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.

[@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.

[@asyyz]

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

[@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.

[@RobMeulman]

John Waite is a truly great singer!

[@ILoveLauriePartridge]

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

[@liproco]

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

[@DrUmRbOy67]

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

[@Umskiddy]

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

[@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.........

[@kryptiea]

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

[@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.

[@LeathanL]

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

[@a0b0]

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

[@AL454]

Those background singers totally bring the goosebumps for me.

[@bama3417]

This never get's old.

[@adam872]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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........

[@mredfern]

The background singers put this song over the top

[@perpetual61]

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

[@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!

[@dawgberto]

Absolute '70s pop perfection.

[@timjonesart]

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

[@calalilygirl]

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

[@kaylamickel6284]

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

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@noreply30510]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@victoriaindigo]

His backup singers are superb as well

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@tomterahedrob]

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

[@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!

[@Lancaster300]

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

[@phillygdead79]

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

[@teacherB32]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@mikeknight4u]

Awesome song. John Waite freakin ROCKS!!

[@MusicLover80able]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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..............

[@gxcvpl1]

Excellent song and what a voice!!

[@roheng57]

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

[@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.

[@gabrieljpaul]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@tdhbard2002]

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

[@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.

[@DenPay]

It was the summer of 79 or 80. I was 12yrs old and I went to the broward(dade) county fair. The BABYS played. I was glued. Yeah I was into KISS and all that ,but The BABYS made me pay attention.. I do remember it was loud.. That was the show that made me love LIVE music..

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!!!

[@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.

[@Zoltan3939]

I wish this band was still together

[@debowiec3]

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

[@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 !!!!!!

[@AntipodeanStar]

I was listening to the radio today. It was a critical look at what the "corporates" have done to music. Basically, they killed it out of greed. They want the same thing over & over again. They stopped creativity and experimentation that spawns sensational tracks like 'Isnt it time'. Now whats happening is, the younger generations are buying the stuff we listened to in the 70s & 80s. 50% of all music sold is established artists. So, do you think the corporates would learn from their mistakes? NO!

[@kvhonk1]

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

[@rin3guy]

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

[@BotoxBlues]

Man I wish these guys could just record these songs again...Hell forget about seeing eachother if they can't do it... Just record sperate parts in the studio. Everyone does it.... Too many memories flow with these tunes. The ORIGINAL line up founded by Corby is AWESOME. Wally, Tony c'mon talk to those guys... Guys do this befire it is too late... ISN'T IT TIME??

[@MrZippyzipzip]

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

[@mariosaphie]

Que recuerdos yo tenia 16 años año 78 playa la herradura Lima Peru, y recien empezaba a correr tabla eran mis primeras entradas en el point de la herradura, cuando salia estabas tu Gabriela con el tocacasset sonando esta lcancion, tu esperandome toda la tarde que termine de correr Feliz por que me amabas, ahora que no estamos juntos solo quiero decirte gracias por esos tiempos que compartimos y que esta cancion nos unio en tantos sunset de la herradura. cuidate y espero estes bien donde estes

[@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!

[@petes3008]

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

[@seventiesization]

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

[@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

[@SouLoveReal]

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

[@rgkrenkel]

One of the best tunes from the 70s!

[@DonnaCord1964]

so definately in lust with this man

[@goesfastandfar]

We will never repeat this great era of music again, sadly...

[@garyda1]

I love the '70's!

[@legallyblonde39]

Oh man...I fell ya ssm3141....there is no such thing as music like this anymore...it's timeless...gosh...the baby's were awesome

[@willetbrooks1]

a truly great piece of seventies music.........

[@zymurgist63]

I love this song! Great vintage video too.

[@bluecatky]

I love the piano interlude on this song

[@pedroortiz69]

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

[@Applebaum]

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

[@Trashfished]

BRAVO!! What a group of awesomeness.

[@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.

[@johnnybronxo9311]

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

[@michaelblount2522]

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

[@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.

[@RodNeufeld]

Wow I forgot about this song....it's great!

[@pilkomut]

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

[@65ecosse]

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

[@Paulvon128]

late 70s was a special time in music. This video proves it.

[@TheFourOfNine44]

My First Year Of High School, Thank You for the memories. I paid $1:10 for this 45rpm single.

[@jds1vette]

The song is great and his look is cool for 70's.