Search - Bill Champlin :: Runaway

"Soul Brother Society" member for life !

Mark Gunn | Cincinnati, Ohio | 01/19/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I first ran across Champlin's work on Lee Ritenour's "Captain Fingers" lp, and remember when "Runaway" was originally released back in 1981. Champlin's voice rivals that of any of today's R & B artists and this music, some 19 years old, with the exception of some of the keyboard sounds, is just as vital and vibrant in the year 2000. I wore out 2 vinyl lp's and 2 cassette copies over the years and I'm glad I have the CD. Favorite Tracks: "Without You", "The Fool Is All Alone" and "Stop Knockin' On My Door".I had the chance to meet Mr. Champlin in 1988 and had a rather lengthy conversation about this album. It's also one of his favorites."

Grizzly Adams Never Sounded So Darned Good!

Robby Icellosconi | Chicago, IL United States | 05/11/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you're reading this, Mr. Champlin, please consider my headline the sincerest in flattery. I was lucky enough to snatch a vinyl copy of this record, and I can only hope that there aren't too many empty-handed, eager listeners out there. Bill Champlin is a multi-instrumentalist and an exceptionally versatile vocalist with---in my opinion---one of the best rock/pop/R&B voices around, and he shines through in every way on Runaway. Many of you out there in musicland may only associate Champlin with the supergroup Chicago, but he is so much more, as this record showcases. The man is a primo LA studio cat, and he is joined by a slew of his peers on this 1981 cut: Steve Lukather, Jeff Porcaro, Lee Sklar, Richard Page just to name a few. He is also a grammy award-winning songwriter---one third of a team that gave you "After the Love Has Gone" by Earth Wind & Fire. Another third, David Foster, shares cowrite and production credits on this record featuring beautiful melodies, dizzying key changes, and lush arrangements---all David Foster trademarks. Stand-out tunes (although all are excellent) include "One Way Ticket," an awesome, upbeat, break-up rocker. "Tonight Tonight" is an exceptional melodic ballad reminiscent of the aforementioned "After the Love Has Gone." "Runaway Reprise" is a short but sweet reacquaintance with the title track that is---at the risk of sounding like a hipster wannabe---pimpin'! Why, oh why didn't they make this track longer? "Take it Uptown," cowritten and produced by Kenny Loggins, is an upbeat, clap-along tune sure to evoke smiles and good moods. "Satisfaction" is another upbeat, funky tune with a great horn arrangement. On the blues-rocker "Stop Knockin' on My Door," Bill knocks 'em dead by busting out the axe and Hammond Organ. His gruff voice finishes off those with lingering pulses. "The Fool is All Alone" is my personal favorite Runaway ballad, touching on the regret of being unfaithful. Musically, the song is as lovely as it gets with James Newton-Howard's string arrangement and Champlin's vocal harmonies.This is one of my all-time favorite records. Elektra should be ashamed for not releasing this in America. Bill Champlin is no fashion model, but there is no excuse for record companies refusing to stand behind a product like Runaway. Plain and simple, this is just darned good music of which there seems to be a shortage these days. Now fashion on the other hand..."

Actually, it gets 100 stars!

sunny2ok | 08/04/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don't know how anyone could be disappointed in this CD. This was originally released in 1981, during a time in pop/rock music history when real musicians actually played their own instruments and went into the studio to make MUSIC, not just money. If you like the music of David Foster (who produced this) and Kenny Loggins (who produced and co-wrote one track) then you will be happy with this disc. If you like the sound of Bill Champlin's unique voice and sensuous, heartfelt vocals, then you will not be disappointed. If you had to have every David Foster produced Chicago album and especially enjoyed Champlin's contributions, then this is a must-have for you. Why Bill Champlin - this wonderful musician, singer/songwriter has not been more famous on his own is way beyond me. This is music! I also recommend his more recent 1995 release "He Started To Sing." This man is absolutely incredible. I would like to see Bill Champlin and his Chicago mate James Pankow team up for an album. So what if Champlin's CDs (because they are only available as imports) cost a bit more than the norm! Bill Champlin is worth it!"