Al Green is back with his version of Everybody hurts and he said wanted to release his version because he could really feel the heaviness of the song and wanted to inject a little touch of hope and light into it,” Green said in statement. “There’s always a presence of light that can break through those times of darkness.” Accompanying Green is the Hi Rhythm Section, featuring 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 string section was arranged by Lester Snell. “Speaking on behalf of the entire band — we could not be more honored, more flattered, more humbled,” Michael Stipe of R.E.M. added. “This is an epic moment for us.”