| Somebody Loves Me | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | October 1972 | |||
| Studio | Columbia Recording Studio (Nashville, Tennessee) | |||
| Genre | Country | |||
| Length | 28:10(original) 29:12 (reissue) | |||
| Label | Epic Records | |||
| Producer | Billy Sherrill | |||
| Johnny Paycheck chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Somebody Loves Me | ||||
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Somebody Loves Me is the tenth studio album by American country music artist Johnny Paycheck. The album was released in October 1972, via Epic Records. It was produced by Billy Sherrill.
Following the success of Paycheck's 1972 album Someone to Give My Love To , he returned to the studio with Billy Sherrill, Epic Records' in-house producer known for his signature "countrypolitan" sound. Sherrill's lush production style is even more prominent on Somebody Loves Me, featuring layered string sections, brass flourishes, and vocal backing from The Jordanaires. [1]
The album's title echoes that of its predecessor, and the material continues in a similar vein: a mix of optimistic love songs and crossover-ready country-pop ballads. Though rooted in country tradition, Somebody Loves Me was crafted with broad commercial appeal, aiming to capture audiences beyond the Nashville core. [1] [2]
The title track is not a cover of George Gershwin's "Somebody Loves Me," but rather a new composition that tells the story of a country boy transformed by love. It was released as a single and received airplay on both country and adult contemporary stations. [2] [3]
The album stands apart from Paycheck's earlier hard-edged honky-tonk recordings by embracing polished production and romantic themes. Sherrill's influence is evident in the orchestral arrangements, bouncy tempos, and rich harmonies that give the album a "sparkling" feel. [1]
Paycheck covered Neil Diamond's "Song Sung Blue." [1]
The music carries elements of rockabilly blues, countrypolitan balladry, and soft rock, often veering into territory more associated with crossover artists like Glen Campbell and Charlie Rich. Still, Paycheck's powerful vocal performance grounds the album firmly in country soil. [2]
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [4] |
Somebody Loves Me received modest but favorable reviews. Critics noted its accessible, upbeat tone and highlighted Paycheck's outstanding vocal delivery. The album was praised for its emotional sincerity and radio-friendly polish, though some longtime fans missed the grittier material of his earlier records. [1] [2]
Doug Davis, writing in a syndicated review, described the album as featuring "some weird backup sounds" but ultimately praised it as one of the brightest moments in Paycheck's career. He predicted the album would chart well across country, pop, and rock formats, citing its genre-blurred appeal. [3]
Released during Paycheck's early years at Epic, the album contributed to his steady rise in mainstream country music. While it did not chart as high as some of his later hits, the album and its title track helped reinforce Paycheck's presence in the evolving countrypolitan movement and saw limited crossover into adult contemporary radio. [2]
Track lengths from the original release in 1972, the album was reissued and featured slightly different track lengths.
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Somebody Loves Me" |
| 2:48 |
| 2. | "Spread It Around" |
| 2:32 |
| 3. | "I Take It on Home" | Kenny O'Dell | 3:14 |
| 4. | "Loving an Angel Every Day" | Johnny Paycheck | 2:39 |
| 5. | "Song Sung Blue" | Neil Diamond | 3:00 |
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Life Can Be Beautiful" |
| 2:17 |
| 2. | "The Woman Loves Me Right" | Earl Montgomery | 2:25 |
| 3. | "Love Couldn't Be Any Better" |
| 2:05 |
| 4. | "It Takes a Woman's Love" |
| 2:28 |
| 5. | "Without You (There's No Such Thing as Love)" | Paycheck | 2:22 |
| 6. | "Kissing Yesterday Goodbye" | Paycheck | 2:20 |
| Total length: | 28:10 | ||
| Chart (1972) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Top Country Albums ( Billboard ) | 16 |