The Babys - 'Silver Dreams: Complete Albums 1975-1980'

(Cherry Red Records)

The Babys are probably best known as the band that introduced the world to John Waite and I can never hear that name without ‘Missing You’ immediately playing in my head. I’m a huge fan of Waite’s solo work and his distinctive soulful vocals, like most Melodic Rock genre fans though it’s his albums with Bad English that stand out as highlights of his long and varied career.

The Baby’s had way more success in America than they did in their native homeland of England. Once you hear their music it’s easy to hear why they found more success in America and understand why the uninitiated would assume they were an American band. They have a very typical sound of late seventies soft rock bands, especially within the American scene, think along the lines of similar era REO Speedwagon. Songs with a rocky edge but never heavy and strong blues elements which Waite’s vocals emphasis.

Many may see these albums as an embryonic stage of Waite’s career but that would be a disservice to The Babys who produced some fantastic albums and are a great band in their own right with a musical legacy to be proud of.

This package contains the five Babys albums plus a live album coupled with their unreleased, unofficial debut album. It’s certainly value for money especially as the albums all feature a good chunk of bonus tracks. There’s a ton of Blues on show in the groove of the guitars and Waite’s soulful vocals. There is a natural progression in the sound style of the albums as the band evolves and they do become more pop and less bluesy on the final two albums, but that blues core is always there. Jonathan Cain (Journey) joined the band for their final two albums and his keyboard style and song writing does seem very noticeable to me and is probably where the bands strong pop edge comes from on their final albums.

There is some great song writing on these albums which sees Waite starting his career at a very high standard, rather than a learning curve that leads to his later worldwide success that many unfamiliar with the band may assume. This package is essential for Waite fans but if you’re not but enjoy the seventies era these albums may just surprise you. The Babys are probably the best band no one knows!

10/10

Review By Woody