Lord Will Make a Way

This 1980 album was released after Green received a wake-up call by way of tumble off a stage in Cincinnati. No doubt Green planned a straight-laced, devotional work with The Lord Will Make a Way, but his charisma and sex appeal was also part of the package. The title track is powerful, reverent, and sensual, with Green's voice possessing the intensity and tone of his earlier secular tracks. Like many of his best albums, this one has an immediacy that makes it a joy to listen to. Although Green's clear switch in his lyrical manner -- changing she/her for love of the Lord, Jesus, and God -- should be striking, the transition is seamless. The gospel standard "Pass Me Not" gets the Al Green treatment with his acoustic-guitar strums and strong call-and-response vocals. Another standard, Alex Bradford's "Too Close" has a poignant segment near the end that has Green repeatedly whispering "thank you Jesus" with his guitar sweetly strumming in the background. An original track, the pragmatic and committed "In the Holy Name of Jesus" has the poise of his Willie Mitchell productions. Green creates a relaxed atmosphere for Lord Will Make a Way, an excellent debut for his gospel career. ~ Jason Elias