"Every Kinda People" is a song originally performed by English singer and songwriter Robert Palmer on his fourth solo album, Double Fun (1978). It was released by Island Records as the album's lead single on 10 March 1978 in the EU and 24 March in the UK. The song was written by Andy Fraser and produced by Tom Moulton.
Original version The song reached number 53 in the United Kingdom and at number 16 in the United States, making Palmer's first top 40 hit in that country. The original version also charted on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, peaking at number 22. In Canada, it reached number 12 on the RPM chart to become his first top 40 hit in the country.
1992 remix Palmer released a re-mixed version of this song on his 1992 compilation album Addictions: Volume 2, as the lead single from that album, ultimately becoming a radio hit, peaking at number 8 on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. In the UK, the remix did better than its original 1978 release, peaking at number 43. In Canada, the remix peaked at number 26.
Critical reception Cashbox characterised the song as having an "elegant soul/pop feel" and "a gentle funk bottom" with "rich and smooth vocals". Record World called it a "sensitive, interesting ballad" and said that the "steel drums provid[ed] the chief melodic hook here".
Personnel Robert Palmer – vocals, guitar Paul Barrere, Freddie Harris – guitar James Alan Smith – keyboards Bob Babbitt – bass Allan Schwartzberg – drums Robert Greenidge – steel drums Jody Linscott – percussion
Charts 1978 original version Chart (1978)PeakpositionUK Singles (OCC)53US Hot 100 (Billboard)16US Adult Contemporary (Billboard) 22
Year-end charts Chart (1978) Position Canada Top Singles (RPM)84 US Hot 100 (Billboard)73
1992 remix Chart (1992)PeakpositionAustralia (ARIA) 157Europe (European Dance Radio) 20UK Airplay (Music Week) 26UK Club Chart (Music Week) 82
References