The Time Is Now

Craig David's latest offering, "The Time Is Now," is like a beautifully packaged box of chocolates that you eagerly open, only to find out they are all filled with coconut cream (gross). The album kicks off with "Magic," a track that promises something exciting but ultimately leaves you feeling a bit underwhelmed, like when you go to a party and the only person you know is the host's weird uncle who insists on dancing with you. "Heartline" brings a glimmer of hope with its catchy chorus, but just when you start getting into it, you realize it's basically a cheap knockoff of a Justin Timberlake b-side. Tracks like "Ain't Giving Up" and "Live in the Moment" feel like uninspired attempts at recreating Craig's heyday, but end up falling flat like a soufflé that's been left in the oven for too long. But fear not, dear listeners, as there are a few saving graces on this album. "Brand New" and "Love Me Like It's Yesterday" manage to inject some much-needed energy and charm into an otherwise lacklustre collection of songs. Overall, "The Time Is Now" is like the awkward middle child of Craig David's discography - not quite as memorable as his earlier work, but not terrible enough to be completely forgotten. In the end, it's just kind of meh.