music.wikisort.org - Composition

"Heartache All Over the World" is an upbeat song by English musician Elton John from his 20th studio album, Leather Jackets (1986). Written by John and Bernie Taupin, it was released as the album's lead single in September 1986, charting at number 45 in the UK Singles Chart and at number 55 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and reaching the top 10 in Australia, where it peaked at number 7.

"Heartache All Over the World"
Single by Elton John
from the album Leather Jackets
B-side	"Highlander" (John)
Released	September 1986
Recorded	1985–1986
Studio	Wisseloord, Hilversum; CTS, London; The SOL, Cookham
Genre	Pop
Length	4:24 (single) 8:02 (12" remix) 3:57 (music video) 4:17 (album)
Label	Geffen (US), Rocket (UK)
Songwriter(s)	Elton John Bernie Taupin
Producer(s)	Gus Dudgeon
Elton John singles chronology
"Cry to Heaven" (1986) "Heartache All Over the World" (1986) "Slow Rivers" (1986)

The song talks about not being able to date for a night.[1] John performed "Heartache All Over the World" four times during his Tour De Force tour in Australia in 1986, which is notable for John's problems with his vocal cords during that time.[2] In 2001, Elton John regarded "Heartache All Over the World" as the worst song he had ever recorded, calling it "pretty insubstantial".[3]

Reception

Billboard said that the lyrics are "of the 'lonely teenager' school" and the overdubs are "out of the Spector handbook."[4] Cash Box said it has a "a perky groove" after a "high-tech/rap intro."[5]

Chart performance

"Heartache All Over the World" reached number 45 in the UK Singles Chart and stayed on the chart for four weeks,[6][7] number 55 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 58 in Canada, making this song one of the worst-charting singles in John's career.

However, the song found better success in Belgium (No. 26),[8] Ireland (No. 24), New Zealand (No. 22)[9] and notably Australia, peaking at number 7.

Charts

Chart (1986)	Peak position
Australia (Kent Music Report)[10]	7
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[11]	26
Canada Top Singles (RPM)[12]	58
Ireland (IRMA)[13]	24
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[14]	22
UK Singles (OCC)[15]	45
US Billboard Hot 100[16]	55

Music video

The music video, directed by Mike Brady, features John and his band playing the song in a stage-like background. It also includes clips from mid-1940s movies and some historical events.[17]

Personnel

• Elton John – vocals
• Charlie Morgan – drums
• Davey Johnstone – guitars, backing vocals
• Fred Mandel – Prophet 2000, Roland P60 and programming
• Gus Dudgeon – electronic percussion
• Graham Dickson – electronic percussion
• Vicky Brown, Alan Carvell, Gordon Neville – backing vocals[18]

References

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