Soul legend Al Green returns with cover of Lou Reed's iconic ballad 'Perfect Day'

23 August 2023, 11:15

Al Green has returned with his first new song in five years. Picture: Getty

By Thomas Curtis-Horsfall

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He has one of soul music's most timeless voices.

Throughout the past fifty years, Al Green rightfully earned his place in the history of soul music as one of finest singers, songwriters, and producers.

Not only was Green a soulful sensation, but he became an ordained pastor, turning to gospel music hence the moniker 'The Reverend Al Green'.

It's been a while since the soul legend released any original music however, with his last release coming in 2008.

The Reverend hasn't been dormant since then - in fact he last released a cover version of Linda Martell's 'Before The Next Teardrop Falls'.

Recorded for an instalment of Amazon Music's 'Produced By' series, Green's cover version was produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Ross Matt-Spang.

Now the voice behind signature hits 'Tired Of Being Alone' and 'Let's Stay Together' is back with another excellent cover, this time of Lou Reed's iconic ballad 'Perfect Day'.

'Perfect Day' featured on Lou Reed's iconic 1972 album Transformer, which was produced by David Bowie. Picture: Alamy

Al Green revealed his cover of Reed's much-covered song, writing on social media: "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," the soul icon went on to explain.

Lou Reed released 'Perfect Day' as a B-Side to the single 'Walk On The Wild Side', from his 1972 David Bowie-produced solo album Transformer.

The casual piano ballad about Reed spending the day in Central Park with his wife-to-be Bettye Kronstad - that or him eulogising his own heroin addiction, whichever perspective you think is correct - is the artist's most covered classic.

Duran Duran, Patti Smith, Carla Bruni, Heaven 17, and even Susan Boyle have covered 'Perfect Day' over the years.

Not forgetting the ensemble charity single edition in 1997 which featured David Bowie, Elton John, U2's Bono, Suzanne Vega, Emmylou Harris, Dr. John, Tom Jones, and Reed himself.

Now The Reverend Al Green has offered his soulful spin on the quietly optimistic and thankful song.

Al Green - Perfect Day (Official Lyric Video)

With a sweeping string section and uplifting organ, Al Green has reimagined 'Perfect Day' as though it was written as a hopeful soul song in the guise of Louis Armstrong.

Green's last album of his own music, Lay It Down, featured guest appearances from the likes of John Legend, Anthony Hamilton, and Corinne Bailey Rae.

Lay It Down peaked at No. 9 on Billboard's Top Album charts and scooped up a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album.

It's not known if Green intends to release any further music, new or cover versions of classics, but this incredible rendition will keep fans of The Reverend satiated no doubt.