“Runaway” was a transitional song from from their transitional “album, “Earth…as the group was transitioning from their original progressive rock sound of Jefferson Airplane…to mainstream pop, and a further name change to just Starship.

Record World World Magazine complimented Marty Balin’s lead vocals by comparing him favorably to Al Green…and Cashbox Magazine said the guitar work was “shiny and moody,” whatever that means (but was certainly meant as high praise).

As a single, “Runaway” reached #9 on Canada’s Top 40, and #12 here at home on Billboard’s Hot 100.

And here’s an interesting footnote: By the time the song and the album left the charts, Marty and Grace Slick had left the group, who then dropped the “Jefferson” for good. Both eventually returned to join Starship in the ’80s.

“Runaway: a Great Song of the ’70s!

–Mike Cook