ROCK MOMENT – Billy Squier ‘Everybody Wants You’

When you think of rock radio in the early ’80s, Billy Squier is a name that can’t be ignored. After the massive success of Don’t Say No in 1981—with hits like ‘The Stroke‘ dominating both radio and MTV—Squier had the weight of expectation on his shoulders. His next move needed to prove he wasn’t a one-album wonder. That move came in 1982, with the release of ‘Everybody Wants You.‘

The song kicked off his third studio album, Emotions in Motion, and instantly set the tone. Built on a grinding guitar riff, pounding rhythm, and a chorus that demanded to be shouted along with, ‘Everybody Wants You‘ was Squier at his most confident. Lyrically, it captured the pressures and temptations of fame—something he was living firsthand as a newly minted rock star.

Behind the boards was producer Reinhold Mack, best known for his work with Queen and Electric Light Orchestra. Mack kept the production lean and powerful, letting Squier’s vocals and guitar work shine. It was a smart choice—because the song didn’t just sound good, it sounded urgent.

When the single dropped, it quickly shot to No. 1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart, where it stayed for six straight weeks. On the Hot 100, it reached No. 32, but its real power came from rock radio and, of course, MTV. The black-and-white performance video of Squier and his band gave fans a glimpse of his energy and charisma, turning him into one of the faces of the network’s early years.

Over the decades, ‘Everybody Wants You‘ has never really gone away. From film soundtracks to sports arenas, it’s a song that still packs a punch. For Billy Squier, it wasn’t just another hit—it was proof he had staying power in an era where MTV and radio could make or break you.