The Babys - Isn't It Time | The Story Behind The Song | Top 2000 a gogo

Singer/guitarist John Waite from the band The Babys tells about the song 'Isn't it time'.
A short documentary by Top 2000 a gogo from 2021 (Dutch Public Television).

[@burton48]

"Isn't It Time" and "Every Time I Think of You" are masterpieces.

[@hankcarter2112]

He has a distinctive sound in his voice which makes for good song put on midnight rendezvous the other day still jamming .

[@shyman99]

Without a doubt, "Isn't It Time" is one of the very best recordings of the 70s. The composition is melodically powerful, the production is phenomenal, and the vocals are solid. It's one of those songs that will be heard a 1000 years from now and listeners will still be in awe.

[@BobSchoepenjr]

Totaly agree !!!

[@roseakarosiehweinstein3216]

Isn't it time is absolutely perfect thanks John Waite has a voice of an angel 😇🙏🇺🇸🇨🇦🇧🇧🇺🇸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿✡️♾️🇦🇩🇺🇸🇮🇪🇬🇧🇮🇪🇨🇦🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇯🇲🇮🇱 whoever said that he's absolutely difficult to work with I have to say fuck you assholes pardon my French guys also kudos to John for giving his side of the story behind the song Isn't It Time and off the record my chosen sister and BFF Aunt Susan hey sweetie happy Chanukah to you my dear I've known her 40 years now let's not digress any further I accidentally converted her to Waiteism we've seen him live in concert 7 times we've also had the privilege of course to meet him what a handsome young man for recently turned 70 over the summer on July 4th I also have the pic of proof that me Aunt Sue and John together back in 2009 at the legendary BB Kings pub and club it was absolutely perfect unfortunately that placed has been since closed

[@user-zx5kq6hs9d]

And also, baby it’s you, by Promise .🙏😂🥰🔥

[@jackt2796]

John waite still sang it perfectly in 2019 and still now

[@jillnelson4884]

💯💯💯💯💯❤️

[@allgood6760]

Timeless song!.. one of the best songs of the 70's👍🎶🇳🇿

[@GrandpaMunstersMultitrackLab]

When that song kicks in, it gives me chills. Every time. It's Gold.

[@Gardner0871public]

Same

[@deelynnlove444]

I will always love John Waite and his music. I grew up listening to him in the 70's and 80's... Brings back alot of memories. He may be alot older now, but still handsome as ever! ❤❤😊

[@presidentgas4980]

This song is not HIS music ok ? He was the singer.

[@roseakarosiehweinstein3216]

Absolutely fucking sexy and handsome guy for almost 71, this summer

[@duraniegal79]

​@@presidentgas4980and your point is? Just because he didn't write it, doesn't mean he didn't sing the hell out of it. I can't imagine anyone else could sing it better. 🙄

[@roystonmason9125]

@@presidentgas4980 nobody knows the originAL SINGER DO WE ?

[@jacklipinski2524]

Still one of the best examples of a very well arranged composition and John's vocal delivery, epic as always. The fact that he is such a big Steve Marriot fan, well that just makes a lot of sense to me.

[@bobbyw1510]

I saw Humble Pie on Fool 4 a pretty face TOUR. They opened 4 Blue oyster cult.

[@drumdude46]

Not just one of the 'Baby's...greatest songs............ Truly....one of the 'Greatest Pop Rock Songs..... Ever Written and Performed. Weird too, but understandable.. to hear John having a go at it 'Now ( i mean, he's like 70 or so...) and no way can he hit the high notes like that anymore. Lol!... Ahh.....our fleeting youth from the 70's. went by all to fast.

[@pjpredhomme7699]

John Waite is 70 yrs old - I think his voice has aged extremely well . Its not the same as in the 70s / 80s but what is

[@blomegoog]

The Babys should have been as big as Journey if not more. Awesome stuff.

[@bertnl530]

In Bad English they come together.

[@bobbyw1510]

Babys way better. Journey over rated.

[@bobbyw1510]

@@bertnl530 so this is Eden....Price of Love....Bad English was super Amazing!

[@westoftherockies]

@@bertnl530 hardly

[@westoftherockies]

well they would of if they didn't kick out michael corby

[@idboo1234]

I saw John Waite in concert a few days ago. I enjoyed it.

[@williamdrijver4141]

I really like the piano intro. Superb classic! The video with the fabulous background singers is a gem.

[@petechumly985]

the Babettes

[@mycarjournal]

So many memories with this song. What a classic.

[@usa2121]

Isn't It Time is a masterpiece. Thank God for this forever record. Waites tone and inflections are other worldy. They all were on point this performance. Amazing.

[@virtualbown]

Man what a great song. The vocals, the horns, piano, background singers.

[@volkiruski1221]

This one and Everytime I think of You are the most beautyfull songs John ever made.....

[@F8Tributo]

I love the contrast between the movements- Hard, soft, fast, slow. Great dynamic range, great melody.

[@4EverAJerseyGirl1213]

Honestly, I could listen to him sing (and talk!) all day! 😍

[@11matt11]

Probably the most underrated song in the history of music. So many wonderful things happening here, coming perfectly together, yet so simple. I've heard it everywhere in the world, especially in the last 10 years. Was in shock it wasn't a #1 around the world, but promotion was so huge back then. Australia again leading the way to find great music as it only hit #1 there . Such a timeless classic, yet still so 1970's.

[@bobbyw1510]

It was Top 10....#3 on billboard....the 45 sold 1 million or more.

[@AlexSosaBolivia]

LMFAO. Every single song on KZbin will have, somewhere in the comments, a declaration that "this is the most underrated song of all time" - or a similar variation. At this point it's nothing more than a form of mass hysteria.

[@AlexSosaBolivia]

@@bobbyw1510 I know right? Not sure how all that equates to "the most underrated song in the history of music" LOL.

[@bobbyw1510]

@@AlexSosaBolivia why do people do that?? It is quite hysterical. The Baby's made a huge mark in 77 78....the world has never never underrated them.

[@AlexSosaBolivia]

@@bobbyw1510 I think a big part is the mindset of millennials who've spent their entire lives staring at a screen 12+ hours a day. When these kids discover great music from the past, they automatically think that if they didn't know about it until recently, then no one else did either 😂

[@dumfriesspearhead7398]

The 70s were the decade of the backing singers. They really make this record.

[@henq]

Yeah, like With a Little Help from my Friends, by Joe Cocker!

[@TheKilo0123]

One of the most underrated singers, ever!

[@txmarko]

I love all the backup Sisters, as well ! They make it happen !

[@LG-33]

I 💕 The Babys. I’ve seen John Waite twice in 23 and 24 and got to meet him back stage. ❤❤❤

[@kanemura93]

John Waite's singing looks SO effortless but is so hard to mimic.

[@aussiefarmer8741]

I was a 16y/o listening to Black sabbath ,Deep purple, Jimi Hendrix. However I went out and bought the single as I thought it was very well written and arranged. I still do to this day, It in my opinion is a classic. As for his comment on the female soul singers he didn't go wrong, it worked for Elvis.

[@MerrittJeff1970]

So what messes with me most is that I couldn't believe i'd forgotten about this song. It's without question one of the most remarkable songs ever. Ever...ever, ever, ever, haha. Off the charts beautiful.

[@AB-vh7tw]

Same. I heard it on the radio a couple of weeks ago then all of a sudden nostalgic magic.

[@roncougar1]

They don’t make music like this anymore, society and its so called talent has become three chord disasters.

[@dadyarusski4594]

He grew up in an era when music was rich in sound…totally awesome ❤❤❤❤

[@MrPercussionPete]

So sad the original Babys line up (John Waite, Wally Stocker, Michael Corby & Tony Brock) only lasted for about 5 years.... Had they stayed together, they would have become one of the greatest bands ever. Their sound and style was absolutely one of a kind.

[@lettylynton1932]

Yes I agree, had they kept Michael Corby in the line-up. He was the genius of the band. J.W over-estimates his influence in this song

[@westoftherockies]

michael corby doesn't seem to get much credit from waite or stocker which is complete BS.

[@sl4983]

Was able to see them in concert as The Babys! Man it was great!!!

[@MrPercussionPete]

@@lettylynton1932 Yeah... John should give Michael, Wally and Tony the credit they deserve. He still doesn't seem to understand that a great band is a real special thing that should be cherished. It's that unique combination of individuals that blend together perfectly and have that special chemistry. If you start replacing band members with other musicians, like John did when he replaced Michael Corby with American keyboard player Jonathan Cain, you lose the magic and then... It's just gone. And that was the end of The Babys.

[@presidentgas4980]

@@lettylynton1932 Totally agree

[@JonnyRollin]

Beautiful lilting piano riff, rhythmically rising,pumping bridge,explosive infectious, brassy chorus,soulful burning, rock vocals, wondrous romantic melody, intense emotive lyrics-it's a fucking masterpiece in any era!

[@AB-vh7tw]

You described it perfectly 😊

[@JonnyRollin]

@@AB-vh7tw Thank you-it's one of the unsung, but truly timeless, killer classic, pop songs of all time.

[@mackay4740]

I do remember when this song appeared on the airwaves. Such a different song with those wonderful back up singers. It's still on my playlist and still one of my all time favourites.

[@Jeantemple-p6n]

They were so good. John waite great frontman

[@Tocimah]

I love this song. It's a great song and the back up vocals are outstanding!

[@Pincer88]

Played this song so many time and the power of it endures until this very day. And the melody... compare that to the hundreds of 'manufactured' songs that crow the hitparades today. We never should have evolved beyond the seventies and eighties.

[@mjh5437]

Music is now devolving,into a cess-pit.

[@pjpredhomme7699]

There were some really good music made in the early part of the 90s otherwise I agree with you 100% .

[@bshade8547]

As a radio personality type here in the states who has been at it for a long long time, just wanted to let you folks know that I really enjoy your channel and I learn something new every time I watch a video

[@Top2000agogo]

That's good to hear! Spread the word :-)

[@brooklynbabe7896]

Absolutely perfect John Waite is the best no fucking question about that pardon my French guys I love John for taking no shit and being very refreshing

[@sl4983]

Someone needs to contact him and get a book deal written ASAP!!!!

[@humbleevidenceaccepter7712]

This song sounds like junior high school in 1977.

[@syko188]

ironic that JW wasn't as popular in the UK and he was in the US. prob due to his quintessential American Rock singing voice. always a fav of mine growing up in the 80's and then as a young adult with Bad English.

[@peterharvey4151]

Great 70s classic..timeless

[@mygundidntdoit999]

The song doesn't have the kick without those black women singing. Without them the song would not have been a hit.

[@mgrella63]

This song is in my Top 3 Favorite of all time! LOVE IT!!!!

[@sl4983]

He needs to WRITE A BOOK!!! Someone needs to contact him and get a book deal written ASAP!!!!

[@ivorb8835]

Number 1 song in Australia 27th March 1978 for 1 week only, ( 3 weeks at Number 2) then replaced by the Phenomenon "Stayin Alive" by the Bee Gees (7 weeks). Everytime I Think Of You was my favourite song by The Babys.

[@edwardbliss8931]

Just watched the John Waite documentary, Never realized he was so chatty and entertaining to listen to

[@bobbyw1510]

Talking word kinda singer. Can't hit high notes. Average. Good indeed.

[@DisasterService]

Real slimy how he tries to take credit for songs he never wrote.

[@bobbyw1510]

@@DisasterService Michael Corby genius. John Waite over rated. He is a star in his own head.

[@davidgarris2513]

​@@bobbyw1510you do realize how old he is

[@davidgarris2513]

​@@DisasterServicewhere and when? Clarify your comment

[@JAMIEMCDONALD4]

This is what's so great about these docs. I don't know if it's a Dutch thing or what: You guys get out of the way and just let the subject do their thing. It's not just that your interviewer is not in the video, it's also the way you let the soundbites complete themselves. John Waite's a great example because he's an eclectic man and it shows from his comments. He's interesting, quick, witty, ready to give you want you want, and you don't stomp on it. PS -Proof: I grew up on his solo years, thought of him more of a brooding, serious type. Now, what a neat guy, I wanna hang with him!

[@DrWhom]

it's not a Dutch thing but it is true that the Dutch are prefer interviewers that don't try to be the star of the show

[@sl4983]

Yes it's perfect, and, Someone needs to contact him and get a book deal written ASAP!!!!

[@bobbyw1510]

He also had the creator of the Babys and genius Michael Corby fired b4 headfirst came out. Not nice at all.

[@curtismoff]

remember when musicians were actually musicians?

[@distractionchannel4954]

@Montréal 🇨🇦....my first album @ 14, PRiViLEGED memories ❤️

[@Finatic13]

The song stands the test of time and remains a master class in audio production.

[@Wishpool]

I could (and have) listen to this song on constant repeat. It never gets old! 💖

[@Daantje1020]

One of my favorite song. The baby’s were a great band.

[@frankpeter6851]

Walking through the London Fog to get to the pub and knowing you are onto something what a wonderful time

[@davek3186]

I can name that tune in 3 notes....A Masterpiece that came before it's time!!

[@telecasteredtodeath]

A song you can hear 20027 times and still be happy to give another listen.. and that mustard coloured suit John wears at the end there would be priceless today, I'd wear that down the bottle shop Friday night so people think.. "who's THaaat?? Was thaaat wee Johnny Waite??"

[@DavidCurrent-yw4fh]

One of the best singers Ever!!!!

[@nftutoring9241]

Lol!!@ ooooohkay! Lol😅😅😅 let's not get carried away

[@roystonmason9125]

@@nftutoring9241 JOHN WAITE ...,. BAD ENGLISH the ..... BABYS right up there with SAMMY HAGAR

[@steveoh9285]

One of my favorite songs, pure perfection.

[@silvrliit]

Wore this tune out on your album 💿 I purchased as a teen …super crush on John and that red shock! This tune still haunts me - hear a song recently that reminded me of those few notes at the intro…is why I searched for it and found you here. Sweet to learn a bit of your backstory on this awesome site. Found a few of my other favorites here as well, thank you!❣️…glad to know you’re still singing Baby’s!

[@bobbyw1510]

You should read the backstory of how John Waite had Corby fired. John is selfish.

[@digmacdiggydoo]

The Baby’s had the same problem UFO had, Chrysalis.

[@roseakarosiehweinstein3216]

Amen my dear 😇🕊️🕊️💕🎉💐♾️🐈🥱

[@sl4983]

UFO was great!!!

[@glasshalffull8471]

I've followed music since the 70s, I generally know a bit about artists backgrounds etc but would have bet a million dollars that John Waite and the Baby's were American, who knew.

[@randyklug615]

Incredible music ❤❤❤❤

[@leefreed2060]

The Baby's are one of my all time favorite bands ever

[@romeysiamese6662]

Not how the producer remembers it. Nevison said he was a prick.

[@taniamcphelim6900]

I loved this song l was about 12 l had a big crush on him and Gary Newman.

[@joemelcher5590]

John Waite has so many good songs as a solo artist and with The Baby’s and Bad English. Keep on rocking John as your music never gets old.

[@kelvynification]

This song was the catalyst for one of the biggest adventures of my life... Mike Corby asked me to join the band which lit the fuse to something amazing.... and it wasn’t the babies. Funnily enough the drummer of the band that I was in back then in New York is now playing with that fantastic singer Mr Waites. Life is funny:)

[@bobbyw1510]

Mmmm. What year did my friend Michael Corby ask you to join. I have never heard Michael mention that ever in the Babys history of Drama..what band and what drummer? Who is Mr. Waites? John or Tom?😀

[@kelvynification]

@@bobbyw1510 1977/78 As a consequence of that I ended up in New York in a band with ex members of Angel, Slayer and Rick Derringer but that didn’t last more than a few months of rehearsals. It was probably just a blip for Mike as I immediately said no, end of. John Waites.

[@bobbyw1510]

@@kelvynification John Waite no "s".😀 his name is not Waite s. It is Waite. Jeepers😄

[@bobbyw1510]

Your story was quite entertaining. Which ex Angel members. I talk to Frank and Punky on occasion through social media. Met them recently 3 different shows. Risen tour twice. Once upon a time tour 1 time. Rick Derringer? Was he the guitarist or was Kerry King?

[@bobbyw1510]

@@kelvynification was Adrian there when you auditioned 4 Mike??

[@sl4983]

This is SO fascinating. Thank you. He's in incredible shape.

[@Brooklynbabe78]

Exactly he's in amazing shape for 71

[@Lucyverre]

Elk jaar stem ik op dit nummer voor de top 2000 ❤️

[@roseakarosiehweinstein3216]

About time thanks so much for your contribution

[@Lucyverre]

@@roseakarosiehweinstein3216 why, thank you 😂

[@roseakarosiehweinstein3216]

@@Lucyverre my pleasure Hun

[@Lucyverre]

@@roseakarosiehweinstein3216 😁

[@scotttimothy64]

One of the absolute greatest songs of all time

[@stevenordstedt2535]

I saw the Baby’s play in 1981. At the LA Colosseum, they kicked Ass!

[@sl4983]

That must be the year I saw them, in Northern California! And yes they did!

[@janetmoore5645]

You guys are wonderful. Still today.

[@fibonaccifanzeroviews7839]

Radar Love is a must!

[@luisvaldes1568]

Just heard the song on AM Coast to Coast radio show as buffer music. Have not heard it in decades.

[@williesnyder2899]

These guys played the State Theater in Mpls c. 1978. It was probably John Waite, but someone said, “Whoever’s into the band, Come Up On Stage!!” So my buddies and I did. I felt like a fool, but it was pretty special also! Brush with…well, not fame . . . but ??

[@kennydavis4285]

This song is timeless and never boring. I could listen everyday and enjoy this masterpiece.

[@machstem2536]

Rock and roll at its best

[@digzat]

My big headphones back in the day kept this tune on repeat ❤

[@bobbyw1510]

Those pillow ear cushions was a sealant. Miss mine too bro!

[@peterthomas22]

In relation to the three female backing singers in this song, i can't work out who the beautiful one is, as referenced by John.

[@reneotten7376]

It was my mother. Please remove your comment.

[@peterthomas22]

@@reneotten7376 I don't believe my comment is offensive, i think the backing singers are all attractive, more importantly, they sounded like they are good singers, i just didn't quite get his comment.

[@rhyfeddu]

He didn't say the other 2 weren't beautiful, just that they were more conservative church goers. Based on the longer hair and the silky top I'm guessing Waite was referring to the singer in middle as being the "slinky, sexy" one.

[@shyman99]

Your mistake is to assume the three women shown in this promotional video are the actual singers on the studio recording. You don't know a lot about showbiz.

[@lonewolfman2312]

One time back when I was growing up as a teenager. I think if I remember right I was 16 or 17. I ended up going to a haircut place I ended up with this woman that also shared her memories of being a haircut lady down in Atlanta. Not only that but she was the hair dresser for Allica Bridges. You know the lady that came out with the song I Love The Nightlife. From Atlanta. I along with my mom and dad rode through there back in 1977. We didn't stay long we only went to the Atlanta Underground. I remember hearing this song Isn't It Time and another songs like Smoke From A Distant Fire by the Sanford and Townsend Band. Maybe this is the reason why I've liked to talk about it a lot over the years. I not only remember hearing these two positive songs I also remember hearing I Feel Love by Donna Summer. Which has been known as a song that's more electronical. Witch music historians say was on of the first songs that led to house music today. At 150 BPM I Feel Love was the fastest disco song of the 70's.

[@brooklynbabe7896]

Cool beans my dear

[@andyroid5028]

_Isn't It Time (Everytime I Think Of You) was part of my adolescence. It was me & my first (grade school) girlfriend's 'song'. That was such a simpler time. : )_

[@Marie791963]

So sweet ❤❤

[@roseakarosiehweinstein3216]

@@Marie791963 very romantic

[@hillbillybeerdranker6678]

It wasn't the name the Babys it was their hit song. You could have named them the shitheads and they would have sold as many records with this song.

[@bobbyyounger7632]

Love The Babys, have all their albums....my first rock concert as a teen, remember it just like it was yesterday.

[@richardmurphy9006]

Looks great 👍 which makes me smile great band lotto soul

[@rzrbckmz23]

First time I heard this song in 1977 I thought "wow" this guy can sing and this is a great song but who is it? Back then many stations never said who the group or singer was. One time they said it and I thought the DJ said "Dayton". Then I finally found who it was and bought the album. I really only liked 4 songs on that album "Broken Heart" but became a lifelong Babys and john Waite fan and still buy all hi stuff to this day. "Isn't it Time" would definitely be in my list of all time favorite songs along with "Back on my feet again" from the great "Union Jacks" album.

[@Hallo-Hallo]

Toen een lekker nummer, nu een lekker nummer! 👍😃

[@heatherhartz9953]

I love this song! Love The Babys!

[@Marlene-zj1ke]

Great song! One of the ones I listened to during my formative years.

[@jhors7777]

Timeless and fabulous song!!!! Thanks for posting this.

[@sentimentalbloke185]

Fantastic arrangement, great melody & excellent vocal.

[@tcwhite0104]

Best songs EVER!!!

[@drmorqWarrenProject]

Great story... THANKS!

[@theresaferguson6735]

We were bombarded by the bee gees then came the babys

[@garychambers5850]

Wow, I never heard this opening song before. But that opening piano riff I wrote in the very early 70's. It starts one of my instrumentals. Cool! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@susanrodgers9222]

I would have loved to have sung backup this song.

[@sharronfoxx69]

💯💯

[@axelsdad821]

Absolutely a Small Faces/Tin Soldier vibe to it... Poor Steve, EVERYONE cribbed him.

[@floyd9312]

The Babies were the quintessential 80's 90's band . They were not given the support that Journey got otherwise they would have been the bigger band. When I was a young man I went to see them in a club in Cleveland Ohio called the Agora. I met them while purchasing tickets at the club for that night show. What a show. I still have a cassette of that live show WMMS 100.7 played at a later date. One of my favorite live recordings ever. I'm going to see John Waite twice in this many years next month. So much talent!

[@marciahenthorn9050]

Why is talent like this so rare? Once in a lifetime talent; like Elvis!

[@MrTrashcan1]

This, and Every Time I Think Of You--their two biggest hits--were written by Conrad & Kennedy (notice not mentioned by Waite in this video), but I do give the Babys credit for a great arrangement and performance.

[@kerriarista]

My favorite male vocalist of that era. I always thought they shoulda been a way bigger deal.

[@brooklynbabe7896]

Too cool John Waite is going to tell his side of the story perfect thank you so much hunny🇺🇸🇮🇱🇸🇭🇯🇲🇮🇪🇬🇧🇮🇪🇸🇭🇦🇩😇🤗😘💕

[@theodoreconstantini2548]

A classic .

[@harryflash5202]

Small Faces - yes. That is what it sounds like.

[@bobbyw1510]

They are mountain above small faces. The Baby's are better than Zeppelin and the Beatles combined.

[@PeterJVogel]

Fantastic song. Perfect marriage of pop and soul.

[@BobSchoepenjr]

Look at him, did’nt change a bit except for the colour of his hair…

[@andrewferguson3535]

What a singer 👏

[@briangoodspeed8807]

Why are the Supremes singing backups?

[@curtismoff]

never knew he was a marriot fan too cool