The Babys – Remasters
Rock Candy Records
www.rockcandyrecords.com

Rating:
Head First:     B
Union Jacks:   B
On the Edge:  C           

Rock Candy has released three of the most important albums in The Babys’ catalog.  The band, who tend to be forgotten outside of melodic rock circles, were a much more adult sounding band than their name would imply.  In fact, the band, pardon the pun, gave birth to two of the most successful pop icons of the 1980's in vocalist John Waite and keyboard player Jonathan Cain.  Waite went on to a successful solo career, as well as a stint with Journey’s Neal Schon in super group Bad English.  Cain, also teamed up with Schon, but as a member of Journey, first appearing on the bands’ classic Escape album, and having a huge hit with The Babys rejected “Open Arms.”

Head First is often considered the best album the band ever released.  The mega hit “Every Time I Think of You” practically invented the syrupy ballad that contemporaries’ Journey, Foreigner and Cheap Trick would implement into their song arsenal in the 80's.  “Head First” was a strong rocker that kept the ball of success rolling on for the band.   

Union Jacks is a true gem.  Waite gives his strongest vocal performance on “Back on My Feet Again,” a song that was a minor hit, but should have been Top 10.  The album showcases The Babys’ sound, which is pop oriented and radio friendly, but with enough chops to attract hard rock fans, as well as teeny bopper lovesick girls.  Other standout tracks on Union Jacks include “Midnight Rendezvous,” “Turn Around in Tokyo” and “Jesus, Are You There?” 

On the Edge was a very appropriately titled album, as the bomb was set and ticking toward exploding.  The Babys could not keep it together and were swallowed up by their success.  In retrospect, it was probably a case of a couple of members being held back by less talented band mates.  It was inevitable that Waite and Cain move onto bigger and better things.  That said, On the Edge still featured solid songwriting and even dawned a huge hit for the band in the song, “Turn and Walk Away.”   

Each of the releases is remastered and features in-depth liner notes, featuring interviews with John Waite and a track-by-track analysis from the vocalist, himself.  Rock Candy is doing an amazing job, and actually improves each album, in terms of sound and packaging, from the original.   

– Jeb Wright