"Don't Waste My Time" by Yarbrough & Peoples

Song#:  1862
Date:  04/14/1984
Debut:  92
Peak:  48
Weeks:  12
Genre:  R&B



Pop Bits:  This R&B duo hit it big when their 1980 debut single "Don't Stop the Music" topped the R&B chart (#19 Pop). Their associated album The Two of Us would also get to #1 at R&B and go gold. They hit a minor bump in the road with their second album Heartbeats. The title track went to #10 at R&B, but it wasn't enough to really boost sales of the album and it sputtered out. They rebounded back with this first single from their third album Be a Winner. The song became their second R&B #1 while nearly reaching the Pop Top 40. The album would get them back into the R&B Top 10.

ReduxReview:  Although it's not quite as immediately catchy as "Don't Stop the Music," the groove of this one sinks in after a few listens. It could use a more distinct chorus, but the rolling rhythm and production are top-notch. Eventually you get wrapped up in the whole thing and before long you realize the speakers are blaring the groove. It was another tasty single from Y&P.

ReduxRating:  7/10

Trivia:  This track was written by Jonah Ellis. He also co-wrote the duo's other #1 "Don't Stop the Music." Ellis first recorded as the front man of the band Jonah and the Whales. They had a local hit in 1968 with "Savannah Sun," but it didn't break nationally. Ellis continued to work as a musician with acts like The Drifters and The Temptations before hooking up with Total Experience Records where he became a house songwriter and producer. He would work with artists like The Gap Band before having his best success with Yarbrough & Peoples. Besides a one-off Christmas single for a compilation, Ellis never set out on a solo career.

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