THE BABYS - Isn't It Time - John Waite

The Babys, founded by Mike Corby and the late Adrian Millar, from Broken Heart in 1977. Taken direct from U-matic promotional video.
Line-up: vocalist/bassist John Waite, drummer Tony Brock, Keyboard player/guitarist Michael Corby, and guitarist Wally Stocker

[@thenameisbond]

John Waite is one of rock's great lead vocalists. Listening to The Babys always takes me back to my youth - a different, naive, time when the world was full of possibilities.

[@asyyz]

I can't believe how lucky I was to be a teenager in the 70's. Thank you God!

[@DA90027]

What beautiful music was made in the 70's. Nothing is this happy or well produced. Today's music is harsh, ugly and grating this stuff made you feel good.

[@timjonesart]

The amazing background singers are Lisa Freeman-Roberts, Myrna Matthews and Pat Henderson of "Andrae Crouch and the Disciples".

[@RUSHFAN1A]

This Band never got it's propers here in the USA . They are one of the better band of the 70's & 80's. John Waite has a great voice. Just Good ole Rock and Roll.

[@mredfern]

The background singers put this song over the top

[@liproco]

John Waite - easily one of the most underrated singers in rock history.

[@DrUmRbOy67]

One of the most underrated bands of all time....

[@RobMeulman]

John Waite is a truly great singer!

[@a0b0]

one of those great songs that should have been a massive hit, still sounds fresh now

[@ILoveLauriePartridge]

One of the better songs of the 70's. Great tune.

[@Umskiddy]

Wow.This guy has a fantastic voice.And the song is perfectly constructed.

[@pnt1204]

"Isn't It Time" was my # 1 song during December 1977, instead of that dumb "You Light Up My Life". I wore that 45 out and will never understand how this song was never a # 1 smash hit on the Billboard charts.

[@adam872]

All things considered this is a cracking tune. That chorus is absolute genius.

[@kryptiea]

great song . The backing singers were really great on this song

[@AL454]

Those background singers totally bring the goosebumps for me.

[@ilovegoodsax]

I feel very blessed to have been born and to have come of age at a time when great tunes like this were playing on the radio. I was 17 and a senior in high school when I first heard this song in the fall of '77. One of my favs of all time! Cried when I heard it on the Coast to Coast bumper a few months back. It had been at least 2 decades. Sweet memories of '77 so long ago came flooding back to me. This is one of the songs that will stay in the recesses of my mind until the day I die.

[@goesfastandfar]

The Babys were such a great band, way more than most would appreciate. Almost orchestrial in composition of some really good songs that are even better today than when written. Their appeal and longevity are a measure that today's songs can't even come close to. The Babys should've been much more popular than they were. This band simply oozes talent galore........

[@goesfastandfar]

Without those great backup singers, the song wouldn't be what it is. They're great!! And of course John Waite dishes out "the force" of it all.........

[@kaylamickel6284]

john waite is an amazing singer like seriously amazing and this song is awesome and a classic

[@LeathanL]

The greatest singer/band you've never heard of. These guys deserve more recognition.

[@bama3417]

This never get's old.

[@vreddy14]

The Babys were an awesome band. I miss those school days. There was a time when musicians rocked instruments and songwriters told a meaningful story

[@NativeMoon]

I was really struggling today and couldn't get out of bed. My alarm sounded and this song was on the radio - and the spirit really moved me. Hadn't heard this in years and downloaded it first thing. They just don't do 'em like this anymore. Truly brilliant piece of music that withstands the test of time. I can face the day now.

[@perpetual61]

As a Teen in the 70's We sure Lucky to have Real Music with such Talented Musicians.

[@dawgberto]

Absolute '70s pop perfection.

[@romac53]

This song has always had me in the grips of of it's shifting tempo and impact. From tender and pleading to bold and driving it is a formidable mix. Thanx for posting this gem of a song.

[@kate72paul]

The Babys are really good - this is a great song. How about those girls? I'm not sure if they're part of The Babys, but they're fundamental to the success of this song.

[@gabrieljpaul]

Who the hell knew this was the guy that sang that great 80's tune "Missing You"?

[@noreply30510]

One of a kind voice. Love the Babys and John Waite

[@JoviAngel60]

I have always loved this song. I think John Waite is one of the best vocalists I have ever heard! A lot of people from the 80's don't know that he fronted this band tho. They did have some awesome songs! nothing from today can compare in my book anyway!

[@calalilygirl]

I think I miss the 70's. Possibly the last really great decade.

[@davidlawrence7299]

I never realized how much I liked this band until I hadn't heard their music for a decade or so. They all looked so young back then as I once was. The Babys music still holds it's own nowadays and always will I think. This is one of the best songs I've ever heard even to this day. You can't argue with perfection,its as simple as that. John Waite is my vote for the smoothest voice of any front man period, the guy can sing anything and make it sound great.

[@coolhandlewd]

I seen John play a few weeks back in Dallas. Not sure how he would sound but me and the friends I were with were blown away. He and his band still produce a great sound. I wasn't sure he could pull this song off without his 3 female vocalist but they did and it was very good.

[@rocketman63]

Whoa... HAPPENING bass line, John Waite! I'm surprised no one has picked up on the nice fat groove he laid down while he was crooning the smooth vocals.... And I just love the hotties singing backup vocals. The Babys were underrated for sure.

[@garyda1]

A perfect blend of rock and r&b, one of the best singles of all time!

[@tomterahedrob]

perfect tune,The piano is absolutely haunting,strikes a chord in my soul.

[@kissfox5]

The backup singers are flawless! I wish today's music included more female African American backup singers. The '70s music (to me) just nailed music perfectly. I love your comment!!!

[@victoriaindigo]

His backup singers are superb as well

[@phillygdead79]

what a great voice.. even us deadheads appreciated a great love song.....really good song

[@MusicLover80able]

I think this song deserved to go much higher than #13 on Billboard, I wish it had made the Top 5 instead

[@Lancaster300]

This is a true masterpiece of musical composition. It was always going to be a hit. Current wannabe's take note.

[@BotoxBlues]

You know how they say that some songs are just made by a certain instrument. Well it is the keyboard playing and arrangement in this tune that gives it the melocholic, timelessness that stays with you forever. God I live this song and the memories it brings back. Corby was a genious and he put together an awesome band, It would manna from heaven if they could see fit to give it a go again!! C'mon Michael!! The orignal Babys was a band that many feared would dethrone them!! Awesome Band!! ITUNES!

[@teacherB32]

My uncle graduated from high school in 77 and said this song was the jam!

[@usaSAVAGE]

John made a brilliant move to with these awesome back up soul sister singers as well, they are fantastic. and added a fluid blend of Male/Female emotion to the song.

[@legomovies64]

I heard this song today on the radio. Its great to see that it still gets airplay. I loved it then and I love it now. Thanks for the video.

[@soloist777]

This is a beautiful song, it still gives me "goosies" after all these years and takes me back to my high school years. Beautiful!

[@1Milwinmils]

A classic song by a class act group across the pond.I never got the chance to see The Babys but believe me I know all their songs by heart.This video gives me goosebumps.Outstanding preformance.

[@roquey44]

Dude, you ain't lying!!! I listen to some of the stuff that came out around the late 70's to early 80's and it damn near makes me cry. It was just so good. R & B, pop, jazz, . . . it was just great musicianship churning out hits. I think of "Boogie Wonderland" by Earth, Wind and Fire, "Stomp" by the Bros Johnson, "More Love" with Kim Carnes, "Isn't it time" . . . One thing that really effected if you grew up in the 70's was the horns. Horns and violins added a flavor that's not there 2day.

[@mikeknight4u]

Awesome song. John Waite freakin ROCKS!!

[@Doobie1975]

For some odd reason this song takes me back to the wee hours of August 30th, 1997 when I've had trouble sleeping and had the radio on to my favorite station and this song was playing, I also remember they played other great songs like Styx's "Babe" & Foreigner's "Waiting For A Girl Like You" that night and it was one of the rare nights where it was worth having trouble sleeping.

[@jowaite5735]

And come on, with out Michael Corby's stunning Hammond playing there would be a lot less in this song to make it such the tremendous performance it is - and his reward for putting this timeless band together and the breakthrough that this song caused for all their efforts? He got summarily sacked - from his own band! Can anyone explain how this made any sense? They were never the same again. My brother is a great singer, that bridge is almost the 9th wonder of the world,but Corby made it for me

[@seventiesization]

The was the the best time in music. John Waite is an incredible singer. Not like the add water and mix and voila! Instant pop star manufactured to act by pushing a button. This is real talent.

[@NicBunnymen]

TOTALLY AGREE...John's voice is THE smoothest. Me too, I never realized how much I liked this band and still do, I constantly play their albums on my hi-fi. Take care David. Babys forever.

[@tdhbard2002]

I remember the first time I heard this song...was blown away, amazing sound, harmonies and composition...still moves me

[@gxcvpl1]

Excellent song and what a voice!!

[@roheng57]

Brings back so many memories, bring back the 70's

[@goesfastandfar]

Man, John Waite sure could/can sing! What range and powerful voice! An unforgettable song that ranked among the best. He was able to touch the soul, and the back-up singers are stellar. Brings back some great memories..............

[@apfelprincess45]

Songs like these determined the direction that music (some of which is not even close to music) takes today. This stuff is classic. Truly glad I got to experience this when it was on the charts and not just here in its archival glory. John Waite rocks!!!!

[@MrWallygator2]

Oh, MAN!!! There were so many singles from great songwriters like Waite (e.g., Eric Carmen comes to mind) on the radio against other most established bands, but Waite pulled it off for me. It was obvious he had what it took to write many more like this one--and he did so. I always loved "Head First" also--the Babys were cool!

[@erich84502x]

He still performs this song

[@1alexkeeper]

John Waite ,Phil Moog and Ben Orr, in my book , the coolest of rock stars we ever had, thanks for sharing this premium memory!

[@pedroortiz69]

AWESOME SONG IT DOES BRING BACK MEMORIES FROM MY HIGH SCHOOL YEARS !

[@heapy254]

an absolute classic !! never get tired of hearing it. was on my car cassette player in '77reminds me of a girl from long , long ago ...my first real love. The Babys were brilliant and Mr Waite is the voice . Still going strong at 60. Brilliant singer/song writer.

[@petes3008]

This is such a gr8 song.Bring's back the good old day's.

[@katpudda]

Love the way the piano melody just draws you in, drummer kicks butt too. But what's with the blue eye shadow J.W.? Great vocals, great song--the good ole days were really good! One of a kind group!

[@Doobie1975]

Great song, this song and "Every Time I Think Of You" are so much better than John Waite's solo hit "Missing You" IMO, I don't understand why the radio stations constantly play "Missing You" all the time yet barely play this song and "Every Time" on the radio.

[@pacmanindy]

John Waite, at that time, looked like David Bowie in the Ziggy Stardust days, and Mike Corby was an reincarnation of Marc Bolan! Except Bolan had dark eyes, and Corby's was blue. In the same year of the record (1977), Bolan was killed in a car accident in England, and Bowie was releasing a song called "Heroes." Poor Corby got sacked from the group a year later!!!

[@NatureGirl62]

As a big UFO fan, I must say that Mogg never went to the extreme that Waite and Bowie did in terms of gender bending. But, with that said, I love them all, and am thrilled that they're all alive and well. Mogg turns 65 in 2013 and is still going strong, touring and writing. One of the most underrated rock writers of all time.

[@whitewitchoz]

It seems like every few years I find another good song from the 70s. How can so much good music have come out of that one decade. It does'nt stop.

