Stayaway
{{Short description|2019 song by Muna}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox single
| name = Stayaway
| cover =
| alt =
| type = single
| artist = Muna
| album = Saves the World
| written =
| released = August 16, 2019
| recorded =
| studio =
| genre = * Synth-pop
| length = 3:26
| label = RCA
| writer = Muna
| producer = * John Hill
- Muna
| prev_title = Who
| prev_year = 2019
| next_title = Taken
| next_year = 2019
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|OdCSmdJYKGY|"Stayaway"}}}}
}}
"Stayaway" is a song by the American band Muna from their second studio album, Saves the World (2019). The song was written by the band's members Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin, and Naomi McPherson, who produced it with John Hill. It was released by RCA Records as the album's third single on August 16, 2019.
"Stayaway" is a synth-pop, electropop, and alt-pop song with influences of 1980s music. Lyrically, it is about struggling to maintain one's distance from an ex-romantic partner in the aftermath of a breakup. Inspired by some of lead singer Gavin's own failed relationships, the band described "Stayaway" as a song about understanding the permanent changes required to eliminate harmful patterns and instill long-lasting improvements. Upon release, music critics praised the song's production and detailed, emotional lyrics, with many reviewers calling "Stayaway" some of Muna's best material released to that point.
A music video for "Stayaway" was released the same day as the single. Directed by Minnie Schedeen, it depicts the band returning home from a gig, where they had encountered an ex. Muna has performed "Stayaway" live on several occasions, including throughout their headlining concert tours, at Coachella, and their Tiny Desk Concert, both in 2023. The singer Kelly Clarkson covered the song on her eponymous talk show in 2023.
Writing and release
The American band Muna took some time off from music after touring with Harry Styles as an opening act on the singer's Harry Styles: Live on Tour throughout 2017–2018.{{Cite news |last=Cragg |first=Michael |date=June 8, 2019 |title=Muna on Harry Styles, imposter syndrome and Trump-baiting |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/jun/08/muna-on-harry-styles-imposter-syndrome-and-trump-baiting |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220405003441/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/jun/08/muna-on-harry-styles-imposter-syndrome-and-trump-baiting |archive-date=April 5, 2022 |access-date=August 13, 2024 |work=The Guardian}} They began writing new material for what would become their second studio album, Saves the World, after completing "a long period of hibernation".{{Cite news |last=Maicki |first=Salvatore |date=September 11, 2019 |title=MUNA are going to save the world |url=https://www.thefader.com/2019/09/11/muna-are-going-to-save-the-world |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604062445/https://www.thefader.com/2019/09/11/muna-are-going-to-save-the-world |archive-date=June 4, 2023 |access-date=August 13, 2024 |work=The Fader}} "Stayaway" was written by the band's members Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin, and Naomi McPherson.{{Cite web |title=Stayaway ISWC: T3011014550 Work ID: 897572199 |url=https://www.ascap.com/repertory#/ace/search/title/Stayaway/performer/Muna?at=false&searchFilter=SVW&page=1 |url-status=live |access-date=August 15, 2024 |website=ASCAP}}{{Cite web |title=Stayaway |url=https://repertoire.bmi.com/Search/Search?Main_Search_Text=Stayaway&Sub_Search_Text=Muna&Main_Search=Title&Sub_Search=Performer&Search_Type=all&View_Count=0&Page_Number=0 |url-status=live |access-date=August 15, 2024 |website=Broadcast Music, Inc.}} Gavin, the band's lead singer, said "Stayaway" was one of the songs she wrote after having spent time adjusting to some significant life changes. Because Gavin had not recently been in a relationship at the time, she opted to write about an unhealthy relationship from her past, explaining that sometimes songwriters find it easier to write about pain once they are far enough removed from it.{{Cite news |last=Barlow |first=Eve |date=June 28, 2019 |title=MUNA Can Save the World |url=https://www.gq.com/story/muna-profile |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603070948/https://www.gq.com/story/muna-profile |archive-date=June 3, 2023 |access-date=August 15, 2024 |work=GQ}} The singer drew inspiration from experiences in which she had found herself reflecting on failed past relationships through "rose-tinted glasses". Gavin considers "Stayaway" to be the most vocally demanding song on the album, and she had to re-learn how to sing it to accommodate changes in her singing voice.{{Cite news |last=Kent |first=Matthew |date=September 12, 2022 |title=Notion 91: MUNA |url=https://notion.online/notion-91-muna/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221021456/https://notion.online/notion-91-muna/ |archive-date=February 21, 2024 |access-date=August 14, 2024 |work=Notion}}
File:Muna - First Avenue - 8-8-2022 - 006.jpg performing in 2022. ]]
According to guitarist Maskin, "Stayaway" was one of two songs that ultimately established the tone for the rest of the album sonically, "in terms of, every song on this record we wanted to try to go all the way".{{Cite news |last=Baltin |first=Steve |date=September 3, 2019 |title=How L.A. Band MUNA Have Grown On Superb Second Album, 'Saves The World' |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevebaltin/2019/09/03/how-l-a-band-muna-have-grown-on-superb-second-album-saves-the-world/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809182857/https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevebaltin/2019/09/03/how-l-a-band-muna-have-grown-on-superb-second-album-saves-the-world/ |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=Forbes}} The band stated that the song is "about trying to rid yourself of a negative pattern and realising that it requires you to make a whole network of other changes", likening the experience to removing a small weed only to reveal a larger, more resilient root system that thrives on harmful behaviors and circumstances.{{Cite news |last=Murray |first=Robin |date=August 16, 2019 |title=MUNA's 'Stayaway' Is A Vessel For Positivity |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/news/munas-stayaway-is-a-vessel-for-positivity/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809174327/https://www.clashmusic.com/news/munas-stayaway-is-a-vessel-for-positivity/ |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=Clash |quote=It's a theme that drives new single 'Stayaway' forward to fresh heights, matching R&B elements to their speckled alt-pop.}} Abstaining from said circumstances required the band members to rebuild themselves entirely.{{Cite news |last=Kenneally |first=Cerys |date=August 16, 2019 |title=MUNA isolate themselves on new single "Stayaway" |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/muna-isolate-themselves-on-new-single-stayaway |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814190808/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/muna-isolate-themselves-on-new-single-stayaway |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |access-date=August 13, 2024 |work=The Line of Best Fit}} In a statement, Muna declared "For us, today, this song is a reminder of how hard it once was". Gavin said she was very proud of the song, and hoped its message would help fans move on from their own unhealthy relationships.{{Cite news |last=Fawbert |first=Dave |date=December 19, 2019 |title=Muna on sad bops and pigeonholing: 'We are talked about as a queer band. Queer is not a genre' |url=https://inews.co.uk/culture/music/muna-interview-sad-bops-pigeonholing-queer-band-genre-377230?srsltid=AfmBOopjiqQlkA3xl8PoTwQ5q7jDpesD5lgEH8t8qDIH5MU6UKhUD3EH |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814162035/https://inews.co.uk/culture/music/muna-interview-sad-bops-pigeonholing-queer-band-genre-377230?srsltid=AfmBOopjiqQlkA3xl8PoTwQ5q7jDpesD5lgEH8t8qDIH5MU6UKhUD3EH |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |access-date=August 14, 2024 |work=i}} The band produced it with the musician John Hill.{{Cite news |date=June 27, 2023 |editor-last=Maeoka |editor-first=Toshio |title=MUNA Performs at NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert |url=https://www.pmstudio.com/music/20230627-20228 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230702092027/https://www.pmstudio.com/music/20230627-20228 |archive-date=July 2, 2023 |access-date=August 21, 2024 |work=pm studio world wide news}}
On August 12, 2019, Muna confirmed the song's release date on their social media accounts.{{Cite news |last=Kenneally |first=Cerys |date=August 13, 2019 |title=MUNA will release new single "Stayaway" on Friday |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/muna-will-release-new-single-stayaway-on-friday |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815191147/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/muna-will-release-new-single-stayaway-on-friday |archive-date=August 15, 2024 |access-date=August 15, 2024 |work=The Line of Best Fit}} RCA Records released "Stayaway" as the third single from Saves the World on August 16, 2019.{{Cite news |date=August 16, 2019 |title=Muna Releases New Track Stayaway Along With Music Video |url=https://indoorrecess.com/muna--releases-new-track-stayaway--along-with-music-video |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814124919/https://indoorrecess.com/muna--releases-new-track-stayaway--along-with-music-video |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |access-date=August 13, 2024 |work=Indoor Recess}} Keyboardist McPherson identified "Stayaway" as the band's best song for getting over a breakup as of 2022,{{Cite news |last=Houle |first=Erika |date=August 12, 2022 |title=MUNA Will Make It Okay Take a Break with the Band that Knows You Need One |url=https://www.ssense.com/en-us/editorial/music/muna-will-make-it-okay |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220915010648/https://www.ssense.com/en-us/editorial/music/muna-will-make-it-okay |archive-date=September 15, 2022 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=SSENSE}} which they{{Cite news |last=Beckett |first=Tyson |date=June 22, 2023 |title=Muna's music is queer joy exemplified |url=https://www.thepost.co.nz/style/350023109/munas-music-queer-joy-exemplified |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816183137/https://www.thepost.co.nz/style/350023109/munas-music-queer-joy-exemplified |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |access-date=August 16, 2024 |work=The Post |id=Naomi McPherson identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns.}} had also called their favorite song to perform live in 2021.{{Cite news |last=Ahlgrim |first=Callie |date=September 27, 2021 |title=24kGoldn, Tate McRae, and MUNA break down their pre-show rituals and favorite songs to perform live |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/24kgoldn-tate-mcrae-muna-gov-ball-music-festival-interview-2021-9 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816175324/https://www.businessinsider.com/24kgoldn-tate-mcrae-muna-gov-ball-music-festival-interview-2021-9 |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |access-date=August 16, 2024 |work=Business Insider}}
Music and lyrics
"Stayaway" is a synth-pop,{{Cite news |last=Breihan |first=Tom |date=February 27, 2023 |title=Watch Kelly Clarkson Belt Out A Cover Of MUNA's "Stayaway" |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2215025/watch-kelly-clarkson-belt-out-a-cover-of-munas-stayaway/news/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825163702/https://www.stereogum.com/2215025/watch-kelly-clarkson-belt-out-a-cover-of-munas-stayaway/news/ |archive-date=August 25, 2023 |access-date=August 14, 2024 |work=Stereogum |quote=“Stayaway,” one of the sweeping synthpop jams from MUNA’s 2019 sophomore album}} electropop,{{Cite news |last=izzy |date=February 1, 2022 |title=MUNA Come to the Arena (w/ Kacey Musgraves) |url=https://www.philthymag.com/muna-come-to-the-arena-w-kacey-musgraves/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814184228/https://www.philthymag.com/muna-come-to-the-arena-w-kacey-musgraves/ |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |access-date=August 14, 2024 |work=Philthy Mag |quote=the infectious electropop of “Number One Fan” and “Stayaway,”}} and alt-pop power ballad,{{Cite web |title=Saves The World |url=https://www.amazon.com/Saves-World-Muna/dp/B0CSPJNB94#:~:text=MUNA%27s%20sophomore%20album%2C%20Saves%20The,named%20it%20%22pristine%20pop.%22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815141946/https://www.amazon.com/Saves-World-Muna/dp/B0CSPJNB94 |archive-date=August 15, 2024 |access-date=August 15, 2024 |website=Amazon |quote=The album delivers the alt-pop anthems fans know and love including ... "Stayaway".}}{{Cite news |last=Saltzman |first=Zelda |date=February 26, 2024 |title=Muna for Dummies |url=https://www.wkco919.org/music-for-dummies/2024/2/26/muna-for-dummies |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809181545/https://www.wkco919.org/music-for-dummies/2024/2/26/muna-for-dummies |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=WKCO}} with 1980s influences.{{Cite news |last=Leigh Walker |first=Sophie |date=December 20, 2021 |title=MUNA's career-defining moment came after a fall. They tell Sophie Walker about the genesis and success of "Silk Chiffon", BEST FIT's song of 2021. |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/features/interviews/silk-chiffon-reintroduction-muna |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304191637/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/features/interviews/silk-chiffon-reintroduction-muna |archive-date=March 4, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=The Line of Best Fit}}{{Cite news |last=Killian |first=Alex |date=August 16, 2019 |title=Atwood Magazine's Weekly Roundup: August 16, 2019 |url=https://atwoodmagazine.com/wr-roundup-2019-08-16/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328125805/https://atwoodmagazine.com/wr-roundup-2019-08-16/ |archive-date=March 28, 2023 |access-date=August 15, 2024 |work=Atwood Magazine |quote=Lead vocalist Katie Gavin delivers her signature emotive, semi-brooding vocals over a dark pop, 80’s tinged instrumental.}}{{Cite news |date=August 16, 2019 |title=MUNA leaves a romantic relationship behind in the music video for "Stayaway" |url=https://tecoapple-com.translate.goog/2019/08/16/muna-stayaway/?_x_tr_sl=pt&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817005828/https://tecoapple-com.translate.goog/2019/08/16/muna-stayaway/?_x_tr_sl=pt&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=August 16, 2024 |work=TecoApple |language=Brazilian Portuguese}} Building slowly "with a robot-voice breakdown",{{Cite news |last=Howland |first=Jack |date=October 14, 2022 |title='A space for us to be happy.' An evening of LGBTQ+ pride with MUNA at The Truman |url=https://www.thepitchkc.com/a-space-for-us-to-be-happy-an-evening-of-lgbtq-pride-with-muna-at-the-truman/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228190642/https://www.thepitchkc.com/a-space-for-us-to-be-happy-an-evening-of-lgbtq-pride-with-muna-at-the-truman/ |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |access-date=September 10, 2024 |work=The Pitch}} the "high-energy" track lasts three minutes and twenty-six seconds in duration,{{Cite news |last=Neubecker |first=Liliane |date=October 9, 2019 |title=Music Roundup 10/8/19 |url=https://merrygoroundmagazine.com/music-roundup-10-8-19/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928050825/https://merrygoroundmagazine.com/music-roundup-10-8-19/ |archive-date=September 28, 2023 |access-date=August 15, 2024 |work=Merry-Go-Round Magazine}}{{Cite web |last=Donelson |first=Marcy |date=September 6, 2019 |title=Saves the World – MUNA |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/saves-the-world-mw0003293225 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240810015027/https://www.allmusic.com/album/saves-the-world-mw0003293225 |archive-date=August 10, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |website=AllMusic}} and is performed in the key of A major at 92 beats per minute.{{Cite web |title=MUNA – Stayaway |url=https://songbpm.com/@muna/stayaway-5afd6bf6-78a2-4114-ac1d-7f088eaafda5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813134304/https://songbpm.com/@muna/stayaway-5afd6bf6-78a2-4114-ac1d-7f088eaafda5 |archive-date=August 13, 2024 |access-date=August 13, 2024 |website=Song BPM}} Critics have cited influences of R&B and dark pop in the song's production, which Alexandra Pollard of The Independent likened to the work of the electronic music duo Daft Punk.{{Cite news |last1=Pollard |first1=Alexandra |last2=White |first2=Adam |last3=O'Connor |first3=Roisin |date=September 5, 2019 |title=Album reviews: MUNA – Saves the World, Iggy Pop – Free and Chrissie Hynde – Valve Bone Woe |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/muna-review-saves-the-world-iggy-pop-free-chrissie-hynde-jazz-album-a9092766.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809193918/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/muna-review-saves-the-world-iggy-pop-free-chrissie-hynde-jazz-album-a9092766.html |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=The Independent}} Billboard{{'}}s Hannah Daily described it as an electro-pop rock song about the struggle to maintain distance from a former romantic partner amidst relentless reminders of them.{{Cite magazine |last=Dailey |first=Hannah |date=February 27, 2023 |title=Kelly Clarkson Can't 'Stay Away' From Muna in New Kellyoke Cover: Watch |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kelly-clarkson-stay-away-muna-cover-kellyoke-1235261302/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809200226/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kelly-clarkson-stay-away-muna-cover-kellyoke-1235261302/ |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |quote=The electro-pop rock anthem}} Meanwhile, a writer for Austin City Limits called "Stayaway" a "soaring" pop anthem that "belongs in the twenty-first century", despite its retro influences.{{Cite news |date=April 25, 2023 |title=Taping recap: MUNA |url=https://acltv.com/2023/04/25/taping-recap-muna/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814142402/https://acltv.com/2023/04/25/taping-recap-muna/ |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |access-date=August 14, 2024 |work=Austin City Limits}}
A cyclical narrative, "Stayaway" is about the unexpected challenges encountered trying to keep one's distance from an ex-partner,{{Cite news |date=September 20, 2022 |title=REVIEW: MUNA wows sold-out venue with lively, emotional performance |url=https://dailyfreepress.com/2022/09/20/review-muna-wows-sold-out-venue-with-lively-emotional-performance/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809181111/https://dailyfreepress.com/2022/09/20/review-muna-wows-sold-out-venue-with-lively-emotional-performance/ |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=The Daily Free Press}} recounting overlooked details about what occurs after a breakup.{{Cite news |last=Murray |first=Robin |date=September 6, 2019 |title=Muna – Saves The World |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/muna-saves-the-world/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240810015801/https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/muna-saves-the-world/ |archive-date=August 10, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=Clash}} According to Loud and Quiet
Gavin's voice begins as a whisper before crescendoing into a "desperate" belt.{{Cite news |title=It's been one hell of a year for queer artists! |url=https://www.pride.com/music/2019/12/20/best-albums-2019-lgbtq-artists#rebelltitem19 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416072515/https://www.pride.com/music/2019/12/20/best-albums-2019-lgbtq-artists#rebelltitem19 |archive-date=April 16, 2024 |access-date=August 21, 2024 |work=Pride}} "Warped, twisted" vocal effects are applied as she sings "Leaving you was easy, now I gotta do what's hard / I gotta stay away...", over a "pulsating" dance beat.{{Cite magazine |last=Martoccio |first=Angie |date=August 16, 2019 |title=Watch Muna Avoid the Past in New Video for 'Stayaway' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/muna-new-song-stayaway-871560/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203182751/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/muna-new-song-stayaway-871560/ |archive-date=February 3, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |magazine=Rolling Stone}} Gavin's voice is mirrored by "warping instrumentals to echo the track's spiraling vocal lines". Eventually, Gavin ascends to a higher octave to plea "If I don't stop it, before I know it, all the bad things never happened. You never lied or treated me bad and if you did, then you'll wish you hadn't".{{Cite news |last=Zakorchemny |first=Chris |date=October 5, 2021 |title=MUNA - Stage AE (Pittsburgh, PA) September 17, 2021 |url=https://bigtakeover.com/concerts/MUNAStageAEPittsburghPASeptember172021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814142828/https://bigtakeover.com/concerts/MUNAStageAEPittsburghPASeptember172021 |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |access-date=August 14, 2024 |work=The Big Takeover}} As per Ella Govrik of the Loyola Phoenix, the track reminds listeners "to avoid emotionally draining relationships".{{Cite news |last=Govrik |first=Ella |date=May 18, 2023 |title=MUNA Brings Life's So Fun Tour to The Salt Shed |url=https://loyolaphoenix.com/2023/05/muna-brings-lifes-so-fun-tour-to-the-salt-shed/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230818222104/https://loyolaphoenix.com/2023/05/muna-brings-lifes-so-fun-tour-to-the-salt-shed/ |archive-date=August 18, 2023 |access-date=August 13, 2024 |work=Loyola Phoenix}} Apple Music said it is about "getting back into the game after ending a relationship".{{Cite web |date=2019 |title=Saves the World – Muna |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/saves-the-world/1466310161 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813134405/https://music.apple.com/us/album/saves-the-world/1466310161 |archive-date=August 13, 2024 |access-date=August 16, 2024 |website=Apple Music}} Pollard described its lyrics as "downright defeatist".{{Cite news |last=Pollard |first=Alexandra |date=December 20, 2019 |title=The 50 best albums of 2019 – from Tyler, the Creator's IGOR to Weyes Blood's Titanic Rising |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/albums-of-the-year-2019-lana-del-rey-tyler-the-creator-taylor-swift-a9250921.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311063827/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/albums-of-the-year-2019-lana-del-rey-tyler-the-creator-taylor-swift-a9250921.html |archive-date=March 11, 2023 |access-date=August 21, 2024 |work=The Independent}} "Stayaway" is one of Muna's songs that the band themselves have described as a "trauma banger", which they defined as any song that addresses difficult, traumatic subjects over "a banging beat".{{Cite news |last=Tensley |first=Brandon |date=September 9, 2024 |title=What pop group MUNA's music reveals about queer joy |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/24/entertainment/muna-pride-queer-joy/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909182145/https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/24/entertainment/muna-pride-queer-joy/index.html |archive-date=September 9, 2024 |access-date=September 9, 2024 |work=CNN}}
Reception
Articles published by contributors for both Nylon and Vulture highlighted "Stayaway" as one of music's best recent releases in August and December 2019, respectively.{{Cite news |last=Pace |first=Lilly |date=August 17, 2019 |title=Soundcheck: The 15 Best Music Releases Of The Week |url=https://www.nylon.com/soundcheck-8-17-19 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228063248/https://www.nylon.com/soundcheck-8-17-19 |archive-date=February 28, 2024 |access-date=August 15, 2024 |work=Nylon}}{{Cite news |last=Osnos |first=Corinne |date=December 6, 2019 |title=The Best New Songs of the Week: Tame Impala, the Weeknd, and More |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/best-new-music-2019.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525205809/https://www.vulture.com/article/best-new-music-2019.html |archive-date=May 25, 2024 |access-date=August 15, 2024 |work=Vulture}} The Fader{{'s}} Salvatore Maicki considered "Stayaway" to be among the "boldest-sounding material" the band had released to that point. Pride declared "Stayaway" "the defining track of" Saves the World, and Tara Bolar of UKC Radio called it one of the album's top-three tracks.{{Cite web |last=Bolar |first=Tara |date=December 31, 2019 |title=(Pop)Tara's Pick of the Best Albums of 2019 |url=https://radio.uic.edu/news-stories/poptaras-pick-of-the-best-albums-of-2019/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728091057/https://radio.uic.edu/news-stories/poptaras-pick-of-the-best-albums-of-2019/ |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |access-date=August 21, 2024 |website=UKC Radio}} Several reviewers named "Stayaway" a standout track from its parent album,{{Cite news |last=Mattia |first=Sophia |date=May 12, 2023 |title=MUNA's stage presence commands crowd attention |url=https://www.thetriangle.org/entertainment/munas-stage-presence-commands-crowd-attentio/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813184307/https://www.thetriangle.org/entertainment/munas-stage-presence-commands-crowd-attentio/ |archive-date=August 13, 2024 |access-date=August 13, 2024 |work=The Triangle}}{{Cite news |date=February 16, 2022 |title=Music Picks: Feb 17 - 23 |url=https://www.cityweekly.net/utah/music-picks-feb-17-23/Content?oid=17955425 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815172119/https://www.cityweekly.net/utah/music-picks-feb-17-23/Content?oid=17955425 |archive-date=August 15, 2024 |access-date=August 15, 2024 |work=Salt Lake City Weekly}}{{Cite news |date=December 30, 2019 |title=The best albums of 2019 |url=https://indie88.com/the-best-albums-of-2019/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803050329/https://indie88.com/the-best-albums-of-2019/ |archive-date=August 3, 2021 |access-date=August 21, 2024 |work=Indie88}}{{Cite news |last=Brimstin |first=Chelsea |date=September 6, 2019 |title=Stream: Muna drops expansive, vulnerable new indie pop record 'Saves The World' |url=https://indie88.com/stream-muna-drops-expansive-vulnerable-new-indie-pop-record-saves-the-world/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910135127/https://indie88.com/stream-muna-drops-expansive-vulnerable-new-indie-pop-record-saves-the-world/ |archive-date=September 10, 2024 |access-date=September 10, 2024 |work=Indie88}} while Angie Martoccio of Rolling Stone, Chloe Peterson of The Daily of the University of Washington, and Josh Osman of Varsity each deemed it a fan favorite.