Lou Reed vs. Al Green | Head 2 Head 🗣️

In the 39^th edition of Head 🗣️ 2 Head 🗣️ (2023), Lou Reed and Al Green contend for the best rendition of “Perfect Day.”

Welcome to Head 🗣️ 2 Head 🗣️! On Head 🗣️ 2 Head 🗣️, we pit at least two musicians singing the same song together, comparing their 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 39^th edition of head 🗣️2 head 🗣️ (2023), 🎙 Lou Reed and 🎙 Al Green contend for the best rendition of 🎵 “Perfect Day”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. Lou Reed, “Perfect Day”

💿 Transformer • 🏷 RCA • 📅 1972

“Just a perfect day, drink Sangria in the park / And then later, when it gets dark, we go home.” On 🎵 “Perfect Day” by the late, great 🎙 Lou Reed (1942 – 2013), it’s been speculated that this highlight from his 1972 album, 💿 Transformer, has a tie to heroin.  According to Reed, who not only performed but wrote the song, it’s not about heroin. The heroin interpretation seems a possibility, particularly how the song was used in a film about heroin addicts, but no slam dunk. This is song where acknowledging its beauty is enough without overthinking it.

“Oh, it’s such a perfect day

I’m glad I spent it with you

Oh, such a perfect day

You just keep me hanging on

You just keep me hanging on.”

The chorus is utterly sublime.  The lyrics are simple, but relative to the verses, particularly the first verse, it is more dynamic. The sound of  “Perfect Day” is perfection realized, thanks to the delightful piano 🎹 playing, and the celestial string 🎻 arrangement. Reed is subtle vocally, particularly during the verses – easygoing and poised (“Just a perfect day, you made me forget myself / I thought I was someone else, someone good”).  He packs more of a punch during the chorus but still, never seems to perspire. More notable than the singing is the songwriting, which is epic.  Also, there are some other noteworthy instrumental moments.  How about how the first chord of the second verse (a parallel minor chord) contrasts the sunny, major key (and major tonic chord) the chorus 🤓? After the second chorus, the piano and string lines are utterly stupendous – oh, the musicianship! One final fierce section is the outro, highlighted by lyrics, “You’re going to reap just what you sow.” A loaded lyric – incredibly deep – it caps off  a 🎵 “Perfect Day” with questions… subject to interpretation.

Appears in 🔻:

• Lou Reed, Perfect Day: FIERCE Pop + Rock 🔥🤘 37 (2023)

2. 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.” Aww, so sweet, 🎙 Al Green! After an extended hiatus (understatement), one of soul’s greatest musicians returned epically in 2023 with single, 🎵 “Perfect Day”.  Although Green covers the 1972 🎙 Lou Reed gem (💿 Transformer), he makes “Perfect Day” his own with a perfect rendition.

With Al Green at the helm, the soulfulness kicks up a million notches! 🎛 Matthew Johnson and Bruce Watson give the iconic musician soulful, lush production.  The palette of sounds is utterly stupendous, 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 does NOT sound anachronistic but rather refreshing.  As awesome as the sound is, the biggest reason why “Perfect Day” is so perfect is the stellar, true strong vocal performance by Al Green.  Sure, he’s 77, but he doesn’t miss a beat on 🎵 “Perfect Day”, making a classic sound brand-new.

The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️

Ah, so here’s what it all comes down to! Does the original rendition of 🎵 “Perfect Day” by 🎙 Lou Reed come out on top or is it the impressive remake by 🎙 Al Green? Reed deserves all the credit for composing a terrific song.  The music and the lyrics are nothing short of awesome.  In regard to singing, few can outperform Al Green, period.  In the case of his cover, Green clearly delivers a more nuanced, rousing vocal than Reed – no disrespect intended.  So, when it’s all said and done, it’s a split decision… or a tie of sorts. Songwriting belongs to Lou while the vocal performance is owned by Green.

Lou Reed vs. Al Green: Head 2 Head 🗣️ No. 39 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Fat Possum, RCA; Hernán Toro, Los Muertos Crew, RDNE Stock project, Thomas Ronveaux from Pexels]