Time

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