Search - Al Green :: Soul Survivor

Al shows his versatality

Reginald D. Garrard | 04/16/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is by far the best Album Al Green ever made. His smooth flasetto, his exceptional "feel" and sparkling clean vocals are showcased on this album. With a formidable studio musician crew headed by Paul Zaleski & Errol Thomas, classic songs such as " He Ain't Heavy" and "You've Got a Friend" are showcasaed by a masterful "out of the way production" by Zaleski & Thomas. The classic "Jesus Will Fix It" and "Everything's going to Be Alright" will keep your toes tappin.Green's voice has never been better.If you really want a good song after a good song on a CD by Al Green that is not hyped, this is it.A Grammy Winner"

The "Reverend" is beginning to get his stride!

Reginald D. Garrard | Camilla, GA USA | 04/04/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After reviewing Al Green's last three studio albums, I decided to rummage through my "archives" and look at earlier releases by the singer that I own. To my surprise, I had never critiqued 1987's "Soul Survivor," a hodgepodge of traditional, contemporary gospel, and pop "message" songs, made during the time that Green was first asserting himself as a minister.



While the title cut and "Everything's Gonna Be Alright" date themselves, due to 80's production values, the renditions of more traditional fare, like "Yield Not to Temptation," "Jesus Will Fix It," and "23rd Psalm," show the singer at his vocal best. These songs are staples of many a church choir or gospel quartet and fans of that style of singing will be most appreciative of Green's interpretations, respectively.



However, the singer really ascends into spiritual heaven with two covers: "He Ain't Heavy" and "You've Got a Friend," featuring a soul-stirring organ and vocal accompaniment from legendary keyboardist Billy Preston. This one song hints at what could have been if the two artists had decided to do a full-blown album of duets."