“This Moment in Time” – When a Little-Known Song Became a 1970s Love Anthem
In the grand tapestry of Engelbert Humperdinck’s career, certain songs loom large: “Release Me”, “The Last Waltz”, “After the Lovin’”. These were the towering peaks that defined his legacy. But hidden among them is a quieter gem — “This Moment in Time” — a song that, despite modest chart performance, became one of the most beloved romantic ballads of the late 1970s.
A Song Born in the Shadow of Giants
By the late 1970s, Engelbert was already an established star. He had conquered the UK and US charts in the 1960s, become a fixture on Las Vegas stages, and cultivated an image of suave, old-school romance. But the pop landscape was changing fast. Disco was ruling the airwaves, and soft rock was edging out traditional crooners.
Into this world came “This Moment in Time” in 1979, written by Ritchie Adams and Alan Bernstein. It was released at a time when Engelbert could have chased trends — yet instead, he doubled down on sincerity. The song wasn’t flashy; there were no disco beats, no funk basslines. Just a gentle melody, lush orchestration, and a heartfelt vocal.
The Heart of the Song
At its core, “This Moment in Time” is a promise: to hold on to love not just in the present, but as something timeless. The lyrics speak of cherishing now while acknowledging the inevitability of change — a sentiment that resonated deeply with listeners navigating the uncertainties of the late ’70s.
“This moment in time, I will be by your side…”
Engelbert’s delivery was intimate, almost conversational. He didn’t just sing the words; he inhabited them. The effect was like being whispered to in a quiet room, the world outside fading away.
Why It Struck a Chord
While “This Moment in Time” only reached No. 58 on the US Billboard Hot 100, it became a significant hit on the Adult Contemporary chart, even reaching No. 1 there in January 1980. The difference between pop chart performance and AC success reveals the song’s nature: it wasn’t chasing teenage trends, but speaking directly to adults who valued lasting love over fleeting excitement.
For many couples, the song became their song — played at weddings, anniversaries, and intimate celebrations. It was a reminder that romance didn’t have to be loud to be powerful.
A Live Performance Favorite
In concerts, Engelbert often used “This Moment in Time” as a moment of stillness. After upbeat numbers and playful crowd banter, he would slow things down, dim the lights, and let this ballad breathe. Fans recall how the room would go silent, save for his voice and the gentle swell of strings from the orchestra.
Las Vegas audiences, used to spectacle, found themselves enchanted by something simpler: a man in a spotlight, telling them about love that endures.
The Song in Cultural Memory
One of the remarkable things about “This Moment in Time” is how it slipped past mainstream media yet embedded itself in personal histories. Unlike “Release Me”, which was a public phenomenon, “This Moment in Time” became a private treasure for fans.
It was the kind of track you’d find on a vinyl album in someone’s living room, well-worn from repeated plays. It appeared in mixtapes exchanged between lovers, or as a first-dance choice for couples who wanted something less obvious than the big radio hits.
Comparisons and Contrasts
When placed alongside Engelbert’s earlier smashes, “This Moment in Time” stands apart for its restraint.
-
“Release Me” was grand, almost theatrical.
-
“After the Lovin’” was sensual, with a hint of playful seduction.
-
“This Moment in Time” was pure intimacy — stripped of bravado, leaning entirely on sincerity.
In a way, it prefigured the soft ballads of the early 1980s, paving the way for love songs that traded power belts for conversational tenderness.
The Enduring Lesson
More than four decades later, “This Moment in Time” reminds us that the commercial charts don’t always determine a song’s worth. Sometimes, a piece of music becomes immortal not because it dominates radio, but because it becomes part of people’s lives.
For Engelbert, the song cemented his status as more than just a hitmaker — he was a storyteller of love, able to speak directly to the human heart.
Legacy Today
While it may never headline “Best of Engelbert” playlists in the casual fan’s library, “This Moment in Time” remains a request favorite at his concerts. And for those who lived through the late ’70s, it’s a time capsule — taking them back to candlelit dinners, slow dances in living rooms, and whispered promises that felt like they could last forever.
In a music industry obsessed with numbers, “This Moment in Time” is proof that emotional connection can outlast chart positions.
Final Thought
Perhaps that’s the greatest irony: a song about a fleeting moment has itself endured for decades. Engelbert captured something eternal — the way two people can make the world stop, even if just for a heartbeat. And for those who hold the song close, that heartbeat still echoes.