Everybody's Fool: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
rm image entirely...it is mostly just for decoration anyhow.
Reverted 1 edit by MihaiVulturul23 (talk): Rv genre warring
 
(325 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|2004 song by Evanescence}}
{{Infobox Single <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Songs -->
{{Other uses}}
| Name = Everybody's Fool
{{Good article}}
| Cover = B0001YNK7A.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2023}}
| Caption =
{{Infobox song
| Artist = [[Evanescence]]
| from Album = [[Fallen (album)|Fallen]]
| name = Everybody's Fool
| A-side =
| cover = Evanescence - Everybody's Fool.png
| B-side =
| alt =
| type = single
| Released = [[June 7]], [[2004]] <small>([[United States|U.S.]])</small>
| Format = [[CD single]]
| artist = [[Evanescence]]
| Recorded = [[2004 in music|2004]]
| album = [[Fallen (Evanescence album)|Fallen]]
| released = {{start date|2004|5|31}}
| Genre = [[Alternative metal]]
| Length = 3:16
| recorded =
| studio =
| Label = [[Wind-Up Records|Wind-Up]]
| venue =
| Writer = [[Ben Moody]], [[Amy Lee]], [[David Hodges]]
| Producer = [[Dave Fortman]]
| genre = [[Nu metal]]
| Certification =
| length = 3:15
| Last single = "[[My Immortal]]"<br>(2003)
| label = [[Wind-Up Records|Wind-Up]]
| writer =
| This single = "'''Everybody's Fool'''"<br>(2004)
* [[Amy Lee]]
| Next single = "[[Imaginary (song)|Imaginary]]"<br>(2004)
* [[Ben Moody]]
| Misc =
* [[David Hodges]]
{{Extra track listing
| altAlbum = [[Anywhere but Home]]
| producer = [[Dave Fortman]]
| prev_title = [[My Immortal (song)|My Immortal]]
| Type = live
| Length = 3:40
| prev_year = 2003
| next_title = [[Call Me When You're Sober]]
| prev_track = "Taking Over Me"
| prev_no = 3
| next_year = 2006
| this_track = "'''Everybody's Fool'''"
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|jhC1pI76Rqo|"Everybody's Fool"}}}}
| track_no = 4
| next_track = "[[Thoughtless]]"
| next_no = 5
}}
{{Extra track listing
| Album = [[Fallen (album)|Fallen]]
| Type = studio
| prev_track = "[[Bring Me to Life]]"
| prev_no = 2
| this_track = "'''Everybody's Fool'''"
| track_no = 3
| next_track = "[[My Immortal]]"
| next_no = 4
}}
{{Extra track listing
| altAlbum = [[Mystary EP]]
| Type = ep
| Length = 3:15
| prev_track = "[[Farther Away]]"
| prev_no = 3
| this_track = "'''Everybody's Fool'''"
| track_no = 4
| next_track = "[[Imaginary (song)|Imaginary]]"
| next_no = 5
}}
}}
}}
"'''Everybody's Fool'''" is a song by American [[rock music|rock]] band [[Evanescence]] from their debut studio album, ''[[Fallen (Evanescence album)|Fallen]]''. [[Wind-up Records]] released the song on May 31, 2004, as the album's fourth and final single. It was written by [[Amy Lee]] in 1999 about the promotion of unrealistic and hyper-sexualized ideals of perfection in the industry, with detrimental influence on the youth's expectations and self-image. Guitarist [[Ben Moody]] and [[David Hodges]] also share songwriting credits on the song, which was produced by [[Dave Fortman]].


Critical reception towards "Everybody's Fool" was generally positive, with critics highlighting the song's concept and Lee's voice. The accompanying music video was directed by [[Philipp Stölzl]], and features Lee portraying several characters depicting behind the scenes struggles and perfected, glamorous images promoted on screen. The song is performed by Evanescence on their first [[live album]] and DVD ''[[Anywhere but Home]]'' (2004).
"'''Everybody's Fool'''" is the fourth and final [[Single (music)|single]] from the album ''[[Fallen (album)|Fallen]]'' by [[Evanescence]]. The song is, according to [[Amy Lee]], about fake celebrities who strip and sell their bodies for publicity, though it could also be interpreted that the song is about celebrities who have completely false images.<ref name="VH1cheesy">{{cite news |url=http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1488307/06102004/evanescence.jhtml |title=Evanescence's Amy Lee Hopes To Get Into Film, Rages Against Cheesy Female Idols |work=MTV News via VH1.com |first=Corey |last=Moss |date=[[2004-06-10]] |accessdate=2006-11-07}}</ref> It has been misinterpreted as a message against [[Christianity|Christian]] faith.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/glimpses/2003/fallen.html | title=One wonders if "Everybody's Fool" is an indictment of the church and the Christian faith | author=Russ Breimeier | work=Christian Music Today}}</ref> The unifying theme of the video is that they are merely peddling lies.


