What makes Just What Time It Is by Jeb Loy Nichols notable?

The album received critical acclaim for its authentic sound and storytelling, positioning Nichols as a notable figure in the alt-country and Americana genres. It was praised by publications like No Depression and became a touchstone for fans seeking heartfelt narratives within contemporary roots music. At the turn of the millennium, Jeb Loy Nichols released Just What Time It Is as his debut album under a new label after years of performing. This album marked a significant shift in his career, showcasing his unique sound influenced by Americana and roots music, while establishing him firmly on the independent music scene.

How many songs are on Just What Time It Is?

Just What Time It Is has 13 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

Just What Time It Is

Jeb Loy Nichols · 2000

50 min · 13 tracks

A seamless blend of country, soul, and folk that captures both warmth and longing in its melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Heaven Right Here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its uplifting melody and introspective lyrics, encapsulating the overall warmth of Nichols' sound.
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Perfect Stranger — With its rich instrumentation and poignant themes of connection and isolation, this track exemplifies Nichols' skill in blending personal narrative with universal emotions.
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Say Goodbye to Christopher — This song features vivid storytelling that resonates deeply, highlighting Nichols’ ability to weave complex characters into memorable musical moments.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and cohesive flow, marking Nichols' unique voice in Americana.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and instrumentation.
Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
The album closes with a gradual deceleration in tempo, allowing for a reflective finish.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

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.

Kissing Gate

The narrative shifts from past memories to present reflections on love's transience reveals deeper emotional layers beneath the surface.

Tracklist

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

1 Heaven Right Here 3:38
2 Perfect Stranger 4:15
3 Hold Me Till I Fall 3:23
4 Kissing Gate 3:30
5 Say Goodbye to Christopher 4:01
6 Room 522 3:38
7 She Reminded Me 2:57
8 Midnight (All Night Long) 3:54
9 Summer Came 4:15
10 Trying to Get Over 3:48
11 Sadly Sometimes 4:11
12 Double Dose of You 3:17
13 Heavy Changes 5:40

What to play next

Listen next

Easy Now

2002

Go back to

Lovers Knot

1997

Full Jeb Loy Nichols discography Artists like Jeb Loy Nichols

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata