This Time

An unsung classic of spiritual soul, Cassietta George's This Time exists at the crossroads of the dirty and the divine, combining impassioned, heartfelt vocals rooted in the church with absolutely filthy funk grooves direct from the street. The opening "Let's Get Together" is the record's clear highlight. A heart-wrenching plea for peace, love, and understanding in post-civil rights America, its slinky arrangement, percolating rhythms, and wah-wah guitar remain the absolute quintessence of gospel-funk. Although the remainder of This Time fails to ascend to the same glories, the record is nevertheless a deeply affecting experience regardless of the listener's personal beliefs. Whether her subject is the spiritual ("He Never Left Me Alone") or the secular ("Reach out and Touch"), George delivers her message with raw power and soul-deep conviction.