Spring '08 LPs From Madonna, Coldplay, The Roots, Mudcrutch, Elvis Costello

Al Green

Lay It Down 5/27

Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson admits he was nervous before he went into the studio to co-produce Al Green. But soon enough, he says, "We found the formula for getting fireworks out of him." Lay It Down captures a sound more organic and spontaneous than anything Green has released in decades. Corinne Bailey Rae, John Legend and Anthony Hamilton — whom Green describes as "very humble creative spirits" — came by for guest spots, but the focus stays where it belongs: on the mighty Reverend himself.

"Take Your Time" (feat. Corinne Bailey Rae)

"Stay With Me (By the Sea)" (feat. John Legend)

Click here for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Lay it Down.