“I Ran (So Far Away)” was released in 1982 as the second single from A Flock of Seagulls' self-titled debut album. Written by Mike Score, Ali Score, Frank Maudsley, and Paul Reynolds and produced by Mike Howlett, the synth-pop/new wave track became a major American breakthrough, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 3 on the Mainstream Rock chart and No. 8 on the Dance chart. It also topped the Australian Singles Chart and reached No. 7 in New Zealand, while peaking at only No. 43 in the UK.
Guitarist Paul Reynolds joined the band after the song had already been written, and his distinctive, echoing guitar work became an important part of the finished recording.
Remember 2016?
- David Bowie — died Jan. 10 at 69
- Alan Rickman — died Jan. 14 at 69
- Sir George Martin — died Mar. 9 at 90
- Prince — died Apr. 21 at 57
- Muhammad Ali — died Jun. 3 at 74
- Gene Wilder — died Aug. 29 at 83
- Leonard Cohen — died Nov. 7 at 82
- George Michael — died Dec. 25 at 53
- Carrie Fisher — died Dec. 27 at 60