Following My Intuition,
Craig David's first album of original material in nearly a decade, returned the singer to the top of the U.K. pop chart for the first time since his 2000 debut.
David was shrewd to quickly capitalize on the commercial resurgence with
The Time Is Now, a set that is less scattered stylistically, dominated by tropical house and trap stylings.
David reunites with
Fraser T. Smith, who produces almost half of the 12 standard edition cuts, including the Top Ten U.K. hit "I Know You," a sweeping ballad with a stadium-ready chorus led by
Bastille's
Dan Smith.
Jonas Blue, who broke through in 2015 with his remake of "Fast Car," likewise gets into the sprightly spirit with "Heartline," one of the album's brighter moments, where
David's good-guy sincerity shines through. Another highlight pairs
David again with
Kaytranada, who cooks up a glinting, lightly stomping beat that serves the singer as well as "Got It Good." ~ Andy Kellman