==Background and release==
After the release of third ''Fallen'' single "[[My Immortal]]", there wasn't any news from Evanescence. Rumours started going around that "[[Imaginary (song)|Imaginary]]" (track 7 on ''Fallen'') would be their last single released from that album. After release dates changing over and over again, everyone was surprised when "Everybody's Fool" was released (in "Episode #101", the first episode of [[MTV2]]'s ''Video Mods'', which first aired in [[2004 in television|2004]], "Everybody's Fool" was portrayed as performed by [[Rayne (Bloodrayne)|Rayne]], the main character of the ''[[BloodRayne]]'' [[video game]]s).
Lee wrote "Everybody's Fool" in 1999 about the lie of pop stardom life and unrealistic, over-sexualized images that warped the youth's expectations.<ref name="cheesy">{{cite news |url=http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1488307/06102004/evanescence.jhtml |title=Evanescence's Amy Lee Hopes To Get Into Film, Rages Against Cheesy Female Idols |work=MTV News via VH1.com |first=Corey |last=Moss |access-date=November 7, 2006 |date=June 10, 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040623023634/http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1488307/06102004/evanescence.jhtml |archive-date=June 23, 2004}}</ref><ref name="stories"/><ref name="Law"/> In a 2004 [[VH1]] interview, Lee explained how the song came about: "My little sister was really getting into these, I don't want to offend anyone, but like really fake, cheesy, slutty female cracker-box idols, and it really pissed me off. She started dressing like them and she was like 8 years old. So I gave her the talk and I wrote a song."<ref name="cheesy"/> She said it is not about a specific person, but about a collective of the industry that promotes detrimental images and ideals of perfection while "nobody looks like that. It's all fake and it's really hurting a lot of girls' and women's self images."<ref name="age">{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/07/29/1091080366430.html |title=Evanescence looks to future |work=[[The Age]] |publisher=[[Fairfax Media]] |date=July 29, 2004 |access-date=October 16, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929190043/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/07/29/1091080366430.html |archive-date=September 29, 2008 }}</ref><ref name="fact-or-fiction">{{cite web |url=https://loudwire.com/evanescence-amy-lee-wikipedia-fact-or-fiction/|title=Evanescence's Amy Lee Plays 'Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction?' |work=[[Loudwire]] |last=Hartmann |first=Graham |date=October 26, 2016 |access-date=March 3, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322081835/http://loudwire.com/evanescence-amy-lee-wikipedia-fact-or-fiction/ |archive-date=March 22, 2017}}</ref>


[[Songfacts]] stated that the song's concept "seems like it's always relevant".<ref name="facts"/> When asked about the song in 2016, Lee said that she wrote it as "an angsty teenager" about her "frustration with fakeness" that sprung at the time from all the "bubblegum pop acts" that were "put together like products" influencing young people, including her younger siblings.<ref name="stories">{{cite web|url=https://ew.com/article/2016/12/05/evanescence-amy-lee-stories-behind-songs/|title=Evanescence's Amy Lee reveals stories behind the songs|work=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=December 5, 2016|accessdate=November 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024102436/https://ew.com/article/2016/12/05/evanescence-amy-lee-stories-behind-songs/|archive-date=October 24, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> She said she also acknowledged that "you never know what's going on inside anybody, no matter what they seem like", and that it is a song she has "disconnected" from over the years.<ref name="facts">{{cite web|url=https://www.songfacts.com/blog/interviews/amy-lee-of-evanescence|title=Amy Lee of Evanescence|publisher=[[Songfacts]]|date=October 13, 2016|first=Dan|last=MacIntosh|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420040249/https://www.songfacts.com/blog/interviews/amy-lee-of-evanescence|archive-date=April 20, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/features/music-interviews/amy-lee-evanescence-the-bitter-truth-2902372|title=Does Rock ‘N’ Roll Kill Braincells?! – Amy Lee, Evanescence|work=NME|date=March 19, 2021|accessdate=November 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605101201/https://www.nme.com/features/music-interviews/amy-lee-evanescence-the-bitter-truth-2902372|archive-date=June 5, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kerrang.com/evanescence-fallen-amy-lee-bring-me-to-life-going-under-my-immortal-interview-anniversary-cover-story|title=Evanescence: “I’m so grateful for Fallen. It is something bigger than me”|work=Kerrang!|date=November 15, 2023|first=George|last=Garner|access-date=November 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121044525/https://www.kerrang.com/evanescence-fallen-amy-lee-bring-me-to-life-going-under-my-immortal-interview-anniversary-cover-story|archive-date=November 21, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
"Imaginary" was one of the very early songs written by Evanescence and was a local favorite from their small following in Little Rock. The first released version is on the [[Evanescence EP|''Evanescence'' EP]] released in [[1998 in music|1998]], and was intended to be released as the fourth single. However, due to a decision made by Evanescence's record label, Wind-Up Records, "Everybody's Fool" was made the fourth single instead.


Guitarist [[Ben Moody]] and [[David Hodges]] also share songwriting credits on the song, produced by [[Dave Fortman]].<ref name="windupbook">{{cite AV media notes|title=Fallen|others=[[Evanescence]]| date=2006|type=liner notes|publisher=[[Wind-up Records]]}}</ref> The Millennium Choir performed background vocals.<ref name="windupbook" /> According to the sheet music published by [[Alfred Music Publishing]] at the website Musicnotes.com, "Everybody's Fool" is written in the key of D Minor, set in a time signature of common time and performed in a [[tempo (music)|tempo]] of 92 beats per minute.<ref name="sheet" /> Lee's vocals in the song range from the note of [[A (musical note)|A<sub>3</sub>]] to the note of [[D (musical note)|D<sub>5</sub>]].<ref name="sheet">{{cite web|url=http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtdVPE.asp?ppn=MN0047204|title=Evanescence – Everybody's Fool – Sheet Music (Digital Download)|date=July 12, 2004|publisher=Musicnotes.com. [[Alfred Music Publishing]]|access-date=October 29, 2011}}</ref>
"Everybody's Fool" had a demo version which featured a different bridge (with a mechanical-sounding voice, not unlike the one featured on "Understanding"), and small portions of slightly distorted voices on the vocal track.


