🎼Doesn’t Somebody Want To Be Wanted – Single: Apr. 1971

Released at the height of Partridge‑mania, “Doesn’t Somebody Want To Be Wanted” arrived as the follow‑up to the group’s massive debut hit, I Think I Love You carrying the polished pop sound of the TV series into another international single.

Issued in the UK on 16 April 1971, the single paired the dramatic, spoken‑word‑infused A‑side with the Tony Romeo‑penned B‑side “You Are Always On My Mind.” Despite strong international success, the single did not chart in the UK, though it performed extremely well in North America and other territories.

🔘 The Story

Recorded for the group’s 1971 album Up To Date, “Doesn’t Somebody Want To Be Wanted” became one of the most talked‑about Partridge Family singles — not only for its chart success, but for the behind‑the‑scenes tension it created. David Cassidy strongly disliked the song, particularly the spoken interlude, and initially refused to record it. Pressure from Bell Records, Screen Gems, and the show’s production team eventually forced his hand.

Despite Cassidy’s misgivings, the single became a major hit internationally, reaching #6 in the U.S., #1 in Canada, and charting across Europe and Australia. UK audiences, however, did not send the single into the charts, making it one of the group’s few early releases not to register.

The B‑side, “You Are Always On My Mind,” continued the group’s polished pop sound, with Wes Farrell’s production shaping the familiar Partridge Family aesthetic.

🔘 Personnel

• David Cassidy – lead vocals

• Shirley Jones – featured / starring

• Wes Farrell – producer, arranger

• Jim Cretecos – writer

• Mike Appel – writer

• Wes Farrell – writer

• Tony Romeo – writer

🔘 Key Highlights

• Follow‑up to “I Think I Love You”

• Features David Cassidy’s reluctant spoken interlude

• International hit (US #6, Canada #1)

• Did not chart in the UK

Label: Bell Records

Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single

Released: April 16 1971 UK

🔘 UK Variants:

• Bell BLL 1150 – 7", 45 RPM, Single (1971)

• Bell BLL 1150 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo

🔘 UK Chart Performance

• Did not chart in the UK

🔘 International Variants (selective)

• Denmark – Bell 963 – 7", 45 RPM, Single (1971)

• France – Bell 2C 006‑92.293 M – 7", Single, Mono (1971)

• Germany – Bell 963 – 7", 45 RPM, Single (1971)

🔘 International Chart Performance

Notes: International issues share artwork variations and catalogue differences.

🔘 Context & Notes

• David Cassidy disliked the song and its spoken section

• Heavy label pressure forced its release

• Major international hit despite UK absence

• Certified Gold in March 1971 (US)

🔘 Discography

I Think I Love You — 1970

Doesn’t Somebody Want To Be Wanted — 1971

I’ll Meet You Halfway — 1971

🔘 Glam Flashback

A polished slice of early‑’70s TV pop that soared internationally — even as its reluctant star wished it had stayed in the vault.

#ReleaseChronicle #ThePartridgeFamily #DoesntSomebodyWantToBeWanted #1971

🔘 Sources

Discogs, 45cat, Wikipedia, Billboard, BBC Charts.