Voices

Album: Russ Ballard (1984)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The name Russ Ballard is not as well known as it should be in contemporary music circles; the time-serving guitarist has penned a surprising number of classic songs, none more so than this enigmatic and haunting number, which unbelievably didn't make the Billboard Hot 100, even though it has hit single written all over it. When asked what had inspired "Voices," in an interview with Songfacts, Russ said, "It was a long time ago, I think, it was about that voice within us, that can be positive or negative. In this case it was looking at so many things I wanted to say in the future."

    As the song says: "Don't look back" because there's no point, and "There's a voice waiting for me to set it free", he added "which I think I did, to an extent, on many songs written after."

    If mainstream record buyers were unimpressed, others were more receptive, it reached #15 on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks, and in October 1984 was featured in an episode of the American TV series Miami Vice. "Voices" does not feature any flashy fretboard work, but the brief guitar solo captures the essence of the song. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England

Comments: 7

  • Riverside Rich from Temecula, CaThis song probably wouldn't work if released today, at least from a mental health perspective.
    The vibe I get from the song is: 'I'm awesome, I'm a shaman, I hear voices!' as an overt brag - but today most people might easily hear the words of someone with schitzophrenia symptoms.
  • Hodaka Linc from New Smyrna Beach FloridaI used to crank this song back in 84’ driving down SR 436 in Altamonte, those were the days.
  • Paul from Newhen this song comes on u think of crocket and tubbs at dusk on that boat..
  • Paulbaby from OhioI see it as a yummy who wants to get in the drug business and learns that it is not an easy decision.
  • Steve H from Westerville I love this song and the video fits the lyrics to the T. I was never a drug dealer but I’m sure it is challenging as the buyer or seller may kill the other while worrying about getting busted.
  • Greg R from VermontThe songs after voices went down hill they have no soul anymore its a sad situation. Except 4 a small percentage of new songs now.
  • Kyle from San Diego, CaPerfect song use in Miami Vice, and a killer song to drive to at night on the highway!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Sarah Brightman

Sarah BrightmanSongwriter Interviews

One of the most popular classical vocalists in the land is lining up a trip to space, which is the inspiration for many of her songs.

Al Kooper

Al KooperSongwriter Interviews

Kooper produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, played with Dylan and the Stones, and formed BS&T.

Reverend Horton Heat

Reverend Horton HeatSongwriter Interviews

The Reverend rants on psychobilly and the egghead academics he bashes in one of his more popular songs.

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TV

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TVSong Writing

Shows like Dawson's Creek, Grey's Anatomy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer changed the way songs were heard on TV, and produced some hits in the process.

Van Dyke Parks

Van Dyke ParksSongwriter Interviews

U2, Carly Simon, Joanna Newsom, Brian Wilson and Fiona Apple have all gone to Van Dyke Parks to make their songs exceptional.

Richard Marx

Richard MarxSongwriter Interviews

Richard explains how Joe Walsh kickstarted his career, and why he chose Hazard, Nebraska for a hit.