When the label planned for a fourth single from the album, Lee wanted the song "Imaginary" to be the single,<ref name="mtv1483876">{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1483876/evanescence-soldier-on-without-ben-moody.jhtml |title=Evanescence Soldier On Without Ben Moody, Look Forward To Recording |publisher=MTV News. MTV Networks |author1=Wiederhorn, John |author2=reporting by Cornell, Jeff |date=October 23, 2003 |access-date=October 24, 2011 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712101206/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1483876/evanescence-soldier-on-without-ben-moody.jhtml |archive-date=July 12, 2012 }}</ref> but the label chose "Everybody's Fool"; it was released as ''Fallen''{{'}}s fourth and final single on May 31, 2004, in Australia and the United Kingdom.<ref name="ausrel"/><ref name="ukrel"/>
The music video features Amy dressed up as various ad features of products made by a company called 'LIES'. During an interview on ''[[MuchOnDemand]]'', Amy has mentioned that the video for this song was her least favourite video.

==Reception==
"Everybody's Fool" received generally positive reviews. Scott Juba of ''[[Web.com#Company history and acquisitions|The Trades]]'' graded the song an A, writing that it depicts "the stinging betrayal of deception and the refusal to become blinded by deceit any longer", and a "defiance" in Lee's voice gives it a "bold edge" while its "heavy drums and soaring guitars further enhance the strong sound."<ref name="trades">{{cite news |url=http://www.the-trades.com/article.php?id=2666 |title=Music Review: Evanescence, "Everybody's Fool" |work=[[Web.com#Company history and acquisitions|The Trades]] |first=Scott |last=Juba |date=August 2, 2004 |access-date=October 16, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080424003510/http://www.the-trades.com/article.php?id=2666|archive-date=April 24, 2008}}</ref> Adrien Begrand of ''[[PopMatters]]'' concluded that the song "take[s] things to a more over-the-top, theatrical level."<ref name="popmatters">{{cite news|url=http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/evanescence-fallen |title=Evanescence: Fallen |publisher=[[PopMatters]] |first=Adrien |last=Begrand |date=May 23, 2003 |access-date=October 15, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011172653/http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/evanescence-fallen |archive-date=October 11, 2011 }}</ref> Simon Cusens of [[ABC Online]] gave the song 3 out of 5 stars calling it "a cold, sad and angry song that I would only like to listen to without it being repeated again."<ref name="abc">{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/splatt/review/s1174854.htm|title=Everybody's Fool by Evanescence: Review|publisher=[[ABC Online]]. [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|first=Simon|last=Cusens|date=December 8, 2004|access-date=October 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080930164856/http://www.abc.net.au/splatt/review/s1174854.htm|archive-date=September 30, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[MTV News]]' Joe D'Angelo said that the lyrics "rail against idealistic, media-constructed images" and Lee's "disembodied" voice in the song "resonates"."<ref name="mtv1486942" /> Sam Law of ''[[Kerrang!]]'' wrote, "Fittingly, the song itself is an epic substantial showcase of Evanescence's raw power that requires no dressing-up".<ref name="Law">{{cite web|url=https://www.kerrang.com/the-20-greatest-evanescence-songs-ranked|title=The 20 greatest Evanescence songs – ranked|work=[[Kerrang!]]|date=August 21, 2020|accessdate=October 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010225754/https://www.kerrang.com/the-20-greatest-evanescence-songs-ranked|archive-date=October 10, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Johnny Loftus of [[AllMusic]] classified "Everybody's Fool" as a [[nu metal]] song.<ref name="amg review">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/fallen-mw0000020727|title=Fallen Review|publisher=[[Allmusic]]. [[Rovi Corporation]]|first=Johnny|last=Loftus|access-date=September 10, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024095625/https://www.allmusic.com/album/fallen-mw0000020727|archive-date=October 24, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

The song peaked at number 36 on ''Billboard''{{'}}s [[Alternative Songs]] chart on May 8, 2004.<ref name="Billboard-Alt">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/song/evanescence/everybody-s-fool/4426235 |title=Everybody's Fool – Evanescence|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=July 11, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106044727/http://www.billboard.com/song/evanescence/everybody-s-fool/4426235#/song/evanescence/everybody-s-fool/4426235|archive-date=November 6, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> On June 13, 2004, "Everybody's Fool" debuted and peaked at number 23 on the [[ARIA Charts|Australian Singles Chart]].<ref name="ausdeb">{{cite web|url=http://www.australian-charts.com/weekchart.asp?cat=s&year=2004&date=20040613 |title=Australian Singles Chart |date=June 13, 2004 |publisher=[[ARIA Charts]]. Hung Medien |access-date=October 16, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022070959/http://www.australian-charts.com/weekchart.asp?year=2004&date=20040613&cat=s |archive-date=October 22, 2012 }}</ref> It spent five weeks on the chart appearing at number 42 in its last week on July 11, 2004.<ref name="auslast">{{cite web|url=http://www.australian-charts.com/weekchart.asp?cat=s&year=2004&date=20040711 |title=Australian Singles Chart |date=July 11, 2011 |publisher=ARIA Charts. Hung Medien |access-date=October 16, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016051611/http://www.australian-charts.com/weekchart.asp?cat=s |archive-date=October 16, 2011 }}</ref> On the [[UK Singles Chart]], the song debuted at number 24 on June 12, 2004, which became its peak position.<ref name="chartstats">{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/Everybody%27s%20Fool|title=The Official Charts Company – Evanescence – Everybody's Fool|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=October 20, 2011}}</ref> The following week, it dropped to number 40,<ref name="uksingles09-19">{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20040613/7501/|title=Archive Chart|date=June 19, 2004|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=October 20, 2011}}</ref> and last charted on June 26 at number 49.<ref name="chartstats" /> It also charted in other European countries upon its release.<ref name="eur" />
{{clear}}

