Album Info Hide Show Artist: Al Jarreau Album: This Time Released: Australia, 1980 Tracklist: A1 Never Givin’ Up 3:51 A2 Gimme What You Got 3:42 A3 Love Is Real 4:23 A4 Alonzo 5:22 A5 (If I Could Only) Change Your Mind 4:10 B1 Spain (I Can Recall) 6:32 B2 Distracted 5:28 B3 Your Sweet Love 4:10 B4 (A Rhyme) This Time 3:40 Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne’s North (Australia) We buy and sell new and used vinyl records – if you have a collection you’d like to sell please click here . All pictures of the second hand/used vinyl records are actual pictures of the album in stock. We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post. Free Shipping for orders $125 and over. You can also pick up your order in store, just select Local Pickup at the checkout. We also ship internationally – prices vary depending on weight and location. We ship vinyls in thick, rigid carboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records. We almost always ship your vinyl next business day (excluding pre orders) We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn’t arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record. If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store. You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at [email protected] Happy Listening! Description Hide Show Released in 1980, Al Jarreau’s “This Time” serves as a pivotal record in the jazz vocalist’s illustrious career. This album, steeped in the atmospherics of late 70s and early 80s R&B, funk, and soul, captures Jarreau at a transformative moment, bridging the gap between his more traditional jazz leanings and the burgeoning mainstream sounds of the time. At the core of “This Time” is Jarreau’s undeniably unique voice. His ability to maneuver between intricate scats, smooth vocal runs, and evocative lyrical interpretations remains unparalleled. This vocal dynamism turns even the simplest of tunes into an intricate tapestry of sound. The opening track, “Never Givin’ Up,” perfectly encapsulates the album’s vibesmooth, sultry, and unequivocally soulful. Its laid-back rhythm and catchy chorus serve as a testament to Jarreau’s ability to craft radio-friendly tracks without compromising his artistic integrity. “Gimme What You Got” is another standout, showcasing Jarreau’s playful side. The track is infused with funk, and Jarreau’s energetic delivery makes it impossible not to groove along. “Distracted,” a more jazz-infused piece, is a lyrical introspection underscored by a gentle instrumental backdrop. Here, listeners are reminded of Jarreau’s roots, as he delves into a more traditional sound while still infusing the track with his distinct flair. However, it’s “Love Is Real” that might be the album’s emotional centerpiece. It’s a tender ballad that highlights Jarreau’s capacity to convey deep emotion, his voice gently soaring over the soft instrumentation, resonating with anyone who’s ever felt the pangs of love. Produced by Jay Graydon, the album’s production values are top-notch. The instrumentation is lush, yet never overpowering, providing the perfect platform for Jarreau’s vocal acrobatics. The synthesisers, characteristic of the era, are used judiciously, adding depth without feeling gimmicky. For those familiar with Jarreau’s earlier works, “This Time” might come off as a departure from his more jazz-centric beginnings. However, this shift feels organic, a natural progression for an artist who was never bound by genre constraints. Rather than a dilution of his style, “This Time” feels like an expansion, an artist exploring new terrains while carrying the essence of his roots with him. If there’s a critique to be made, it might be that the album, in its pursuit of broader appeal, occasionally leans a tad too much into the pop domain, which might not sit well with jazz purists. However, viewed as a standalone piece, “This Time” is a cohesive, beautifully crafted record that stands the test of time. In conclusion, “This Time” is Al Jarreau in transition, an artist embracing the changing tides of the music industry while staying true to his core. It’s an album that showcases the breadth of his talent, from soulful ballads to funk-driven beats, all carried by that inimitable voice. For both new listeners and longtime fans, “This Time” offers a rich, immersive experience, a journey through the multifaceted world of Al Jarreau. Product Reviews Hide Show Write a Review