Wikipedia

Runaway Baby

"Runaway Baby"is a song by American singer-songwriterBruno Marsfrom his debut studio albumDoo-Wops & Hooligans(2010). It was written by Mars,Philip Lawrence,Ari Levine andBrody Brown.The former three produced the track under their alias,the Smeezingtons."Runaway Baby" is afunk,pop rock,doo-wopandsoulrecord. Its lyrics detail a playboy who is willing to break a woman's heart regardless of their feelings. Instrumentally, the track relies on finger snaps, police sirens, hand claps and guitar. It received mixed reviews frommusic critics,who considered it one of the standouts in the album, but criticized its lyrical content.

"Runaway Baby"
SongbyBruno Mars
from the albumDoo-Wops & Hooligans
ReleasedOctober 4, 2010(2010-10-04)
Genre
Length2:27
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)The Smeezingtons
Lyric video
"Runaway Baby"onYouTube

"Runaway Baby" debuted and peaked at number 19 on theUK Singles ChartafterThe X Factorperformance, and it peaked at number 35 and 50 in New Zealand and onBillboardHot 100,respectively. It was certified platinum by theBritish Phonographic Industry(BPI) and theRecording Industry Association of America(RIAA). The singer performed "Runaway Baby" at the54th Annual Grammy Awards,at theSuper Bowl XLVIII halftime showand on all his concerts since 2010. The performances included an extrabreakwith aJames Browndance and singing through a megaphone.

Composition and production

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"Runaway Baby" is a retro[1][2]funk,[1]pop rock,[3]doo-wop[4]soul,[1][2][3]and bubblegum R&B track.[5]Ken Tucker ofNPRfound it hard to categorize the recording.[3]Its instrumentation includes 60's soul finger snaps,[1][6]police sirens,[7][8]hand claps and "scratchy guitarlines".[7][8]The song was composed in the key ofE minorwith a tempo of 160beats per minute.[9]Jon Caramanica fromThe New York Timesfelt that Mars was trying to "channel"Little Richardand called the track "jumpy" and "salacious".[10]Brittany Spanos ofRolling Stonefound the song to have "an electric riff as rapidly talk-sings" and to be inspired byJames Brown.[4]Lyrically, "Runaway Baby" conveys the message for women to avoid Mars since he is willing to break their hearts due to being a playboy and a "rolling stone" ( "Lord knows I'm a rolling stone" ).[1][11][12]Moreover, there is a comparison established between Mars's penis and a carrot, "So many eager young bunnies...and they all got to share it."[12]

"Runaway Baby" was written by Mars,Philip Lawrence,Ari Levine andBrody Brown.The former three produced the track under their alias, the Smeezingtons. Mars, Levine and Brown played all the instruments on the song. Levine was in charge of engineering the song, which he did at Levcon Studios, in California. The mixing of "Runaway Baby" was done at Larrabee Sound Studios, in North Hollywood byManny Marroquin,with Christian Plata and Erik Madrid serving as assistants. It was mastered byStephen Marcussenat Marcussen Mastering in Hollywood, California.[13]

Critical reception

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"Runaway Baby" has received mixed reviews frommusic critics.Luke Gibson fromHipHopDXandEntertainment Weekly's Leah Greenblatt considered "Runaway Baby" one of the standouts in the album.[6][14]The former added that Mars shows his writing skills, despite being so different from the other recordings.[14]Yahoo!'s music critic, Sherri Thornhill, had a mixed opinion towards the track, calling it a "catchy" and "gets your toes tapping", despite not being one of her favorites.[15]Blues & Soulpublication found "Runaway Baby" to be inspired inThe Jacksons,and "60s rock groove" fromEric ClaptonandCream;dubbing it as "enjoyable even though it's completely vacuous!".[5]Brittany Spanos ofRolling Stonedescribed the track as one of Mars's "catchiest and most infectious".[4]

On the other hand, Tim Sendra ofAllMusicgave it a negative analysis, "is a pretty cheesy rocker, suffering from clichéd lyrics and production."[16]Alexis PetridisfromThe Guardianwent on to analyze some verses and gave them a harsh review, "Mars compares his penis to a carrot", which could not only lead to speculation regarding its meaning, but also "it's an image that haunts the rest of the song." He continued criticizing as the lyrics tell that "the object of his affections" should not try to connected Mars which could be related to his "carrot-like penis".[12]MusicOMH's Jamie Milton felt that the recording was one of the things wrong with the album as at its core "involves throwing everything into the fire", mainly due to its "bad-boy pop-punkrealms".[8]

