This Time Around (Otis Clay album)
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]
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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Production
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]
Critical reception
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]
Track listing
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 |
References
- "Otis Clay Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic.
- "Chicago Bluesman Otis Clay Dead At 73". Chicago Defender. January 9, 2016.
- Guarino, Mark (3 July 1998). "Shaken and stirred: Otis Clay wants to teach the world to feel". Daily Herald. Time Out. p. 4.
- Lozaw, Tristram (April 22, 1998). "Music - Clay may get his due with album this time". Boston Herald. Arts & Lifestyle. p. 44.
- Kot, Greg (3 July 1998). "VINTAGE SOUL: OTIS CLAY'S EARTHY, GRITTY VOICE SPEAKS OF DEEP SOUTHERN ROOTS". Chicago Tribune. Friday. p. 21.
- Whiteis, David (October 22, 1998). "Otis Clay". Chicago Reader.
- Joyce, Mike (26 June 1998). "OTIS CLAY: 'This Time Around'". The Washington Post. p. N13.
- "MUSIC REVIEWS". The Philadelphia Tribune. No. 35. 1 May 1998. p. 10E.
- Shuster, Fred (20 Mar 1998). "SOUND CHECK". Los Angeles Daily News. p. L24.
- Reilly, Terry (15 May 1998). "CD Reviews". The Age. Entertainment Guide. p. 8.
- "This Time Around - Otis Clay | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic" – via www.allmusic.com.
- Ellis, Bill (March 21, 1998). "RECORDINGS". The Commercial Appeal. p. C3.
- Larkin, Colin (2006). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Vol. 2. MUZE. p. 405.
- White, Jim (24 May 1998). "RECORDINGS". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. p. G2.
- "Otis Clay, This Time Around". Esquire. 129 (6): 40. Jun 1998.
- Trapp, Roger (2 May 1998). "Jazz: Jazz & Blues". The Independent. Features. p. 39.