In Your Eyes

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with The Zoo Crew as they spin "In Your Eyes" by The Babys from their 1980 album Union Jacks. This track, a melodramatic rock gem, showcases the band’s shift to a punchy, radio-ready sound with Jonathan Cain’s keyboard flair adding depth. According to a 2022 review on Defenders of the Faith, Cain’s influence brought a Jon Lord and Keith Emerson vibe to the song, giving it a dramatic edge without losing the band’s rock core. Fans on Rate Your Music praise its bluesy, passionate vocals by John Waite, though some argue it’s not the album’s standout, with tracks like "Back on My Feet Again" stealing the spotlight. The song’s moody, AOR bombast makes it a perfect fit for late-night cruising, as noted by reviewers who compare its intensity to Meat Loaf’s theatrical style.

While specific interviews about "In Your Eyes" are scarce, the album’s production by Keith Olsen is often highlighted for its polished, Americanized sound, despite The Babys being a British band. A Discogs commenter laments the misplaced synthesizers on other tracks but doesn’t fault "In Your Eyes" for its execution, suggesting it avoided the album’s occasional missteps. The song’s lyrical and musical buildup, paired with Waite’s emotive delivery, has kept it a fan favorite, even if it didn’t chart like the album’s Top 40 hit "Back on My Feet Again." On X, a 2025 post by user @jamie_spilsbury named Union Jacks the album of the day, sparking renewed chatter among Zoo Freaks about the band’s underrated catalog, with "In Your Eyes" getting nods for its emotional heft.

The Babys formed in London in 1974, founded by Michael Corby (keyboards/guitar) and John Waite (vocals/bass), with Tony Brock (drums) and Wally Stocker (guitar) rounding out the early lineup. According to Lyrics.com, the band emerged during the mid-70s British rock scene, blending gritty pop-rock with AOR sensibilities. Waite’s raw, soulful voice drew comparisons to Foreigner’s Lou Gramm, and their early hits like "Isn’t It Time" and "Every Time I Think of You" (both 1977-78) cracked the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #13. The band’s early days were marked by relentless touring and a knack for catchy, radio-friendly hooks, which helped them build a cult following despite never reaching superstardom. By the time Union Jacks dropped, new members Jonathan Cain (keyboards) and Ricky Phillips (bass) had joined, steering the band toward a more keyboard-driven sound that defined "In Your Eyes."

After Union Jacks, The Babys released one more album, On the Edge, before splitting in 1981. Waite went solo, scoring a #1 hit with "Missing You" in 1984, and later formed Bad English with Cain and Phillips, nabbing another #1 with "When I See You Smile" in 1989. The band reunited in 2013 with Stocker and Brock, releasing a new album, I’ll Have Some of That!, in 2014. Fans can connect with The Babys on their official website, Facebook, and Instagram. Their X account keeps Zoo Freaks updated on gigs and news. For deeper dives, check out the fan-driven The Babys Fan Group on Facebook or explore The Babys Archives for rare photos and history. Keep spinning those records, Zoo Crew!