Originally released on Hi (32074)

Personnel: Al Green (vocals); Tennie Hodges (guitar); Andrew Love, Ed Logan (tenor saxophone); James Mitchell (baritone saxophone); Wayne Jackson (trumpet); Jack Hale (trombone); Charles Hodges (piano, organ); Leroy Hodges (bass instrument); Howard Grimes (drums); Rhodes, Chalmers & Rhodes (background vocals).

Liner Note Author: Colin Escott.

Recording information: Royal Recording Studios, Memphis, Tennessee.

There are few perfect records in the world, but Al Green's I'M STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU may be one of them. Backed by producer Willie Mitchell's phenomenal stable of musicians, including drummer Al Jackson and the three Hodges brothers, Green reached deep into his soul to pull out one of the finest recordings of his (and, arguably, anyone else's) career. The opening title track is classic Green, with staccato punctuation from the Memphis Horns and Jackson's relaxed, syncopated drum pattern setting the stage for the singer's luxurious, silk-voiced expressions of devotion.

The drums and slinky organ riff that kick off "So Glad You're Mine" are irresistible, while the inventive chord progression and infectious call and response section help make "Love And Happiness" one of the singer's finest moments. Continuing his tradition of turning unlikely outside material into gorgeous R&B, Green works his soulful magic on Kris Kristofferson's ballad "For The Good Times" and Roy Orbison's "Pretty Woman." The high point comes with "Simply Beautiful," an aptly titled tune that finds Green weaving his ethereal falsetto in and around a hypnotic groove with a grace that justifies his reputation as the king of R&B crooners. In truth, I'M STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU is almost too good to believe. Not incidentally, it set the standard for the next 20-plus years of R&B music.

Rolling Stone (3/6/03, p.72) - 5 stars out of 5 - "...All you need is right here..."