This Time Around (Otis Clay album)

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]

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
The Age	[10]
AllMusic	[11]
The Commercial Appeal	[12]
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music	[13]
Los Angeles Daily News	[9]
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette	[14]

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]