After two albums loaded with cover songs and draped in the deep influence of Otis Redding and Sam Cooke, Al Green used LET'S STAY TOGETHER to introduce his own style to the world. Green wrote or co-wrote seven of the nine songs on LET'S STAY TOGETHER, including the title track, his only No. 1 pop single. Love and relationships provided a universal theme for this sweet soul music. The lightly surging groove of "Let's Stay Together" carries a plea for reconciliation; the delicate ballad "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart" (a Bee Gees cover) addresses the aftermath of a breakup. Throughout LET'S STAY TOGETHER, the Hi Records house band fits exquisitely with Green's heavenly tenor, whether it be Charles Hodges's inspirational organ fills on "La-La For You" or brother Teenie Hodges' understated guitar riffs on "It Ain't No Fun To Me." Throw in a brassy horn section and lush string arrangements, and you have a perfectly balanced slice of soul. Some consider Al Green to be the greatest soul singer who ever lived. LET'S STAY TOGETHER, a purely joyful listen from beginning to end, makes a very good case.

• Genre: Funk / Soul
• RSD Date: n/a
• Format: Vinyl
• Released: 06/23/2009