Michael Stipe said that REM “ couldn't be more honored, more flattered ” duty ” Everybody Hurts » taken up by Al Green.
For his latest single, Al Green covers with emotion a great REM classic, “ Everybody Hurts », released in 1992.
Green builds on the soulful music of the original, adding a choir and strings that support his still-powerful voice.
In a statement, Green spoke about 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. There is always a presence of light that can shine through in moments of darkness. »
Michael Stipe praised the cover on behalf of REM, saying: “ We could not be more honored, more flattered, more humble. »
The resumption of “ Everybody Hurts ” by Al Green follows his rendition of “ Perfect Day » by Lou Reed in 2023. The singer hasn't released much music since his 2008 album, Lay It Down. Ten years later, and five years before “ Perfect Day “, Green released his only other track, a rendition of ” Before the Next Teardrop Falls “.
According to a press release, Green returned to the studio in Memphis earlier this year. For the sessions, he reunited with members of the Hi Rhythm Section (organist Reverend Charles Hodges, bassist Leroy Hodges and pianist Archie “Hubbie” Turner) who played on several Green albums in the late 1960s. ten. Also on board are guitarist Will Sexton and drummer Steve Potts of Booker T. & the MG's, producer Clay Jones and Stax legend Lester Snell, who handled the string arrangement.
