Platinum Hook - It's Time (1979)

When Platinum Hook's self-titled debut album of 1978 failed to sell, the band decided to try something different on its second album, It's Time. Disco was huge in 1979 (when this LP came out), and Platinum Hook tried to cash in on its popularity by providing more party songs the second time around. There are a few examples of romantic Northern soul (including "Be Not a Long Time" and "It's for You"), but disco-funk is what dominates the album. Unfortunately, the up-tempo material tends to sound contrived and mechanical this time. Although mildly catchy, disco-funk tracks like "Play With You," "Time," and "Give Me Time to Say" resort to formula instead of gambling with inspiration -- there isn't much to distinguish them from countless other disco-funk tunes that came out in 1979. And when It's Time is finished playing, the romantic soul ballads are what you remember and want to go back to. Although uneven, It's Time isn't a bad album; even the most formulaic tracks aren't terrible. But if you had to choose between It's Time and Platinum Hook's first album, the latter would be the obvious choice.