"Everything Must Change" by Paul Young

Song#:  2542
Date:  11/23/1985
Debut:  87
Peak:  56
Weeks:  11
Genre:  Blue-Eyes Soul, Pop



Pop Bits:  Young's second album The Secret of Association had already yielded a couple of hits that were remakes including the #1 "Everytime You Go Away." For the third single, it was decided that this original tune written by Young and Ian Kewley would be released. In the UK, this was the second single issued out from the album and the song did well getting to #9. However, it couldn't find an big audience in the US and the song stalled before it could get into the top half of the chart. Oddly, the ballad failed to reach the AC chart where "Everytime" had hit #1.

ReduxReview:  I'm not sure why this song didn't do better. It is a little bit like "Everytime You Go Away" and so folks may have considered it a rehash of that hit. But I think the tune stands well on its own. While the production probably sounded good back in the day, I think listening now it overwhelms the song. It could have used a lighter touch to help the melody and lyrics come out. Still, it's a bit of a surprise that AC radio didn't latch onto this as it seemed like a good fit for the format. I think this song could still work today if the right artist picked it up for a remake.

ReduxRating:  6/10

Trivia:  The co-writer of this song, Ian Kewley, got his first major break in a UK rock band called Strider. They would issue two album in the early 70s, but not much came from them. Kewley co-wrote several songs for the band in addition to performing keyboards and vocals (mainly lead vocals on their first album). He then moved to a band called Limey that got signed to MCA Records. Again, two LPs were recorded that resulted in little notice. Next up was a spot in the new wave/blue-eyed soul band Q-Tips. That band was signed to Chrysalis and issued out a debut LP in 1980. Despite some good promo including TV appearances, the band wasn't catching on. They broke up when their lead singer, Paul Young, got signed as a solo act. Kewley would move along and assist Young on his first three solo efforts. Kewley would mainly contribute as a songwriter, keyboardist and vocalist during that time.

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