singer alive! This album is wonderful, he kept it original but new, soft,just beautiful!!! Words can't describe- he can sing mary had a little lamb and it would be wonderful! If you are a fan, u should know what I'm talking about! You should buy this album!!
- He's still the oneI 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 ... Read More
- Al Green brings 70s soul back effortlessly!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 ... Read More
- Al is BackThis 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.
- Al Green Laid It DownNon-Al Green fans will listen to this CD and say the songs all sound like old Al Green songs and thus, they will be disappointed. Al Green fans will listen to this album and say it sounds like old Al Green and will be very pleased music. Well, let's just say I am an even bigger Al Green fan now.
- Al never seems to amaze me!I am 29 years old and have been listening to Al Green for as long as I can remember! I believe he is one of the greats and my most favorite singer alive! This album is wonderful, he kept it original but new, soft,just beautiful!!! Words can't describe- he can sing mary had a little lamb and it would be wonderful! If you are a fan, u should know what I'm talking about! You should buy this album!!
