from RUNAWAY
Written by Bill Champlin & Kenny Loggins
Bill Champlin’s sophomore solo effort, Runaway, was released in 1981. David Foster was again in the producer’s seat. Together, the two friends crafted a well-dosed collection of pop/rock numbers and refined ballads. Despite its strong potential, Runaway didn’t do much on the charts with just a four week stay on the Billboard Top 200, eventually peaking at #178. The album spawned a couple of minor hits on Billboard’s Hot 100 with two gorgeous ballads, “Tonight, Tonight” and “Sara.” Both songs were perfectly arranged melodic masterpieces that deserved more attention given their radio-friendly appeal.
Another standout track on Runaway and the pick for this week was the bouncy rocker “Take It Uptown.”
Co-written by Champlin with Kenny Loggins, who also co-produced the track with Foster, “Take It Uptown” was a catchy song with a delicious sixties feel, fantastic vocal harmonies and top-notch production. The all-star team of musicians on the track included sessions giant John Robinson on drums, John Pierce on bass, Foster on rhodes, Jay Graydon on guitar, Tom Scott playing the burning tenor sax breaks and solo plus the Jerry Hey Horns. Champlin was in his prime here with a lead vocal that embodied his soulful and gritty performance that’s a total stunner. Champlin also appeared on piano and shared some spectacular vocal harmonies with Loggins and Richard Page. “Take It Uptown” had “hit” written all over it like many others moments on Runaway. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen for the absolute lack of support and promotion from the Elektra label.
Right after recording Runaway, Champlin became a full member of the supergroup Chicago and, together with Foster and Peter Cetera, was one of the creative minds that brought another amazing run of success to that legendary band.
As usual, The Hitman has been asked to provide a few words about his work on that Champlin album and this is what he sent:
“I really had a great time making Runaway with Bill who is a true Renaissance, one of a kind, singer/ songwriter. I always love when I’m put into situations where an artist like Bill makes me work hard to go outside of my comfort zone. Bill sure allowed me to do my thing, but also taught me a few things about the way he makes his music which is more “organic” than mine. Working with him was a true, great experience for me. Actually, I don’t remember working with Kenny Loggins on “Take It Uptown,” but I do think that song is very good.”
Listen
- Lead, Backing Vocals & Piano: Bill Champlin
- Guitar: Jay Graydon
- Fender Rhodes: David Foster
- Drums: John Robinson
- Bass: John Pierce
- Tenor Saxophone: Tom Scott
- Backing Vocals: Kenny Loggins & Richard Page
- Horns Arranged by Jerry Hey
- Arranged by David Foster & Bill Champlin
- Produced by David Foster & Kenny Loggins
Lyrics
I know you’ll be satisfied
If you’ll take a chance
Steppin’ in time, stay by my side
Welcome to the dance
So turn it up, I’m burin’ up
Got to cool me with your ooo, ooo, music
Come on
I want everybody to sing Hey Now
Hey Now, Hey Now, Hey Now
We’ll take it uptown tomorrow
I’ll make it a night you won’t forget
And if I have to beg or borrow
We’re gonna be side by side tomorrow night
Some say love should hesitate
But I say that’s a crime
Sure you’re not in love today
But take one at a time
Get your saxophone, squeeze it all night long
I got to hear a little “Midnight Hour”
Come on
I want everybody to sing Hey Now
Hey Now, Hey Now, Hey Now
We’ll take it uptown tomorrow
I’ll make it a night you’ll never forget
And if I got to beg or borrow
We’re gonna be side by side
We’ll tear it up and down tomorrow
You’ve never see nothin’ like us yet
Take hold of my hand, hold my hand
Gonna be side by side tomorrow night
Get your saxophone, squeeze it all night long
Gotta move me with your ooo, ooo, music
Come on
I know you’re just dyin’ to sing Hey Now
Hey Now, Hey Now, Hey Now
We’ll take it up
I’ll take you uptown tomorrow
I’ll make it a night that you’ll never forget
And if I got to beg or borrow
We’re gonna be side by side tomorrow
Take it uptown
Take it uptown
Hey Now, Hey Now
Take it uptown
Take it uptown
Oh, honey won’t you think about it
Take it uptown
Take it uptown
We’re gonna be side by side
You and I Hey Now
Take it uptown
Take it uptown