Paul Young, Every Time You Go Away | COVERS

In the 34^th edition of COVERS (2024), Paul Young delivers a compelling rendition of “Every Time You Go Away,” originally performed by Hall & Oates.

Ah, it’s time to get cozy and cover up! In COVERS, we highlight a musician or band covering songs by another musician (likely a popular musician). COVERS focuses solely on the musician who covers.  It is open to established musicians and musicians who may not be as well-known. In the 34^th edition of COVERS (2024), Paul Young delivers a compelling rendition of “Every Time You Go Away” originally performed by Hall & Oates.

Daryl Hall & John Oates (Hall & Oates) ‘did it first’ Ice Spice and Central Cee 🤭! What they did was originally record “Everytime You Go Away”. It appeared on their 1980 album, Voices.  It was written by Hall.  But, the duo didn’t release the fabulous cut as a single. Guess who did, though? English singer Paul Young.  In 1985 he released a sweet cover of “Every Time You Go Away” on his album, The Secret Of Association.  Kind of a big deal, the five-and-a-half-minute cut reached no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The sound is quintessential of soft rock in the ‘80s. Laurie Latham produced the distinct remake.

“And every time you go away

You take a piece of me with you.”

That’s about the size of the section to beat, the chorus.  It’s simple but telling; ultra-relatable. Adding to the allure of that memorable section are harmonized vocals – always a win! Before the chorus ever arrives, there is an enigmatic intro which is unrushed.  Again, this rendition is characteristic of the ‘80s with its drum machine, detuned synths, heavenly keys, rhythm guitar, and fretless bass (Pino Palladino).  There are ample rhythmic lines instrumentally. Also, there are vocals mixed in the background that set the tone (“Don’t leave me all alone / Picking up the pieces”). The main attraction is Paul Young, of course.  His vocals are smooth and commanding, and, his tone is beautiful.  A beautiful tone to sing tuneful melodies is a match made in heaven!  The chorus sums up the record, but the verses yield magic as well.  “Oh, so you again / When the leading man appears,” Young sings in verse one, asserting in the second verse, “I can feel your body move / Doesn’t mean that much to me.” Word.  “Every Time You Go Away” in the hands of Paul Young is pretty sweet.

Paul Young // The Secret Of Association // Sony Music Entertainment // 1985

Paul Young, Every Time You Go Away: Covers No. 34 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; Sony Music Entertainment; Alan Cordero, Ba Tik, Kampus Production, Matteo Milan, SHVETS production from Pexels; OpenClipart-Vectors, StockSnap, Vicki Hamilton from Pixabay]