This Time
Al Jarreau · 1980
42 min · 9 tracks · funk
A vibrant fusion of jazz, funk, and R&B that showcases Al Jarreau's signature vocal agility and playful storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Never Givin’ Up Start here — The opening track sets an energetic tone with its infectious groove and uplifting message, showcasing Jarreau's ability to blend jazz improvisation with pop sensibilities.
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Spain (I Can Recall) — This track features intricate rhythms and a lively melody, highlighting Jarreau’s vocal mastery and his flair for storytelling through music.
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(If I Could Only) Change Your Mind — With its soulful delivery and heartfelt lyrics, this song captures the emotional depth of Jarreau's artistry, making it a standout moment on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends genres effectively but lacks a strong cohesive flow across all tracks.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that features intricate vocal runs and syncopated rhythms, setting a lively tone.
- The final track features a spoken word section that contrasts with the preceding songs, creating a distinct ending.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
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 pacing with gradual peaks
- uplifting vibes for social gatherings
- engaging vocal improvisation throughout
- feel-good energy for celebrations
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- avoid lengthy, cohesive experiences
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This Time helped further establish Jarreau's reputation after his initial success.
- Themes
- vibrant nightlife· soulful storytelling· energetic grooves
- Career context
- Released in 1980, This Time is Al Jarreau's third studio album, following his successful breakthrough with Look to the Rainbow. At this point in his career, he was solidifying his reputation as a versatile artist able to blend genres and captivate audiences with his unique vocal style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- George Benson· Bobby McFerrin· Stevie Wonder
Tracklist
- 1 Never Givin’ Up Start here 3:56
- 2 Gimme What You Got 3:43
- 3 Love Is Real 4:23
- 4 Alonzo 5:25
- 5 (If I Could Only) Change Your Mind 4:16
- 6 Spain (I Can Recall) 6:31
- 7 Distracted 5:51
- 8 Your Sweet Love 4:13
- 9 (A Rhyme) This Time 3:42
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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