What makes Takin' My Time by After 7 notable?

Takin' My Time received positive critical acclaim and strengthened After 7's position in the contemporary R&B scene, particularly with the hit single No Better Love. The album's smooth production and vocal arrangements contributed to its recognition as a staple of early '90s R&B, influencing later artists in the genre. Released in 1992, Takin' My Time is After 7's second album, following their self-titled debut from 1990. At this point, the group was establishing its identity within the R&B genre, building on the success of their earlier hits and evolving their sound.

How many songs are on Takin' My Time?

Takin' My Time has 12 tracks, running approximately 52 minutes.

Takin' My Time

After 7 · 1992

52 min · 12 tracks · contemporary R&B

Smooth harmonies blend with lush instrumentation, creating a laid-back atmosphere that defines contemporary R&B's early '90s sound.

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Top tracks — play these first

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No Better Love — This track showcases After 7's signature harmonies and emotional delivery, becoming one of their most memorable hits and a staple in R&B playlists.
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Kickin' It — With its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, this song highlights the group's playful side while maintaining their smooth vocal style.
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Takin' My Time — The title track encapsulates the album's essence, showcasing romantic themes and a relaxed vibe that resonates throughout the project.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100

Foothills

Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album showcases smooth harmonies and varied tempos, solidifying After 7's R&B identity while maintaining a cohesive flow.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo, while the second half shifts to slower ballads.
Vocal harmonies are layered throughout, with multiple members contributing to lead lines in a call-and-response style.
Several tracks incorporate interludes that create pauses and transitions, enhancing the overall flow of the album.

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

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.

Tracklist

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

1 All About Love 4:49
2 Kickin' It 4:53
3 Can He Love U Like This 5:20
4 Truly Something Special 5:01
5 Baby I'm for Real / Natural High 5:08
6 Takin' My Time (interlude) 0:55
7 No Better Love 4:15
8 Takin' My Time 5:25
9 G.S.T. 4:56
10 Love by Day, Love by Night 4:54
11 He Said, She Said 4:07
12 Takin' My Time (reprise) 2:30

What to play next

Listen next

Reflections

1995

Go back to

After 7

1989

Full After 7 discography Artists like After 7

contemporary R&B

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata