Isn't It Time

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track Isn't It Time by The Babys from their 1977 album Broken Heart, and the Zoo Freaks are surely loving this timeless hit. This song, a standout for its lush production and emotional depth, was not penned by the band but by Jack Conrad and Ray Kennedy. According to Songfacts, the lyrics were inspired by Kennedy's love for a French woman he met during the song's creation, adding a personal touch to lines like "I just can't find the answers to the questions that keep going through my mind." The track features a distinctive piano intro by Michael Corby and powerful vocals from John Waite, but it's the backing vocals by The Babettes—Lisa Freeman-Roberts, Myrna Matthews, and Pat Henderson—that give it a unique edge. These vocalists, from Andraé Crouch & The Disciples, were praised for balancing the song's tone, especially in the soaring chorus. A Reddit user on r/Music raved about the female harmonies, noting how they evoke strong emotions and memories, with one fan saying, "Those girls' voices just put me over the edge every time!"

Another tidbit about Isn't It Time comes from its production. The song was recorded as part of Broken Heart, laid down in just six weeks at a ranch house in the Malibu mountains using a 24-track mobile unit, though the album sleeve credits Sound City in Southern California. According to Wikipedia, this was a period of culture shock for the British band, having relocated to Los Angeles, which influenced the album's sound. The track marked a departure from The Babys' preference for self-written material, as they included outside compositions like this one to broaden their appeal. A review on Now Spinning highlights how producer Ron Nevison's use of strings elevated the song, drawing comparisons to Bob Seger's backing vocal style. The song climbed to No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming their breakout hit, though some fans on Rate Your Music noted the album's middle-of-the-road feel despite its high points.

The Babys formed in London in 1975, a time when punk was rising, but they carved a niche with their melodic rock sound. The band began with founding member Michael Corby (keyboards/guitar) and Adrian Millar's girlfriend suggesting the name "The Babys," with its quirky spelling sticking. John Waite (vocals/bass), Tony Brock (drums), and Wally Stocker (guitar) soon joined, with Brock coming from Strider and Spontaneous Combustion, drawn by the band's financial backing from Chrysalis Records. According to Wikipedia, their early rehearsals in Tooley Street produced ten demo tracks, later released as The Official Unofficial BABYS Album in 1978. Their debut album, produced by Bob Ezrin, was less impactful, but Broken Heart in 1977 showcased Waite's emotive vocals and the band's polished sound, setting them apart. Despite internal tensions and lineup changes, including Jonathan Cain's later move to Journey, The Babys left a lasting mark with hits like Isn't It Time.

Fans can connect with The Babys through their official website, which offers a deep dive into their archives, music, and history. Their Facebook page keeps followers updated on legacy content and re-releases, while their Instagram shares nostalgic photos and clips. On X, they engage with fans, often reposting fan tributes like one from April 2025 praising John Waite's delivery in Isn't It Time. For fan communities, the The Babys Fan Group on Facebook is a vibrant space where enthusiasts share memories, rare photos, and discuss the band's discography. Another fan-driven site, The Babys Website, offers additional resources and a forum for Zoo Freaks to geek out over the band's enduring legacy.