Ignition (John Waite album)

Ignition is the debut solo disc from rock singer-songwriter John Waite (ex-vocalist for The Babys). It was released on Chrysalis in May 1982, and produced by Neil Geraldo (producer/guitarist for Pat Benatar, who was on the same label).

Two singles was lifted from the record; the Holly Knight-penned "Change" failed to make a significant dent on any chart except for the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks, where it scored a number 16 position. Upon the release of the soundtrack to the movie Vision Quest, the single would be re-released and would edge into the top 50 on the pop charts. Its follow-up was the song "Going To The Top".

A few famous musicians guested on the album as well. Singer Patty Smyth (then in the band Scandal) handled vocal backing, and drummer Frankie LaRocka (also from Scandal) and bassist Don Nossov (who also played with Benatar) guest here.

Track Listing^[2]

• All Songs Published By Copyright Control, except where noted.

1. "White Heat" (John Waite) 3:22
2. "Change" (Holly Knight; State Music) 3:15
3. "Mr. Wonderful" (John Waite, Ivan Kral) 4:07
4. "Going To The Top" (Waite, Tim Pierce) 4:36
5. "Desperate Love" (Waite, Kral) 3:55
6. "Temptation" (Chas Sandford) 2:59
7. "Be My Baby Tonight" (Waite, Kral) 3:22
8. "Make It Happen" (Waite, Bruce Brody) 3:18
9. "Still In Love With You" (Paul Sabu) 3:42
10. "Wild Life" (Waite, Kral) 3:23

Personnel^[3]

• John Waite: Vocal
• Ilana Morrilo, Patty Smyth, Rahni Kugel: Vocal Backing
• Brendan Bourke, John Elijah Wright, Dave Lang: Handclaps & Screams
• Ivan Kral: Rhythm Guitar, Keyboards
• Tim Pierce: Lead Guitar
• Bruce Brody: Keyboards & Piano
• Don "Donnie" Nossov: Bass, Vocal Backing
• Alan Childs, Frankie LaRocka: Drums, Percussion
• Crispin Cioe, Arno Hecht, Hollywood Paul Litteral: Horns

Production

• Produced By Neil Giraldo
• Engineered By Bob Clearmountain & Jeff Hendrickson
• Mixed By Neil Giraldo & Bob Clearmountain
• Originally Mastered By Bob Ludwig; remastered by Jon Astley

References