Truth n' Time cover

Truth n' Time

Al Green · 1978

26 min · 8 tracks · rhythm and blues

A soulful exploration of love and introspection wrapped in lush arrangements and Al Green's signature smooth vocals.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Blow Me Down Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    I Say a Little Prayer — This track exemplifies Green's ability to convey profound emotions through simple yet poignant lyrics, all underlined by an infectious melody. Its enduring popularity highlights its significance within the soul genre.
  • →
    Truth n’ Time — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of honesty and self-reflection, showcasing Green's vocal range and emotional depth. It serves as a cornerstone of the album’s narrative.
  • →
    Happy Days — With its upbeat tempo and joyous lyrics, this song contrasts with the more serious undertones of the album while still resonating with themes of hope and resilience. It illustrates Green’s versatility as an artist.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends soulful melodies with introspective lyrics, showcasing Al Green's vocal prowess and emotional depth.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong mid-tempo groove on 'Blow Me Down', establishing a consistent rhythmic foundation.
  • Several tracks feature lush string arrangements that complement Green's smooth vocal delivery, particularly on 'I Say a Little Prayer'.
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
6/10

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

  • smooth transitions between tracks
  • heartfelt melodies for reflection
  • short bursts of soulful energy
  • catchy hooks for sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy immersive albums
  • seek intense dynamic shifts

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A solid entry in Green's catalog that showcases his evolving sound and personal themes.
Themes
spiritual reflection· post-peak vulnerability· soulful honesty
Career context
Released in January 1978, Truth n' Time was Al Green's eighth studio album and followed his commercial peak with the hit album Let's Stay Together. By this point, Green was firmly established as a leading voice in soul music, having navigated personal challenges that influenced his artistic direction. This album marked a shift towards deeper themes of reflection and spirituality amidst his continuing musical evolution.
Stylistic neighbors
Marvin Gaye· Otis Redding· Sam Cooke

Tracklist

  • 1 Blow Me Down Start here 3:11
  • 2 Lo and Behold 3:15
  • 3 Wait Here 2:44
  • 4 To Sir With Love 4:09
  • 5 Truth n’ Time 3:41
  • 6 King of All 2:22
  • 7 I Say a Little Prayer 2:13
  • 8 Happy Days 5:13

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata