Somebody Should Leave
Encyclopedia
"Somebody Should Leave" is a song written by Harlan Howard
and Chick Rains, and was recorded by American country music
artist, Reba McEntire
. The song was produced by Harold Shedd
for her second MCA studio album, My Kind of Country. Released in late January 1985, it became McEntire's second number one single in a row on the Billboard country music chart, being the first of a series of number one singles McEntire would acquire under MCA.
. It was one of several new tracks that would appear on McEntire's My Kind of Country album later in the year, which mainly comprised cover versions of country songs. The song is a ballad describing a woman who finds herself in a loveless relationship with her husband. The female narrator realizes a divorce is needed but they are faced with a dilemma, as she states in the song, "he needs the kids and they need me." The song's chorus further explains the storyline:
, "Somebody Should Leave" also gained fairly positive reviews from music critics since its release. William Ruhlmann of Allmusic praised the track, saying, "a characteristically direct Howard story song about an impending divorce a couple was studiously avoiding..." The website, My Kind of Country gave "Somebody Should Leave" high critical praise, calling it a "tearjerker". The website further went on to praise the song and the story behind it, saying, "An instant classic, with an emotionally charged vocal performance, this is the centerpiece of the album. Reba approached Harlan Howard when she was looking for material for the album. He played her a song that she didn’t like, so she turned it down as politely as she could. Howard responded that he was testing her to see if she could distinguish between a good song and a bad one — and to see if she had the nerve to tell him that she didn’t like the song. Reba had passed the test, and being allowed to record “Somebody Should Leave” was her reward." Author, Kurt Wolff of Country Music: The Rough Guide commented that the song is "weepy, it exhibits tasteful restraints..."
's "Female Vocalist of the Year," her second honor from the association. The song was considered to have a traditional sound, which categorized McEntire as a "new traditionalist," a similar title to that of George Strait
and Ricky Skaggs
.
Harlan Howard
Harlan Perry Howard was a prolific American songwriter, principally in country music. In a career spanning six decades, Howard wrote a large number of popular and enduring songs, recorded by a variety of different artists...
and Chick Rains, and was recorded by American country music
Country music
Country music is a popular American musical style that began in the rural Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from Western cowboy and folk music...
artist, Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire
Reba Nell McEntire is an American country music artist and actress. She began her career in the music industry as a high school student singing in the Kiowa High School band , on local radio shows with her siblings, and at rodeos. As a solo act, she was invited to perform at a rodeo in Oklahoma...
. The song was produced by Harold Shedd
Harold Shedd
Harold Shedd is a music industry executive and producer, best known for his role as producer of the country group Alabama as well as Reba McEntire, Shania Twain and Toby Keith...
for her second MCA studio album, My Kind of Country. Released in late January 1985, it became McEntire's second number one single in a row on the Billboard country music chart, being the first of a series of number one singles McEntire would acquire under MCA.
Background and content
Like her previous single, "Somebody Should Leave" was recorded in 1984 at MCA studio in Nashville, TennesseeNashville, Tennessee
Nashville is the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee and the county seat of Davidson County. It is located on the Cumberland River in Davidson County, in the north-central part of the state. The city is a center for the health care, publishing, banking and transportation industries, and is home...
. It was one of several new tracks that would appear on McEntire's My Kind of Country album later in the year, which mainly comprised cover versions of country songs. The song is a ballad describing a woman who finds herself in a loveless relationship with her husband. The female narrator realizes a divorce is needed but they are faced with a dilemma, as she states in the song, "he needs the kids and they need me." The song's chorus further explains the storyline:
- Somebody should leave but which one should it be
- You need the kids and they need me
- Somebody should leave but we hate to give in
- We keep hopin' somehow we might need each other again
Critical reception
Much like "How BlueHow Blue
"How Blue" is a song written by John Moffat and recorded by American country music artist, Reba McEntire. The song was produced by Harold Shedd for McEntire's second MCA studio album, My Kind of Country. Released in September 1984, it became her third number one single on the Billboard country...
, "Somebody Should Leave" also gained fairly positive reviews from music critics since its release. William Ruhlmann of Allmusic praised the track, saying, "a characteristically direct Howard story song about an impending divorce a couple was studiously avoiding..." The website, My Kind of Country gave "Somebody Should Leave" high critical praise, calling it a "tearjerker". The website further went on to praise the song and the story behind it, saying, "An instant classic, with an emotionally charged vocal performance, this is the centerpiece of the album. Reba approached Harlan Howard when she was looking for material for the album. He played her a song that she didn’t like, so she turned it down as politely as she could. Howard responded that he was testing her to see if she could distinguish between a good song and a bad one — and to see if she had the nerve to tell him that she didn’t like the song. Reba had passed the test, and being allowed to record “Somebody Should Leave” was her reward." Author, Kurt Wolff of Country Music: The Rough Guide commented that the song is "weepy, it exhibits tasteful restraints..."
Release and chart performance
"Somebody Should Leave" was released as a single January 28, 1985, a few weeks after her previous single, "How Blue" peaked on the Billboard chart. The song became McEntire's second number one single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in a row, reaching the top spot by May 1985. With the help of the album and the single itself, McEntire would win the Country Music AssociationCountry Music Association
The Country Music Association was founded in 1958 in Nashville, Tennessee. It originally consisted of only 233 members and was the first trade organization formed to promote a music genre...
's "Female Vocalist of the Year," her second honor from the association. The song was considered to have a traditional sound, which categorized McEntire as a "new traditionalist," a similar title to that of George Strait
George Strait
George Harvey Strait is an American country music singer, actor, and music producer. Strait is referred to as the "King of Country," and critics call Strait a living legend. He is known for his unique style of western swing music, bar-room ballads, honky-tonk style, and fresh yet traditional...
and Ricky Skaggs
Ricky Skaggs
Rickie Lee "Ricky" Skaggs is a country and bluegrass singer, musician, producer, and composer. He primarily plays mandolin; however, he also plays fiddle, guitar, and banjo.-Early career:...
.
Charts
| Chart (1985) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks | 1 |
| Canadian RPM Country Tracks | 8 |