What makes First Time in a Long Time by Deric Ruttan notable?

This album marked Ruttan's growing prominence in the Canadian country charts, with its lead single 'Good Time' receiving considerable airplay and helping to solidify his fanbase. The album showcases Ruttan's songwriting skills and contributed to the evolution of contemporary Canadian country music during the late 2000s. Released on January 1, 2008, First Time in a Long Time is Deric Ruttan's third studio album, following his self-titled debut in 2004 and his sophomore effort, This Is Me, in 2006. At this point in his career, Ruttan was establishing himself within the Canadian country music scene, building a reputation for his authentic narratives and catchy tunes.

How many songs are on First Time in a Long Time?

First Time in a Long Time has 12 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

First Time in a Long Time

Deric Ruttan · 2008

44 min · 12 tracks · country music

A blend of heartfelt storytelling and melodic hooks wrapped in traditional country instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Good Time — As the album's lead single, this track encapsulates the joyful spirit of summer and embodies Ruttan's knack for crafting infectious melodies that resonate with listeners.
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First Time in a Long Time — The title track offers a reflective narrative that highlights Ruttan's lyrical depth while showcasing his signature sound, making it a standout moment on the album.
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Who's Gonna Get Me Over You — This song features poignant lyrics about heartache and moving on, demonstrating Ruttan's ability to weave emotional stories into catchy country tunes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

39 /100

Lowland

Higher than 1% of albums we've rated

The album features solid songwriting and traditional arrangements but lacks standout moments that elevate it beyond its genre.

What we noticed

The first track introduces a steady mid-tempo rhythm with prominent acoustic guitar and fiddle, setting a traditional country tone.
Several tracks feature a call-and-response vocal structure, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the storytelling aspect.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 4/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Almost Beautiful

The song's bridge introduces a shift in perspective that reveals vulnerability amidst an otherwise confident demeanor.

This structural choice deepens the emotional impact by contrasting earlier bravado with an honest admission of insecurity.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 First Time in a Long Time 4:19
2 maggie (cabin door) 1:12
3 Good Time 3:37
4 Atlanta 3:45
5 California Plates 3:50
6 Lovin' You Is Killin' Me 3:14
7 Almost Beautiful 3:42
8 Right Where I Want You 3:34
9 Marie 3:33
10 Who's Gonna Get Me Over You 4:01
11 On the Inside 3:17
12 Good Time (alternate version) 6:16

What to play next

Listen next

Sunshine

2010

Go back to

Deric Ruttan

2003

Full Deric Ruttan discography Artists like Deric Ruttan

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata