Still in Love With You

The song "Still in Love With You" from John Waite's debut solo album Ignition, released in 1982, captures the raw emotion and rock energy that defined his early solo career. According to Waite, Ignition was his first truly autobiographical album, written during a transformative period when he moved to New York City. In an interview on his official website, Waite described falling in love with the city's gritty edge, meeting new friends, and entering a relationship that lasted eight years. This personal upheaval fueled the album's intensity, with "Still in Love With You" reflecting the heartbreak and defiance of clinging to a fading romance. The song’s lyrics, like “You’ve been livin’ with your broken heart / I’ve been trying hard to play the part,” convey a struggle to mask pain, a theme Waite channeled from his own experiences during this time.

Recorded at the iconic Power Station studio in New York, "Still in Love With You" benefited from the talents of notable musicians, including drummer Frankie LaRocka and bassist Donnie Nossov, who brought a punchy, live feel to the track. Waite’s vocal delivery, described by fans on his official Facebook page as both soulful and urgent, helped make the song a standout on the album. Though it didn’t achieve the chart success of his later hit “Missing You,” the song has been praised by fans on platforms like Amazon for its punk-rock edge and emotional depth, with one reviewer calling it a highlight of Waite’s “height of his powers.” The Ignition album, including this track, was remastered by Rock Candy, enhancing its sound for modern listeners, as noted in customer reviews.

John Waite, born John Charles Waite on July 4, 1952, in Lancaster, Lancashire, England, began his musical journey far from the New York studios where Ignition was born. Raised in a working-class family, Waite developed an early passion for art and music, attending Lancaster Art College. His first taste of fame came as the lead singer and bassist for The Babys, a British rock band he co-founded in 1976. The Babys scored hits like “Isn’t It Time” and “Every Time I Think of You,” both reaching No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, building a loyal following through relentless touring. Waite’s distinctive voice and charismatic stage presence made him a standout, though the band disbanded in 1981 after a freak accident during a performance injured his knee, as detailed on his website.

After The Babys, Waite launched his solo career with Ignition, a bold step that showcased his shift toward a harder-edged, more personal sound. His persistence paid off with his 1984 album No Brakes, featuring the No. 1 hit “Missing You,” cementing his status as a rock icon. Waite later formed the supergroup Bad English with former Babys members and Journey’s Neal Schon, scoring another No. 1 with “When I See You Smile” in 1989. Fans can connect with Waite through his Facebook, where he has over 66,000 followers, his Instagram, and his X account, where he shares tour updates and reflections on his career. For dedicated Zoo Freaks, the John Waite Fans Facebook group offers a space to discuss his music, share concert experiences, and celebrate songs like “Still in Love With You.”