[@manthakev]

some of you know nothing about music this a fantastic bit of music from the 70's and i'd know so get a life all of you

[@rin3guy]

This fantastic song reached #13 in 1977, as did their follow-up hit in 1978, "Every Time I Think of You."

[@62view]

I love this. I was 13. Late 70's were rough for me, but this tune helped me right through it. Thanks for putting it up here.

[@John923T]

Amazing song, the lyrics always got to me. The back up singers bring it all together I am partial to the one in the middle...can't tell by the dress if she has a figure or pregnant, in any case love her anyway. Tony Brock has a Keyboard station that kicks...hey wait a minute where are the horns I hear them but I don't see em ??? Wha Happannn ??? Still in all a great song, from a great time John kicks it off on vocals. I enjoy the blooper reload at the end. Peace 2 ya

[@Applebaum]

sick backing vocalists....i love the verses of this song he has a wicked voice

[@82sweetheart]

Falling in love could be your mistake ~ but it's one worth making

[@robeast9009]

Good band

[@Trashfished]

BRAVO!! What a group of awesomeness.

[@kissfox5]

The awesome backup singers are known as The Babettes. I just spent a while doing research on them and, sadly, there seems to be very little on the internet about them. A KZbin search shows even less. There is a cartoon feature of The Babettes but it's a cartoon which seems to have been produced within the last few years. Like you, I can't imagine this song (or the other Babys songs) without these great ladies.

[@kvhonk1]

from the fall of 1977..man I love the piano,the girls and when the horns come in..just a great song

[@MrZippyzipzip]

This is what is known as an addictive hook!! I remember bopping with my afro to this as a young boy.

[@seventiesization]

Love this tune. Man I remember this as if it were yesterday. Love John Waite's voice and look.

[@mudlogger56]

This is my Number #1 favourite ever. #2 is Everytime I think of You, also by this farking awesome band. John Waite is the man!... well... i can only assume that he is.

[@65ecosse]

Such a great, timeless song. Love the backing singers too!

[@Zoltan3939]

I wish this band was still together

[@raiderdanCA]

The little piece starts so calm and easy ... then EXPLODES thru John and the Girls ... I'd like to see the 3rd stanza go for about 10 more minutes !! BAM !!!!!!

[@mikecatadjuster]

Perfectly orchestrated song. Wow, I love the keyboard and background female vocal come down. And John Waite was such cool vocals. Wow! I hummed this song last night and tried to place it. Finally did. Glad youtube is here.

[@blackestcat1111]

cooliest thing ever hes playing at a little club here where i live (redondo bch,cali ) im sooo excited maybe he will sing this song -if my drunk ass yells it out loud enough ha ha ha cnt wait

[@thomaslopez3663]

THIS IS FOR YOU!You know who you are!

[@michaelblount2522]

Excellent tune. Most excellent. I've been looking for this for a while. Brings back memories

[@pilkomut]

Brilliant song from a brilliant year! Many happy memories!! Thanks

[@rgkrenkel]

One of the best tunes from the 70s!

[@DIRTYBOY33460]

this album, Broken Heart, is one of my all time favorites... love the whole thing which was rare for back then. can listen to it all day and although the band didn't write this song it is my favorite by them .... love john waites tight movin on jeans too...

[@kittykooky]

Love love love this song, and the drummer was so gorgeous : )

[@johnnybronxo9311]

Great Song, Excellent, and the Back up singers give it flair...

[@smokeyanthony]

I remember hearing this one on the radio, when I was so young. It's still my favorite from The Babys.

[@zymurgist63]

I love this song! Great vintage video too.

[@debowiec3]

Bestest song of Waite's and Babys....no doubt!

[@kaskraker]

His voice is awsome :O when he starts raising his voice before the back vocals sing makes me smile :P

[@SouLoveReal]

Great backup singers. I recognize the one to our (viewers) left as one of the Hutchinson Sisters, aka The Emotions (Jeanette, I believe).