Time

CD Details

Amazon.com

Time glowingly demonstrates Lionel Richie’s ability to write and sing socially relevant tracks. However, much of the luster from his mid-’80s heyday is woefully absent. Perhaps it’s the album’s darker thematic hue that robs the project of the once-familiar Richie magic. “Zoomin'” is a melancholy-laced track that addresses world problems, and “Everytime” bears a sobering timbre that explores relationships’ more stark realities. Conversely, the title track rings with a warm pop melody of hope, while “Closest Thing to Heaven” boasts dreamy, feel-good lyrics. As usual, the artist’s music deftly blurs the boundaries between pop, R&B, and country music, underscoring Richie’s award-winning universal creative approach. Still, one comes away with a hungry feeling, as if Richie has yet to regain his stride following his lengthy self-imposed recording exile. –J.R. Reynolds

Product description

NM PROMO SINGLE TRACK CD LIONEL RICHIE TIME. 1998 MERCURY RECORDS MEEP 417. See Pic For Condition. Ships From FL With Delivery Confirmation. BOX 12

Review

After opening with the upbeat “Zoomin’,” Richie settles right down to single word [titled] romantic ballads … laying the schmaltz on thick enough to make Celine Dion sound like Courtney Love. — Entertainment Weekly

[T]he songs on Time … are more contemplative than catchy. On several of them, including the engaging, poetry-driven “To the Rhythm,” he reflects on society’s troubles. Elsewhere, he lets emotions swell. — USA Today

[The] album delivers the for-lovers-only-goods that his fans adore, and many of the molasses-tempo ballads are so lulling you’ll think you’re lying on a rippling water bed. Don’t expect the lyrics to keep you awake [either]. — People