Customer Reviews

Union Jacks (24bt)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's hard for me to rate a Babys album, because I like everything they've done and would still love to find CDs of 3 albums I've got that seem to be unavailable. On UNION JACKS, the Babys expanded to a 5 piece band and allowed John Waite to front the band and give up his bass playing duties. I actually enjoyed seeing him play and sing live, which I was able to do 3 times. Without all the effects and extravagant stage shows the Babys were alive with excitement. Their sound was as sharp live as on the albums.

With this disc, Ricky Phillips stepped in on bass and Jonathan Caine came aboard to play keyboards and guitars in concert, since many of their songs had a distinct 2 guitar sound when Michael Corby was with them. Jonathan Caine also brought an immense song writing talent with him, as well as an excellent voice. There isn't a Baby's recording that has a bad song on it. The measure has always been how many great songs there were and this disc just didn't stack up to HEAD FIRST or BROKEN HEART. It probably deserves better than 4 stars, though!

The best tracks are "Midnight Rendevouz", "True Love, True Confessions", "Back on My Feet Again', and "Union Jacks". These should have all been hits, but Chrysalis [failed] in their support of the Babys! Other strong tracks include "Jesus Are You There", "Turn Around in Tokyo", and "Anytime". As with all Babys releases, the music is straight forward and without gimmicks, which is what makes is so good. It's just not cluttered up with nonsense! UNION JACKS will play over and over on your stereo and you'll wonder why you never heard more of it before. Prove to yourself that the best music doesn't always make it to the radio; become a Union Jack.

After the extemely successful 1978's "Head First", The Babys continued their growing success as a band with 1980's "Union Jacks". Adding extremely talented songwriter and keyboardist Jonathan Cain along with bassist Ricky Phillips, the group delivered a solid 9-song album that had the huge hits "Back On My Feet Again" and "Midnight Rendezvous" constantly blaring from FM radio stations.

John Waite again shines brightly with his vocal prowess and shows continued versatility throughout as this album differs just a bit from the previous as it takes a very successful, overall harder power pop posture primarily dominated from the masterful keyboard power of the talented Cain. That combined with a growing maturity in their songwriting helped with the inclusion of Cain as well as Phillips proved "Union Jacks" another winner!

THEIR BEST RECORDING, BUT YOU CAN'T GET IT BECAUSE IT IS OUT OF PRINT. THERE SHOULD BE NO SUCH THING AS AN OUT OF PRINT ALBUM. SO WHAT, IF THE ARTIST IS NOT MAKING MILLIONS OFF THE OLD RECORDING ANYMORE. THERE ARE ALWAYS PEOPLE OUT THERE THAT WOULD LIKE TO OWN A COPY OF THIS WITHOUT PAYING A FORTUNE FOR IT ON THE USED MARKET, LIKE I DID!!!!

I have always been a fan of british music, eg UFO Sweet Def Leppard, and The Babys were one of my favourites. I ordered their CDs through a music shop in Australia about ten years ago only to find out they had recently been deleted and were unavailable. Imagine my delight to see they had all been released again. The new liner notes are excellent as are the photos, my only gripe is, that unlike many rereleased CDs these days, there are no "bonus track" such as demo versions or alternate versions of tracks off the CD or dare we hope a track or two which previously never saw the light of day. All I need now is Rovers Return and Mask of Smiles and my John Waite collection will be complete. Its just a shame that such a brilliant band as The Babys only gave us 5 albums.

This album was a new begining for The Babys as they again tried to enter mainstream rock and roll. John Waite gave up playing bass to Ricky Phillips in favor of being the front man, lead singer. They also replced Michael Corby with Jonathon Cain, who would later go to Journey. All in all it's a solid album with some familiar radio songs,( Back on my feet again and Midnight rendezvous), and a few jems that never quite hit the airways (Anytime, True love, true confessions, and In your eyes). The Babys opened for Journey on the Union Jacks tour and stole the show nightly. I know, I was there. Although this album is true 70's pop, it's a must for any and all Babys fans, it's John Waite and the boys at their best. Truly a find on CD.

When this record came out i was into progressive rock ( yes, genesis, elp, pink floyd )I was 14 . my cousin had a copy and i laughed at the name of the band and cover, i never heard about the babys before so i played the record just by curiosity and whaaaaam !!!! i just loved it instantly . i felt so strange because i was into " more advanced rock " but i couldnt stop hearing this record . in fact boston and the babys are to this time my favourite pop/rock bands of all time . this record is so good , great compositions and a unique sound . great band .

I had this album when It first came out . I wore out the cassette and needed another one. Amazon was the only place I could find it. One of the best Babys albums Ive ever owed.

I've searched for this CD for a long time. I bought the album when it came out in 1980 and saw the Babys tour in April 1980. For many years I could not listen to this since finding it on Tape or CD was near impossible. After I decided to part with my money and got this, I could kick my rear for not doing it sooner. There are several great songs on here that Classic Rock Radio could use. It's really too bad the Babys have not reformed as a band. If you want to hear some great tunes I suggest you get this.

Looks like I'm not the only one who's been waiting for this to re-release. I pre-ordered this from Amazon but when they did not send it on release day and informed me it was back-ordered I bought it from the record label's website and had it in two days with free shipping from London. This is the Baby's best. Disregard the item description as it is for their last album On The Edge (also a good one and also re-released at the same time.

1980 - Chrysalis Records

Songs Include :

Back On My Feet Again

True Love True Confession

Midnight Rendezvous

Union Jack

In Your Eyes

Anytime

Jesus Are You There

Turn Around In Tokyo

Love Is Just A Mystery