What makes Time Will Tell by Robert Cray notable?

'Time Will Tell' received critical acclaim and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album, showcasing Cray's continued influence in the genre. It also reached No. 5 on the Billboard Top Blues Albums chart, further establishing his prominence in the blues scene. When Robert Cray released 'Time Will Tell' in 2003, he was solidifying his status as a leading figure in modern blues, following the commercial success of his earlier albums like 'Shame + A Sin' (1993). This album came during a period when he was experimenting with more soulful and melodic elements while maintaining his signature blues sound.

Who is Time Will Tell for?

Time Will Tell works well if you're into steady pacing for relaxed evenings, heartfelt vocals for emotional connection and consistent flow invites deep listening.

How many songs are on Time Will Tell?

Time Will Tell has 10 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Time Will Tell

Robert Cray · 2003

48 min · 10 tracks · blues

Soulful guitar riffs intertwine with heartfelt lyrics, embodying the essence of contemporary blues with a touch of R&B.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Survivor — This opening track sets the tone with its dynamic blend of resilience and emotion, showcasing Cray's powerful vocal delivery and masterful guitar work.
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I Didn’t Know — Here, Cray's storytelling shines through as he navigates themes of love and regret, complemented by a catchy melody that lingers long after the song ends.
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Time Makes Two — This closing track encapsulates the album's themes of connection and time, featuring poignant lyrics paired with an evocative musical arrangement that highlights Cray's emotional depth.

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 skilled musicianship, typical of contemporary blues but not.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and prominent guitar solos, while the fourth track shifts to a slower, more reflective pace.
Several songs incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the interaction between the singer and the instrumental backing.
The album closes with a ballad that gradually builds in intensity, culminating in a powerful guitar solo that fades out.

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady pacing for relaxed evenings
heartfelt vocals for emotional connection
consistent flow invites deep listening
expressive guitar enhances reflective moments
for intimate gatherings

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy party tracks
prefer short standalone songs

Where this album fits

Career context: When Robert Cray released 'Time Will Tell' in 2003, he was solidifying his status as a leading figure in modern blues, following the commercial success of his earlier albums like 'Shame + A Sin' (1993). This album came during a period when he was experimenting with more soulful and melodic elements while maintaining his signature blues sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Joe Bonamassa· Keb' Mo'· Susan Tedeschi