Customer Reviews

Babys / Broken Heart

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When do these two albums get released individually? Releasing them as a two-fer may be a good deal, but it is rather an insult. These recordings by the original line-up of The Babys were THE best ones! So was their demo work on the "Official-Unofficial" first album that was released on CD earlier this year. All the stuff that came after Michael Corby's departure was mere corporate product. Even John Waite's solo material for the most part was mediocre. The songs on these two albums are better than Waite's number one song "Missing You." The Babys would have been a megaband in the 1980s had it not been ruined by the idiots at Chrysalis!

Of all the 70s pop-rock bands, perhaps no other used string and horn arrangements as effectively as The Babys, and that especially holds true for the 1977 release, Broken Heart. Lead by vocalist John Waite's whispery voice, Broken Heart, which includes the hit, "Isn't It Time", moves along effortlessly from the first track to the last. An emotion-filled mix of intense ballads and smooth rockers, this is one of those albums that after each subsequent listen gets better and better.

All of the songs on this double-album (on one disc) are lovely. The main vocalist, John Waite, had a very strong and distinctive voice; very infectious; makes you wanna sing along. The lead guitarist, Wally Stocker, was by no means a hotshot guitarist ala Schenker or Van Halen, but his solos are very well crafted: short & sweet and from the school of "less-is-more". The Babys never tried to be "deep" or preachy. Their main goal was to write radio-friendly poprock songs and they did a very good job of it. If you like Steve Perry-era Journey, then you will probably like The Babys. Great singing. Great tunes. Lots of soft & hard contrasts.

With this disc you get the first 2 U.S. releases by the Babys. There's a lot of great music here that didn't make the Anthology CD. My fave is "Looking for Love". The Broken Heart portion of this set contains no yawners. You will have to deal with strings and acoustics, but the performances and production here cannot be exceeded. There are two songs here that even made it into the top 10. I know that means this is a pop album, but that's how you made your money and got airplay to sell your record! The price here is fantastic! If you've heard the Babys before and don't have these your collection is incomplete. If you're new to the Babys try this or Head First. Get ready for something that you will listen to more than just occasionally.

Made in USA in 2001, Serial# 72435-31510-2-7, Playing Time 77:28

This disc combines all tracks from the band's first 2 albums, 1976's "The Babys" and 1977's "Broken Heart". Some interesting liner notes from a few band members.

The first 10 tracks feature the UK quartet in an attempt at commercial rock, and combines a mixture of rockers and ballads: some songs are quite decent, but overall, too many weak spots.

The last 10 tracks demonstrate some improvements, both in the arrangements and songwriting, and starts to pave the way to some of their upcoming (and, in my opinion, much superior) material. Perhaps still a bit uneven in energy, you'll notice the group is getting more fluent in both genres.

Sure, the music sounds a bit dated, but can still reach out and introduce you to some great songs. There's something for everyone on the CD, and the disc is a good buy for the novice (or those of us looking to retire their vinyl). If you've already got their other discs, you may find these albums a bit "plain", but every group must begin somewhere...

I can't believe the bozo's that gave these albums three stars. There's no accounting for taste !
These albums are the best the Babys ever did. As a matter of fact, i didn't buy another babys album after these because everything i heard from here on in was downhill.
Get these two , and then John Waite's "No Brakes" . You'll hear the best from these guys , before big business took over, and the rot set in !

The first two albums by this British group that found success the other side of the Atlantic.

There was a feeling that the first album was overproduced and Waite's voice often sounds like there was no mike near him. Laura is the haunting ballad that is perhaps their finest song.

Broken Heart contains Wrong or Right a classic she loves someone else song. "I'm Falling" has rich orchestration and controlled guitar.

"Golden Mile" highlights the voice of Waite in contrast to the distant strains in the production of their first album.

Popular music had little to offer from around this time and the Babys filled the gap.

I can't believe that it is finally available on CD - available at a price, but available all the same. I wore my vinyl copy of Broken Hearts out in 1979. This is simply one of the better albums of the mid 1970's - great guitars, great songwriting, great singing. The best thing about Broken Hearts is that it was great when I was a teenager, and even better now. Very few albums from my youth actually stand the test of time, but this one makes the grade.

been a baby's fan since they first came out. they never got the attention they should have. love all their albums, although there are a few songs throughout their history that aren't great, most are well worth the listen.

Both of these are GREAT albums. The Babys were so overlooked and it is great to hear their music on CD. My favorite band EVER!