Eddie Murphy, Party All The Time | Throwback Vibez

In the 33rd edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Party All The Time” by Eddie Murphy.   

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 33^rd edition of Throwback Vibez ️ (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Party All The Time” performed by Eddie Murphy.

“Girl, I can’t understand it, why you want to hurt me / After all of the things I’ve done for you.” Oh, snap, Eddie Murphy! The actor and comedian had a short-lived musical career as shocking as that sounds.  “And still, you hang out all night / What am I to do?” he asks on his most successful single, “Party All the Time”. “Party All the Time” is the fifth track from his 1985, gold-certified, ‘musical’ debut album, How Could It Be Us. “Party” peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100.  It was certified platinum by the RIAA. Notably, the late, great Rick James (1956 – 2004) wrote and produced the biggest hit of Murphy’s short-lived musical career. James also contributes vocally.

There are elements of “Party All the Time” that are awesome. It benefits from its infectious groove, pulsating bass line, and bright, ear-catching synths.  The sound is idiomatic of the 1980s.  After an extended intro, Murphy begins singing 45 seconds in. He sounds respectable but his voice isn’t particularly distinct per se.  Arguably, Murphy sounds stronger singing in his Academy Award-nominated role as James “Thunder” Early in Dreamgirls.  Regardless of the strength of his vocals on “Party,” the chorus is the section to beat:

“My girl wants to party all the time

Party all the time

Party all the time.”

Classic. “Party All the Time” isn’t a song that necessitates deep analysis – it is what it is. Interestingly, it has received its fair share of criticism.  It’s not far-fetched to characterize the song as cringe-worthy. But “Party All the Time” is endearing, fun cringe, if you will. Just missing the number one spot on the pop charts is no fluke.

Eddie Murphy // How Could It Be // Sony Music Entertainment Inc. // 1985

Eddie Murphy, Party All The Time: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 33 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Sony Music Entertainment Inc.; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]