Personnel: Al Green (vocals); David Steele (guitar, keyboards, bass, congas); Andy Cox (guitar, percussion, programming); Paul Pesco (guitar); Andrew Snitzer (tenor saxophone); Roger Rosenberg (baritone saxophone); Curtis Stigers (saxophone); Chris Scott, Graeme Hamilton (trumpet); Michael E. Davis (trombone); Richard Tee (piano, organ, keyboards); Tommy Farragher (keyboards, programming, background vocals); Douglas Wimbush, Will Lee (bass); Narada Michael Walden, David Palmer, Bernard Purdy, Tony Mason (drums); Bashiri Johnson (percussion); Axel Kroell (programming); Claytoven Richardson, Sandy Griffith, Nikita Germaine, Skyler Jett, Cindy Mizelle, Nicki Richards, Wincy, B.J. Nelson, Mint Juleps (background vocals).
The Memphis Horns: Andrew Love (saxophone); Wayne Jackson (trumpet, trombone).
Producers include: Narada Michael Walden, Arthur Baker, Tommy Farragher, DeVante, Arthur Baker.
Engineers include: Matt Rohr, Bob Brockman, Kennan Keating.
The sweetest, most dynamic voice in the history of soul music is back, and with plenty of finely crafted songs to showcase his soaring talent. The Rev. Al Green turns away from straight-ahead gospel messages on YOUR HEART'S IN GOOD HANDS, but his faith is always bubbling joyously just below the surface. The message is L-O-V-E, pure and simple, and numbers like "Keep on Pushin' Love" recall the original, sparse sound of his early classics. Give this man a basic, mid-tempo funk beat, some tasty guitar parts, sprinkle a few horns on top for good measure, and, simply put, nobody can touch him. Green can still stretch his voice around a note--one minute he's throwing down a pure church-on-Sunday shout, the next he's teasing us with his trademark falsetto. Seth Swirsky's "Love is a Beautiful Thing" is a highlight, an uplifting, joyful celebration. This disc should satisfy both old fans, and newcomers to the genius that is Al Green.
Entertainment Weekly (11/10/95, p.66) - "...This is sweet soul music, whether you're saved or not." - Rating: B+
Musician (1/95, p.86) - "...what gives this album its strength is the way Green and his producers capture the essence of [his '70s] hits--the silky melodies, the effortless grace, the abundant joy....remain[s] true to Green's style while subtly updating it..."
Category: R&B
Release Date: 11/07/95
Originally Released: 1995
Mono / Stereo: Stereo
Discs: 1
Availability: Y
Studio / Live: Studio
Area: USA
Is Import: N
Distributor: Universal Distribution