Commercial performance

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Following Mars's performance onThe X Factoron October 22, 2011,[17]"Runaway Baby" debuted in three different charts according to the Official Charts Company, on the issue date of October 30, 2011.[18][19][20]It entered at number 18 on the United Kingdom, spending 11 weeks on the chart.[18][21]Moreover, it debuted at number 19 in Scotland and number five at the United Kingdom R&B chart.[19][20]The song was certified platinum by theBritish Phonographic Industry(BPI).[22]In 2012, it entered and peaked at number 66 and 50 on theCanadian Hot 100and on theBillboardHot 100,respectively.[23][24]"Runaway Baby" was certified platinum by theRecording Industry Association of America(RIAA).[25]In New Zealand, the single debuted at number 40, peaking at number 35 in its fourth week on the chart.[26]

Live performances and other usage

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Mars performing the song inHouston, Texas,on November 24, 2010.

Mars performed "Runaway Baby" live for the first time on June 24, 2011, at theNBC's Today Showas he danced along with his band. The choreography was inspired by James Brown, and Mars picked up a megaphone to sing some of the lyrics.[27][28][29]On October 22, 2011, Mars and his band wore matching red velvetDolce & Gabbanasuits during the song's performance on the results show ofThe X Factor UK.[17][30]Robbie Daw ofIdolatorcalled the live show "rowdy", while a writer forRap-Uppraised the performance, writing that it "rocked the house" due to his "James Brown funky moves" and singing into a megaphone.[17][30]

On February 12, 2012, Mars performed "Runaway Baby" during the54th Annual Grammy Awardsalong with his band, wearing matching shining black-and-gold tuxedos.[31][32]The stage, which was revealed during the rehearsals, included a wall with light bulbs and a giant marquee, which spelled "Live on Stage Bruno Mars." Furthermore, pyro and giant spotlights were used.[33]The Grammys' executive producer Ken Erhlich wanted Mars to perform the track on the Grammys since he had seen it live.[33]Mars's performance was dedicated to the soon deceasedWhitney Houston.[32]Claire Suddath ofTimedubbed it as "retro Motown" and enjoyable. She found the James Brown-inspired choreography "spot-on". However, Suddath considered the singer to be "too perfect". She rated his performance a B+.[34]MTV's Jocelyn Vena thought the performance was energetic and "triumphant".[32]At the 2012 Met Gala, Mars performed "Runaway Baby", wearing Prada, with the James Brown breakdown, followed by a medley of covers, which included "Ni**as in Paris","Roxanne"and"Rock the Boat".[35]

Mars performed a shortened version of the song as part of hisSuper Bowl XLVIII halftime show,with a reference toThe Isley Brothers' "Shout"and the James Brown-inspired choreography.[36]Mars rapped the words "give it away, give it away, give it away now" as theRed Hot Chili Peppersmade their cameo.[37]Idolator's Carl Williott complemented the singer's "strong live vocals and stellar footwork".[38]American singer and actressCarly Rose Sonenclarcovered the song on her YouTube channel.[39]In 2017, Anatalia Villaranda covered "Runaway Baby" during her Blind Audition atThe Voice.[40]

Mars performed the song duringThe Doo-Wops & Hooligans Tour(2010–12), theHooligans in Wondaland Tour(2011) and onThe Moonshine Jungle Tour(2013–14).[41][42][43]He also sang it on his debutconcert residency,Bruno Mars at The Chelsea, Las Vegas(2013–15), the24K Magic World Tour(2017–18) and withAnderson.Paak,asSilk Sonic,duringAn Evening with Silk Sonic at Park MGM(2022).[44][45][46]In 2011, the track was used as the opening theme for the filmFriends with Benefits.[47]In 2017,Dwayne Johnsonchose the song to be used in the video gameWWE 2K18.[48]In 2019, "Runaway Baby" was used in a commercial for Goal.[49]

Personnel

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Credits adapted from the liner notes ofDoo-Wops & Hooligans.[13]

Charts

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Weekly charts

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Chart performance for "Runaway Baby"
Chart (2011–12) Peak
position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[23] 66
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[26] 35
Scotland(OCC)[19] 18
UK Hip Hop/R&B(OCC)[20] 5
UK Singles(OCC)[18] 19
USBillboardHot 100[24] 50
2024 chart performance for "Runaway Baby"
Chart (2024) Peak
position
Singapore (RIAS)[50] 30

Certifications

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Certifications for "Runaway Baby"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[51] Gold 45,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[22] Platinum 600,000‡
United States (RIAA)[25] Platinum 1,000,000‡
Streaming
Japan (RIAJ)[52] Platinum 100,000,000†

‡Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
†Streaming-only figures based on certification alone.

