The Holy Grail of Soul Vocals
Al Green's "Love and Happiness" is a masterclass in dynamics and emotion. Released on the seminal 1972 album I'm Still in Love with You, this track demands more than just hitting notes—it requires "feel." The song is famous for its slow build, the spoken-word intro, and the ecstatic falsetto screams that define the Memphis Soul sound.
To sing this well, you must be comfortable singing in the "pocket"—slightly behind the beat—and have a highly developed head voice. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Find the Groove
Many users rush the phrasing. Al Green lays way back on the beat. Our analysis shows that delaying your onset slightly after the snare hit improves your "Groove" score significantly.
Phase 1: The Spoken Intro (0:00 - 1:04)
The song begins with Al Green talking over the organ. "Wait a minute... something's going wrong." This isn't just speaking; it's rhythmic talking. You need to keep your voice resonant and low.
The Trap: Don't be too monotonous. Use inflection to match the rising intensity of the band. The humming section requires a closed-mouth resonance that vibrates in the mask of your face.
Phase 2: The Verses (1:04 - 2:45)
As the beat drops, the vocals switch to a smooth chest voice. The line "Something that can make you do wrong" sits in a comfortable mid-range for Tenors. The challenge here is breathiness vs. clarity.
- Tone Color: Use a breathy onset for the word "Love" to create intimacy.
- Phrasing: Connect your words (legato). Don't chop up the lines "make you come home early."
- Dynamics: Stay at a medium volume (mezzo-forte). Save your loud volume for the ad-libs.
Phase 3: The Falsetto & Ad-libs (2:45 - End)
This is the hardest part of the song. Al Green unleashes his signature squeals and high notes. These are not belted in chest voice; they are pure head voice or falsetto.
To hit these high notes (up to B5) without strain, drop your jaw and think of the sound shooting out of the top of your head. Do not squeeze your throat. The grit comes from the vocal fry at the beginning of the note, not from tension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Al Green hits several high notes in falsetto, reaching up to a B5 during the improvised screams near the end of the track.
Yes, the verses are very comfortable for a Baritone. The challenge is the falsetto. If the screams are too high, you can modify them to a lower harmony or use the Singing Coach AI app to transpose the track down.
Al Green uses "false cord" distortion lightly. To practice safely, imagine you are clearing your throat gently while humming. Combine that sensation with the note. Do not push if it hurts.
