What makes This Time It's for Real by Southside Johnny notable?

The album solidified Southside Johnny's presence in the music industry, receiving critical acclaim for its authentic sound and songwriting. It features 'Love on the Wrong Side of Town,' which became a notable hit and has since been recognized as a classic within the genre. This Time It's for Real was Southside Johnny's second studio album, following his debut, I Don't Want to Go Home, released in 1976. At this point in his career, he was establishing himself within the burgeoning New Jersey sound scene alongside artists like Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, showcasing his blend of blue-eyed soul and rock.

How many songs are on This Time It's for Real?

This Time It's for Real has 10 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

This Time It's for Real

Southside Johnny · 1977

42 min · 10 tracks · blues

Soul-infused rock melodies intertwine with heartfelt lyrics, creating a vibrant tapestry of emotions and grooves.

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Top tracks — play these first

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This Time It’s for Real — The title track encapsulates the album's spirit with its anthemic chorus and passionate delivery, setting the tone for the entire record.
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Love on the Wrong Side of Town — This song stands out with its poignant storytelling about forbidden love, backed by lush instrumentation that showcases Johnny's soulful vocals.
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Without Love — This track highlights Johnny's emotive range, blending rock energy with soulful melodies that resonate deeply, making it a fan favorite.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production but remains somewhat conventional within its genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features a prominent horn section, establishing a vibrant sound immediately.
Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocals, enhancing the communal feel typical of soul and blues.
The tempo varies significantly across the album, with tracks like 'Love on the Wrong Side of Town' featuring a slower groove contrasted by more upbeat songs like 'Check Mr. Popeye.'
The final track closes with a fade-out, leaving an open-ended feeling that contrasts with the more conclusive endings of earlier songs.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Love on the Wrong Side of Town

The narrative shifts from longing to acceptance as the singer grapples with societal disapproval while expressing deep affection.

This progression from yearning to acknowledgment reveals a complex emotional landscape that mirrors real-life relationships faced with external challenges.

Tracklist

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

1 This Time It’s for Real 4:06
2 Without Love 4:32
3 Check Mr. Popeye 3:56
4 First Night 4:37
5 She Got Me Where She Wants Me 4:05
6 Some Things Just Don’t Change 3:38
7 Little Girl So Fine 3:51
8 I Ain’t Got the Fever No More 5:29
9 Love on the Wrong Side of Town 3:11
10 When You Dance 5:24

What to play next

Listen next

Hearts of Stone

1978

Go back to

I Don't Want to Go Home

1976

Full Southside Johnny discography Artists like Southside Johnny

blue-eyed soul blues

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata