Al Green's new album among best

When someone hears the name Al Green, they think of songs like "Let's Stay Together" and "Tired of Being Alone." With their perfectly constructed string sections and horn blasts, these songs create the utmost relaxing effect, acting as the perfect stress-reliever on even the busiest of days. With this being said, when someone hears that Al Green has put out a new album, they would expect for the music to be calm, soothing, and easy to dance to. Needless to say, Mr. Green does not disappoint.

In his latest album, "Lay It Down," Al Green recreates the magic of his previous records perfectly. The first thing a listener will notice when they listen to the album is that Green's voice sounds as though it has not changed in 40 years. His smooth delivery hits the highest of notes with ease, using the guitar and drums to create the essence of soul.

A new addition to this album is the talent of Ahmir Thompson, who contributes not only with the drums, but also on the other side of the recording studio as producer. Joining Thompson on the production team is James Poyser, a Grammy-winning songwriter/producer who in the past has worked with other hip-hop and R&B artists such as Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, The Roots, and Aretha Franklin. From their combined effort comes a well-polished product that keeps Al Green true to his roots as a soul singer.

Along with this all-star production team is an all-star guest list that join in with Green to make this album great. Soul singer Anthony Hamilton adds his smooth vocals to Green's for two of the albums tracks; "Lay it Down" and "You've Got the Love I Need." His voice provides a deep and velvety undertone to Green's, which almost makes the listener feel as though he is listening to a duet with the great Bill Withers. On the track "Take Your Time," Corinne Bailey Rae's delicate voice compliments Green's with perfection. Finally, R&B sensation John Legend helps Green out with the beautiful romantic plea that is "Stay With Me (By The Sea)."

The one negative thing about "Lay It Down" is that no track seems to stand out from the other. While each song is wonderfully crafted with its own tone and feel, the songs can sometimes feel as though they begin to run together. While no one song seems to feel like the dominant track, each one does bring its own characteristics to the album, allowing for the numerous positives to outweigh the few negatives.

From all of this hard work, the album has received four Grammy nominations this year, including Best R&B Performance By a Group or Duo With Vocals for "Stay With Me (By The Sea)", Best Traditional R&B Performance for "You've Got The Love I Need", along with Best R&B Album. This recognition for Al Green is well deserved, and will hopefully add even more acclaim to this wonderful album.