The Mighty Clouds Of Joy
It’s Time
A2 Stoned World (Charles Mann, Dave Crawford 3:13)
A3 Laugh (Charles Mann, Dave Crawford 3:15)
A4 (You Think) You're Doin' It On Your Own (Dave Crawford 5:03)
A5 The Master Plan (Dave Crawford 4:02)
B1 Mighty Cloud Of Joy (Dave Crawford 5:10)
B2 Everything Is Going Up (Dave Crawford 4:08)
B3 Heart Full Of Love (Ermant Franklin 3:30)
B4 Time (Dave Crawford 3:36)
Label: ABC Dunhill – DSX-50177
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Gospel, Soul
It's Time is the album that marked the Mighty Clouds of Joy's intentional and successful crossover from traditional gospel to a contemporary soul and funk sound. Recorded in Philadelphia with top-tier musicians, the album is highly regarded as one of the best gospel/soul fusion records of its era.
While rooted in traditional gospel, the album fully incorporates R&B, soul, funk, and rock influences, a pioneering move for a gospel group at the time. This innovative style helped the group reach a wider, mainstream audience.
The album was produced by Dave Crawford and recorded at the legendary Sigma Sound Studio in Philadelphia, featuring the distinct "Philly Soul" sound. Noted musicians like Norman Harris, Bobby Eli, and Earl Young contributed to its rich, dynamic sound.
It includes the hit single "Time," which became a crossover success, peaking at No. 32 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 102 on the US Hot 100. Other essential tracks include the uptempo "Mighty Cloud of Joy," "Stoned World," and "Everything is Going Up".