{{Cite magazine |last=Martoccio |first=Angie |date=March 17, 2022 |title=Phoebe Bridgers and the Saddest Factory All-Stars Stand Up for Trans Youth at SXSW |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/phoebe-bridgers-saddest-factory-sxsw-muna-sloppy-jane-trans-rights-1322813/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410131028/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/phoebe-bridgers-saddest-factory-sxsw-muna-sloppy-jane-trans-rights-1322813/ |archive-date=April 10, 2024 |access-date=September 10, 2024 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}{{Cite news |last=Peterson |first=Chloe |date=May 9, 2023 |title='I Know A Place' |url=https://www.dailyuw.com/arts_and_culture/art/i-know-a-place/article_1f31653c-ee21-11ed-8032-6b21e6ebfb3a.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814133034/https://www.dailyuw.com/arts_and_culture/art/i-know-a-place/article_1f31653c-ee21-11ed-8032-6b21e6ebfb3a.html |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |access-date=August 14, 2024 |work=The Daily of the University of Washington}}{{Cite news |last=Osman |first=Josh |date=May 14, 2022 |title="Effortlessly captivating and endlessly impressive": MUNA at The Garage, Highbury |url=https://www.varsity.co.uk/music/23738 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909182503/https://www.varsity.co.uk/music/23738 |archive-date=September 9, 2024 |access-date=September 9, 2024 |work=Varsity}}
Critics praised the song's lyrics and composition. Sophie Dunne of Women described "Stayaway" as a stunning, empathetic "description of life post-breakup", and Chris Zakorchemny of The Big Takeover called its bridge particularly "breathtaking". Writing for WKCO, Mikayla Connolly described it as a relatable "track that could easily pull crowds to the dance-floor", despite its heartbreaking lyrics.
Some writers agreed that "Stayaway" was among the strongest material they had heard from Muna to that point.{{Cite news |last=Danko |first=Kelly |date=March 16, 2024 |title=Discovering Other Music Artists Outside of My Comfort Ones |url=https://www.hercampus.com/school/pace/discovering-other-music-artists-outside-of-my-comfort-ones/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820172211/https://www.hercampus.com/school/pace/discovering-other-music-artists-outside-of-my-comfort-ones/ |archive-date=August 20, 2024 |access-date=August 20, 2024 |work=Her Campus}} For Loud and Quiet, Megan Wallace cited "Stayaway" as an example of the band exploring more nuanced feelings "than we’ve previously seen from them".{{Cite news |last=Wallace |first=Megan |date=Sep 10, 2019 |title=MUNA – Save The World |url=https://www.loudandquiet.com/reviews/muna-save-the-world/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226081255/https://www.loudandquiet.com/reviews/muna-save-the-world/ |archive-date=February 26, 2024 |access-date=August 15, 2024 |work=Loud and Quiet}} Dave Fawbert of the i called the track "magnificent" and compared its detailed, emotional lyrics to the work of the singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. The Current ranked "Stayaway" among the 10 best songs of 2019, with author Cecilia Johnson praising how Gavin "uses plain language to describe post-break-up turmoil".{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Cecilia |date=December 2, 2019 |title=Top 89 of 2019: Cecilia Johnson, digital producer |url=https://www.thecurrent.org/feature/2019/12/10/top89-staff-cecilia-johnson |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821155551/https://www.thecurrent.org/feature/2019/12/10/top89-staff-cecilia-johnson |archive-date=August 21, 2024 |access-date=August 21, 2024 |website=The Current}}
Music video
The music video for "Stayaway" was released on August 16, 2019, the same day as the single.{{Cite news |date=August 16, 2019 |title=MUNA are moving on up with their new single, 'Stayaway' |url=https://readdork.com/news/muna-are-moving-on-up-with-their-new-single-stayaway/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813163719/https://readdork.com/news/muna-are-moving-on-up-with-their-new-single-stayaway/ |archive-date=August 13, 2024 |access-date=August 13, 2024 |work=Dork}} The video was directed by Minnie Schedeen, and Lidia Nikonova was cinematographer.{{Cite web |title=Muna – Stayaway |url=https://www.sderlug.com/projects/muna-stay-away |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817005828/https://www.sderlug.com/projects/muna-stay-away |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=August 16, 2024 |website=Stephen Derluguian}} In the video, Gavin stares at her reflection in a steamed-up bathroom mirror after a shower.{{Cite news |last=Almeida |first=Nicole |date=September 12, 2019 |title=Today's Song: MUNA Talk to a Younger Self on "It's Gonna Be Okay, Baby" |url=https://atwoodmagazine.com/migbo-muna-okay-baby-song-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813195615/https://atwoodmagazine.com/migbo-muna-okay-baby-song-review/ |archive-date=August 13, 2024 |access-date=August 13, 2024 |work=Atwood Magazine}} She wipes the steam off the mirror, which transitions into herself from the previous evening.{{Cite news |last=Věžník |first=David |date=August 20, 2019 |title=MUNA deals with past relationships in the music video for "Stayaway". |url=https://musicserver-cz.translate.goog/clanek/61705/muna-stayaway/?_x_tr_sl=cs&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909143805/https://musicserver-cz.translate.goog/clanek/61705/muna-stayaway/?_x_tr_sl=cs&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc |archive-date=September 9, 2024 |access-date=September 4, 2024 |work=musicserver.cz |language=Czech}} The promotional campaign for Saves the World featured multiple references to self-reflection and mirrors. The band encounters a former lover of Gavin at a bar they are performing at, but reverse their steps and return home.
