What makes Time and Tide by Basia notable?

Time and Tide achieved commercial success, reaching the top of various charts and solidifying Basia's place in the music scene. The album's single, 'Promises,' became a significant hit, further influencing the smooth jazz and adult contemporary genres during the late 1980s. Released as Basia's debut solo album in 1987, Time and Tide followed her success with the band Matt Bianco. At this point, she was transitioning into a prominent solo artist after contributing to their hit albums, showcasing her unique blend of jazz and pop influences.

Who is Time and Tide for?

Time and Tide works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, smooth background ambiance and mid-tempo reflective moments.

How many songs are on Time and Tide?

Time and Tide has 11 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Time and Tide

Basia · 1987

44 min · 11 tracks · jazz

Sophisticated jazz-pop melodies intertwine with Basia's lush vocals, creating a vibrant and breezy sonic landscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Promises — This track features an infectious groove and showcases Basia's distinctive vocal style, making it a standout introduction to her solo work.
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Time and Tide — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its rich instrumentation and contemplative lyrics, reflecting on the passage of time.
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Run for Cover — With its catchy melody and upbeat rhythm, this song highlights Basia's knack for blending jazz elements with pop sensibilities.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends sophisticated melodies with lush vocals, showcasing strong craftsmanship and distinctiveness in its genre.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of syncopated rhythms and layered instrumentation, creating a rich texture throughout.
Vocals often intertwine with brass and keyboard melodies, allowing for dynamic interplay rather than straightforward verse-chorus structures.
Several tracks employ extended instrumental sections that showcase improvisation, particularly in the jazz-inflected arrangements.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady, consistent energy levels
smooth background ambiance
mid-tempo reflective moments
melodic, soothing listening experience

Where this album fits

Career context: Released as Basia's debut solo album in 1987, Time and Tide followed her success with the band Matt Bianco. At this point, she was transitioning into a prominent solo artist after contributing to their hit albums, showcasing her unique blend of jazz and pop influences.
Stylistic neighbors: Sade· Norah Jones· Annie Lennox