Higher Plane

Released in 1981 on Myrrh Records, Higher Plane is a pivotal entry in Al Green's discography, marking his full immersion into gospel music following his ordination as a pastor. While Green had begun incorporating spiritual themes into his late 70s work, this album solidified his departure from the secular R&B charts that defined his superstardom. Recorded at his own American Music Studio in Memphis, the album features a sophisticated blend of the Memphis soul sound and traditional gospel structures. It earned Green a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Gospel Performance, validating his transition in the eyes of the industry. The tracklist includes a notable six-minute rendition of Curtis Mayfield's 'People Get Ready,' which serves as a bridge between his soul roots and his new calling. Critics often cite this era as some of Green's most technically proficient vocal work, as he utilized his full range to convey a sense of spiritual ecstasy without the constraints of pop radio formats.