Look Away

Look Away is a power ballad recorded by the American rock band Chicago for their nineteenth studio album, Chicago 19. Released as the album's second single in October 1988, the song became a monumental commercial success, topping the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 for two weeks and becoming one of the band's signature hits. Written by renowned songwriter Diane Warren and produced by Ron Nevison, the track features lead vocals by bassist Jason Scheff, marking a defining moment in the band's later career. Its widespread airplay on Top 40 radio and Adult Contemporary formats solidified its status as a late-1980s soft rock staple.

Background and release

Following the success of their previous single "I Don't Wanna Live Without Your Love," Chicago entered The Record Plant in Los Angeles with producer Ron Nevison to complete work on Chicago 19. The band's label, Reprise Records, sought a strong follow-up hit and acquired "Look Away" from prolific songwriter Diane Warren, who had previously penned hits for artists like Starship and Heart. The single was strategically released in late 1988 to capitalize on the holiday sales period, with an accompanying music video receiving heavy rotation on MTV and other music television programs like Friday Night Videos. This promotional push was part of a broader campaign by Warner Bros. Records to reinvigorate the band's chart presence amid the changing musical landscape dominated by glam metal and dance-pop.

Composition and lyrical interpretation

Musically, "Look Away" is built around a mid-tempo drum machine pattern and prominent synthesizer pads, characteristic of the late-1980s soft rock production style championed by producers like David Foster. The arrangement features a memorable piano hook, layered harmony vocals from the band, and a soaring guitar solo by Dawayne Bailey. Lyrically, the song explores themes of heartbreak and denial, with the narrator pleading for a former lover to avert their gaze to avoid confronting lingering pain. This direct emotional narrative, a hallmark of Diane Warren's songwriting, resonated strongly with contemporary audiences and contrasted with some of Chicago's earlier, more jazz-influenced work. The vocal performance by Jason Scheff conveys a palpable sense of yearning, which critics often compared to the style of Peter Cetera.

Critical reception

Upon its release, "Look Away" received mixed reviews from music critics. Publications like Rolling Stone noted its polished, radio-friendly sheen but viewed it as a departure from the band's classic sound rooted in horn section arrangements. However, other reviewers praised its craftsmanship; Billboard highlighted the song's "impeccable production" and "undeniable hook," predicting its chart success. The vocal performance of Jason Scheff was frequently commended, with some commentators noting he had successfully filled the void left by former frontman Peter Cetera. Over time, critical reassessment has often placed the song within the canon of quintessential late-1980s adult-oriented rock, acknowledging its effectiveness within the commercial pop landscape of the era.

Chart performance

"Look Away" achieved exceptional commercial performance, becoming Chicago's third and final number-one single on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 in January 1989, where it spent two consecutive weeks at the summit. It also dominated the ''Billboard'' Adult Contemporary chart for two weeks, demonstrating its broad crossover appeal. The single was a top-ten hit in Canada, peaking at number two on the ''RPM'' Top Singles chart, and achieved moderate success in several international markets including Australia and the United Kingdom. Its success helped propel the parent album, Chicago 19, to platinum certification in the United States and contributed to a resurgence in the band's touring popularity, particularly on the North American arena circuit.

Legacy and cultural impact

"Look Away" endures as one of Chicago's most recognizable songs and a defining power ballad of the late 1980s. It is frequently included on the band's greatest hits compilations, such as Greatest Hits 1982–1989, and remains a staple on soft rock and nostalgia-themed radio formats like iHeartMedia's "The Breeze." The song's success cemented Diane Warren's reputation as a preeminent pop songwriter and helped sustain Chicago's commercial viability into the 1990s. It has been featured in various media contexts, including the soundtrack for the film The Last American Virgin and in television series like The Goldbergs, which often utilizes period-specific music. Furthermore, "Look Away" is often cited in retrospectives on VH1 and other networks examining the power ballad era, securing its place within the broader cultural fabric of late-20th-century popular music.

Category:1988 songs Category:Chicago (band) songs Category:Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles Category:Songs written by Diane Warren