“Walking Backwards,” the latest single from Joe Dadio, indeed walks the listener back to a time when lush ballads were richly-produced works of art that delighted casual listeners and audiophiles alike. Layered horns and intricate vocal harmonies harken back to the days that split the difference between AM Radio tunesmith and AOR FM rock, but all mixed and delivered through the sound technology afforded in 2023. The foundation of all that lies on a bed of Elton-esque piano and backing tracks delivered by Dadio’s in-house rhythm section, which takes the piece up a notch from the standard pop fare that’s found across streaming services. Combined with a reflective and thought provoking lyric that many can find relatable, it’s well worth a listen on your playlist.
Words and Music: Joe Dadio
Piano and vocals: Joe Dadio
Drums and backing vocals: Steve Cafarelli
Bass and backing vocals: Kevin Burke
backing vocals: Alex Ramos
Recorded and mixed at Vudu Studios, Pt Jefferson, NY.
Engineered by Frank Mitaritonna
Horns arranged and performed by Emma Johnson Music
©2023 Joe Dadio
Lyrics
Walking Backwards
All these roads all these choices
All these songs so many voices
All these times I should have chose another way
Another road that leads me here today
All my words hover around me
Broken thoughts still surround me
From the mountain top the view is still obscured
The journey home is never quite assured
Walking Backwards both feet are off the ground
I can’t see ahead and I can’t turn around
Walking Backwards through fire and through rain
Like they always say, you know you can’t go home again
Winter winds cut so deeply
Leaves its mark so completely
Close my eyes against the coming of the storm
And thinking of a place that’s safe and warm
Walking Backwards both feet are off the ground
I keep calling out my words don’t make a sound
Walking Backwards not feeling any pain
Should have known by now you just can’t go home again
Drifting farther on
Listening for the song
Reaching out then it’s gone
Holding on far too long
Drifting farther on
Listening for the song
Reaching out then it’s gone
Holding on far too long
Walking Backwards both feet are off the ground
I can’t see ahead, I can’t turn around
Walking Backwards through fire and through rain
Like they’ve always said, you can never go home again
©2023 Dadio