Al Green drops a stirring cover to R.E.M’s 1992 classic ballad “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 statement. “There’s always a presence of light that can break through those times of darkness.”
“Speaking on behalf of the entire band—we could not be more honored, more flattered, more humbled” comments R.E.M lead singer, Michael Stipe. “This is an epic moment for us.”
Green’s rendition features a jazzier take with a string section.
“Everybody Hurts” follows Green’s 2023 critically acclaimed cover of Lou Reed’s “Perfect Day” which New York Times described as “a sumptuous reimagining of Lou Reed’s 1972 classic” proving once again Al Green’s ability to take a well-established sentimental ballad and make it his own.
The eleven-time GRAMMY® Award-winning soul icon has held a career ranging from R&B to pop and gospel. He gained great popularity in the 70s with hit singles such as “Let’s Stay Together”, Tired of Being Alone”, and “You Oughta Be With Me”.