Description
I’ll Rise Again is a contemporary gospel album by the American soul singer and songwriter Al Green, released on Hi Records in 1983, manufactured and distributed by Myrrh Records, a division of Word. The album was recorded and mixed by William C. Brown, III at American Music Recording Studios in Memphis, Tennessee; with Al Green producing.
While the title of Al Green’s new LP, ‘I’ll Rise Again’, undoubtedly refers to the Resurrection, it could also stand for Al Green the ever-shining, higher-rising star.
This is the kind of gospel album that purists and traditionalists hate. It’s really a gospel r&b album. You can dance to it. It’s as commercial as anything Al Green ever did before he became a preacher. It has Al Green syncopation, high energy, full productions, great arrangements, tight instrumental accompaniement, and fine Al Green vocals liberally leaping into falsetto. This is a stylish, truly contemporary gospel album, one that will please a generation of young Christians raised on Al Green the r&b singer.
There are a couple of traditional and old-time numbers on ‘I’ll Rise Again’, but it’s doubtful that any old-timer would recognize them.
This is not an early ’70s Al Green sound adapted to gospel however. The music definitely demonstrates Green’s own growth in the studio and, unlike many of his early secular albums, is not a slave to one beat or feel. The material is varied and interesting, with great hooks and compelling rhythms in the “Memphis sound” style. It may be familiar, but it’s not a retread.
Well, why not? It’s a logical direction for gospel. After all, black spiritual music didn’t become gospel until it absored the blues, ragtime rhythms, and other sounds of the 1920s. It seems fair that today’s gospel absorb something from r&b, especially from one of its masters.
The key to acceptability might be, who (or what) does it really glorify? This is certainly not a salacious album. It entertains the listener with contemporary form, while it sings the Lord’s praises and highlights His goodness. In fact, in some ways it may be a conservative album; it has adapted none of the rhythms or styles of today’s funk-rock or funk-wave purveyors. Al Green’s secular style, after all, was romantic. This is an album that still speaks to the heart about love, only this time the object is the Lord.
«Don’t Take Much» opens side one, introducing the general style of the album: punchy, driving, makes you want to dance. At times, Al Green reminds you a little of Sam Cooke; other times, there’s a hint of Chuck Jackson. But it’s still Al Green. The song could make it on AM radio.
«Leaning on the Everlasting Arms» follows, in 3/4 time, a most interesting, rhythmic interpretation of the classic. «I Know It Was the Blood» (not the traditional song) continues the strong use of synthesizers and r&b hooks, a long (5:19), funky, joyous, praise-filled song. «Ocean Blue» is more of the familiar Al Green fare, with that driving beat applied to an unusual, un-formularized melody.
«I Just Can’t Make It by Myself» by Clara Ward is the most notable track on the record. It’s gospel blues, excellently and breathily rendered by Green with great background vocals and B.B. King-style guitar work. «Jesus Is Coming» and «I Close My Eyes and Smile» are signature Al Green material: pop, big on syncopation and kick-drum, characteristic Al Green falsetto hooks, etc., closing out the album with familiarity and style.
Al Green, producing himself, has mastered a listenable album; one that gladdens the heart to hear. [Hilary Hicks, CCM, November 1983]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/ill-rise-again/1049594180)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “It Don’t Take Much” – 3:23
A2. “Jesus Is Coming (Back Again)” – 4:59
A3. “Leaning On The Everlasting Arms” – 2:38
A4. “I Close My Eyes And Smile” – 3:23
A5. “Ocean Blue (I’ll Rise Again)” – 4:13
Side Two
B1. “Look At The Things That God Made” – 3:50
B2. “I Just Can’t Make It By Myself” – 4:25
B3. “I Know It Was The Blood” – 5:19
B4. “Straighten Out Your Life” – 5:00
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Myrrh Records. Later re-issued on CD.
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