"Baby Come Back" is a song by the British-American rock band Player. It was released in late 1977 as the lead single from their 1977 self-titled debut album, and was the breakthrough single for the band, gaining them mainstream success, hitting #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 for the three consecutive weeks of January 14, 21 and 28, 1978 and #10 on the R&B charts in 1978.Billboard Hot 100, Week of January 28, 1978 – Billboard.com. Retrieved June 29, 2023. Their biggest hit single, the song was written and performed by Peter Beckett and J. C. Crowley, the founders of Player.

As reported on the American Top 40 broadcast of November 5, 1977, "Baby Come Back" was written after two of the band members had broken up with their girlfriends.

Personnel Peter Beckett – lead vocals and backing vocals, electric guitar J. C. Crowley – acoustic piano, electric piano and backing vocals Ronn Moss – bass and backing vocals John Friesen – drums, maracas and congas

Additional personnel Wayne Cook – synthesizers, clavinet and electric piano

Cover versions In 2018, Australian band Ocean Alley included it as part of the Like a Version segment on the Australian radio station Triple J. The cover reached No. 16 on Triple J's Hottest 100 of 2018 and was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA).

The song has also been recorded by Lisa Stansfield. The song was also featured on Keith Urban's 2026 album, Flow State.

Chart performance

Weekly charts Chart (1977–1978)PeakpositionAustralia (Kent Music Report)15 Canada Adult Contemporary (RPM)21South Africa (Springbok SA Top 20)9 US Hot Soul Singles (Billboard)10

Year-end charts Chart (1978)RankAustralia (Kent Music Report)73Canada44US Billboard Hot 1007Brazil19

All-time charts Chart (1958–2018) PositionUS Billboard Hot 100324

Certifications

In other media The song is played as part of a joke in the 1992 episode "Homer Alone" of the third season of The Simpsons.

References

Bibliography Joel Whitburn's Presents Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004, 2004, Record Research Inc.,

External links