Listen to Al Green Cover REM's 'Everybody Hurts'
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Listen to Al Green Cover REM's 'Everybody Hurts'

By James Vargas / November 20, 2024

Al Green has released a cover of REM's “Everybody Hurts.”

“Recording 'Everybody Hurts,' I could really feel the heaviness of the song and I wanted to inject a little touch of hope and light into it,” Green said in a statement. “There's always a presence of light that can break through those times of darkness.”

You can hear the track below.

Accompanying Green 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 Steve Potts from Booker T & the MG's on drums. The string section was arranged by Lester Snell.

READ MORE: How Al Green Found Himself With 'Let's Stay Together'

“Speaking on behalf of the entire band — we could not be more honored, more flattered, more humbled,” Michael Stipe of REM added. “This is an epic moment for us.”

Al Green's Recent Musical Output

Green's most recent album, Lay It Downwas released in 2008, which was produced by Questlove and featured guests like Anthony Hamilton, John Legend and Corinne Bailey Rae. In the subsequent 16 years, Green has only released 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 then (via Vibe magazine). “The song immediately puts you in a good mood. We wanted to preserve that spirit, while adding our own sauce and style.”

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