Al Green reread REM's "Everybody Hurts".

Al Green reread REM’s “Everybody Hurts”.

ByJohn

Al Green78, is a legendary soul man who reached the pinnacle of success in the 1970s. The author and performer of “Let’s Stay Together” has put his hand to one of the best known and loved songs of the REM “Everybody Hurts” making it a soul song, with a black soul.

Green said in a statement

Recording ‘Everybody Hurts’, I really felt the heaviness of the song and wanted to inject a little touch of hope and light into it. There is always a presence of light that can break through those moments of darkness.

Accompanying Green on his version of the R.E.M. song is the Hi Rhythm Section, featuring Reverend Charles Hodges on organ, Leroy Hodges on bass, Archie “Hubbie” Turner on piano, Will Sexton on guitar and Booker T’s Steve Potts & the MG’s on drums. The string section was arranged by Lester Snell.

“Speaking on behalf of the entire band, we couldn’t be more honored, more flattered,” remarked REM’s Michael Stipe. “This is an epic moment for us.”

Green’s latest album, “Lay It Down”, was released in 2008, produced by Questlove and featuring guests such as Anthony Hamilton, John Legend and Corinne Bailey Rae. In the 16 years since, Green has released just two singles: “Before the Next Teardrop Falls” in 2018 and a cover of Lou Reed’s “Perfect Day” in 2023.

“I loved Lou’s original ‘Perfect Day,'” the singer said at the time (to Vibe magazine). “The song immediately puts you in a good mood. We wanted to preserve that spirit, but add our own sauce and style.”

John
John

With an untamed passion and deep, eclectic knowledge of music, John is the soul of RadioWise UK. Having worked in the music industry for over two decades, his vision was to create a platform that embodies the love and respect for music. John is known for his great attention to detail and insatiable thirst for discovering new talents and music genres.