In the musical equivalent of the phrase, "Too bad he's gay", the tragic loss of Al Green from the secular world in the mid to late 1970s was the most hurtful. Deciding to focus his attention to God's work both on and off records, the Reverend Al Green, save for some fleeting glimpses (An Annie Lennox duet and some below par R&B productions), has been lost to the contemporary listener for over a quarter of a century.

It is now us who must thank the higher power for him lending us the Reverend once more. Not only is Al Green back but he has reunited with producer Willie Mitchell and the famous Royal Studio in Memphis (Home of Hi Records) to record his comeback album 'I Can't Stop'.

What you get from these 12 sizzling original numbers is vintage Al Green: Blistering Southern Fried R&B with a voice that, after all these years, can still be described as honey dripped. The upbeat title track kicks proceedings off, a song about devotion not only to a lady but one senses to his audience and his love of performing.

But the good Reverend can also get you in the mood (in fact most people my age were probably conceived to his music), and this album delivers in spades. 'You' in particular stands out mainly for its vocal similarities to his early bedroom hit 'Let's Stay Together'.

However the highlight of the set must be the tearful ballad 'Rainin' In My Heart'. Starting with a grunt usually reserved for James Brown, 'Rainin' shows Green at his soul bearing best: "Even though, what's said or done, my love for you is an eternal one". Then when you think it can't get any better, the Royal Horn Section takes the song home and the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.

Above all else, the album has the feel of a performer having a little fun once again. Without the pressure of a hit single or a decent follow up to come, Green is able to do things on his terms. He may never return full time to secular music but when he does make an appearance we should all thank the good lord.