Essential Listening #83: No Time

My Comments

The Guess Who had a lot of big his in the 60s and 70s.

Details

No Time” is a song by the Canadian rock band The Guess Who. Here’s an overview of the song and its background:

Release and Versions

• Initial Release: “No Time” was first released on the album Canned Wheat in 1969. This version was a bit longer and included a slower introduction.
• Single Release: The song was re-recorded and released as a single in 1970 and appeared on their American Woman album. This version is the more well-known one, characterized by a more polished and faster tempo.

Chart Performance

• The single version of “No Time” became a major hit. It reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and number 1 in Canada. The success of this song helped to further establish The Guess Who as one of the leading rock bands of the era.

Songwriters

• The song was written by band members Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings. Bachman was the lead guitarist, and Cummings was the lead vocalist and keyboardist for the band. Their collaboration resulted in a number of hits for The Guess Who.

Lyrics and Themes

• Lyrics: The lyrics of “No Time” convey a sense of urgency and moving on from a past relationship. The narrator tells a former lover that they no longer have time for them, expressing independence and a focus on the future.
• Themes: Common themes in the song include personal growth, liberation, and the passage of time. The song’s brisk tempo and assertive lyrics reflect the theme of moving forward without looking back.

Musical Style

• The song features a blend of rock and pop elements, typical of The Guess Who’s style. It includes catchy guitar riffs, a driving rhythm, and strong vocal performances.
• Instrumentation: The song is notable for its energetic guitar work and memorable melody, which are complemented by Cummings’ dynamic vocals.

Cultural Impact

• “No Time” remains one of The Guess Who’s most popular and enduring songs. It has been featured in various compilations and continues to receive airplay on classic rock radio stations.
• The song’s success contributed to the band’s prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s and solidified their reputation as influential figures in the rock music scene.

Band Members on the Track

• Burton Cummings: Lead vocals, keyboards
• Randy Bachman: Lead guitar, backing vocals
• Jim Kale: Bass guitar, backing vocals
• Garry Peterson: Drums

Legacy

• The Guess Who, with hits like “No Time,” helped pave the way for future Canadian rock bands to achieve international success. The band is often credited with bringing Canadian rock music to a global audience.
• The song is often included in lists of classic rock hits and is remembered for its catchy tune and relatable lyrics.

Covers and Influences

• “No Time” has been covered by several artists over the years and remains a favorite in live performances by various classic rock cover bands.
• The song has influenced a range of artists with its energetic sound and memorable lyrics.