"Runaways" is a song by American rock band the Killers. It was released in 2012 as the lead single from their fourth studio album, Battle Born (2012).
Release On July 2, 2012, the band released artwork for the track. On July 10, it received its first radio play on Radio 104.5 and KROQ in the United States and on BBC Radio 1 in the United Kingdom. On July 17, 2012, it was released on iTunes, debuting in the US Alternative top twenty songs at #17.
In the United Kingdom, "Runaways" was released on September 9, 2012.
Critical reception The song has received positive reviews from music critics. Jon Dolan from Rolling Stone gave the song three stars saying "The first single from the first Killers album in four years is an Eighties-rock fever dream that's crazily big, even by their grandiose standards: a Vesuvian gusher of Springsteen mythos, Toto-Journey power hooks and singer Brandon Flowers’ unmistakable commitment to unmistakable commitment."
Nicky Barrison from NME acclaimed the song, describing it like a grand return, adding "Four years after Day & Age saw them dip their toe into dancier waters, The Killers make their grand return with the Killersiest comeback single you could ever hope to hear. If Day & Age was a stylistic reaction to the unjust critical kicking their second record took, then 'Runaways' is the sound of the band re-embracing their inner Springsteen". Nolan Feening from Entertainment Weekly was receptive to "Runaways", commenting that the song "starts off gently with some bare-bones piano chords and not a whole lot else, but it gains momentum faster than you can remember the lyrics to 'Mr. Brightside'. Four minutes later, you've got a galloping desert rocker good enough to roll with the best of the Vegas quartet's catalog". Mark Richards from Stereoboard.com was enthusiastic about the tune and commented "'Runaways' is a great alternative summer song that will no doubt be buried in air play by the likes of Will Smith's 80s classic".
Nick Bassett from The Re-View praised "the beauty of its heartfelt, retrospective lyrics and rousing stadium chorus [which] stir that feeling of nostalgia that everyone can relate to."
Readers of Rolling Stone chose "Runaways" as the best song of the summer in Readers' Poll: The Top Best Songs of Summer 2012. It was the #1 most downloaded song for South Africa in 2012.
Music video The music video for the song, directed by Warren Fu, premiered on July 26, 2012. The clip starts with Flowers performing the song with a starry sky on the background. He is later joined by the remaining members of the band, and several backdrops are shown, including the Killers' hometown, Las Vegas.
In September 2012, "Runaways" received a nomination for Best Video at the Q Awards, but lost out to Keane's "Disconnected".
Personnel Credits adapted from the liner notes of the deluxe edition of Battle Born.
The Killers Brandon Flowers Dave Keuning Mark Stoermer Ronnie Vannucci Jr.
Technical
Brendan O'Brien – production, recording (at Blackbird) Steve Lillywhite – additional production Damian Taylor – additional production Robert Root – recording (at Battle Born) Alan Moulder – mixing Catherine Marks – mix engineering John Catlin – mix engineering Felix Rashman – mixing assistance Emily Lazar – mastering Joe LaPorta – mastering
Studios Blackbird Studios (Nashville, Tennessee) – recording Battle Born Studios (Las Vegas, Nevada) – recording Assault and Battery 1 (London) – mixing The Lodge (New York City) – mastering
Chart performance On July 17, 2012, it was released on iTunes in the United States, debuting in the US Alternative top twenty songs at number 17, and climbing to number 7.
In the United Kingdom, "Runaways" was released on September 9, and entered the UK Singles Chart at number 18. It remained in the top 20 the following week, making "Runaways" the Killers' 10th UK top 20 single.
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (2012)Peakposition Australia (ARIA) 67 Canada (Alternative Rock) 6Italy (FIMI) 53Japan (Japan Hot 100) 37Mexico Airplay (Billboard International) 43 South Korea (Gaon International Chart) 83Switzerland Airplay (Schweizer Hitparade) 28
Year-end charts Chart (2012)PositionUS Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard) 41
Certifications
Accolades Publication Country Accolade YearRank KROQ United States Top 50 Songs of 2012 2012
Release history RegionDateFormatLabelUnited StatesJuly 10, 2012AirplayIsland RecordsUnited KingdomMercury RecordsItalyJuly 13, 2012AirplayIsland RecordsUnited StatesJuly 17, 2012Digital downloadItalyUnited KingdomSeptember 7, 2012Digital downloadMercury Records
References