Killin' Time
Clint Black · 1989
30 min · 10 tracks · country music
A polished blend of traditional country melodies and contemporary storytelling that captures the essence of late '80s country music.
Top tracks — play these first
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Straight From the Factory Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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A Better Man — This track showcases Black's ability to blend poignant storytelling with catchy melodies, becoming one of his most recognized songs. Its themes of heartbreak and regret resonate deeply within the country genre.
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Killin’ Time — The title track encapsulates the album's reflective mood, highlighting Black's smooth vocal delivery and lyrical prowess. It serves as an anthem for those grappling with loneliness.
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Nobody’s Home — Featuring a haunting melody and introspective lyrics, this song illustrates Black's skill in conveying emotional depth, making it a standout piece that reflects the album's overall narrative.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting and traditional country elements but lacks standout moments that elevate it further.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong mid-tempo track that sets a consistent tone, followed by several songs that maintain a similar pace.
- Each song features traditional country instrumentation, including steel guitar and fiddle, which are prominent throughout the record.
- Lyrically, the tracks often tell stories of love and heartache, with a clear narrative structure in most songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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 mid-tempo storytelling
- heartfelt melodies for reflection
- for casual gatherings
- short bursts of engaging narratives
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced excitement
- seek experimental soundscapes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Debut album that established Clint Black's reputation in country music.
- Career context
- Released in January 1989, Killin' Time was Clint Black's debut album, marking the start of his successful career in country music. At this point, he was relatively unknown but quickly established himself as a leading figure in the neotraditional movement with this project.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Alan Jackson· George Strait· Travis Tritt
Tracklist
- 1 Straight From the Factory Start here 2:20
- 2 A Better Man 3:04
- 3 Nobody’s Home 3:29
- 4 Walkin’ Away 2:48
- 5 You’re Gonna Leave Me Again 3:43
- 6 I’ll Be Gone 2:29
- 7 Nothing’s News 3:03
- 8 Winding Down 3:38
- 9 Killin’ Time 2:48
- 10 Live and Learn 3:15
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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