Keith Urban – “Everybody”
The lyrics “Everybody needs somebody sometimes,” or some combination thereof, have been used in exactly eleventy-billion songs–almost all of which I’ve had the unfortunate experience of hearing multiple times.
So I want to hate Keith Urban’s latest single, “Everybody.” I want to hate it, and I want to call it absolute rubbish not worth the CD it was pressed on, and I want to wonder why an artist so talented in so many ways would settle for something so terribly cliché.
Keith Urban’s songwriting, however, is uncompromisingly conversational and unusually mature, and he’s able to take a concept which is not at all original, and make it sound fresh and new. And I can’t hate it, because the way Urban presents the idea is just too damn cool.
Written with Richard Marx, “Everybody,” proves why Urban is vastly superior to many of his songwriting contemporaries–simply, he approaches his music with an adult perspective. In a Country Radio format often filled with cute songs, clever hooks, and cheesy turns-of-phrase, Urban delivers songs that are genuine and genuinely relatable to our lives.
And when you have a song this good, produced to perfection and sung by a guy whose voice oozes emotion, it deserves nothing less than a big “thumbs up!”
Listen: Keith Urban – “Everybody”
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Current Discussion
- Ben Foster: I strongly disagree with this review's claim that Kellie Pickler lacks true talent. She is a vocal powerhouse! ...
- Ty: The lyrics in this song are no worse than a lot of other songs in country and pop. I like ...
- CMW: So, about that picture of Pickler above: Just my imagination, or is she playing up her femininity... with a giant ...
- Leeann Ward: No, Rick, I don't like that song at all.
- Rick: So Leeann, you didn't even like "Things That Never Cross a Man's Mind"? That was my favorite K.P. single thus ...
- Tony: What is a Dixie Chick?
- Pierce: This dude was getting huge buzz at CRS and his acoustic performance at the UMG luncheon was legit. Unfortunately, ...
- Josh: I agree that hitting those high notes can be a tough ditty for anyone to fill in Dunn's shoes, but ...
- Gianluca: I once was lucky enough to spend a morning talking to Guy Clark about songwriting. Here's a link to it ...
- Leeann Ward: Kellie's one of those singers that I think has real potential, but I haven't liked even one of her singles, ...
29 Comments
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August 25, 2007 at 4:29 pm Permalink
LOL You want to hate it, but can’t … you will be assimilated because you can’t help it!
August 25, 2007 at 7:45 pm Permalink
When the CD came out this was my favorite song. He has the most magnificent voice and has the ability to make you feel every word he sings.I hope country music radio does not ignore this song like they seem to have his past three releases.Those other cheesy, same oh, same oh songs is all that seem to be played, don’t we need something on the radio with some substance like “Everybody”.
August 25, 2007 at 8:22 pm Permalink
I’m going to make it a point to share this review with everyone I know. It’s always good to hear that others finally recognize what we, his fans, have known all along and seeing it in print just makes my day. After each concert I’ve been to on this tour (5 in all) I’ve made a point to talk to people who saw him for the first time and the concensus is that he’s a phenominal singer, performer and musician! If you have a chance to hear that song, Everybody, live it will make you love it even more. He has been closing the show with it and dedicates it with all sincerity to the crowd for staying to the very end.
August 25, 2007 at 9:47 pm Permalink
I think it is so cliche, nothing can save it. Poor little monkey fans always need others to validate their obsessive feelings about Keith. I don’t know what radio station you listen to, but mine overplays his songs to the point of getting sick of them. But I’m sure that his fans wouldn’t be happy unless they play him every other song.
August 25, 2007 at 10:02 pm Permalink
I think this is one of Keith’s most beautiful songs.. I love it when he sings it at the end of the show.. and thanks his fans. He has loyal fans who love and appreciate his music, sincerity, kindness and his love of life . He is an AMAZING entertainer.. should be Entertainer of the Year. and yes I am a monkey, but I was at his concerts with people who aren’t and now they are FANS..He is the ultimate and Everybody does “ooze” talent.His voice is incredible and soulful. Thanks
August 25, 2007 at 10:04 pm Permalink
and bye the way, Courtney, why did you bother to listen to KEITH? we don’t need your negative thoughts..
No one needs anyone to validate our feelings about KU. Keith does that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BYE
August 25, 2007 at 10:30 pm Permalink
To the comment that country radio is ignoring Keith’s songs, his three singles from “Love, pain …” have gone 6, 3, and 2. That’s not ignoring at all — “I Told You So,” especially, had airplay numbers that could have easily been #1-worthy in a non-”Never Wanted Nothing More” week.
“Ignoring” would be more appropriately applied to songs like “Fall,” “Measure of a Man,” “Famous in a Small Town,” “I Wanna Feel Something,” and “Living Our Love Song,” that get stuck in the quagmire that is the 20-30 range on the charts … or basically any female vocalist not named Carrie or Jennifer.
I haven’t heard this song. I’ve hated almost all of Keith’s songs (his last two singles being notable exceptions). But no matter what I think of the song, and no matter what anyone else thinks of the song, it’s going to go top-ten, probably top-five, mainly because it’s Keith Urban. He is by far not an “ignored” country musician.
August 25, 2007 at 10:56 pm Permalink
Oh Marsha, typical monkey response. Always wanting to send away people who say something negative about your monkey man. I like some of Keith’s songs but can’t stand his crazy fans who lust after Keith during their mid-life crisis. You people are a negative to his career.
August 26, 2007 at 3:11 am Permalink
Wow,
I’d never expect some flame war going on here between a KU “Monkey” (IE Fan Club member) and a non fan. If I may ask, non fan, and you know who you are, what kind of artist do YOU like? And why are you so jealous of KU’s fans adoring him? I like KU but I like him as much as another artist. I just happen to have noticed his talent a decade ago, probably before even current “Monkey’s” have. And take this as no ‘flame’ for either. I just find it terribly funny that people argue so passionately about their favorite artists. :)
oh, feel free to drop by my website and flame me all you want. click on my name.
—-Jim, great review as always. :)
August 26, 2007 at 5:54 pm Permalink
Great review Jim! I’m a big fan of Keith’s and love his music because he sings all of them from the heart and puts so much emotion into them. Everybody was not my favorite on the album until I saw him perform it live and it was amazing. His passion in his singing just oozes. Now I find myself humming and singing the song constantly. Keith totally convinces you that we all need somebody at some point in our lives!
August 27, 2007 at 7:59 am Permalink
I read a quote from Keith a few years back where he said, “There is no “good” or “bad” music, only music you like or don’t like”. And that means that all music is a personal preference. I have a preference for Keith Urban’s music, I do not prefer Kenny Chesney’s music. However, I don’t begrude any one else’s preference for Kenny Chesney. Music is about how it makes you feel, and one artist’s music won’t make everyone feel the same way. It is as individual a taste as clothes or cars, which shouldn’t cause people to feel like they need to lash out at others who don’t share their preference.
August 27, 2007 at 9:44 am Permalink
Courtney, the only thing “negative” to his career is the “FAMEWHORE” that he is currently “married” to….Mid-life crisis or not, there are those of us who are “crazy” about the man because of his musicial prowess…the fact that he’s “sex on a stick” just makes it that much better…
You’re entitled to your opinion and we’re entitled to hold this artist to the highest esteem to which he deserves….
August 27, 2007 at 12:52 pm Permalink
Love this song. Keith is just one class act !!! He fills a song with so much emotion that you can’t help but fall in love with his music.
August 27, 2007 at 7:56 pm Permalink
Thanks for the comments, guys. I do read them, and even though I don’t always reply, I love the conversation.
August 27, 2007 at 9:04 pm Permalink
I loved this song the first time I heard it. It’s one of my favorites on the LPATWCT CD. It takes on a whole other life when you see him perform it live. It’s amazing how profound simple lyrics can be!
August 28, 2007 at 10:49 am Permalink
Rocket Girl, the only thing negative about KU’s career is having a “Bashingwhore” fan like you. This is just a review of one of his songs but you can’t resist in spitting your venom
August 28, 2007 at 11:15 am Permalink
“Bashingwhore” would be a great name for a death-metal band.
