What makes This Is the Right Time by Lisa Stansfield notable?

The album achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number 15 on the UK Albums Chart and generating multiple charting singles. It helped cement Stansfield's reputation as a leading figure in the late '80s pop-soul movement, influencing subsequent artists with its rich sound and emotive delivery. Released in 1989, 'This Is the Right Time' marked Lisa Stansfield's transition from emerging artist to a major pop sensation following her debut album 'Affection.' This album solidified her presence in the UK music scene, showcasing her ability to blend soul influences with pop sensibilities while establishing her as a formidable vocalist.

How many songs are on This Is the Right Time?

This Is the Right Time has 4 tracks, running approximately 19 minutes.

This Is the Right Time

Lisa Stansfield · 1989

19 min · 4 tracks · pop music

An electrifying blend of pop and soul, featuring vibrant grooves and Stansfield's powerful vocals.

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Top tracks — play these first

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This Is the Right Time — This title track encapsulates the album's core themes of seizing the moment, driven by a catchy melody and infectious rhythm that highlight Stansfield's vocal prowess.
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Affection — As one of the standout tracks, its sultry melodies and heartfelt lyrics showcase Stansfield's ability to convey deep emotions through her music, making it a fan favorite.
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Big Thing — This track features an upbeat tempo and showcases Stansfield’s versatility, blending elements of dance-pop with a soulful edge that captures the energy of the era.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The record showcases solid pop-soul writing and production but lacks deep cohesion across its brief runtime.

What we noticed

The title track opens with a strong, syncopated bass line that drives the rhythm throughout, complemented by brass stabs and layered vocals.
The second track is a remix that alters the original's tempo and instrumentation, creating a more laid-back groove.
The third track features a slower tempo and a more introspective lyrical theme, contrasting with the upbeat nature of the first two tracks.
The final track shifts back to an energetic feel, closing the EP with a vibrant arrangement that includes prominent percussion.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Marked Stansfield's rise to pop sensation after her debut, establishing her reputation.
Career context: Released in 1989, 'This Is the Right Time' marked Lisa Stansfield's transition from emerging artist to a major pop sensation following her debut album 'Affection.' This album solidified her presence in the UK music scene, showcasing her ability to blend soul influences with pop sensibilities while establishing her as a formidable vocalist.
Stylistic neighbors: Sade· Annie Lennox· Toni Braxton