2nd Time Around cover

2nd Time Around

The Spinners · 1970

38 min · 12 tracks · rhythm and blues

Soulful harmonies weave through heartfelt narratives, blending smooth melodies with the vibrant energy of early '70s rhythm and blues.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    O‐o‐h Child — This track stands out for its uplifting message and memorable melody, making it a defining anthem for positivity during turbulent times.
  • →
    It’s a Shame Start here — Opening with an infectious groove, this song showcases the group's vocal prowess while addressing themes of heartbreak and regret.
  • →
    My Whole World Ended (the Moment You Left Me) — A poignant ballad that captures deep emotional loss, it highlights The Spinners' ability to blend soulful storytelling with rich harmony.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong vocal harmonies and varied tempos but lacks a fully cohesive flow throughout.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a slower ballad that shifts the album's energy.
  • Several songs feature call-and-response vocal arrangements, enhancing the communal feel of the performances.
  • The album closes with a medley that combines two distinct songs, creating a seamless transition between them.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady melodic journey throughout
  • smooth harmonies for relaxed listening
  • poignant lyrics about love
  • ideal for evening wind-down

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced excitement
  • seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album helped establish The Spinners' distinct sound and featured a significant hit.
Career context
Released in 1970, 2nd Time Around was The Spinners' second studio album, following their self-titled debut. At this point in their career, the group was beginning to establish a distinct sound that would define their future successes in the soul genre.

Tracklist

  • 1 It’s a Shame Start here 3:16
  • 2 I’ve Got to Find Myself a Brand New Baby 2:38
  • 3 Together We Can Make Such Sweet Music 3:10
  • 4 Bad, Bad Weather (Till You Come Home) 2:33
  • 5 Pay Them No Mind 3:05
  • 6 My Lady Love 4:49
  • 7 Souly Ghost 2:33
  • 8 O‐o‐h Child 3:18
  • 9 In My Diary 2:50
  • 10 My Whole World Ended (the Moment You Left Me) 3:40
  • 11 (She’s Gonna Love Me (at Sundown) 2:28
  • 12 Can Sing a Rainbow / Love Is Blue 3:50

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata