What makes The Time by The Time notable?

The album gained significant recognition within its genre, particularly for its innovative blend of funk and rock elements. It established The Time as key players in the '80s music landscape, influencing numerous future artists within the funk and R&B genres while also achieving commercial success, peaking at number 24 on the Billboard 200. Released on July 29, 1981, The Time's self-titled debut album marked their entry into the music scene following their formation in 1981. This debut came after Prince had given them their initial exposure as part of his live performances, positioning them as pivotal figures in the burgeoning Minneapolis sound movement.

How many songs are on The Time?

The Time has 6 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

The Time

The Time · 1981

42 min · 6 tracks · Minneapolis sound

Funky grooves and vibrant melodies intertwine, encapsulating the exuberant spirit of early '80s Minneapolis sound.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Get It Up — This track opens the album with an irresistible dance beat and showcases the band's tight musicianship and infectious energy, setting the tone for what follows.
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Cool — A standout cut that exemplifies the group's unique blend of funk and rock, featuring playful lyrics and a catchy chorus that became a fan favorite.
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Girl — This track highlights the band's ability to merge smooth melodies with funky rhythms, demonstrating their versatility and appeal beyond standard party tracks.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong funk compositions and vibrant production typical of its era.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a prominent bassline that drives the rhythm, setting a danceable tone for the album.
Each song features layered instrumentation, with horns and synthesizers creating a rich, textured sound throughout.
The vocal arrangements often include call-and-response patterns, enhancing the interactive feel of the music.

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

Influence 6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Get It Up 9:05
2 Girl 5:34
3 After Hi School 4:20
4 Cool 10:06
5 Oh, Baby 4:57
6 The Stick 8:23

What to play next

Listen next

What Time Is It?

1982

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Girl

1981

Full The Time discography Artists like The Time

Minneapolis sound

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata