41 Years Ago, Tears for Fears' 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World' Hit No. 1

A 1985 pop song so captivating that its opening seconds are instantly recognizable and evoke strong emotions cemented its place in music history 41 years ago today. Tears for Fears' "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" hit No. 1 and became such a treasured piece of music history that it has been ranked the "best '80s pop song."

'Everybody Wants to Rule the World' by Tears for Fears Hit No. 1 on June 8, 1985

After premiering on the Tears for Fears album Songs from the Big Chair, "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 on March 16, 1985. From there, the song by the popular English band would spend months climbing the chart before it finally hit No. 1 on June 8, 1985, which was 41 years ago today. The track would stay on top for two weeks, and it spent a total of 24 weeks on the chart.

As an April 2025 Music Radar article notes, the song became a success against all the odds. That is because one of Tears for Fears' two key figures and the track's co-songwriter, Roland Orzabal, initially didn't like its lyrics. "The problem was, I didn't have the lyric. It was originally called Everybody Wants To Go To War, which I knew didn't work. My wife Caroline loved it but, when you're a songwriter who doesn't like the lyric, the song dies."

Why Listeners Voted This 1985 Masterpiece the ‘Best '80s Pop Song'

This 1985 classic has continued to be celebrated as a synth-pop triumph for decades now. In fact, Ranker's article that allows users to vote on what the "best '80s pop songs" are currently has "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" at No. 1. That major stamp of approval from music listeners says a lot about the track's staying power.

The song was also included as part of what could be the most noteworthy song list ever released by a music outlet. "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" made the cut to be included in Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" list in 2021 at No. 319. While that is high on the list, it is a massive deal that it was included at all.

There are several reasons why the song has stood the test of time, including the instantly recognizable guitar intro that somehow feels out of this world. Another part of the track's genius is that the effortlessly cool vocals from Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith can make listeners feel like they are driving down a highway with the windows open. It also packs a dark message that sadly remains relevant, but is belied by its undeniably catchy melody that is impossible to shake. It truly is a masterpiece of pop music perfection.

Next: 1981 Rock Ballad Became the Longest-Running No. 2 Hit in History- And It Still Hits Hard

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published June 8, 2026 at 3:00 AM.