Renowned artist Al Green has unveiled a soulful cover of R.E.M.‘s iconic track “Everybody Hurts,” breathing new life into this timeless ballad.

In a heartfelt statement, Green shared, “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.” He emphasized that “There’s always a presence of light that can break through those times of darkness,” highlighting the transformative power of music.

Experience the emotional depth of this new rendition by listening to the track below.

Joining Green on this powerful recording are the talented members of the Hi Rhythm Section, including Reverend Charles Hodges on organ, Leroy Hodges on bass, Archie “Hubbie” Turner on piano, Will Sexton on guitar, and Steve Potts from Booker T & the M.G.’s on drums. The lush string arrangements were crafted by Lester Snell.

READ MORE: Discover How Al Green Found Himself With ‘Let’s Stay Together’

Expressing his gratitude, Michael Stipe of R.E.M. remarked, “Speaking on behalf of the entire band — we could not be more honored, more flattered, more humbled. This is an epic moment for us,” underscoring the significance of this collaboration.

Explore Al Green’s Recent Musical Journey and Releases

Al Green’s latest studio album, Lay It Down, debuted in 2008, produced by the talented Questlove and featuring collaborations with artists like Anthony Hamilton, John Legend, and Corinne Bailey Rae. In the 16 years since, Green has only released two singles: “Before the Next Teardrop Falls” in 2018 and a fresh cover of Lou Reed’s “Perfect Day” in 2023.

Reflecting on his interpretation of “Perfect Day,” Green expressed, “I loved Lou’s original ‘Perfect Day.’ The song immediately puts you in a good mood. We wanted to preserve that spirit while adding our own sauce and style,” showcasing his intention to honor the original while infusing it with his unique flair.