Although they were quite underrated during their tenures as functioning bands, the short-lived outfits {$the Raspberries} and {$the Babys} both became important influences on subsequent (and more commercially successful) bands, only after their respective breakups. The groups existed during two totally different time periods ({$Raspberries}, the early '70; {$Babys}, late '70s/early '80s), but both knew how to write memorable {\pop} hooks, and interestingly, both included singers that would go on to launch successful solo careers immediately following the breakup of their previous bands ({$Eric Carmen} and {$John Waite}). Hence, it makes sense for a pairing of the two groups for an edition of the budget-priced {^Back to Back Hits} series. {$The Raspberries}' sound was a hybrid of {$the Beatles}' melody and {$the Who}'s guitar riffs, as evidenced by such selections as the album-opening {&"Go All the Way"} (their biggest hit) and {&"I Wanna Be With You,"} but they also had a flair for penning orchestrated epics ({&"Overnight Sensation"}) and also syrupy {\ballads} ({&"Let's Pretend"}). Although {$the Babys} shared {$the Raspberries}' love for a good {\pop} melody (as evidenced by {&"If You've Got the Time"}), the group also resembled {$Foreigner} at times ({&"Isn't It Time"}) and an {\R&B} band ({&"Every Time I Think of You,"} which features {$Waite} dueting with a female singer). {$The Raspberries}/{$Babys} edition of {^Back to Back Hits} will serve as a fine (albeit very brief) introduction to both groups. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide