"Running with the Night" Lionel Richie

Woke Up with it in My Head Song for Friday, November 20, 2020: “Running with the Night” by Lionel Richie.

1983) Solo career. He released his self-titled debut in 1982, which contained three hit singles: the huge U.S. #1 song "Truly" that launched his career as on...

As with many of the songs I wake up with, I am not sure where this one came from. I literally haven’t heard it in ages.

Things about this song I didn’t realize at the time but appreciate now:

• The blistering guitar solo from Toto’s Steve Lukather. Story below.

• I think other members of Toto might have been involved too. Since the 80s, I better appreciate their contribution to so many songs.

• Richard Marx, at that time a session singer, sang backing vocals.

• Sheila E. is the woman in the red, off the shoulder dress.

• The cinematography is fantastic.

• The choreography felt a lot like Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.” That’s because Bob Giraldi directed both videos.

Steve Lukather was listening to the track for the first time and messing around, warming up for the recording of his guitar solo. After he was done, he told the producer he was ready to record. The producer, who was recording the whole time, told him he got what he wanted.

Solid choice, head. Solid choice.