Live performances and covers
"Stayaway" was included on the set list of Muna's Saves the World tour. In 2019, Muna released an acoustic version of "Stayaway" for Spotify Singles.{{Cite magazine |last=Bernstein |first=Jonathan |date=September 6, 2019 |title=Muna's 'Saves the World' Is a Synth-Rock Course In Deep California Blues |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/munas-saves-the-world-is-a-synth-rock-course-in-deep-california-blues-880800/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603192251/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/munas-saves-the-world-is-a-synth-rock-course-in-deep-california-blues-880800/ |archive-date=June 3, 2023 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}{{Cite magazine |last=Legaspi |first=Althea |date=November 13, 2019 |title=Muna Unveil Cover of Normani's 'Motivation,' Acoustic Version of 'Stayaway' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/muna-normani-motivation-cover-acoustic-stayaway-listen-912170/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601224256/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/muna-normani-motivation-cover-acoustic-stayaway-listen-912170/ |archive-date=June 1, 2023 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |magazine=Rolling Stone}} Billboard's Heran Mamo noted that vocal effects such as Auto-Tune had been omitted from this version.{{Cite magazine |last=Mamo |first=Heran |date=November 13, 2019 |title=MUNA Strip Down 'Stayaway' & Cover Normani's 'Motivation' for Spotify Singles |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/muna-spotify-singles-stayaway-motivation-8543524/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813133803/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/muna-spotify-singles-stayaway-motivation-8543524/ |archive-date=August 13, 2024 |access-date=August 13, 2024 |magazine=Billboard}} They also covered the singer Normani's 2019 song "Motivation" for the same occasion. Muna performed "Stayaway" on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2020.{{Cite news |last=Brimstin |first=Chelsea |date=August 20, 2020 |title=Watch: MUNA perform 'Stayaway' and are joined by The Knocks to play 'Bodies' on 'Kimmel' |url=https://indie88.com/watch-muna-perform-stayaway-and-are-joined-by-the-knocks-to-play-bodies-on-kimmel/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815161514/https://indie88.com/watch-muna-perform-stayaway-and-are-joined-by-the-knocks-to-play-bodies-on-kimmel/ |archive-date=August 15, 2024 |access-date=August 15, 2024 |work=Indie88}}{{Cite news |last=Sterdan |first=Darryl |date=August 20, 2020 |title=Late-Night TV Music (Extra Mile Edition) {{!}} Aug. 19, 2020 |url=https://tinnitist.com/2020/08/20/late-night-tv-music-extra-mile-edition-aug-19-2020/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417065322/https://tinnitist.com/2020/08/20/late-night-tv-music-extra-mile-edition-aug-19-2020/ |archive-date=April 17, 2024 |access-date=September 10, 2024 |work=Tinnitist}}
File:Kelly Clarkson 2018 DoD Warrior Games Opening Ceremony 14 - Cropped 01.jpg covered "Stayaway" on her talk show in 2023.]]
