"Walk Away" is a song written by Joe Walsh and recorded by American hard rock band James Gang, being featured as the first single from the group's studio album, Thirds (1971). The song peaked at No. 51 on the Billboard Hot 100.
| "Walk Away" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by James Gang | ||||
| from the album Thirds | ||||
| Released | 1971 | |||
| Recorded | 1970 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 3:32 | |||
| Label | ABC | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Joe Walsh | |||
| Producer(s) | ||||
| James Gang singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Composition
edit"Walk Away" is a combination of hard rock and funk, with some influence from soul music. Walsh's guitar work incorporates different types of distortion, including slide guitar. The lyrics are about the ending of a relationship.[1]
Release and critical reception
editThe song peaked at No. 51 on the Billboard Hot 100 on July 24, 1971.[2] The song was generally well-reviewed by critics. Allmusic's Matthew Greenwald called it "one of the most realized James Gang songs and recordings" and that Walsh's guitar "creates a universe of hard rock virtuosity."[1]
Other versions
editA live version of the song is on the album James Gang Live in Concert (1971).[3] The Eagles, a band that Joe Walsh joined after the James Gang, have performed the song at concerts.[4] Walsh's live cover reached #105 on Billboard in 1976.[5]
Charts
edit- James Gang
| Chart (1971) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canada Top Singles (RPM)[6] | 31 |
| US Billboard Hot 100[7] | 51 |
| US Cashbox Top 100[8] | 29 |
- Joe Walsh
| Chart (1976) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100[7] | 105 |
References
edit- ^ a b Greenwald, Matthew. "Walk Away - James Gang Song Review". Allmusic. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
- ^ James Gang Walk Away Chart History | Billboard
- ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "James Gang Live in Concert Review". Allmusic. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
- ^ Masley, Ed (September 9, 2018). "The Eagles honor Glenn Frey's memory in a hit-filled set while welcoming new members". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
- ^ Joel Whitburn's Bubbling Under the Billboard Hot 100 1959-2004
- ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 5360." RPM. Library and Archives Canada.
- ^ a b "The James Gang Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
- ^ Cash Box Top 100 Singles, July 17, 1971
