Song is first new single in five years
Eleven-time Grammy Award-winning soul icon and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Al Green returns with his first new single in five years. “Perfect Day” is out digitally now on Fat Possum Records. A simmering and soulful cover of Lou Reed’s 1972 classic “Perfect Day,” originally produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson. Now, it heralds the dawn of Green’s next chapter.
“I loved Lou’s original ‘Perfect Day,’” Green comments. “The song immediately puts you in a good mood. We wanted to preserve that spirit, while adding our own sauce and style.”
During February 2023, Green recorded “Perfect Day” at Sam Phillips Recording in Memphis, TN. The track is produced by Matthew Johnson and Bruce Watson. Green notably reunited with members of the classic Hi Rhythm Section who powered up some of his most seminal hits from the Seventies. The track finds him back with Reverend Charles Hodges on organ, Leroy Hodges on bass, and Archie “Hubbie” Turner on piano for the first time since 2005, while Steve Potts on drums and Will Sexton on guitar also return. Adding new blood to the mix, the single also features UK alternative R&B artist Raye on background vocals. Over a backdrop of lush cinematic strings, swooning organ, and eloquent guitar, Green’s instantly recognizable voice simply soars, ringing out on the final crescendo as he promises, “You’re gonna reap just what you sow,” in a call-and-response with Raye.
This fall, Green adds two special Midwest shows over Thanksgiving weekend, including Detroit’s Fox Theatre on November 24th with special guest Angela Winbush and at St. Charles’ The Family Arena in St. Charles, MO on November 25th with special guest Bettye Lavette as support. The public on-sale starts on Friday, August 25th at 10 am local time.
“Perfect Day” notably follows his 2018 cover of Freddy Fender’s “Before The Next Teardrop Falls.”
