Released 30 years ago
This Is the Time
Michael Bolton · 1996
43 min · 10 tracks · pop rock
A heartfelt blend of classic carols and original compositions, showcasing Bolton's powerful vocals against lush orchestral arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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Silent Night Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Ave Maria (feat. Plácido Domingo) — This track stands out not only for its stunning vocal interplay between Bolton and Domingo but also for capturing the spiritual essence of the holiday season through its serene arrangement.
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This Is the Time (feat. Wynonna) — The collaboration with Wynonna brings an emotional depth to this original composition, blending contemporary pop with traditional themes of love and reflection.
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O Holy Night — Bolton's powerful delivery on this classic carol showcases his vocal prowess, transforming a familiar piece into a passionate declaration of hope and joy.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends classic carols with original songs, showcasing Bolton's vocals but lacks significant depth for repeated listens.
What we noticed
- The album opens with traditional carols, maintaining a consistent orchestral arrangement throughout the first half.
- Bolton's vocal performances are prominently featured, often layered with harmonies and duets, particularly in tracks like 'Ave Maria' and 'This Is the Time'.
- The last three tracks shift slightly in tempo and style, incorporating original compositions that contrast with the earlier covers.
- 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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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady festive warmth throughout
- uplifting moments for gatherings
- soulful vocals for reflection
- timeless classics reimagined beautifully
- cozy winter evenings by fire
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat party tracks
- dislike traditional holiday sounds
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Revitalized interest in holiday music and achieved commercial success.
- Career context
- By the time 'This Is the Time' was released in 1996, Michael Bolton had already established himself as a prominent pop-rock artist with several chart-topping hits. This album marked his foray into the Christmas album genre, following the commercial success of his previous releases like 'Greatest Hits' in 1995 and setting the stage for his continued exploration of diverse musical styles.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Kenny Rogers· Richard Marx· Bryan Adams
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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This Is the Time (feat. Wynonna)
The narrative shifts from reflective memories to an urgent call for connection and togetherness during the holidays.
This structural choice enhances the song's emotional pull, emphasizing the importance of cherishing loved ones amid life's fleeting moments.
Tracklist
- 1 Silent Night Start here 4:05
- 2 Santa Claus Is Coming to Town 4:05
- 3 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas 4:01
- 4 Joy to the World 4:06
- 5 Ave Maria (feat. Plácido Domingo) 4:42
- 6 The Christmas Song 4:10
- 7 O Holy Night 4:53
- 8 White Christmas 3:44
- 9 This Is the Time (feat. Wynonna) 4:05
- 10 Love Is the Power 5:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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