==Music video==
The music video for "Everybody's Fool" was directed by [[Philipp Stölzl]] and filmed in [[Los Angeles]], California in mid-April 2004.<ref name="mtv1486942">{{cite news|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/kecj5n/evanescence-eviscerate-consumer-culture-in-dramatic-new-video|title=Evanescence Eviscerate Consumer Culture In Dramatic New Video|publisher=MTV News. MTV Networks|first=Joe|last=D'Angelo|date=May 11, 2004|access-date=October 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118084444/https://www.mtv.com/news/kecj5n/evanescence-eviscerate-consumer-culture-in-dramatic-new-video|archive-date=November 18, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> The video features Lee in different characters, including a wholesome teenager, a biker chick, a pop idol, and a glamorous spokesmodel.<ref name="cheesy"/><ref name="mtv1486942" /> Talking about the filming, Lee said: "There's this one scene with everybody on motorbikes that every time I see it I just crack up. It's the slow-mo scene where I take off the helmet and swoosh my hair and look at the camera, and it kills me. It's so hilarious, it's ridiculous. [...] It's a really different thing for us to do because it's not performance at all. Everybody was laughing at me the whole time. I was just like, 'Please don't laugh at me. Just give me five minutes so I can do this.'"<ref name="cheesy" />

The message of the video is in the name of the products her character advertises, "Lies".<ref name="cheesy" /> Lee conceptualized the video around the lyrics to the song. She said the video is "more along the lines of exposing the real behind-the-scenes [lives] of some of these people. It's basically showing the glamorous lifestyle and the depressed, selfish misery behind it." She added that the topic was "like beating a dead horse at this point, but at the time [of writing the song] Britney Spears was just coming out. But I still think it's relevant."<ref name="cheesy" /> Lee said a lot of scenes were cut from the video by music-video stations, including a pill-popping scene, and she was happy that at least "the blood stayed in".<ref name="Jordan"/>

Joe D'Angelo of MTV News wrote that the video "comments on the correlation between a phony facade and corroded self-esteem." The scenes end with Lee "contemplating her deeds on the verge of tears", and she "realizes that besides the products, her advertisements were also selling negative self-images".<ref name="mtv1486942" /> The ''[[Montreal Gazette]]''{{'}}s Jordan Zivitz said it is "both an effective statement on impossible ideals of beauty (scenes in which the haggard singer rages in a dingy apartment are contrasted with fake commercials in which she's made up to the nines), and a great satire on picture-perfect videos", while Lee's portrayal has "a ring of truth to it" as she "doesn't have much love for the widely embraced model of human perfection."<ref name="Jordan">{{cite news|title=Amy Lee Lets Rip|newspaper=[[Montreal Gazette]]|first=Jordan|last=Zivitz|date=July 17, 2004}}</ref>

==Live performances==
"Everybody's Fool" was part of the [[set list]] of Evanescence's first worldwide tour, for ''Fallen''.<ref name="tour">{{cite news|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/4c7yuc/evanescence-show-no-signs-of-slowing-down-at-new-york-show|title=Evanescence Show No Signs Of Slowing Down At New York Show|publisher=MTV News. MTV Networks|first=Joe|last=D'Angelo|date=July 23, 2004|access-date=October 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215173925/http://www.mtv.com/news/1489662/evanescence-show-no-signs-of-slowing-down-at-new-york-show/|archive-date=December 15, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> A live version of the song from their [[Le Zénith]], [[Paris]] concert was featured on their first live album and DVD, ''[[Anywhere but Home]]'' (2004), along with an acoustic version performed in the behind-the-scenes section of the DVD.<ref name="anyall">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/anywhere-but-home-mw0000266548|title=Anywhere but Home Review|publisher=[[AllMusic]]. [[Rovi Corporation]]|last=Loftus|first=Johnny|access-date=October 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024010338/https://www.allmusic.com/album/anywhere-but-home-mw0000266548|archive-date=October 24, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> The band also opened a 2016 US show with the song.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://clclt.com/vibes/archives/2016/11/16/live-review-evanescence-the-fillmore-11-15-2016|title=Live review: Evanescence, The Fillmore (11/15/2016)|publisher=CLCT.com|first=Jeff|last=Hahne|date=November 16, 2016|access-date=August 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418174323/https://clclt.com/vibes/archives/2016/11/16/live-review-evanescence-the-fillmore-11-15-2016|archive-date=April 18, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Lee said in a 2016 interview that she had "disconnected" from the song, which is why they rarely play it.<ref name="facts"/>


==Track listing==
==Track listing==
* '''European & Australian CD single'''<ref name="allr695765">{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/everybodys-fool-australia-cd-r695765|title=Everybody's Fool <nowiki>[Australia CD]</nowiki>|publisher=Allmusic. Rovi Corporation|access-date=October 15, 2011}}</ref>
'''CD single (European version)''' <small>(Released [[June 2004]])</small>
# "Everybody's Fool" (Album Version) – 3:15
{{Tracklist
# "Taking Over Me" (Live from Cologne) – 4:06
| writing_credits = yes
# "Whisper" (Live from Cologne) – 5:22
| title1 = Everybody's Fool
# "Everybody's Fool" (Instrumental) – 3:15
| note1 = Album version
| writer1 = Moody, Lee, Hodges
| length1 = 3:15
| title2 = Taking Over Me
| note2 = Live from Cologne
| writer2 = Moody, Lee, Hodges, LeCompt
| length2 = 4:06
| title3 = Whisper
| note3 = Live from Cologne
| writer3 = Moody, Lee
| length3 = 5:22
| title4 = Everybody's Fool
| note4 = Instrumental version
| writer4 = Moody, Lee, Hodges
| length4 = 3:15
}}


