ALBUM REVIEW

AL GREEN, “Your Heart’s in Good Hands”; MCA (* 1/2)

Green’s performance at September’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame concert was a stunning reminder of what a phenomenal singer he is. In a similar concert setting, Green would probably embellish this album’s tunes in a way that would lift them into the soul stratosphere. This is his first all-R&B; album in almost 20 years, but there’s not much of a baby-I’m-back sense of urgency or celebration.

Jodeci’s DeVante and David Steele and Andy Cox of Fine Young Cannibals produced several tracks, but their handling of Green seems too tentative and reserved. Where is producer Willie Mitchell when you need him? Together, he and Green came up with some of the ‘70s’ most enduring R&B; classics. Their seductive blend of rural rawness with elegant, full styling is what this album sorely needs.

New albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent).