Barbados (song)

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Barbados was a UK #1 single in August 1975 by Typically Tropical

The band, comprising Max West & Jeff Calvert, who had met through Max's band Quasar, would write and record songs at Morgan Studios, where Jeff worked with his father, when no-one else was around. Jeff had been on holiday in Barbados & based the song on his experiences. It was recorded with various session musicians, including guitarist Chris Spedding.

Although the song featuring vocals by Captain Tobias Wilcox of Coconut Airways was far from being genuine reggae it was originally intended to be released on Trojan, but the little known Gull Records came up with a better offer (reportedly £1,500). "Barbados" was ready for release in November 1974, but the label thought it best to wait until the summer before releasing it. A wise decision.

"Barbados" entered the UK charts on July 5, 1975 and five weeks later was at No.1 for one week. In total "Barbados spent 11 weeks in the UK Charts.

The follow-up singles "Rocket Now" and "Ghost Story" failed to chart and the duo went their separate ways. Ironically, Max West subsequently became a pilot, although not with Coconut Airways!

Preceded by "Give A Little Love" by Bay City Rollers

UK number one single August 3, 1975

Succeeded by "I Can't Give You Anything (But My Love)" by The Stylistics