"Now Is the Time" is a pop song written in 1976 by Biddu.[1] It was recorded that year by Jimmy James and the Vagabonds. The track appeared in the Top 10 of the UK Singles Chart.[2]
| "Now Is the Time" | |
|---|---|
| Single by Jimmy James and the Vagabonds | |
| B-side | "Want You So Much" |
| Released | 1976 (1976) |
| Studio | Pye Studios |
| Genre | Disco |
| Length | 3:35 |
| Label | Pye Records |
| Songwriter(s) | A-side: Biddu B-side: J. James |
| Producer(s) | Biddu |
The song's recording was made at Pye Studios in London, England, under the tutelage of the song's writer and record producer, Biddu, and was released on Pye Records.[1] The track first appeared in the UK Singles Chart on 17 July 1976 and, in a nine-week chart run, it peaked at number 5.[3] It was the third and final UK chart hit single for the ensemble.[3]
The song's lyrics spoke of environmental issues, urging people to take immediate action.[4]
The single was released in many countries including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, and Portugal.[1] In the Netherlands, the song peaked at number 4 in the Dutch Single Top 100.[5]
In December 1976, the French vocalist Claude François issued his version of the track, translated by Eddy Marnay, titled "Laisse une chance à notre amour". The singers in the musical, Belles belles belles, covered the François' song. In 1977, the Finnish singer Danny, released a version, called "Sydämen puutarha".[6]
The song later appeared on a James compilation album, Now Is the Time, issued by Secret Records in 2014.[7] The song has also been included in numerous various artists compilation albums.[8]