References

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  1. ^abcde"Album review: Bruno Mars, Doo-Wops & Hooligans".The Scotsman.January 14, 2011. Archived fromthe originalon January 16, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 17,2017.
  2. ^abMervis, Scott (October 7, 2010)."For the Record: Bruno Mars".Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.Archived fromthe originalon October 11, 2011.RetrievedOctober 16,2010.
  3. ^abcTucker, Ken (October 19, 2010)."Liking Bruno Mars Just The Way He Is".NPR.RetrievedJanuary 17,2017.
  4. ^abcSpanos, Brittany (October 12, 2016)."Readers' Poll: 10 Best Bruno Mars Songs".Rolling Stone.RetrievedJune 13,2018.
  5. ^abBaird, Emrys,"Bruno Mars: Doo-Wops & Hooligans",Blues & Soul,vol. 1080, archived fromthe originalon January 15, 2017,retrievedJanuary 15,2017
  6. ^abGreenblatt, Leah (September 29, 2010)."Doo-Wops & Hooligans".Entertainment Weekly.RetrievedJanuary 15,2017.
  7. ^abDeAndrea, Joe (October 12, 2016)."Bruno Mars' 5 Best Deep Cuts".Billboard.RetrievedOctober 13,2016.
  8. ^abcMilton, Jamie (January 17, 2011)."Bruno Mars – Doo-Wops And Hooligans".musicOMH.Archived fromthe originalon October 15, 2015.RetrievedJanuary 15,2017.
  9. ^"Bruno Mars – Runaway Baby (Digital Download)".Musicnotes.RetrievedJanuary 17,2017.
  10. ^Caramanica, Jon (October 5, 2010)."Bruno Mars in Ascension".The New York Times.RetrievedJanuary 17,2017.
  11. ^Yang, Emily."Album Review: Doo-Wops & Hooligans".The Signal.RetrievedJanuary 17,2017.
  12. ^abcPetridis, Alexis (January 20, 2011)."Bruno Mars: Doo-Wops & Hooligans – review".The Guardian.RetrievedAugust 26,2011.
  13. ^abDoo-Wops & Hooligans(CD booklet). United States:Elektra Records.2010. 2-525393.
  14. ^abGibson, Luke (October 11, 2010)."Bruno Mars – Doo-Wops & Hooligans".HipHopDX.RetrievedJanuary 15,2017.
  15. ^Thornhill, Sherrri (December 2, 2010)."Bruno Mars Doo Wops & Hooligans CD Review".Yahoo! Voices.Yahoo.Archived fromthe originalon January 28, 2012.RetrievedApril 9,2014.
  16. ^Sendra, Tim."Doo-Wops & Hooligans – Bruno Mars".AllMusic.Rovi Corporation.Archived fromthe originalon February 9, 2012.RetrievedFebruary 17,2011.
  17. ^abcDaw, Robbie (October 24, 2011)."Kelly Clarkson & Bruno Mars Rock 'The X Factor' UK Stage".Idolator.RetrievedJanuary 14,2017.
  18. ^abc"Official Singles Chart Top 100".Official Charts Company.Retrieved October 30, 2011.
  19. ^abc"Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100".Official Charts Company.Retrieved October 30, 2011.
  20. ^abc"Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40".Official Charts Company.Retrieved October 30, 2011.
  21. ^"Bruno Mars Runaway Baby UK charts".Official Charts Company.RetrievedJanuary 14,2017.
  22. ^ab"British single certifications – Bruno Mars – Runaway Baby".British Phonographic Industry.RetrievedJanuary 6,2023.
  23. ^ab"Bruno Mars Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)".Billboard.Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  24. ^ab"Bruno Mars Chart History (Hot 100)".Billboard.Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  25. ^ab"American single certifications – Bruno Mars – Runaway Baby".Recording Industry Association of America.RetrievedOctober 2,2020.
  26. ^ab"Bruno Mars – Runaway Baby ".Top 40 Singles.Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  27. ^"Watch Bruno Mars' Today Show Performance Right Here".CBS. June 24, 2011. Archived fromthe originalon February 19, 2016.RetrievedDecember 16,2013.
