Customer Reviews

Ignition

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Originally released in 1982, Ignition was the debut solo album from singer John Waite after the breakup of the Babys. Waite essentially picked up right where the Babys left off, issuing an album of upbeat, made for radio pop/rock/AOR with a slight new wave vibe.

Ignition is one of those albums that you enjoy while you're listening to it, but can't remember very clearly once it's over. There's nothing that really sticks in your head like some of Waite's Babys/Bad English hits. It's a perfectly good album, and a good representative of the early 80's pop/rock scene, but compared to what Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, and Aldo Nova were releasing at the time, it just didn't make a big enough impression.

Of course, Waite would achieve greater success with his follow-up album No Brakes, which included the top ten hit Missing You. His tenure with Bad English at the decade's end would also result in platinum success.

Bad English fans checking out Waite's solo material might find this album a bit too pop-oriented for their tastes, but Babys fans and early 80's AOR enthusiasts should be quite happy with it.

NOTE: Ignition was reissued in 2001 by One Way Records as a 2-on-1 with No Brakes. It was also reissued with remastered sound and expanded liner notes in 2006 by Rock Candy.

Although he'd done stellar work with the Babys, John's solo breakout proved to be a nearly-perfect release.
I honestly cannot find a song on here that I do not enjoy. I hesitate to say that this is Mr. Waite's finest effort, because as a whole, his output since this, even including the 2000's, has been essential. Yet this is a perfect collection of songs.
"White Heat" is a perfect opener for this. Great energy to set the tone for the whole.
"Change" is simply a perfect song. Hear it yourself; you'll now know what to compare music to. Energy, urgency, power, control, quality, production to compliment your material. Three-way-tie with 'Mr. Wonderful' & 'I'm Still in Love' for best on the CD. Definitely the radio star.
"Mr. Wonderful" was John's choice for the first single, and it is so obviously a superior tune. Perfect tune, perfect delivery.
"Going to the Top" kind of a bridge between 50's ballad right into the 80's. A sense of urgency which runs through the whole LP.
"Desperate Love" a great song, with almost frantic urgency, almost a trademark stamp of 80's rock, at least the more-memorable stuff. Very memorable and enjoyable.
"Temptation" is a standout of this release. Intricate musically and quite original. Great lyrics, great message for all lovers to adhere to.
"Be My Baby Tonight" Great riffs, great vibe, very enjoyable rocker.
"Make it Happen" almost a throw-off, but has something worth hearing again.
"I'm Still in Love" Wow, now that I re-listen to this, this is one of John's better songs throughout his career. GREAT lyrics, great vibe, perfect production, another song which is custom-made for John's forte, which is introspective review, pleading of intent and spiritual comfort.
"Wild Life" John's first SOLO example of the basic rock which he feels comfortable with, but not really his best specialty. A good choice as a closer.

Change, Mr. Wonderful, Temptation, I'm Still In Love, Be My Baby Tonight; all undeniable reasons to OWN this CD.
This is a near-perfect CD and a great showcase for Mr. Waite's talents. It includes 10 quality songs which stand out above so much junk of so many decades. Appreciate the quality.

John Waite's "Ignition" is a great CD. I don't love all the songs on it, but the songs I do love I REALLY love. I had this cassette forever, and I am so glad that the CD is available because hearing several of the songs on "Ignition" brought a smile to my face and had me singing along. If you like John Waite, you HAVE to get this.

As one of the world's all time greatest rock vocalists John Waite has served a career filled to the brim with as many near misses as genuine hits. Born In Lancashire, England, Waite first achieved popularity and success fronting ex-pat hard rockers the Babys, notching up two top 20 US hit singles before breaking up the group to launch a solo career....a path that would see him score a US #1 single in 1984 with the plaintiff yet hugely powerful 'Missing You'. 'Ignition', John's debut solo album, was recorded in New York City in late 1981 and reflects a man awash with brave ideas and ruthless musical conviction. Up-beat, bristling with determination and extremely hard rocking, the songs reflect a man on a mission, delivered with one of the most concise productions of the era (courtesy of Pat Benatar guitarist Neil Geraldo).
Widely acknowledged as Waite's greatest (certainly hardest hitting) album 'Ignition gets the full Rock Candy re-issue treatment with a remastering clarity that will resolutely and undeniably confirm Waite's position as a rock vocalist extraordinaire. Now Thats a Review...............Plagerised But True

in my point of view, this album is the best of john waite solo efforts.

If you want to jump-start your day, try this CD. It is refreshing, jazzy, heartfelt rock-n-roll. John Waite has a strong voice that is pleasant to the ear, his lyrics are such that you find yourself singing them with meaning and the music flows making this CD a five star! Enjoy! I've inserted a link on purchasing this CD. . . it's worth the cash. . . Ignition

Great work.
Not too many soft songs:it's still rocking,not like the new stuff released after bad english.A lot of great songs like the unusual Mr Wonderfull.
I've seen him live in Holland on the two dates.
The only song from bad english was "when I see u smile"...a pity..
According to what Frontiers label says,he is gonna make energic rock.
It could be a good news but Waite added with no synth just stripped music....not sure this will please his fans.
A pity because this guy still has a wonderfull voice and his shows are worth seeing even if he is playing too many soft songs...