Somebody

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Somebody" by Bryan Adams from his iconic 1984 album Reckless, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This track, a high-energy pop-rock anthem, was co-written by Adams his longtime collaborator Jim Vallance. In a 2014 interview with Louder, Adams shared that he wrote "Somebody" with influences from Nile Rodgers of Chic, aiming for a riff-driven, singalong vibe. The song’s infectious chorus was designed to be so catchy that, as AllMusic’s Stewart Mason noted, you could sing along even if you’d never heard it before—a gift to cover bands everywhere. The track features a large group of backing vocalists for its extended fadeout, adding to its raw, communal energy. Released as the second single from Reckless in January 1985, "Somebody" hit number one on the Billboard Top Rock Tracks chart and peaked at number 11 on the Hot 100, cementing its status as one of Adams’ most recognizable songs.

Another cool tidbit about "Somebody" comes from its music videos. There are two versions: one features live footage shot over three nights at Massey Hall in Toronto on January 8-10, 1985, with a screaming crowd that captures the song’s livewire energy. Adams mentioned in a Facebook post celebrating the Reckless 30th Anniversary that the album, including tracks like "Somebody," was about pouring everything he had into the music. The song’s universal appeal lies in its working-class ethos, with lyrics about searching for connection, which resonated with fans worldwide. Interestingly, "Somebody" was part of a 2005 file-sharing lawsuit, one of 24 songs involved in the first major case brought by record labels to a jury, highlighting its cultural footprint.

Bryan Adams was born on November 5, 1959, in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, and his journey to rock stardom is a classic tale of grit and passion. Growing up in a military family, he moved frequently, living in places like England, Israel, and Portugal before settling in Vancouver as a teenager. Adams started playing guitar at age 10 and by 15, he was gigging in local bands, honing his craft in Vancouver’s club scene. He dropped out of high school to pursue music full-time, a bold move that paid off when he met Jim Vallance in 1978. The duo began writing songs together, and Adams landed a deal with A&M Records at 18. His self-titled debut album dropped in 1980 when he was just 20, but it was his 1983 album Cuts Like a Knife, with hits like "Straight From the Heart," that broke him in North America. Reckless, released in 1984, catapulted him to global fame, selling over 12 million copies and becoming the first Canadian album to sell over a million units in Canada.

Adams’ working-class hero persona and Springsteen-esque storytelling struck a chord, and his relentless touring—over two years for Reckless alone—built a loyal fanbase. His music blends hard rock edge with radio-friendly hooks, and he’s sold between 75 and 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists ever. You can keep up with him on his official website, Facebook (with over 5.6 million likes), Instagram (boasting 1.1 million followers), and X, where he shares tour updates and throwbacks. Fans also gather at sites like Bryan Adams Wiki for deep dives into his career. On Facebook groups like "Bryan Adams Fans," Zoo Freaks can connect with fellow devotees to share stories and celebrate the enduring power of songs like "Somebody."