I'll Rise Again
Al Green · 1983
37 min · 9 tracks · rhythm and blues
Soulful gospel-infused melodies intertwine with Al Green's smooth vocals, creating a heartfelt exploration of faith and resilience.
Top tracks — play these first
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It Don't Take Much Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Jesus Is Coming (Back Again) — This track stands out for its vibrant arrangement and powerful message of hope, encapsulating Green's deep-rooted faith while showcasing his vocal prowess.
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I Just Can't Make It by Myself — The emotional depth of this song reveals vulnerability in its lyrics, illustrating the need for divine support and community, resonating deeply with listeners.
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Ocean Blue (I'll Rise Again) — As the title track, it embodies the overarching themes of rebirth and perseverance with lush instrumentation that complements Green's soothing voice.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Al Green's vocal style and gospel influences are strong, but the album doesn't significantly innovate within its genre.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of gospel-inflected melodies, particularly in the vocal delivery, which is prominent throughout.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response elements, enhancing the communal feel typical of gospel music.
- The pacing varies with mid-tempo tracks dominating the first half, while the latter half introduces slower ballads that shift the emotional tone.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- uplifting themes of resilience
- reflective moments for contemplation
- short tracks for quick listens
- warm vocals for cozy settings
- spiritual undertones inviting introspection
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Solid entry but not a standout in terms of recognition or accessibility.
- Career context
- Released in 1983, I'll Rise Again marks Al Green's return to music after a brief hiatus from the mainstream following his 1976 album, Greatest Hits. This period saw Green embracing gospel influences more heavily, reflecting his spiritual journey and commitment to sharing uplifting messages through music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Marvin Gaye· Otis Redding· Sam Cooke
Tracklist
- 1 It Don't Take Much Start here 3:23
- 2 Jesus Is Coming (Back Again) 4:59
- 3 Leaning on the Everlasting Arms 2:38
- 4 I Close My Eyes and Smile 3:23
- 5 Ocean Blue (I'll Rise Again) 4:13
- 6 Look at the Things That God Made 3:50
- 7 I Just Can't Make It by Myself 4:25
- 8 I Know It Was the Blood 5:19
- 9 Straighten Out Your Life 5:00
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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