Explores Your Mind

HI 1974, CD £10.78, VINYL £15.17 You Say: “Extraordinary vocal prowess.” Ruth Nathan, via e-mail In assessing Green’s career, Livin’ For You, Explores Your Mind and Is Love are mid-’70s albums said to be at the cusp of his waning enthusiasm for soul stardom, yet all have moments that can stop the clocks, and none more so than Explores… Even ignoring the gentle good vibe of Sha-La-La (Makes Me Happy), his highest placing (Number 7) US pop hit since 1972, there is the first version of his wonderful, much- covered, gospel-drenched Take Me To The River. Written with Hi guitarist Teenie Hodges, Green uses church-based imagery of renewal through watery baptism against a typical Royal studios rhythm of ineffable drive. Uplift, too, from the poignant romance of God Blessed Our Love and School Days’ gossamer reverie.