Artist: Al Green Album: Back Up Train

Year: 1967
Duration: 30:18

A of Al Green's Back Up Train Album

When it comes to the world of soul music, few can match the power and influence of Al Green. The man is a legend in the genre, and his album Back Up Train is a testament to his abilities as a musician and singer. But like any work of art, it's not without its flaws. In this review, we'll take a deep dive into the album, exploring its history, style, standout tracks, and weaknesses.
First, let's give some background on Al Green. The man was born in Arkansas in 1946 and got his start in music in the late 1960s. He quickly rose to fame thanks to his soulful voice and stage presence, and he became an icon of the genre in the years that followed. Back Up Train was his debut album, released in 1967, and it's an interesting look at the early stages of his career.
The genre of the album is classic soul, with elements of R&B and gospel music mixed in. The standout tracks on the album include the title track Back Up Train, the soulful Don't Hurt Me No More, and the funky Get Yourself Together. These songs showcase Green's powerful vocals and the raw energy he brought to his music.
However, the album does have its weak spots. Some of the songs are forgettable, and the production value isn't always up to par. The album also suffers from a lack of cohesion – it feels more like a collection of singles than a unified work. That being said, it's still a fantastic snapshot of an artist on the rise, and it's interesting to see the early stages of Green's sound and style.
One of the most innovative parts of the album is the way that it blends different genres and styles. Green was known for his ability to seamlessly incorporate elements of gospel, blues, and R&B into his music, and Back Up Train is a great example of that. The album also features some fantastic arrangements and backing vocals, which add depth and texture to the songs.
In terms of criticism, one could argue that the album doesn't quite live up to the high standards that Green would later set for himself. While it's an impressive debut, it lacks the polish and refinement of his later work. Some of the songs feel a bit formulaic, and there are moments where Green's vocals don't quite hit the mark. That being said, these are relatively minor quibbles – Back Up Train is still a great album, and it holds up well even after all these years.
Overall, Al Green's Back Up Train album is an essential piece of soul music history. It's not a perfect album, but it's a fascinating snapshot of an artist on the cusp of greatness. The standout tracks are still fantastic, and the album's genre-bending approach is innovative and ahead of its time. If you're a fan of soul music, or just interested in the history of the genre, I highly recommend giving this album a listen. It's a great way to experience the early days of one of music's true legends.
Overall, Al Green's Back Up Train album is an essential piece of soul music history. It's not a perfect album, but it's a fascinating snapshot of an artist on the cusp of greatness. The standout tracks are still fantastic, and the album's genre-bending approach is innovative and ahead of its time. If you're a fan of soul music, or just interested in the history of the genre, I highly recommend giving this album a listen. It's a great way to experience the early days of one of music's true legends.