A Time For Love by Matt Monro: A Jazz-Pop Gem That Still Packs a Punch
Alright, let’s get straight to it. Matt Monro’s A Time For Love isn’t just another smooth jazz-pop record from the UK—it’s an absolute knockout. Released in 1989 under EMI and Music For Pleasure (yes, those labels knew how to spoil us), this album is like slipping into your favorite leather jacket: timeless, snug, and dripping with class. With genres spanning Jazz, Vocal, and Pop, and styles hitting Easy Listening, Chanson, and Traditional Pop, it’s got something for everyone who digs emotional vocals wrapped up in lush arrangements.
Now, I’m not gonna waste time listing every single track because honestly, you’d be here all day. But there are two tracks that stick out like sore thumbs—or should I say sweet ones? First up, “Speak Softly Love,” aka the love theme from The Godfather. Oh man, if this doesn’t give you goosebumps, check your pulse. Monro takes this iconic tune and turns it into a velvet-smooth confession. It’s not overdone; it’s just… right. His voice cracks ever so slightly on certain notes, making it feel raw, personal, ever so human. You can almost picture him standing in some smoky club, pouring his heart out while the crowd melts into their seats.
Then there’s “When Love Comes Along.” This one hits different—it’s playful but still carries weight, like when you’re flirting at a bar but secretly hoping they’ll call you back later. The melody bounces around without losing its soul, and Monro’s delivery feels effortless yet deliberate. Like he knows exactly what buttons to press to make you feel things. Damn, dude had range.
Sure, the liner notes by Gordon Lorenz add a nice touch, but let’s keep it real—the star here is Monro himself. Dude could sell emotions better than most people sell used cars. And yeah, okay, maybe some of the songs overlap or repeat (looking at you, “Didn’t We” showing up twice), but honestly? It works. It’s like hearing an old friend tell the same story again—familiar, comforting, kinda perfect.
Here’s the kicker though—why does an album released in ‘89 sound more alive today than half the stuff dropping now? Maybe we’ve lost something along the way. Or maybe Matt Monro was just too good for his own era. Either way, A Time For Love isn’t just music—it’s mood, memory, magic. So do yourself a favor: crank it loud, pour a drink, and let Monro remind you why records like this don’t come around often enough. Cheers to that.
