"Now Is the Time"
Single by Jimmy James and the Vagabonds
B-side"Want You So Much"
Released1976 (1976)
StudioPye Studios
Genre
Length3:35
LabelPye Records
Songwriter(s)A-side: Biddu
B-side: J. James
Producer(s)Biddu

"Now Is the Time" is a pop song written in 1976 by Biddu.[2] It was recorded that year by Jimmy James and the Vagabonds. The track appeared in the Top 10 of the UK Singles Chart.[3]

History

The song's recording was made at Pye Studios in London, England, under the tutelage of the song's writer and record producer, Biddu, and was released on Pye Records.[2] The track first appeared in the UK Singles Chart on 17 July 1976 and, in a nine-week chart run, it peaked at number 5.[4] It was the third and final UK chart hit single for the ensemble.[4]

The song's lyrics spoke of environmental issues, urging people to take immediate action.[5] Robin Carmody of Freaky Trigger praised the song as a "heartbreakingly naive" example of "singalong mid-70s pop".[1]

The single was released in many countries including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, and Portugal.[2] In the Netherlands, the song peaked at number 4 in the Dutch Single Top 100.[6]

In December 1976, the French vocalist Claude François issued his version of the track, translated by Eddy Marnay, titled "Laisse une chance à notre amour". The singers in the musical, Belles belles belles, covered the François' song. In 1977, the Finnish singer Danny, released a version, called "Sydämen puutarha".[7]

The song later appeared on a James compilation album, Now Is the Time, issued by Secret Records in 2014.[8] The song has also been included in numerous various artists compilation albums.[9]

References

  1. 1 2 Carmody, Robin (1 January 2002). "The Cottage Industry of Moments". Freaky Trigger. p. 2. Retrieved 20 November 2022.
  2. 1 2 3 "Record details". 45cat.com. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
  3. ↑ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 279. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  4. 1 2 "Jimmy James & the Vagabonds". Officialcharts.com. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
  5. ↑ "Now Is the Time : Lyrics". Genius.com. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
  6. ↑ "Jimmy James and the Vagabonds : Now Is the time". Dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
  7. ↑ "Now is the Time by Jimmy James & The Vagabonds : Versions". Secondhandsongs.com. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
  8. ↑ "Now Is the Time - Jimmy James | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
  9. ↑ "Now Is the Time - Jimmy James & the Vagabonds". AllMusic. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
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