You Weren’t In Love With Me: Billy Field’s 1981 Jazz-Pop Gem

In 1981, Billy Field dropped You Weren’t In Love With Me, a jazz-pop ballad that soared to No. 1 on the ARIA Charts. Released on WEA (100173), it charted for 22 weeks, went gold, and became his only No. 1. Written by Field and produced with Tom Price, it was the second single from Bad Habits. Ousting Endless Love before Start Me Up took over, it defined Billy’s career. Let’s dive into its Sydney roots, chart success, and why it’s still a classic.

Sydney’s Jazz Crooner
Billy Field, born in Wagga Wagga in 1953, was a Sydney muso gigging in jazz and pop bands since the ’70s. A multi-instrumentalist—piano, sax, and more—he crafted smooth, soulful tunes. You Weren’t In Love With Me, a heartfelt take on one-sided love, was his breakout, written with old-school jazz flair. Recorded in Sydney for Bad Habits with producers Tom Price and Field, his velvety vocals, backed by Chris Haigh (bass) and Mark Meyer (drums), gave it radio-ready polish.

Chart Success
Charting on August 17th, ’81, as catalogue number 100173, You Weren’t In Love With Me hit No. 1, toppling Endless Love before Start Me Up claimed the top spot. It ran for 22 weeks, going gold. Billy’s only No. 1, it reached the top 40 in New Zealand and Canada and No. 67 in the US Billboard Hot 100. The B-side, Baby I’m Easy, kept the jazzy vibe. Countdown airplay, Triple M spins, and WEA’s promotion made it a radio staple.

The ’81 Scene
In 1981, Australia’s airwaves buzzed with Cold Chisel’s rock, Split Enz’s new wave, and pop-rock like Jessie’s Girl. Billy Field stood out with a jazzy ballad that felt like a mate’s confession. Countdown gave it heavy rotation, and Billy’s everyman charm connected with everyone, from pub crowds to radio listeners, making it a smooth, emotional hit.Why It Endures
You Weren’t In Love With Me made Billy Field a household name. Bad Habits hit the ARIA top 5, earning ARIA Awards for Best New Talent and Best Album in ’82. Covered by Kate Ceberano, it’s a staple on classic stations. Billy moved to jazz and production but still gigs occasionally. A 1981 time capsule—heartache and jazzy hooks—it’s Billy’s golden moment. Got a Billy Field memory? Share it below—I’m all ears!