Al Green, Let’s Stay Together | Throwback Vibez

In the 74th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Let’s Stay Together” by legendary Memphis soul singer/songwriter Al Green.   

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 74^th edition of Throwback Vibez ️ (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Let’s Stay Together” performed by Al Green.

“I’m, I’m so in love with you / Whatever you want to do / Is alright with me.” Cutting straight to the chase, “Let’s Stay Together” is the crowning achievement of Grammy-winning Memphis soul and gospel music icon Al Green (1946 – ).  If the legendary musician had never recorded another song, he would have solidified his legacy with this ultra-romantic, unforgettable joint. “Let’s Stay Together” is the opener from his 1972 gold-certified album, also named Let’s Stay Together. Green wrote the gem alongside Al Jackson, Jr. (1935 – 1975) and Willie Mitchell (1928 – 2010). The platinum-certified single was one of eight top 10 hits by Green.  It is his sole number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100.  Notably, Let’s Stay Together (the album) peaked at number eight on the Billboard 200.

Al Green blesses “Let’s Stay Together” with his distinct, once-in-a-lifetime voice. Backed by a sweet, soulful backdrop including a tight rhythm section (Charles Hodges shines on the organ), mean-sounding horns, and lush strings, Green has ample fuel for his fire.  The musical arrangement, orchestration, and production are fire, PERIOD! All of the verses are memorable, including the beloved first verse excerpted above. In the second, he asks her to “Let me be the one you come running to / I’ll never be untrue.” In the third and final verse, he’s concerned about breaking up, singing, “Why somebody, why people break up / Oh, turn around and make up, I just can’t see.” He does not want that to happen to them at all. Even with the epic verses, the most epic section of them all is the chorus, where the reverend implores, “Ooh, baby, let’s, let’s stay together / Loving you whether /  Whether times are good or bad, happy or sad.” Word. One of the best songs ever, regardless of genre, the magnificence of “Let’s Stay Together” speaks for itself. ICONIC!

Al Green // Let’s Stay Together // Hi / Fat Possum // 1972

Al Green, Let’s Stay Together: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 74 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Hi / Fat Possum; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]