Walk Away (James Gang song)

"Walk Away" is a song written by Joe Walsh and recorded by American hard rock band The James Gang, being featured as the first single off the group's studio album Thirds (1971). The song was a moderate success upon release, peaking at No. 51 on the Billboard Hot 100.[1]

"Walk Away"
Single by James Gang
from the album Thirds
Released1971
Recorded1970
GenreHard rock, funk rock
Length3:32
LabelABC
Songwriter(s)Joe Walsh
Producer(s)James Gang, Bill Szymczyk
James Gang singles chronology
"Funk #49"
(1970)		 "Walk Away"
(1971)		 "Midnight Man"
(1971)

Composition

"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.[2]

Release and reception

The song peaked at #51 on the Billboard Hot 100 on July 24, 1971.[1] 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."[2]

Other versions

A live version of the song is on the James Gang Live in Concert album.[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
James Gang
Chart (1971) Peak
position
Canada Top Singles (RPM)[6] 31
US Billboard Hot 100[7] 51
US Cash Box Top 100[8] 29
Joe Walsh
Chart (1976) Peak
position
US Billboard Hot 100[7] 105
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References
  1. James Gang Walk Away Chart History | Billboard
  2. Greenwald, Matthew. "Walk Away - James Gang Song Review". Allmusic. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  3. Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "James Gang Live in Concert Review". Allmusic. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  4. 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.
  5. Joel Whitburn's Bubbling Under the Billboard Hot 100 1959-2004
  6. "Top RPM Singles: Issue 5360." RPM. Library and Archives Canada.
  7. "The James Gang Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  8. Cash Box Top 100 Singles, July 17, 1971
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