Anthology (Deluxe Version)

Album review

With a voice that was perfect for AOR, John Waite and his band the Babys shared the airwaves with groups like Journey and Foreigner in the late '70s and early '80s. His rock-tender vocals accompanied electric guitar and ample keyboards resulting in some appealing yet not overly flamboyant music. Anthology brings together ten of this band's best songs in a short but concise collection of the Babys' hits. All three of their charted songs are here, including "Isn't It Time" and "Every Time I Think of You," which both peaked at number 13 in 1977 and the latter again two years afterwards. "Back on My Feet Again" also broke the Top 40, hitting number 33 for three weeks in 1980. Each of their five albums are represented on this hits package, and the inclusion of Jonathan Cain on keyboards for 1980's Back on My Feet Again greatly enhanced their music, adding some texture and dimension. Cain, who replaced Mike Corby and bass player Rick Phillips, went on to play with San Francisco's Journey, where his keyboard artistry was better utilized. Although the songs are simply arranged and the lyrics are plain, there is still some music worth hearing among this set, such as the previously unreleased "Money" and the honest sounding "If You've Got the Time." "Turn and Walk Away" has some smooth background singing from Anne Marie Leclerc, and "Head First" is a catchy tune with Waite showing off his clean voice. Even though John Waite had greater success as a solo artist, hitting number one with "Missing You" in 1984, his work with the Babys showcases his talents within a band atmosphere.
© Mike DeGagne /TiVo