"Baby Come to Me" by Patti Austin with James Ingram

Song#:  1006
Date:  04/24/1982
Debut:  81
Peak:  73
Weeks:  4
Genre:  R&B



Pop Bits:  Okay, you may see the peak above and thing "hey, wasn't this a big hit?" The answer is yes, but just not right now. Austin's title track single to her album "Every Home Should Have One" recently became her first pop chart entry reaching #62. This song was selected as the next single from the LP and the duet initially didn't generate much attention. After four weeks it fell of the chart. That could have been it for the song, but later in the year a little soap opera called "General Hospital" (at the time one of the most popular shows on TV) began playing the song over romantic scenes of characters Luke and Laura. This generated interest in the song and Austin's label jumped on the opportunity and re-issued the single. It's second chart run was far more successful with the song climbing to #1 in 1983 (#9 R&B, #1 AC). The surprise hit was certainly a boost for Austin's career (and Ingram's as well), but she was never able to follow it up and it became her lone pop Top 40 hit.

ReduxReview:  I considered this a fairly bland R&B tune when it came out. I still don't think it's a fantastic song, but Austin and Ingram really make the most of the material and raise it to a higher level. Ingram especially adds extra oomph. I love near the end when he just yells "hey!" Dude was feelin' it.

ReduxRating:  6/10

Trivia:  If another voice seems familiar on this track, it most likely is. Doobie Brother Michael McDonald provided background vocals for this duet.

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