Precious Lord cover

Precious Lord

Al Green · 1982

31 min · 9 tracks · rhythm and blues

Soulful gospel melodies intertwine with Al Green's signature smooth vocals, creating a deeply spiritual and uplifting listening experience.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Precious Lord Start here — This title track stands as a poignant expression of faith, showcasing Green's ability to convey deep emotion through his vocals while reflecting on spiritual solace.
  • →
    How Great Thou Art — Green's rendition transforms this classic hymn into a soulful celebration, emphasizing his unique vocal delivery that blends reverence with personal connection.
  • →
    Hallelujah (I Just Want to Praise the Lord) — This track encapsulates the album's joyful spirit, featuring an infectious groove that invites listeners into a communal experience of worship and praise.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases heartfelt reinterpretations of gospel hymns with strong vocal performances and cohesive arrangements.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of lush string arrangements that complement Green's vocals, enhancing the emotional weight of each hymn.
  • Green's vocal delivery often includes subtle variations in phrasing and dynamics, which adds depth to the traditional melodies.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

  • steady spiritual reflection moments
  • heartfelt vocal harmonies uplift
  • consistent emotional journey throughout
  • morning devotion and inspiration

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy entertainment
  • prefer standalone upbeat tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — Marks a shift to gospel music, differing from his earlier R&B style.
Career context
By the time 'Precious Lord' was released in November 1982, Al Green had transitioned into a period of gospel music, following a successful run in rhythm and blues. This album marked his return to music after a brief hiatus from secular recording, showcasing his deepening commitment to faith-based themes after embracing his Christian beliefs.
Stylistic neighbors
Marvin Gaye· Otis Redding· Sam Cooke

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Precious Lord

    The narrator expresses vulnerability in seeking guidance during times of trouble, directly addressing their faith for support.

Tracklist

  • 1 Precious Lord Start here 3:11
  • 2 Rock of Ages 2:33
  • 3 The Old Rugged Cross 3:26
  • 4 Morning Star 3:26
  • 5 How Great Thou Art 3:32
  • 6 Glory to His Name 2:56
  • 7 What a Friend We Have in Jesus 4:14
  • 8 In the Garden 3:57
  • 9 Hallelujah (I Just Want to Praise the Lord) 4:36

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata