I'd think if you're looking at this, you need no convincing of the mighty worth of Al Green; there's no one remotely like him - as versatile or as skillful, but mostly no one as powerfully, emotionally resonant. However, what you might appreciate knowing is that some of your favorite cuts - the ones you've heard over & over & grown to love - are not here. Or, rather, they're here but in LIVE versions. This is great for collectors & afficianados, but perhaps disappointing to someone who wants their favorite Green in a box. Hint: for a little less "green," buy two other CDs ("Greatest Hits" & "More Greatest Hits"). Best idea yet, though, is to buy all 3 - this will give you what you expect and also give you so much more that will broaden & deepen your respect for what music can give you. And Al Green is one of music's great messengers.

There's really no arguement: Al Green is one of the greatest soul artists ever. A killer voice, full of grit, sweetness, sexiness, and sacredness, he was THE MAN of the 70's. This anthology covers it all, from his first single "Back Up Train" (singing harder and grittier back then, ala James Brown, you could tell he had it from the first note) to his later gospel recordings. This is not a COMPLETE anthology; it doesn't give us all he put down on vinyl. But it gives us all we need, really. In listening to these recordings in one sitting, and reading the excellent liner notes (which often make or break box sets), I had to tip my hat yet again to the incredible talent of his band (basically Hi Records house band), especially Al Jackson, Jr. (drums) and "Teenie" Hodges (guitar). And lets not forget the person who made it all happen: Willie Mitchell, and his unmistakable horn arrangements. If you've never been introduced to Green's gospel stuff, you'll get it here - it's among the best black/soul gospel music ever, as his shelf full of Grammy's attest to. You'll also get a few spoken clips from the movie "The Gospel According to Al Green" which, by the way, is a MUST for any Al Green fan. It's hard to find, but WELL worth it. There are few anthologies really worth the coin - but this one is worth every cent. Haven't seen the light? Hearing is believing, baby.

No matter what your musical preference, this anthology is for you. Al Green is nothing less than a genius, and I recommend all music lovers to take a close listen, especially if just trying to enjoy a few quiet reflective minutes alone, or even better with your special someone for an evening. Any Al Green album promises to be moving and soulful; with this you have it all.

No question about it. He is a tough man. This Anthology has most of his hits as well as the songs that should have been hits. Al was smooth the way he sang love songs. He also had that earthy edge to his work.

Kudos for the inclusion of some songs of his gospel roots.

My only complaint? A bit too many of the songs I wanted were live versions. The studio cuts of "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart", "Sha La La La" "You Ought to Be With Me" and the like were true classics of his style to me. I want them the way I recall them (but, that IS just my opinion).

together with willie Mitchell his producer they created time-less master pieces and this box-set confirms this genius. it's a must have for true lovers of not only soul music but great music in general.he could go in so many different directions. which then unlike now you had to do just to be a solid artist but if you had that something extra like al green then you were gifted.