Running Music: REO Speedwagon 'Take it on the Run'

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REO Speedwagon ‘Take it on the Run’

So far this list has included the likes of The Clash, Arcade Fire, Iron Maiden, Thin Lizzy and Neil Young. All legendary in their own right – even Arcade Fire despite having a far smaller back catalogue than the others.

What this list is lacking though is an 80s power ballad!

And who better to provide one than REO Speedwagon.

‘Take it on the Run’ was released in 1981, during the band’s most commercially successful era. Much as I love this song, I can’t help wonder how it was received by those that had followed the band from it’s inception in 1967, throughout a decade when their music was far less pop-minded.

I’m sure there are people reading this post that can relate to the moment of mixed feeling, as your favourite band hits the big time, whilst producing music that just isn’t quite the same as it used to be.

Reading the lyrics, there’s not a lot going on here to link to running, other than the title. The song is a blokes message to his girlfriend, after hearing rumours from a mate that she’s been unfaithful.

“Heard it from a friend who
Heard it from a friend who
Heard it from another you been messin' around.”

All sounds a bit sixth form college to me.

I hate the term guilty pleasure, I don’t believe you should feel ashamed of any music you like, well, with in reason perhaps.

In short this is a bit of fluffy, catchy 80s pop-rock. Maybe a bit too catchy as I can be pretty damn sure if this gets into my head on marathon day, it ain’t going anywhere!