Emily Herbein of WXPN said a September 2021 performance at a concert of Phoebe Bridgers "showcased singer Katie Gavin's dynamic vocal range".{{Cite news |last=Herbein |first=Emily |date=September 23, 2021 |title=The universal catharsis of seeing Phoebe Bridgers at The Mann's Skyline Stage |url=https://xpn.org/2021/09/23/phoebe-bridgers-skyline-stage-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910130533/https://xpn.org/2021/09/23/phoebe-bridgers-skyline-stage-review/ |archive-date=September 10, 2024 |access-date=September 10, 2024 |work=WXPN}} In support of their third album, Muna (2022), the band has performed "Stayaway" throughout both their 2022 North American & UK Tour and 2023 Life's So Fun Tour,{{Cite news |last=Dore |first=Stephanie |date=April 21, 2023 |title=All of MUNA's Number One Fans |url=https://www.seattlemusicnews.com/2023/04/21/muna-lifes-so-fun-tour-showbox-sodo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813185937/https://www.seattlemusicnews.com/2023/04/21/muna-lifes-so-fun-tour-showbox-sodo/ |archive-date=August 13, 2024 |access-date=August 13, 2024 |work=Seattle Music News}} as well as during their opening act of Kacey Musgraves' 2022 Star-Crossed: Unveiled tour.{{Cite news |last=Keller |first=Caitlin |date=February 23, 2022 |title=MUNA proves life's so fun opening for Kacey Musgraves at Oakland Coliseum |url=https://www.dailycal.org/archives/muna-proves-life-s-so-fun-opening-for-kacey-musgraves-at-oakland-coliseum/article_9a2a6262-3028-5431-b496-709eb0661a99.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814132518/https://www.dailycal.org/archives/muna-proves-life-s-so-fun-opening-for-kacey-musgraves-at-oakland-coliseum/article_9a2a6262-3028-5431-b496-709eb0661a99.html |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |access-date=August 14, 2024 |work=The Daily Californian}}{{Cite news |last=Gokhman |first=Roman |date=February 20, 2022 |title=REVIEW: Kacey Musgraves bares her broken heart at Oakland Arena |url=https://riffmagazine.com/reviews/kacey-musgraves-20220219/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220093039/https://riffmagazine.com/reviews/kacey-musgraves-20220219/ |archive-date=February 20, 2022 |access-date=August 14, 2024 |work=RIFF Magazine}} They duetted the song with singer JoJo during a 2022 performance at the Wiltern Theatre.{{Cite news |last=Hunt |first=El |date=May 11, 2023 |title=MUNA's greatest crossover moments: from surprise guest Lorde to their label boss Phoebe Bridgers |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/muna-s-greatest-crossover-moments-from-lorde-to-phoebe-bridgers-b1080400.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813164947/https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/muna-s-greatest-crossover-moments-from-lorde-to-phoebe-bridgers-b1080400.html |archive-date=August 13, 2024 |access-date=August 13, 2024 |work=Evening Standard}}{{Cite news |last=Mohanti |first=Tavish |date=November 7, 2022 |title=Muna Leads Spiritual Awakening |url=https://uclaradio.com/muna-leads-queer-spiritual-awakening/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815171239/https://uclaradio.com/muna-leads-queer-spiritual-awakening/ |archive-date=August 15, 2024 |access-date=August 15, 2024 |work=UCLA Radio}} The Daily Trojan said JoJo "proved her talent in her crystal harmonies".{{Cite news |date=October 28, 2022 |title=MUNA transforms Wiltern into a gay church service |url=https://dailytrojan.com/2022/10/28/muna-transforms-the-wiltern-into-a-gay-church-service/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821183120/https://dailytrojan.com/2022/10/28/muna-transforms-the-wiltern-into-a-gay-church-service/ |archive-date=August 21, 2024 |access-date=August 20, 2024 |work=Daily Trojan}} Anna Govert of Paste described a rendition at Chicago's The Salt Shed as "done to perfection".{{Cite news |last=Govert |first=Anna |date=May 19, 2023 |title=MUNA Prove Life Really Is So Fun on Their Summer Headlining Tour |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/muna/muna-tour-2023-lifes-so-fun-eras-shows-concert-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531232759/https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/muna/muna-tour-2023-lifes-so-fun-eras-shows-concert-review |archive-date=May 31, 2023 |access-date=August 13, 2024 |work=Paste}} In April 2023, Muna performed "Stayaway" as part of their Coachella set,{{Cite news |last=Robinson |first=Ellie |date=April 15, 2023 |title=Watch MUNA premiere new song 'One That Got Away' at Coachella 2023 |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-muna-premiere-new-song-one-that-got-away-at-coachella-2023-3430521 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418003722/https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-muna-premiere-new-song-one-that-got-away-at-coachella-2023-3430521 |archive-date=April 18, 2024 |access-date=August 14, 2024 |work=NME}} which Lyndsey Havens of Billboard said "showcased the band's vocal power",{{Cite magazine |last1=Havens |first1=Lyndsey |last2=Flores |first2=Griselda |last3=Mamo |first3=Heran |date=April 15, 2023 |title=Bad Bunny, Blink-182, MUNA & More: Coachella 2023's Best Moments From Day One – Muna and Boygenius Rock Out For "Silk Chiffon" |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/coachella-2023-best-moments-bad-bunny-blink-182-metro-boomin/pusha-t-at-coachella/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816175317/https://www.billboard.com/lists/coachella-2023-best-moments-bad-bunny-blink-182-metro-boomin/pusha-t-at-coachella/ |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |access-date=August 16, 2024 |magazine=Billboard}} followed by a "stripped down" rendition during their Tiny Desk Concert for NPR in June.{{Cite news |last=Vito |first=Jo |date=June 23, 2023 |title=MUNA Make Their Tiny Desk Debut with a Country Version of "Silk Chiffon": Watch |url=https://consequence.net/2023/06/muna-npr-tiny-desk-conert-watch/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815152833/https://consequence.net/2023/06/muna-npr-tiny-desk-conert-watch/ |archive-date=August 15, 2024 |access-date=August 15, 2024 |work=Consequence}}{{Cite news |last=Henderson |first=Taylor |date=June 23, 2023 |title=MUNA's 'Silk Chiffon' Gets Countryfied in NPR Tiny Desk Performance |url=https://www.out.com/gay-music/muna-tiny-desk |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614082709/https://www.out.com/gay-music/muna-tiny-desk |archive-date=June 14, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=Out}}{{Cite news |last=Zhan |first=Jennifer |date=June 23, 2023 |title=Muna Folked 'Silk Chiffon' Up for Their Tiny Desk Concert |url=https://www.vulture.com/2023/06/muna-tiny-desk-concert-silk-chiffon-country.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116010555/https://www.vulture.com/2023/06/muna-tiny-desk-concert-silk-chiffon-country.html |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=Vulture}} According to the journalist Stephen Thompson, the song "placed such a demand on the three voices ... that they practically exploded with relief when it was over".