August 28, 2007 at 4:57 pm Permalink
I love Keith Urban! He is my favorite and your right Chris that would be an awesome name for,well, any metal band. But FYI Keith usually has songs like this one on all of his albums. No matter though,he could see Michael Finnigann and I would love it.
August 28, 2007 at 9:20 pm Permalink
leave nicole out of this please! keith is lucky to have her and if you can’t see that your an idiot!
September 7, 2007 at 10:36 am Permalink
Jim – thanks for the great review of Keith’s new single. And I’m also glad that you have been “seen the light” about it! LOL You are right on the money about Keith’s music being from an “adult perspective”. To me, that’s why his music is so universal. “Keith Urban: For when your tastes grow up.”
November 21, 2007 at 12:10 am Permalink
I really didn’t like Everybody when I first heard the track, but it grew on me. The song has a great sentiment to it, and I really think that Richard Marx has become a great co-writer for him.
Happy Thanksgiving!
November 21, 2007 at 6:31 am Permalink
Hmm, Richard Marx as a great co-writer for Nashville artists? ‘Tis not somethin’ I’d have thought of before but perhaps you’re right. Just as long as he keeps away from the producer’s chair.
November 21, 2007 at 8:54 am Permalink
and they don’t let him sing. or anything else. just help write the song and go away. thanks, richard.
November 21, 2007 at 11:27 am Permalink
Granted, the song is good…… but the the song was actially stolen. Urban may or may not know this…. but “everybody” is a copywritten song that was stolen from a good friend and neighbor of mine. He was selling some of the songs he had written, and was offered a price for “everybody” but turned the music co. down. then a few weeks later……, Keith has a new song. I heard a live performance of “everybody” LAST year performed in my own living room, with my fiance playing rythem guitar.
December 1, 2007 at 3:12 am Permalink
I JUST SAW KEITH TONIGHT AT HIS NASHVILLE SHOW. GARY ALLAN OPENED FOR KEITH AND WAS ALSO GREAT. KEITH PLAYED FOR OVER THREE HOURS STRAIGHT WITHOUT A BREAK. THE SHOW WAS THE GREATEST I HAVE EVER SEEN!! THIS WAS THE THIRD CONCERT I’VE SEEN HIM PLAY HERE IN HIS NEW HOME TOWN. MARTINA JOINED HIM ONSTAGE FOR A COMPLETELY IMPROMPTU VERSION OF HER SONG, A BROKEN WING! MARTINA SAID HIS SHOW WAS AMAZING AND INSPIRING. HE WAS VERY HUMBLE AND THANKFUL FOR ALL OF HIS FANS. I LOVED ALL OF IT, AND I’M OLD…..!
AND BY THE WAY TEXAS GAL, I DON’T BELIEVE A WORD ANYONE SAYS THAT CAN’T EVEN SPELL RHYTHM.
December 2, 2007 at 8:53 pm Permalink
WOO HOO, ALL CAPS ARE AWWWESSSSOME!
December 2, 2007 at 10:06 pm Permalink
Keith Urban is okay and this song is okay. While I don’t regard him as especially country, he is more country than many of today’s Nashville acts and he is a greater all-around talent than anyone not named Vince Gill, Marty Stuart, Ricky Skaggs or Brad Paisley
December 5, 2007 at 3:32 pm Permalink
This song is not my favorite on the album. I think Stupid Boy and Got it Right this Time are tops for me. My first concert and not my last was in August at the Meadowlands in NJ. I went with a non-country/Keith friend. Now she is converted!!! I actually was more of a Kenny Chesney fan before I saw Keith in concert. I did see Kenny too at the Garden and I have to say that Keith put on a better show. Kenny’s felt more commercial and forced, like he was just doing his job. Keith is the music. At least he made us all believe that. Not that I expect he would ever read this but I’d like to say Thanks for giving me back the enjoyment in music that I haven’t had in years.
January 30, 2008 at 1:13 pm Permalink
To really appreciate this song is to see it performed live!! I’ve never in my life seen an artist put so much passion in his singing as Keith Urban and I’ve seen a lot!! IMO…he is the best entertainer in country music!
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