==Credits and personnel==
==Video==
Credits for "Everybody's Fool" are taken from ''Fallen''{{'}}s liner notes.<ref name="windupbook" />
The video, directed by Philipp Stölzl and filmed in Los Angeles during mid-April 2004, is a live action video that portrays the life of a glamorous superstar (played by Amy Lee) who is really unhappy with the way she portrays herself in the media. She sells Lies consumer products (perfume, pizza, energy drink, and a little doll). Towards the end of the video she expresses deep regret for selling Lies in the first place.
{{div col|colwidth=48em}}
* [[Amy Lee]] – writing, vocals, piano, [[musical keyboard|keyboards]], [[choral]] arrangements
* [[Ben Moody]] – writing, guitar
* [[David Hodges]] – writing, piano, keyboards
* [[Francesco DiCosmo]] – [[bass guitar]]
* [[Josh Freese]] – drums
* The Millennium Choir: Beverly Allen, Dwight Stone, Eric Castro, Geri Allen, Joanne Paratore, Karen Matranga, Lesley Paton, Melanie Jackson, Rick Stubbs, Susan Youngblood, Talaya Trigueros – background vocals
* [[Dave Fortman]] – producer, mixer
* Jeremy Parker – engineer
{{div col end}}


==Charts==
==Charts==
{{col-begin}}
{| width="0%"
{{col-2}}
|- valign="top"

| width="0%" |
===Weekly charts===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ Weekly chart performance for "Everybody's Fool"
|-
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (2004)
!align="center"|Chart (2004)<sup><small>[http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:lzd9kemtsq7n~T51] [http://www.musicsquare.net/charts/song/1596] [http://top40-charts.com/songs/full.php?sid=10292&sort=chartid]</small></sup>
!align="center"|Peak<br>position
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
|-
|-
{{single chart|Australia|23|artist=Evanescence|song=Everybody's Fool|rowheader=true|access-date=August 20, 2011}}
|align="left"|U.S. ''Billboard'' [[Modern Rock Tracks]]
|align="center"|36
|-
|-
{{single chart|Flanders|35|artist=Evanescence|song=Everybody's Fool|rowheader=true|access-date=August 20, 2011}}
|align="left"|Argentina Top 40 Singles<ref name="Top40Argentina">{{cite web |url=http://www.top40argentina.com.ar/2004.htm |title=Top 40 Argentina (2004 top singles) |work=Top40Argentina.com.ar |year=2004 |accessdate=2007-03-21}}</ref>
|align="center"|1
|-
|-
{{single chart|Wallonia Tip|3|artist=Evanescence|song=Everybody's Fool|rowheader=true|access-date=August 20, 2011}}
|align="left"|[[ARIA Charts|Australia ARIA Top 50 Singles]]
|align="center"|23
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Bolivia ([[Notimex]])<ref>{{cite news|url=https://archivo.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/218851.html|title=Paulina Rubio y Alex Ubago, en primeros lugares|language=es|publisher=[[El Universal (Mexico) ]]|date=April 25, 2004|access-date=May 4, 2023|url-status=live|archive-date=May 1, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501084845/https://archivo.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/218851.html}}</ref>
|align="left"|Belgium Top 50 Singles
|align="center"|35
|align="center"| 5
|-
|-
! scope="row"| Greece ([[IFPI Greece|IFPI]])<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ifpi.gr/chart03.htm |title=IFPI Greece Top 50 Singles |access-date=September 17, 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040917031950/http://www.ifpi.gr/chart03.htm |archive-date=September 17, 2004 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|align="left"|Chile Top 20 Singles
| 11
|align="center"|8
|-
|-
{{single chart|Ireland3|32|artist=Evanescence|rowheader=true|access-date=January 16, 2020}}
|align="left"|China Top 20 Singles
|align="center"|20
|-
|-
{{single chart|Italy|16|artist=Evanescence|song=Everybody's Fool|rowheader=true|access-date=August 20, 2011}}
|align="left"|Greece IFPI Top 50 Singles
|align="center"|20
|-
|-
{{single chart|Dutch100|35|artist=Evanescence|song=Everybody's Fool|rowheader=true|access-date=August 31, 2015}}
|align="left"|[[Irish Singles Chart|Ireland Top 50 Singles]]
|align="center"|32
|}
| width="0%" |
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
{{single chart|Norway|17|artist=Evanescence|song=Everybody's Fool|rowheader=true|access-date=August 20, 2011}}
!align="center"|Chart (2004)
!align="center"|Peak<br>position
|-
|-
{{single chart|Scotland|25|date=20040612|rowheader=true|access-date=August 17, 2022}}
|align="left"|Italy Top 50 Singles
|align="center"|8
|-
|-
{{single chart|Switzerland|35|artist=Evanescence|song=Everybody's Fool|rowheader=true|access-date=August 20, 2011|refname=eur}}
|align="left"|Latin America Top 40<ref>{{cite web |url=http://toplatino.net/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=23 |title=Top Latino - Ranking del 29 de agosto del 2004 (Semana 35) |work=TopLatino.net |date=[[2004-08-30]] |accessdate=2007-03-21}}</ref>
|align="center"|25
|-
|-
{{single chart|UK|24|artist=Evanescence|song=Everybody's Fool|date=20040612|rowheader=true|access-date=August 20, 2011}}
|align="left"|[[Dutch Top 40|Netherlands Top 40 Singles]]
|align="center"|7
|-
|-
{{single chart|Billboardalternativesongs|36|artist=Evanescence|rowheader=true|access-date=October 16, 2011}}
|align="left"|Norway Top 20 Singles
|}
|align="center"|17
{{col-2}}

