What song comes to mind if, by chance, you envision criminals vying for supremacy over the entire world? Since Despicable 4 came out, the likelihood that it is Tears For Fears’ catchy song from the mid-1980s, “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” has increased dramatically. The song is sung in a jail sequence in the film by Will Ferrell’s Maxime Le Mal and Steve Carell’s Gru. When Despicable 4 opened over the Fourth of July weekend in the US, it topped the box office. “Everyone Wants to Rule the World” is becoming ingrained in the minds of a younger generation.

Let’s begin with the rendition by Tears for Fears. The band performed this version of “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” live on SiriusXM in February 2022 in support of their album The Tipping Point. After reaching the top of the charts in their time, singers Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal, who also writes songs, have both aged admirably. The years melt away when the unbelievably captivating music begins.