{{Cite news |last=Thompson |first=Stephen |author-link=Stephen Thompson (journalist) |date=June 23, 2023 |title=MUNA: Tiny Desk Concert |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/06/23/1183612824/muna-tiny-desk-concert |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008042930/https://www.npr.org/2023/06/23/1183612824/muna-tiny-desk-concert |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=NPR}} In 2024, a live version of the song was released on their live album Live at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, a recording of their Greek Theatre concert from October 2023.{{Cite news |last=Carter |first=Daisy |date=June 27, 2024 |title=MUNA to release new live album 'Live At The Greek Theatre In Los Angeles' |url=https://diymag.com/news/muna-live-at-the-greek-theatre-in-los-angeles |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240704131207/https://diymag.com/news/muna-live-at-the-greek-theatre-in-los-angeles |archive-date=July 4, 2024 |access-date=August 13, 2024 |work=DIY}} Rachel R. Carroll of PopMatters called Gavin's vocal performance on the track "Herculean".{{Cite news |last=Carroll |first=Rachel R. |date=July 9, 2024 |title=MUNA's New Live Album Is a Joyous Hometown Victory |url=https://www.popmatters.com/muna-live-greek-theater-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726225701/https://www.popmatters.com/muna-live-greek-theater-review |archive-date=July 26, 2024 |access-date=August 13, 2024 |work=PopMatters}} Beginning in 2023, Muna has performed "Stayaway" as part of their opening act for Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour.{{Cite news |last=Zeller |first=Ashley |date=July 8, 2023 |title=Here are all the surprise songs from Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concerts in Kansas City |url=https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article277070498.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708034910/https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article277070498.html |archive-date=July 8, 2023 |access-date=August 16, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star}} The band performed an acoustic version at the 2024 Newport Folk Festival, with the musicians tailoring the song to suit the festival's genre and showcase their vocals.{{Cite news |last=Evans |first=Jennifer |date=July 31, 2024 |title=Newport Folk Festival 2024 Recap |url=https://qromag.com/newport-folk-festival-2024-recap/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816210754/https://qromag.com/newport-folk-festival-2024-recap/ |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |access-date=August 14, 2024 |work=QRO Magazine}}{{Cite news |last1=Murray |first1=Kaitlyn |last2=Clem |first2=Lauren |date=August 1, 2024 |title=9 Highlights from the 65th Annual Newport Folk Festival |url=https://www.rimonthly.com/2024-newport-folk-festival-highlights/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822173356/https://www.rimonthly.com/2024-newport-folk-festival-highlights/ |archive-date=August 22, 2024 |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=Rhode Island Monthly}} Borrowing its arrangement from their Tiny Desk Concert, Maddie Browning of WBUR-FM said their "three-part harmonies ... gave me chills".{{Cite news |last=Browning |first=Maddie |date=July 30, 2024 |title=Musicians, comedians and more took the stage at Newport Folk Festival |url=https://www.wbur.org/news/2024/07/30/2024-newport-folk-festival-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822172937/https://www.wbur.org/news/2024/07/30/2024-newport-folk-festival-review |archive-date=August 22, 2024 |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=WBUR-FM}}
On October 13, 2020, the indie rock duo Now, Now released a remixed version of "Stayaway" entitled "Stayaway (Now, Now Remix)",{{Cite web |date=2020 |title=Stayaway (Now, Now Remix) - Single |url=https://music.apple.com/ca/album/stayaway-now-now-remix-single/1534241666 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814130943/https://music.apple.com/ca/album/stayaway-now-now-remix-single/1534241666 |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |access-date=August 14, 2024 |website=Apple Music}}{{Cite news |last=Mandel |first=Leah |date=December 30, 2020 |title=The Best Remixes of 2020 |url=https://floodmagazine.com/83691/the-best-remixes-of-2020/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909145806/https://floodmagazine.com/83691/the-best-remixes-of-2020/ |archive-date=September 9, 2024 |access-date=September 9, 2024 |work=FLOOD}} with Muna remixing Now, Now's "Set it Free" in return.{{Cite news |last=Maicki |first=Salvatore |date=October 13, 2020 |title=Hear Now, Now and MUNA rework each other's songs |url=https://www.thefader.com/2020/10/13/now-now-muna-remixes-stayaway-set-it-free |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814130948/https://www.thefader.com/2020/10/13/now-now-muna-remixes-stayaway-set-it-free |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |access-date=August 14, 2024 |work=The Fader}} The singer Kelly Clarkson covered "Stayaway" with her studio band Y'all on a 2023 episode of her talk show The Kelly Clarkson Show.{{Cite news |last=Kenneally |first=Cerys |date=February 27, 2023 |title=Kelly Clarkson covers MUNA's "Stayaway" for Kellyoke |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/kelly-clarkson-covers-munas-stayaway-for-kellyoke |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816170925/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/kelly-clarkson-covers-munas-stayaway-for-kellyoke |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |access-date=August 16, 2024 |work=The Line of Best Fit}} El Hunt of the Evening Standard said Clarkson's version "feels like it could easily be a classic Noughties power-banger", and Tom Breihan of Stereogum said Clarkson "sells the drama of the original track". Muna tweeted that they felt honored by Clarkson's cover.{{Cite news |last=Richards |first=Will |date=February 28, 2023 |title=MUNA "honoured" by Kelly Clarkson's cover of 'Stayaway' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/muna-honoured-by-kelly-clarksons-cover-of-stayaway-3405783 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809174327/https://www.nme.com/news/music/muna-honoured-by-kelly-clarksons-cover-of-stayaway-3405783 |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=NME}}
Credits and personnel
Credits adapted from Apple Music:{{Cite web |date=August 16, 2019 |title=Stayaway – Song by MUNA |url=https://music.apple.com/id/song/stayaway/1466310464 |url-status=live |access-date=January 3, 2025 |website=Apple Music}}
- Katie Gavin – lead singer, songwriter
- Naomi McPherson – guitar, synthesizer, programmer, songwriter
- Josette Maskin – guitar, songwriter
- Brian Robert Jones – bass
- Scott Heiner – drums
- John Hill – producer, programmer
- Ted Jensen – mastering engineer
- Dan Grech-Marguerat – mixing engineer
- Rob Cohen – engineer, vocal producer