Greg Holden’s anthemic comeback single “On the Run” is an instant classic, an intimate and vibing power-ballad bursting with heartfelt passion and cinematic energy.
— —
Who says saying sorry can’t be fun? Greg Holden’s comeback single is one of the most exciting apologies you’ll hear all year: Out today, the heartfelt “On the Run” is a catchy singalong anthem of repentance and renewal. Blending passionate intensity with intimate warmth, Greg Holden quickly reminds us why we fell for him in the first place, and invites us to fall in love with him all over again.
I know I get a little down
Make a mess sometimes
But I am getting better now
Now that you’re on my side
I know there’s something about this
I know there’s something about this
And I am lucky that you stuck around
I’ll do it right this time
Listen: “On the Run” – Greg Holden
The excitement begins with a massive drum hit as Holden bursts out of the gate in style. It’s only fitting that a song entitled “On the Run” would have a driving pulse and be in constant motion: Synth pads shimmer and guitars churn with heavy reverb as the British singer/songwriter jumps into high gear – only, it doesn’t feel fitting to call Greg Holden a singer/songwriter anymore; he seems to have gracefully surpassed that title.
“On the Run” is a full band effort, highly reminiscent of ’80s pop/rock hits from The Cars, Bruce Springsteen, and all those “Brat Pack” movies. This is due in part to the song’s sultry guitar/synth blend, as well as its larger-than-life energy: Even when asking for forgiveness, Holden radiates a charming verve.
Baby I am sorry for the things I’ve done
I know it wasn’t easy
when I was on the run
But you’ve got to take me back
Cause baby I am sorry
for the things I’ve done
“‘On The Run’ is an apology, obviously,” Greg Holden tells Atwood Magazine. “But it’s an apology to a number of people, for a number of things. For years I’ve been on the road, either emotionally or physically absent, and at times probably a nightmare for partners, friends, and family. I wanted to write something that in a way, said sorry for all that. A way to relinquish some of the guilt perhaps. I recorded it last winter with Butch Walker, along with some incredibly talented friends. It took a morning, it was a blast, and then we were done. It feels right to lead with this one as it came out so naturally.”
It’s been three years since Greg Holden first caught Atwood’s ears and touched our hearts: 2015’s major label debut Chase the Sun invited us deep into the artist’s world, with a dynamic musical strength and lyrical authenticity that made it one of our favorite records that year.
But the life of a touring musician is tenuous and tiring: Being so far away from loved ones, whether physically or emotionally, takes its toll. We hear this first hand in “On the Run,” where Holden openly addresses his faults and failures to be there for his loved ones: “I know it wasn’t easy while I was on the run,” he sings in an impassioned chorus, “But you’ve got to take me back, take me back, take me back, ’cause baby I am sorry for the things I’ve done.”
I know I get a little loud
Make a fool of myself
But I am gonna quiet down
Take control of my health
I know there’s something about this
I know there’s something about this
And I am lucky that you stuck around
I’ll do it right this time
Whereas this song so directly speaks to the traveler’s experience, its message of “being there” is universal: We all have enough distractions to fill each day, but they take us away from the people who matter most in our lives. Life is too short and time is too precious to be spent so far away from the ones we love!
Explaining his decision to return with this track in particular, Holden tells us: “‘On the Run’ is one of a few songs that was bouncing around in my head when it came to the question of what to lead with after three years on the dark side of the moon.” He’s colorful like that – as much a poet in everyday conversation as he is in his music. “Ultimately, this song felt like the most authentic, whilst at the same time not being so typically subject heavy that I would scare my listeners away. I’ll save that for the second single…” Consider our interests piqued. While we’re happy and content to sit back and play “On the Run” on repeat for awhile, there’s no doubt that Greg Holden’s got something special cooking – especially if his latest is any indication!
“On the Run” signals an exciting new chapter for Greg Holden and his music, finding him diving headfirst into a raw, intimate ’80s rock vibe with unrelenting passion and cinematic fervor. It sounds odd to call an apologetic song unapologetic, but it fits here: Holden emerges with a refreshing, reinvigorated energy that hits hard and lasts long. He won’t stop until we all feel the fire burning inside him, and boy does that burn feel good.
Baby I am sorry for the things I’ve done
I know it wasn’t easy
when I was on the run
But you’ve got to take me back
Cause baby I am sorry
for the things I’ve done
An instant classic, “On the Run” is the kind of song you can play all night long, and not grow bored of. It’s insanely catchy and equally meaningful – a combination that doesn’t come around as often as it should. A pulsing power-ballad and heartfelt anthem all in one, the song brings Greg Holden back with a bang, making sure we’ll never forget him again.
Stream Greg Holden’s “On the Run,” out now!
— —
:: stream/purchase “On the Run” here ::
— — — —
Connect to Greg Holden on
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
Discover new music on Atwood Magazine
? © 2018
