"Roam" is a song by American new wave band the B-52's released as the third single from their fifth studio album, Cosmic Thing (1989). The vocals are sung by Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson. The B-52's worked with a co-writer, Robert Waldrop, who penned the lyrics. Released as a single in 1989, "Roam" peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 and entered the top 10 in Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand.

Release

The "Roam" single was released with a variety of remixes as well as live tracks recorded at Cleveland Music Hall.

Reception

"Roam" became the band's second and final US top-10 hit, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1990 and spending 20 weeks on the chart. It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in April 1990. Worldwide, the song became a top-10 success in Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand, peaking at numbers four, nine, and two, respectively. In February 1991, the B-52's were nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group for "Roam".

Music video

The music video for "Roam" was directed by Adam Bernstein and produced by Jonna Mattingly, with Zack Winestine serving as the director of photography. Filmed in New York City, the video contains plentiful animations and stock footage.

Track listings

US maxi-CD single

1. "Roam" (7-inch remix) – 5:11

2. "Roam" (radio mix) – 4:13

3. "Roam" (12-inch remix) – 8:17

4. "Bushfire" (LP version) – 4:56

5. "Roam" (extended remix) – 5:25

6. "Roam" (instrumental) – 5:27

US and Australian 12-inch single

1. A1. "Roam" (extended remix) – 5:27

2. A2. "Roam" (instrumental) – 5:25

3. B1. "Roam" (12-inch remix) – 8:17

4. B2. "Bushfire" (LP version) – 4:56

US 7-inch and cassette single

1. A. "Roam" (edit) – 4:05

2. B. "Bushfire" (LP version) – 4:56

UK 7-inch, CD, and cassette single

1. "Roam" (edit)

2. "Whammy Kiss" (live)

3. "Dance This Mess Around" (live)

UK 12-inch single

1. A1. "Roam" (radio mix) – 4:13

2. A2. "Roam" (12-inch remix) – 8:17

3. B1. "Roam" (12-inch extended mix) – 5:25

Credits and personnel

Credits are lifted from the Cosmic Thing album booklet.

Studios

• Recorded digitally and mixed analog at Skyline Studios (New York City)

• Mastered at Masterdisk (New York City)

Personnel

The B-52's – music

• Fred Schneider

• Cindy Wilson – vocals

• Kate Pierson – vocals

• Keith Strickland – guitar

• Robert Waldrop – lyrics

• Sara Lee – bass guitar

• Richard Hilton – keyboard, programming

• Leroy Clouden – drums

• Nile Rodgers – production, mixing

• Budd Tunick – production management

• Tom Durack – mixing, engineering

• Ed Brooks – second engineering

• Keith Freedman – second engineering

• Paul Angelli – second engineering

• Patrick Dillett – second engineering

• Bob Ludwig – mastering

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Certifications

Release history

Cover versions

In 2023 the Bonvoy loyalty program for Marriott International released a series of ads featuring re-recorded and remixed versions of the song as part of their "Roam Around the World" campaign. The songs were produced by W Hotels Global music director Leah Chisholm (aka LP Giobbi) and featured vocals by Amelia Rae.

References