Rockwell, Somebody’s Watching Me | Throwback Vibez

In the 19^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we recollect and reflect on “Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell.

[otw_shortcode_dropcap label=”C” size=”large” border_color_class=”otw-no-border-color” shadow=”shadow” square=”square”]an you feel those vibes, those surefire Throwback Vibez?! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past. Ah, there is nothing like a good oldie to get you fired up! The records featured in this column feature gems from the 20^th century, with a few exceptions. All genres of music are welcome. In the 19^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we recollect and reflect on “Somebody’s Watching Me” performed by Rockwell.[/otw_shortcode_dropcap]

[nx_pullquote]“Who’s watching? / Tell me, who’s watching? / Who’s watching me?”[/nx_pullquote] Well, shh-, I dunno, Rockwell (Kennedy William Gordy, b. 1964)!  Rockwell, the song of Motown founder Berry Gordy, did his big one back in 1984.  That is when the enigmatic, paranoid, five-minute-long “Somebody’s Watching Me” was released. “Somebody’s” is the opening track from his 1983 gold-certified album, also titled, Somebody’s Watching Me. This marked his highest charting hit, and one of two top 40 hits (“Obscene Phone Caller” is the other). “Somebody’s” peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.  Rockwell wrote the song himself.  He produced it with Curtis Anthony Nolen. 

“Somebody’s Watching Me” stands out from the get-go. Pummeling drums set the tone.  Soon enough, an enigmatic, electronic groove follows. The palette comprises sleek synths and keys.  The sound is 1980s to the nth degree. There is plenty of time for the instrumental elements to shine aside from the vocals.  Worth noting, during the intro, the excerpted robotic-sounding vocals appear (vocoder), establishing a feeling of those inescapable eyes 👀.  Rockwell comes on strong during the first verse, delivering a playful, tongue-in-cheek vocal performance. Pitch is unimportant given his quasi-rapped, talk-singing. He oozes with personality.  “All I want is to be left alone in my average home,” he sings, and adds, “But why do I always feel like I’m in The Twilight Zone?”  The reference to The Twilight Zone and the metaphor seem to fit perfectly here.  The fear and paranoia are even more pronounced in the second verse. “When I’m in the shower, I’m afraid to wash my hair / ‘Cause I might open my eyes and find someone standing there,” he sings, and continues, “People say I’m crazy, just a little touched / But maybe showers remind me of Psycho too much, that’s why.”  Crazy or not, that’s a killer reference to the shower scene in the Alfred Hitchcock (1899 – 1980) classic, Psycho.  The chorus is infectious and irresistible with Michael Jackson-like sung vocals.  Oh, yeah, that’s because it features The King of Pop (1958 – 2009). Rockwell also sings:

“I always feel like somebody’s watchin’ me

And I have no privacy (Oh-oh-oh)

I always feel like somebody’s watchin’ me

Who’s playing tricks on me?”

Notably, Jermaine Jackson (b. 1954) also contributes vocals to the track. “Somebody’s Watching Me” is an enigmatic, fun, and one-of-a-kind Motown classic from the 1980s.  There is no way not to be entertained by this paranoid, non-private R&B joint. Rockwell prayed for a hit, and his prayers were answered!