===Year-end charts===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ Year-end chart performance for "Everybody's Fool"
! scope="col"| Chart (2004)
! scope="col"| Position
|-
|-
! scope="row"| Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)<ref name="dutch40year2">{{cite web|url=https://www.top40.nl/bijzondere-lijsten/top-100-jaaroverzichten/2004|title=Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 2004|publisher=Dutch Top 40|access-date=April 4, 2020}}</ref>
|align="left"|Switzerland Top 100 Singles
|31
|align="center"|35
|}
{{col-end}}

==Release history==
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+Release dates and formats for "Everybody's Fool"
!scope="col"|Region
!scope="col"|Date
!scope="col"|Format(s)
!scope="col"|Label(s)
!scope="col"|{{abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
|-
!scope="row"|United States
|align="left"|[[UK Singles Chart|UK Top 75 Singles Chart]]
|{{start date|2004|3|8}}
|align="center"|24
|{{hlist|[[Mainstream rock]]|[[active rock]]|[[alternative radio]]}}
|[[Wind-Up Records|Wind-Up]]
|<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Going for Adds|magazine=[[Radio & Records]]|issue=1545|page=27|date=March 5, 2004}}</ref>
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Australia
|align="left"|[[Eurochart Hot 100 Singles]]
|rowspan="2"|{{start date|2004|5|31}}
|align="center"|95
|rowspan="2"|CD
|rowspan="2"|{{hlist|Wind-up|[[Epic Records|Epic]]}}
|<ref name="ausrel">{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/Issue744.pdf|title=The ARIA Report: New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 31st May 2004|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association|ARIA]]|page=27|date=May 31, 2004|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20080222222436/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20040607-0000/ISSUE744.pdf|archive-date=February 22, 2008|access-date=January 24, 2022}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
|-
|-
!scope="row"|United Kingdom
|align="left"|World Top 100 Airplay
|<ref name="ukrel">{{cite magazine|title=New Releases: Singles|magazine=[[Music Week]]|page=39|date=May 29, 2004}}</ref>
|align="center"|41
|}
|}
|}

==In popular culture==
The song was made [[List of downloadable songs for the Rock Band series|available to download]] on April 3, 2012, for play in ''[[Rock Band 3]]'' Basic and PRO mode utilizing real guitar/bass guitar, and MIDI compatible electronic drum kits/keyboards plus vocal harmonies.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}}


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.evanescence.com/video.asp?media_type=wm&index=2 "Everybody's Fool" music video at Evanescence.com]
* {{Official website|http://www.evanescence.com/}}


{{Evanescence}}
{{Evanescence|collapse=off}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Evanescence songs]]
[[Category:Evanescence songs]]
[[Category:2003 songs]]
[[Category:2003 songs]]
[[Category:2004 singles]]
[[Category:2004 singles]]
[[Category:Epic Records singles]]

[[Category:Songs about consumerism]]
[[es:Everybody's Fool]]
[[Category:Songs written by Amy Lee]]
[[hr:Everybody's Fool]]
[[Category:Songs written by Ben Moody]]
[[it:Everybody's Fool]]
[[Category:Songs written by David Hodges]]
[[nl:Everybody's Fool]]
[[Category:Wind-up Records singles]]
[[pl:Everybody's Fool]]
[[Category:Diss tracks]]
[[pt:Everybody's Fool]]
[[ro:Everybody's Fool]]

Latest revision as of 01:15, 6 March 2024

"Everybody's Fool"
Single by Evanescence
from the album Fallen
ReleasedMay 31, 2004 (2004-05-31)
GenreNu metal
Length3:15
LabelWind-Up
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Dave Fortman
Evanescence singles chronology
"My Immortal"
(2003)
"Everybody's Fool"
(2004)
"Call Me When You're Sober"
(2006)
Music video
"Everybody's Fool" on YouTube

"Everybody's Fool" is a song by American rock band Evanescence from their debut studio album, Fallen. Wind-up Records released the song on May 31, 2004, as the album's fourth and final single. It was written by Amy Lee in 1999 about the promotion of unrealistic and hyper-sexualized ideals of perfection in the industry, with detrimental influence on the youth's expectations and self-image. Guitarist Ben Moody and David Hodges also share songwriting credits on the song, which was produced by Dave Fortman.

Critical reception towards "Everybody's Fool" was generally positive, with critics highlighting the song's concept and Lee's voice. The accompanying music video was directed by Philipp Stölzl, and features Lee portraying several characters depicting behind the scenes struggles and perfected, glamorous images promoted on screen. The song is performed by Evanescence on their first live album and DVD Anywhere but Home (2004).

Background and release[edit]

Lee wrote "Everybody's Fool" in 1999 about the lie of pop stardom life and unrealistic, over-sexualized images that warped the youth's expectations.[1][2][3] In a 2004 VH1 interview, Lee explained how the song came about: "My little sister was really getting into these, I don't want to offend anyone, but like really fake, cheesy, slutty female cracker-box idols, and it really pissed me off. She started dressing like them and she was like 8 years old. So I gave her the talk and I wrote a song."[1] She said it is not about a specific person, but about a collective of the industry that promotes detrimental images and ideals of perfection while "nobody looks like that. It's all fake and it's really hurting a lot of girls' and women's self images."[4][5]

Songfacts stated that the song's concept "seems like it's always relevant".[6] When asked about the song in 2016, Lee said that she wrote it as "an angsty teenager" about her "frustration with fakeness" that sprung at the time from all the "bubblegum pop acts" that were "put together like products" influencing young people, including her younger siblings.[2] She said she also acknowledged that "you never know what's going on inside anybody, no matter what they seem like", and that it is a song she has "disconnected" from over the years.[6][7][8]

