Al Green, Everybody Hurts | COVERS

In the 48^th edition of COVERS (2024), Al Green delivers a compelling rendition of “Everybody Hurts” originally performed by R.E.M.   

Ah, it’s time to get cozy and cover up! In COVERS, we highlight a musician or band covering songs by another musician (likely a popular musician). COVERS focuses solely on the musician who covers.  It is open to established musicians and musicians who may not be as well-known. In the 48^th edition of COVERS (2024), Al Green delivers a compelling rendition of “Everybody Hurts” originally performed by R.E.M..

“‘Cause everybody hurts / Take comfort in your friends / Everybody hurts.” What do Al Green and R.E.M. have in common from a musical stylistic standpoint? Nothing honestly.  Green is a musical icon renowned for soul and gospel.  R.E.M., led by Michael Stipe, is renowned for rock. While there doesn’t seem to be common ground, Al Green, once more, steps beyond soul and gospel to cover rock. Following a stunning rendition of the Lou Reed classic “Perfect Day”, Green tackles the R.E.M. classic, “Everybody Hurts”. Like “Perfect Day,” the Reverend transforms the rock classic into a throwback soul song.

Should Al Green’s abilities ever be doubted? That is a resounding no. He is one of the greatest singers to ever live.  At 78 years old, Green shows his voice remains dynamic, gritty, and soulful.  He ‘puts his own spin’ on Stipe’s top 40 hit which peaked at no. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100.  That includes his signature falsetto, which is unmatched.  His ad-libs and riffs are spot-on, perfectly suited for a ‘soul-a-fied’ cover that could easily be mistaken as an Al Green original. Memphis soul is alive and well with rich musical accompaniment consisting of a rhythm section (including organ) and warm strings. Also, background vocals provide a lift in the bridge (“Don’t throw your hand…”) and the outro (“Hold on”). Like Stipe, Green confirms that hurt is universal and not exclusive:

“Don’t let yourself go

‘Cause everybody cries

Everybody hurts sometimes.”

Al Green thoroughly blesses us with “Everybody Hurts”.

Al Green // “Everybody Hurts” // Fat Possum // 2024

Al Green, Everybody Hurts: Covers No. 48 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; Fat Possum; Alan Cordero, Ba Tik, Kampus Production, Matteo Milan, SHVETS production from Pexels; OpenClipart-Vectors, StockSnap, Vicki Hamilton from Pixabay]