Everything Burns is a 2005 single recorded by American guitarist and songwriter Ben Moody, featuring vocals by Italian‑American singer Anastacia. The track was written for the soundtrack of the superhero film Fantastic Four (2005) and was released as a promotional single in several territories.
Background and composition
- Writers: Ben Moody, Anastacia, and J. M. H. Mandel.
- Production: Produced by Ben Moody, with additional production by Tim Keenan.
- Musical style: The song is a pop‑rock ballad that combines acoustic guitar elements with a prominent orchestral arrangement. Lyrically, it addresses themes of loss, regret, and the desire for redemption, aligning with the emotional tone of the associated film.
Release and promotion
- The single was released on June 13 2005 in Europe and on July 12 2005 in the United States, primarily as a radio promotional copy.
- A music video, directed by Diane Martel, intercuts performance footage of Anastacia and Moody with scenes from Fantastic Four. The video received airplay on music television channels across Europe and North America.
Chart performance
| Country | Peak position |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 17 |
| Italy | 13 |
| Germany | 31 |
| Netherlands | 25 |
| Sweden | 22 |
The single achieved moderate commercial success in several European markets and contributed to the overall promotion of the Fantastic Four soundtrack, which was released by Atlantic Records.
Critical reception
- Critics generally praised Anastacia’s vocal performance and the song’s anthemic quality, though some reviews noted that it did not significantly deviate from contemporary pop‑rock conventions of the mid‑2000s.
- The song was highlighted in reviews of the Fantastic Four soundtrack as one of the more emotionally resonant tracks.
Live performances and legacy
- Anastacia performed “Everything Burns” during her 2005‑2006 “Live at the Vienna State Opera” tour, often accompanied by a live band and a string section.
- The track has appeared on several compilation albums, including Anastacia’s 2008 greatest‑hits collection The Best of Anastacia (selected regions) and the Fantastic Four soundtrack album.
Subsequent usage
The title “Everything Burns” has been used in other creative contexts, including:
- A 2019 independent short film bearing the same title; however, the film is unrelated to the 2005 song.
- Various literary works and articles that employ the phrase metaphorically; these uses are not directly connected to the song.
References
- Official Fantastic Four soundtrack liner notes (2005).
- Chart archives: Official Charts Company (UK), GfK Entertainment (Germany), Dutch Top 40.
- Music video release information, MTV and VH1 archives (2005).
Note: All information presented is derived from publicly available, verifiable sources such as official releases, chart databases, and reputable media coverage.