Guitarist Ben Moody and David Hodges also share songwriting credits on the song, produced by Dave Fortman.[9] The Millennium Choir performed background vocals.[9] According to the sheet music published by Alfred Music Publishing at the website Musicnotes.com, "Everybody's Fool" is written in the key of D Minor, set in a time signature of common time and performed in a tempo of 92 beats per minute.[10] Lee's vocals in the song range from the note of A3 to the note of D5.[10]

When the label planned for a fourth single from the album, Lee wanted the song "Imaginary" to be the single,[11] but the label chose "Everybody's Fool"; it was released as Fallen's fourth and final single on May 31, 2004, in Australia and the United Kingdom.[12][13]

Reception[edit]

"Everybody's Fool" received generally positive reviews. Scott Juba of The Trades graded the song an A, writing that it depicts "the stinging betrayal of deception and the refusal to become blinded by deceit any longer", and a "defiance" in Lee's voice gives it a "bold edge" while its "heavy drums and soaring guitars further enhance the strong sound."[14] Adrien Begrand of PopMatters concluded that the song "take[s] things to a more over-the-top, theatrical level."[15] Simon Cusens of ABC Online gave the song 3 out of 5 stars calling it "a cold, sad and angry song that I would only like to listen to without it being repeated again."[16] MTV News' Joe D'Angelo said that the lyrics "rail against idealistic, media-constructed images" and Lee's "disembodied" voice in the song "resonates"."[17] Sam Law of Kerrang! wrote, "Fittingly, the song itself is an epic substantial showcase of Evanescence's raw power that requires no dressing-up".[3] Johnny Loftus of AllMusic classified "Everybody's Fool" as a nu metal song.[18]

The song peaked at number 36 on Billboard's Alternative Songs chart on May 8, 2004.[19] On June 13, 2004, "Everybody's Fool" debuted and peaked at number 23 on the Australian Singles Chart.[20] It spent five weeks on the chart appearing at number 42 in its last week on July 11, 2004.[21] On the UK Singles Chart, the song debuted at number 24 on June 12, 2004, which became its peak position.[22] The following week, it dropped to number 40,[23] and last charted on June 26 at number 49.[22] It also charted in other European countries upon its release.[24]

Music video[edit]

The music video for "Everybody's Fool" was directed by Philipp Stölzl and filmed in Los Angeles, California in mid-April 2004.[17] The video features Lee in different characters, including a wholesome teenager, a biker chick, a pop idol, and a glamorous spokesmodel.[1][17] Talking about the filming, Lee said: "There's this one scene with everybody on motorbikes that every time I see it I just crack up. It's the slow-mo scene where I take off the helmet and swoosh my hair and look at the camera, and it kills me. It's so hilarious, it's ridiculous. [...] It's a really different thing for us to do because it's not performance at all. Everybody was laughing at me the whole time. I was just like, 'Please don't laugh at me. Just give me five minutes so I can do this.'"[1]

The message of the video is in the name of the products her character advertises, "Lies".[1] Lee conceptualized the video around the lyrics to the song. She said the video is "more along the lines of exposing the real behind-the-scenes [lives] of some of these people. It's basically showing the glamorous lifestyle and the depressed, selfish misery behind it." She added that the topic was "like beating a dead horse at this point, but at the time [of writing the song] Britney Spears was just coming out. But I still think it's relevant."[1] Lee said a lot of scenes were cut from the video by music-video stations, including a pill-popping scene, and she was happy that at least "the blood stayed in".[25]

Joe D'Angelo of MTV News wrote that the video "comments on the correlation between a phony facade and corroded self-esteem." The scenes end with Lee "contemplating her deeds on the verge of tears", and she "realizes that besides the products, her advertisements were also selling negative self-images".[17] The Montreal Gazette's Jordan Zivitz said it is "both an effective statement on impossible ideals of beauty (scenes in which the haggard singer rages in a dingy apartment are contrasted with fake commercials in which she's made up to the nines), and a great satire on picture-perfect videos", while Lee's portrayal has "a ring of truth to it" as she "doesn't have much love for the widely embraced model of human perfection."[25]

Live performances[edit]

"Everybody's Fool" was part of the set list of Evanescence's first worldwide tour, for Fallen.[26] A live version of the song from their Le Zénith, Paris concert was featured on their first live album and DVD, Anywhere but Home (2004), along with an acoustic version performed in the behind-the-scenes section of the DVD.[27] The band also opened a 2016 US show with the song.[28] Lee said in a 2016 interview that she had "disconnected" from the song, which is why they rarely play it.[6]

Track listing[edit]

  • European & Australian CD single[29]
  1. "Everybody's Fool" (Album Version) – 3:15
  2. "Taking Over Me" (Live from Cologne) – 4:06
  3. "Whisper" (Live from Cologne) – 5:22
  4. "Everybody's Fool" (Instrumental) – 3:15

Credits and personnel[edit]

Credits for "Everybody's Fool" are taken from Fallen's liner notes.[9]

Charts[edit]

Release history[edit]

Release dates and formats for "Everybody's Fool"
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
United States March 8, 2004 (2004-03-08) Wind-Up [43]
Australia May 31, 2004 (2004-05-31) CD
[12]
United Kingdom [13]

In popular culture[edit]

