(January 21, 2025) He is soul and gospel music royalty, and one of the most recognizable voices ever. He is the Rev. Al Green, an artist who helped define southern soul with such timeless hits as “Let’s Stay Together,” “Call Me” and “Tired of Being Alone.” Rev. Green last issued an album 18 years ago, and the music world has missed him — though he has released miscellaneous singles from time to time.
Now, Green has issued a brand new four song EP of cover songs, tapping great compositions largely from the rock world. Among those is a very nice cover of the title track, To Love Somebody.
Released over a half century ago, “To Love Somebody” was a monster hit for The Bee Gees, and one of dozens of top compositions by the Gibb brothers. The new version certainly has more of a bluesy Memphis feel, with full horns and call-and-response vocals. Producers Clay Jones, David Ferguson and Matthew Johnson provide a strong foundation for Reverend Al, and his familiar voice takes over the song without overpowering it.
Green’s vocals are absolutely intact, even as he approaches his 80th birthday, and the entire EP is a welcome return as well as a reminder of this artist who has meant so much to the music world. Check out “To Love Somebody” below and welcome the great Al Green back to SoulTracks.
By Chris Rizik
