Al Green vs. Rufus Wainwright | Head 2 Head

In the 22^nd edition of Head 2 Head (2024), Al Green and Rufus Wainwright contend for the best cover of the Lou Reed classic, “Perfect Day.”

Welcome to Head 2 Head! On Head 2 Head, we pit at least two musicians performing the same song, comparing their respective performances.  Then, after much deliberation, we deliver a verdict of which performance was the best, or at least, subjectively, which performance moved us more.  In the 22^nd edition of Head 2 Head (2024), Al Green and Rufus Wainwright contend for the best rendition of the Lou Reed class, “Perfect Day”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. Al Green, “Perfect Day”

“Perfect Day” // Fat Possum // 2023

“Oh, just a perfect day / I’m glad I spent it with you / Such a perfect day / You just keep me hanging on.” After an extended hiatus, one of soul’s greatest musicians, Al Green, returned epically in 2023 with a single, “Perfect Day”.  Although Green covers the 1972 Lou Reed gem (Transformer), he makes it his own with a perfect rendition.  

With Green at the helm, the soulfulness kicks up a million notches! Matthew Johnson and Bruce Watson provide soulful, lush production.  The palette of sounds is sublime, including guitar (Will Sexton), gospel-tinged organ (Reverend Charles Hodges), and a string quartet.  Also, shout out Raye for those marvelous backing vocals. Obviously, he’s singing a 1970s song, and Green’s heyday in soul circles was the 70s, so, it makes sense the sound is retro.  Even so, hearing authentic soul in 2023 isn’t anachronistic – it’s refreshing.  As awesome as the sound is, the biggest reason why “Perfect Day” is so perfect is the stellar, strong vocal by Green.  At 77 he doesn’t miss a beat on “Perfect Day”, making the classic sound brand-new.  

Appears in 🔻:

• Awesome Songs: September 2023
• Lou Reed vs. Al Green: Head 2 Head 🗣️ 39 (2023)

2. Rufus Wainwright, “Perfect Day”

The Power of the Heart: A Tribute to Lou Reed // Rock and Roll Credit Card, Inc. / Light in the Attic // 2024

“Just a perfect day, drink Sangria in the park / And then later, when it gets dark, we go home.” In the 2024, Lou Reed tribute album, The Power of the Heart: A Tribute to Lou Reed, Rufus Wainwright earned the extraordinary honor to cover one of the late, great musician’s best songs, “Perfect Day”. In the hands of the talented Wainwright, “Perfect Day” receives a minimalist, stripped take. Accompanying him is the guitar (Madison Cunningham) which is sufficient and fitting.

The fact that “Perfect Day” is stripped makes the listener lean into every lyric and every note that Wainwright sings. That’s part of the magic of Reed’s original given his modest vocals – we embrace the lyrics. Wainwright delivers an expressive vocal performance.  It’s more dynamic than the original yet, Wainwright never over-sings.  In the first verse, Rufus seems to emulate Reed’s delivery. In the chorus, he welcomes vocal harmonies, performing alongside Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Madison Cunningham.  The chemistry between the two vocalists is utterly sublime.  Perhaps their best moment is during the famous outro: “You’re going to reap just what you sow… ” Ultimately, Wainwright delivers a magical cover of “Perfect Day”. Nothing is perfect but this cover comes close!

Appears in 🔻:

• Rufus Wainwright, Perfect Day: Covers No. 21 (2024)

The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️

Who covers the beloved Lou Reed classic, “Perfect Day” the best? Does the 2023, lush and soulful rendition by iconic musician Al Green take the cake? Or, does the stripped, potent cover by Rufus Wainwright prove to be the one to beat? It’s a matter of preference, PERIOD.  Wainwright’s interpretation is more Lou Reed-like in my opinion. Green’s more ornate take is on-brand for him artistically. Remember how soulfully Green reimagined Bee Gee’s “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart”? He does the same with Reed’s “Perfect Day.” So, this one comes down to personal preference. I love both takes but I give the edge to Green.

Al Green vs. Rufus Wainwright: Head 2 Head No. 22 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Fat Possum, Light in the Attic, Rock and Roll Credit Card, Inc.; Hernán Toro, Los Muertos Crew, RDNE Stock project, Thomas Ronveaux from Pexels]