R.E.M. vs. Al Green | Head 2 Head

In the 47th edition of Head 2 Head (2024), R.E.M. and Al Green contend for the best rendition of “Everybody Hurts.”

Welcome to Head 2 Head! On Head 2 Head, we pit at least two musicians performing the same song and compare their performances.  After deliberation, we decide which performance is the best or moves us more subjectively.  In the 47^th edition of Head 2 Head (2024), R.E.M. and Al Green contend for the best rendition of “Everybody Hurts”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. R.E.M., “Everybody Hurts”

Automatic For the People // R.E.M. / Athens L.L.C. // 1992

“When your day is long / And the night, the night is yours alone,” Michael Stipe sings in the first verse of the R.E.M. classic, “Everybody Hurts”.  The frontman continues, “When you’re sure you’ve had enough / Of this life, well hang on.” Stipe is encouraging on the top 40 hit, which peaked at no. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Everybody Hurts” appears on the band’s 1992 multiplatinum album, Automatic For the People.  Stipe, Michael Mills, Peter Buck, and Bill Berry penned this thoughtful, encouraging rock ballad. Berry is credited for composing most of it. R.E.M. produced it alongside Scott Litt.

In case you didn’t know, “‘Cause everybody hurts / Take comfort in your friends / Everybody hurts.” There are variations of the chorus, but the big takeaway is everyone experiences pain but don’t give up – persevere.  “Everybody Hurts” discourages suicide and promotes life.  From Stipe’s perspective, he encourages us not to give up: “If you feel like letting go (hold on) / If you think you’ve had too much / Of this life, well hang on.” He sings beautifully with incredible sincerity – you buy what he’s selling.  Beyond ‘pick me up’ songwriting and strong vocals, the musical accompaniment is stunning.  The backdrop features the standard rock instrumentation, also incorporating a drum machine, keys (including organ), and strings.  Among the best sections of the song is the bridge where the electric guitar is turned up and raucous, the drums hit a little harder, and the strings are ‘turned up.’ The ending is emotional and powerful too, as Stipe implores us, “Hold on, hold on, hold on.”  “Everybody Hurts” isn’t only one of the best songs from R.E.M.’s catalog, but it is also one of the best rock songs of the 1990s and all time. Hard to top this one, isn’t it?

2. Al Green, “Everybody Hurts”

“Everybody Hurts” // Fat Possum // 2024

“‘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. Green tackles the R.E.M. classic, “Everybody Hurts” transforming 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 R.E.M.’s top 40 hit.  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”.

Appears in 🔻:

• Al Green, Everybody Hurts: Covers No. 48 (2024)

The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️ 

Who encourages us the most? Is it the original version of “Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M., or a stellar cover by a musical icon, Al Green? This one is tough.  Both Michael Stipe and Green sing “Everybody Hurts” fantastically.  From a vocal perspective, I’d give Green an edge.  His soulfulness is once-in-a-lifetime. It’s even more impressive since Al released his cover at 78 years old.  But, the original rock ballad by R.E.M. is special and still stands tall today. Yes, the soul-a-fied take by the Rev is stunning but the original is #ICONIC.

R.E.M. vs. Al Green: Head 2 Head No. 47 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Athens L.L.C., Fat Possum, R.E.M.; Hernán Toro, Los Muertos Crew, RDNE Stock project, Thomas Ronveaux from Pexels]