On this day August 25 1982, What Time Is It? by The Time was released. As their second studio album, it solidified the group’s signature blend of funk, R and B, and Minneapolis sound that had been cultivated under the mentorship and production of Prince.
Led by charismatic frontman Morris Day, The Time delivered a tighter and more confident follow-up to their debut. What Time Is It? featured just six tracks, but each one stood out with infectious grooves and bold personality. Songs like 777-9311, Wild and Loose, and The Walk showcased the group’s unmatched style and rhythmic innovation.
This release pushed The Time further into the spotlight, with Morris Day’s slick persona and Jesse Johnson’s guitar work driving the band’s appeal. The extended song structures gave room for their funky jams to breathe and build, creating a club-ready experience that felt alive and unpredictable.
Backed by Prince’s uncredited songwriting and instrumentation, the album was a deeper expression of the Minneapolis sound, full of swagger, wit, and musical precision. It became a major influence on funk and R and B throughout the decade.
80s insight: The Time wasn’t just a Prince side project. This album proved they had the talent, charm, and energy to stand on their own as funk royalty.
Led by charismatic frontman Morris Day, The Time delivered a tighter and more confident follow-up to their debut. What Time Is It? featured just six tracks, but each one stood out with infectious grooves and bold personality. Songs like 777-9311, Wild and Loose, and The Walk showcased the group’s unmatched style and rhythmic innovation.
This release pushed The Time further into the spotlight, with Morris Day’s slick persona and Jesse Johnson’s guitar work driving the band’s appeal. The extended song structures gave room for their funky jams to breathe and build, creating a club-ready experience that felt alive and unpredictable.
Backed by Prince’s uncredited songwriting and instrumentation, the album was a deeper expression of the Minneapolis sound, full of swagger, wit, and musical precision. It became a major influence on funk and R and B throughout the decade.
80s insight: The Time wasn’t just a Prince side project. This album proved they had the talent, charm, and energy to stand on their own as funk royalty.
