Everybody Needs Somebody (single Edit) -
The interplay between the driving drums and the "honking saxophone fills" creates a wall of sound that feels both triumphant and deeply soulful.
Ranked #429 on Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time," it is considered a "masterpiece" and a "foundational" track for R&B. Daily Song Discussion #33: Everybody Needs Somebody to Love
The "Single Edit" format—typically clocking in around 2:40 to 3:30 minutes—strips away the meandering jams seen in later live covers (like the 11-minute versions by the Jerry Garcia Band) to focus on the song’s relentless drive. Everybody needs somebody (Single Edit)
Perhaps the most widely recognized version today, this edit was popularized by the film The Blues Brothers . It features a fast-paced, "big band" sound that emphasizes the song's funky, danceable qualities. Review: Energy and Impact
A more aggressive, hard-soul take that explicitly name-checks Solomon Burke in the intro and reached #29 on the pop charts. The interplay between the driving drums and the
"" (often simply titled "Everybody Needs Somebody") is a high-energy soul masterpiece that has evolved through several iconic "Single Edits" since its 1964 debut. Whether you're listening to the gritty gospel-infused original or the high-octane movie versions, the song remains a definitive anthem of human connection. The Evolution of the Track
Originally co-written by , Bert Berns , and Jerry Wexler , the song was first recorded by Burke in 1964. The single edit of this version is famous for Burke’s "preacher-style" spoken intro, which sets a joyful, communal tone before exploding into a brass-heavy rhythm and blues stomp. Other notable versions include: Perhaps the most widely recognized version today, this
Burke’s original is praised for its "gospel-rooted intensity," while the Blues Brothers' version is celebrated for its sheer entertainment value and "funky" groove.

