“Love Somebody” by Rick Springfield is a high-energy rock track released in 1984 as the lead single from the soundtrack of musical drama film Hard to Hold, directed by Larry Peerce, in which Rick Springfield starred (with Janet Eilber and Patti Hansen). The song showcases Springfield’s knack for crafting catchy, emotionally charged rock tunes, blending polished production with his signature mix of passion, guitar riffs, and pop sensibility.
The track opens with a driving guitar line and quickly launches into a powerful chorus, anchored by Springfield’s earnest vocals and a sense of urgent longing. Lyrically, it’s about the complex push and pull of desire—wanting to connect deeply with someone, but wrestling with doubt and emotional vulnerability. Lines like “You better love somebody, it’s late” hit with both force and feeling.
While the movie Hard to Hold didn’t make a huge splash critically, the soundtrack—and “Love Somebody” in particular—was a success. The song reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of Springfield’s biggest hits after his breakthrough with “Jessie’s Girl.”
Musically, it captures that perfect mid-‘80s sound: arena-ready rock with glossy edges, emotional hooks, and a touch of romantic drama. It’s one of those songs that feels tailor-made for radio, road trips, and big movie moments.