  28. ^Genet, Danielle (June 24, 2011)."Bruno Mars Fans Brave Rain For 'Today' Performance".MTV News.Archived fromthe originalon April 10, 2015.RetrievedMarch 1,2014.
  29. ^"Bruno Mars performs on the" Today "Show".Rap-Up.June 24, 2011.RetrievedJanuary 25,2017.
  30. ^ab"Bruno Mars performs" Runaway Baby "on X Factor".Rap-Up.October 23, 2011.RetrievedJanuary 19,2017.
  31. ^"Bruno Mars performs" Runaway Baby "at The Grammys".Rap-Up.February 12, 2012.RetrievedJanuary 25,2017.
  32. ^abcVena, Jocelyn (February 12, 2012)."Bruno Mars shines during Grammy Performance".MTV.Archived fromthe originalon March 9, 2015.RetrievedJanuary 25,2017.
  33. ^abBoucher, Geoff (February 10, 2012)."Grammy 2012: Bruno Mars lights it up at rehearsals".Los Angeles Times.RetrievedJanuary 26,2017.
  34. ^Suddath, Claire (February 12, 2012)."The Best and Worst of the 2012 Grammys: Bruno Mars," Runaway Baby "".Time.RetrievedJanuary 25,2017.
  35. ^"Bruno Mars Rocks The Met Gala [Video]".Rap-Up.December 5, 2012.RetrievedJanuary 26,2017.
  36. ^Mainsfield, Brian (February 2, 2014)."Did the Super Bowl make a superstar out of Bruno Mars?".USA Today.RetrievedJanuary 26,2017.
  37. ^Rutherford, Kevin (February 2, 2014)."Bruno Mars Gets One-Sided Super Bowl Bouncing With Biggest Hits".Billboard.RetrievedJanuary 26,2017.
  38. ^Willot, Carl (February 2, 2014)."Super Bowl Halftime Show: Watch Bruno Mars & Red Hot Chili Peppers Sweat It Out".Idolator.RetrievedAugust 4,2017.
  39. ^"Carly Rose Sonenclar Covers" Runaway Baby "By Bruno Mars (Video)".The Huffington Post.March 21, 2013.RetrievedJanuary 26,2017.
  40. ^"Fil-Am Anatalia Villaranda's" Runaway Baby "wows The Voice coaches".Philtimes. March 1, 2017.RetrievedMarch 18,2017.
  41. ^Frith, Holly (August 17, 2011)."Bruno Mars Brings 'Doo-Wops & Hooligans' To London on UK Tour".Gigwise.Archivedfrom the original on April 24, 2016.RetrievedDecember 18,2013.
  42. ^Gray, Chris (May 19, 2011)."Last Night: Bruno Mars & Janelle Monae At Reliant Arena".Houston Press.RetrievedMay 28,2020.
  43. ^Lipshutz, Jason (June 25, 2013)."Bruno Mars Romps Through 'Moonshine Jungle' Tour in Philadelphia: Live Review".Billboard.RetrievedJune 25,2013.
  44. ^Lee, Ashley (December 30, 2013)."Bruno Mars Christens the Chelsea in Las Vegas With Hits and Off-the-Cuff Covers: Concert Review".The Hollywood Reporter.Archivedfrom the original on January 29, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 30,2020.
  45. ^Guerra, Luís (April 5, 2017)."Ele é funk, ele é rock, ele é um romântico. Bruno Mars fê-la bonita em Lisboa".Blitz(in Portuguese). Archived fromthe originalon April 8, 2017.RetrievedApril 18,2017.
  46. ^Gill, Melissa (February 26, 2022)."Bruno Mars and Anderson.Paak Kick Off Silk Sonic Las Vegas Residency: Recap + Setlist".Consequence.RetrievedMarch 11,2022.
  47. ^"Friends With Benefits (2011)".Soundtrack.Net.July 22, 2011.RetrievedJanuary 26,2017.
  48. ^Artus, Matthew (August 18, 2017)."The Rock to produce official WWE 2K18 soundtrack with Apple Music".WWE.RetrievedApril 15,2022.
  49. ^HREF (December 26, 2019)."Bruno Mars: ses chansons utilisées par le cinéma"(in French).NRJ.RetrievedDecember 29,2019.
  50. ^"RIAS Top Charts Week 15 (5 - 11 Apr 2024)".RIAS.Archived fromthe originalon April 16, 2024.RetrievedApril 16,2024.
  51. ^"Danish single certifications – Bruno Mars – Runaway Baby".IFPI Danmark.RetrievedJuly 1,2024.
  52. ^"Japanese single streaming certifications – Bruno Mars – Runaway Baby"(in Japanese).Recording Industry Association of Japan.RetrievedSeptember 11,2024.Select2024 niên 7 nguyệton the drop-down menu
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