The song was made available to download on April 3, 2012, for play in Rock Band 3 Basic and PRO mode utilizing real guitar/bass guitar, and MIDI compatible electronic drum kits/keyboards plus vocal harmonies.[citation needed]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f Moss, Corey (June 10, 2004). "Evanescence's Amy Lee Hopes To Get Into Film, Rages Against Cheesy Female Idols". MTV News via VH1.com. Archived from the original on June 23, 2004. Retrieved November 7, 2006.
  2. ^ a b "Evanescence's Amy Lee reveals stories behind the songs". Entertainment Weekly. December 5, 2016. Archived from the original on October 24, 2021. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
  3. ^ a b "The 20 greatest Evanescence songs – ranked". Kerrang!. August 21, 2020. Archived from the original on October 10, 2022. Retrieved October 8, 2022.
  4. ^ "Evanescence looks to future". The Age. Fairfax Media. July 29, 2004. Archived from the original on September 29, 2008. Retrieved October 16, 2011.
  5. ^ Hartmann, Graham (October 26, 2016). "Evanescence's Amy Lee Plays 'Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction?'". Loudwire. Archived from the original on March 22, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2017.
  6. ^ a b c MacIntosh, Dan (October 13, 2016). "Amy Lee of Evanescence". Songfacts. Archived from the original on April 20, 2020.
  7. ^ "Does Rock 'N' Roll Kill Braincells?! – Amy Lee, Evanescence". NME. March 19, 2021. Archived from the original on June 5, 2022. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
  8. ^ Garner, George (November 15, 2023). "Evanescence: "I'm so grateful for Fallen. It is something bigger than me"". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on November 21, 2023. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  9. ^ a b c Fallen (liner notes). Evanescence. Wind-up Records. 2006.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  10. ^ a b "Evanescence – Everybody's Fool – Sheet Music (Digital Download)". Musicnotes.com. Alfred Music Publishing. July 12, 2004. Retrieved October 29, 2011.
  11. ^ Wiederhorn, John; reporting by Cornell, Jeff (October 23, 2003). "Evanescence Soldier On Without Ben Moody, Look Forward To Recording". MTV News. MTV Networks. Archived from the original on July 12, 2012. Retrieved October 24, 2011.
  12. ^ a b "The ARIA Report: New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 31st May 2004" (PDF). ARIA. May 31, 2004. p. 27. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 22, 2008. Retrieved January 24, 2022.
  13. ^ a b "New Releases: Singles". Music Week. May 29, 2004. p. 39.
  14. ^ Juba, Scott (August 2, 2004). "Music Review: Evanescence, "Everybody's Fool"". The Trades. Archived from the original on April 24, 2008. Retrieved October 16, 2011.
  15. ^ Begrand, Adrien (May 23, 2003). "Evanescence: Fallen". PopMatters. Archived from the original on October 11, 2011. Retrieved October 15, 2011.
  16. ^ Cusens, Simon (December 8, 2004). "Everybody's Fool by Evanescence: Review". ABC Online. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on September 30, 2008. Retrieved October 16, 2011.
  17. ^ a b c d D'Angelo, Joe (May 11, 2004). "Evanescence Eviscerate Consumer Culture In Dramatic New Video". MTV News. MTV Networks. Archived from the original on November 18, 2022. Retrieved October 15, 2011.
  18. ^ Loftus, Johnny. "Fallen Review". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Archived from the original on October 24, 2022. Retrieved September 10, 2010.
  19. ^ "Everybody's Fool – Evanescence". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on November 6, 2012. Retrieved July 11, 2010.
  20. ^ "Australian Singles Chart". ARIA Charts. Hung Medien. June 13, 2004. Archived from the original on October 22, 2012. Retrieved October 16, 2011.
  21. ^ "Australian Singles Chart". ARIA Charts. Hung Medien. July 11, 2011. Archived from the original on October 16, 2011. Retrieved October 16, 2011.
  22. ^ a b "The Official Charts Company – Evanescence – Everybody's Fool". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 20, 2011.
  23. ^ "Archive Chart". Official Charts Company. June 19, 2004. Retrieved October 20, 2011.
  24. ^ a b "Evanescence – Everybody's Fool". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved August 20, 2011.
  25. ^ a b Zivitz, Jordan (July 17, 2004). "Amy Lee Lets Rip". Montreal Gazette.
  26. ^ D'Angelo, Joe (July 23, 2004). "Evanescence Show No Signs Of Slowing Down At New York Show". MTV News. MTV Networks. Archived from the original on December 15, 2019. Retrieved October 15, 2011.
  27. ^ Loftus, Johnny. "Anywhere but Home Review". AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Archived from the original on October 24, 2022. Retrieved October 15, 2011.
  28. ^ Hahne, Jeff (November 16, 2016). "Live review: Evanescence, The Fillmore (11/15/2016)". CLCT.com. Archived from the original on April 18, 2022. Retrieved August 17, 2017.
  29. ^ "Everybody's Fool [Australia CD]". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved October 15, 2011.
  30. ^ "Evanescence – Everybody's Fool". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved August 20, 2011.
  31. ^ "Evanescence – Everybody's Fool" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved August 20, 2011.
  32. ^ "Evanescence – Everybody's Fool" (in French). Ultratip. Retrieved August 20, 2011.
  33. ^ "Paulina Rubio y Alex Ubago, en primeros lugares" (in Spanish). El Universal (Mexico) . April 25, 2004. Archived from the original on May 1, 2023. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
  34. ^ "IFPI Greece Top 50 Singles". Archived from the original on September 17, 2004. Retrieved September 17, 2004.
  35. ^ "Irish-charts.com – Discography Evanescence". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
  36. ^ "Evanescence – Everybody's Fool". Top Digital Download. Retrieved August 20, 2011.
  37. ^ "Evanescence – Everybody's Fool" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved August 31, 2015.
  38. ^ "Evanescence – Everybody's Fool". VG-lista. Retrieved August 20, 2011.
  39. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  40. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 20, 2011.
  41. ^ "Evanescence Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved October 16, 2011.
  42. ^ "Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 2004". Dutch Top 40. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
  43. ^ "Going for Adds". Radio & Records. No. 1545. March 5, 2004. p. 27.

External links[edit]