Turn Back the Clock (song)


"Turn Back the Clock" is a song by the British band Johnny Hates Jazz. It is the title track of their debut album and was the third single release from the LP.
The song peaked at No. 12 in the UK top 40 in 1987. It also reached number five on the US Adult Contemporary chart. There is also a previously unreleased version, that has some minor changes from the original song, including more backing guitar, and saxophone.

Music video

The international music video for the song was directed by Brian Grant. The video was filmed in Cold Spring, NY in fall 1987.

Critical reception

Upon its release as a single, Robin Smith of Record Mirror described "Turn Back the Clock" as "hopelessly twee and contrived" and added, "Rock out and loosen up, guys." Richard Lowe of Smash Hits stated that the song is exactly like the band's look, namely "not particularly special but lovingly scrubbed and polished and pleasant enough" and as "good" as the band's previous singles, while being "a bit slower". Writing for Music Week, Jerry Smith called it a "slickly produced, medium paced ballad", adding that "it might not be as catchy as their previous efforts but mass radio play is assured."

Charts

Year-end charts

Chart Position
US Adult Contemporary 42