This Time Around | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | 1998 | |||
Genre | Soul, R&B | |||
Label | Bullseye Blues[1] | |||
Producer | Willie Mitchell | |||
Otis Clay chronology | ||||
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This Time Around is an album by the American soul musician Otis Clay, released in 1998.[2][3] It was his first studio album in five years, and came about due to a desire to record in Memphis again.[4]
The album was produced by Willie Mitchell.[5][6] The Memphis Horns and the Hi Rhythm Section contributed to the album; Cash McCall and Preston Shannon added guitar parts.[7][8] Willie Hutch wrote "I Can Handle It" and "You're the One I Choose".[9]
Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
The Age | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
AllMusic | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The Commercial Appeal | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Los Angeles Daily News | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The Chicago Reader thought that "this is no exercise in nostalgia: swirling strings, horns so choppy and precise they almost sound synthesized, and a serpentine pop-funk melody line all proclaim it a decidedly contemporary soul-blues outing."[6] The Washington Post determined that "Clay reaffirms his lofty place in soul music with a baritone voice that sounds more burnished and persuasive than ever."[7] Esquire deemed it a "slick, hugely enjoyable comeback album."[15]
The Age concluded that Clay "bristles with intensity on the caustic 'Standing in the Rain' and 'City in the Sky', but 'You're the One I Choose' and the easy-listening 'You Want Me To' detract from his natural soul power."[10] The Independent noted that Willie Mitchell "has largely recreated the sound with which he helped Al Green to best Clay first time around."[16] The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette opined that "the soulmeister is in fine and mellow form, testifying on breaking hearts, aching hearts and hearts on the mend."[14] The Commercial Appeal argued that "Clay's has been a trustworthy, albeit sad-eyed, voice: the friend who breaks the bad news; the relative who sits you down for a heart to heart."[12]
AllMusic wrote that "the backing musicians all have long pedigrees in Memphis soul music circles, either working at Stax or with producer Mitchell."[11]
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
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1. | "You're the One I Choose" | Willie Hutch | 3:50 |
2. | "When Hearts Grow Cold" | Richard Smythe Kuebler, Tommy Tate | 3:55 |
3. | "You Never Miss Your Water" | Morris Dollison | 4:46 |
4. | "Somebody Help" | Tommy Tate | 4:10 |
5. | "You Want Me to Do (What You Won't Do)" | Tommy Tate | 3:29 |
6. | "Help Me Get Over You" | Archie Turner | 4:00 |
7. | "Don't You Know Baby" | Walter Hatchett | 3:40 |
8. | "That's How It Is" | Morris Dollison | 3:40 |
9. | "This Time Around" | Thomas Bingham, Willie Mitchell | 4:36 |
10. | "It's Hard to Love (After a Heartbreak)" | Willie Hutch | 4:34 |
11. | "Standing in the Rain" | Thomas Bingham | 4:29 |
12. | "City in the Sky" | Charles Chalmer | 5:02 |
13. | "I Can Handle It" | Willie Hutch | 3:58 |