Al Green's 10 greatest ever songs

30 September 2020, 17:36 | Updated: 15 October 2020, 20:27

By Tom Eames

Al Green is one of the world's greatest soul singers, emerging in the 1970s with a truly stunning voice.

Now known as The Reverend Al Green, he has released 29 albums over the decades, and we always love hearing his soulful tunes.

Here are the very best songs to make the perfect Al Green playlist...

L-O-V-E (Love)

AL Green 1975 L-O-V-E

Not to be confused with the Nat King Cole song of the same name, this gave Al another hit in 1975.
The single was produced by Willie Mitchell, who also co-wrote the song along with Al and Mabon Hodges.
You Ought to be With Me

Al Green / You Ought To Be With Me / 1972 Live

This was a top 3 hit in America, and sold over a million copies at the time.
It was taken from his Call Me album, which was later included in Rolling Stone's list of the 500 greatest albums ever made.
'Put a Little Love in Your Heart' (with Annie Lennox)

Annie Lennox & Al Green - Put A Little Love In Your Heart [HQ]

Originally a 1969 song by Jackie DeShannon, Al returned to non-gospel music in 1988 with a cover version alongside Eurythmics singer Annie Lennox.
The song was recorded for the Bill Murray movie Scrooged, and it features prominently during the end credits.
Look What You Done for Me

Al Green / Look What You Done For Me (Live)

This soulful track gave Al Green a number four hit in the States in 1972.
Green wrote the song on his own, though Al Jackson Jr and Green's producer Willie Mitchell also received co-writing credits.
I'm Still in Love With You

AL GREEN - I'M STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU

This fantastic ballad was also the title of his 1972 album, and gave him a top 3 hit in America.
It was later covered in 2008 by Seal for his Soul collection.
Take Me To the River

Al Green - Take Me To The River (Official Audio)

Al later used the title of this song as the name of his autobiography in 2000. Talking Heads were among the many artists to cover the track in later years.
Featured on the 1974 album Al Green Explores Your Mind, Al dedicated his performance on the album to "...Little Junior Parker, a cousin of mine, he's gone on but we'd like to kinda carry on in his name..".
Love and Happiness

Al Green - Love And Happiness *LIVE*

Various writers have named this Al Green's best ever song, and it was co-written with longtime collaborator Teenie Hodges.
Al later said of the song: "It was like mixing explosive chemicals — everything had to be added at just the right time and at just the right dose. The tempo was the most important thing to Willie, and, if you listen close, you can hear Teenie counting off with his foot on a cardboard box for the take that nailed it."
Tired of Being Alone

Al Green - Tired Of Being Alone

This soul classic was first recorded in 1968, but problems occurred with the first tape, and so it was postponed. It was later altered and perfected the second time.
Released in 1971, it was one of Al's first big hits around the world. Scottish band Texas later had their own hit with a cover in 1992.
How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?

Al Green- How Can You Mend a Broken Heart (Live on Soul!, 1972)

The Bee Gees first released this mellow love song in 1971, and it was already a hit for the Brothers Gibb.
Read more: 8 songs you didnt know were written by the Bee Gees
A year later, Al transformed it into a pained and tearjerking six-minute soul ballad, and some may say this is the definitive version.
You may also remember it for its use in 1999's Notting Hill, and we always feel a bit teary eyed whenever we see it.
Let's Stay Together

Al Green - Let's Stay Together

Taken from his 1972 album of the same name, this is perhaps Al's most famous tune and signature song.
It reached number one in the States, and it has been covered by countless artists ever since.
Even US President Barack Obama gave it a go, performing a brief line of the song during an appearance at the Apollo Theater in New York in 2012, where Al was also performing.