Everytime You Go Away by Paul Young is a heartfelt ballad that became a defining song of the 1980s. Released in February 1985 as the third single from Young’s album The Secret of Association, it reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and charted highly worldwide. The song is known for its emotional lyrics, soulful arrangement, and Young’s impassioned vocal delivery, solidifying his status as a leading figure in the blue-eyed soul movement of the era.
The song was originally written and recorded by Daryl Hall of Hall & Oates for their 1980 album Voices. However, it was Paul Young’s cover version that brought it mainstream success. Young, a British singer with a distinctive soulful voice, had gained popularity with hits like Come Back and Stay and Love of the Common People. He worked with producer Laurie Latham to craft a unique interpretation of Everytime You Go Away, transforming it into a richly arranged ballad.
Young’s version stripped back some of the original’s funkier elements and emphasized emotional depth, combining lush instrumentation with his signature soulful delivery. The arrangement included innovative touches, such as the prominent use of fretless bass by Pino Palladino, which became a hallmark of Young’s sound.
The lyrics of Everytime You Go Away express the longing and heartbreak of being separated from a loved one. The protagonist struggles with the emotional toll of repeated goodbyes, reflecting a sense of vulnerability and devotion. Young’s soulful, expressive voice conveys the song’s emotional depth, making it one of his most memorable performances. The arrangement builds gradually, starting with a soft, intimate feel and growing into a powerful, climactic conclusion.
Everytime You Go Away was a massive hit upon its release. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and reached the top 10 in several countries, including Canada, the UK, and Ireland. Critics praised Young’s emotive delivery and the song’s polished production, and it became one of the standout ballads of the 1980s.
The song earned Young a Grammy nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, further cementing his reputation as a leading voice in 80s pop and soul.