The Babys - Union Jacks (1980) [2009 Rock Candy Remastered]

“Union Jacks“, The Babys’ fourth – and perhaps best album – produced by Keith Olsen (Foreigner, Whitesnake), heralded a change to not only their sound but also their line-up.

Introducing keyboardist Jonathan Cain (later to join Journey and Bad English) and bassist Ricky Phillips (also a future member of Bad English) to the fold, the band tweaked their style, introducing a punchier and dynamic edge.

In addition, both of the new members collaborated with songwriting, which helped to propel the band into a new, almost more modern, era but that is not to say they left their rockin’ shoes at home. Far from it.
Stuffed full of tough-guy riffs and brilliantly emotive vocals from John Waite, the album oozes sophistication but retains a rough-hewn urgency that keeps the energy firmly in the red zone.

“Union Jacks” birthed yet another top thirty US hit single, the anthemic “Back On My Feet Again”, cementing The Babys reputation as one of the greatest melodic hard rock bands of the period.


Tracks:

01 – Back On My Feet Again
02 – True Love True Confession
03 – Midnight Rendezvous
04 – Union Jacks
05 – In Your Eyes
06 – Anytime
07 – Jesus, Are You There?
08 – Turn Around In Tokyo
09 – Love Is Just A Mystery

Personnel:

John Waite: Lead Vocals
Wally Stocker: Guitar
Ricky Phillips: Bass
Jonathan Cain: Keyboards
Tony Brock: Drums