• Record Label: V2
  • Release Date: May 15, 2006
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Sexsmith’s got a knack for melody, and Froom’s got a knack for bringing it out.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Time is not quite his best album, but it offers lots of the usual low-key beauty. [19 Jan 2007, p.81]
  3. Mojo
    80
    That he is reunited with producer Mitchell Froom only partly accounts for the likeness this album shares with his '90s work. [Jun 2006, p.111]
  4. The really exciting news is that [Sexsmith] actually takes some vocal risks – and sounds like he's having fun doing it.
  5. Q Magazine
    80
    Sexsmith's best record since his self-titled second album of 1995. [Jun 2006, p.119]
  6. Thankfully, a Sexsmith misfire is a rare phenomenon, and the majority of this album is additional testament to his brilliance.
  7. If you haven't discovered him yet, there's no better time than "Time Being."
  8. Paste Magazine
    80
    There is neither a misstep nor a daring leap here. [Feb 2007, p.59]
  9. Alternative Press
    80
    The focus on time and its ravages may seem to place this in 35-and-over territory, but Sexsmith's songs are timeless. [Mar 2007, p.136]
  10. Uncut
    70
    This doesn't disappoint. [Jun 2006, p.114]
  11. Like all Ron Sexsmith albums, Time Being is reliable and expertly crafted, and contains a handful of cuts that will kick around in your head until the next one swoops in to replace them.
  12. The New York Times
    70
    His voice, hinting at Ray Davies and Tim Hardin along with Paul McCartney, wavers and droops with a breathy modesty that only makes him sound more sincere. [8 Jan 2007]
  13. He emerges from a two-record slump contemplating sand though the hourglass with perspective beyond his 42 years.
  14. Time Being, as with his previous work, is laden with winning melodies and a poet's worldly insight.
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. D
    Aug 3, 2006
    6
    Ron Sexsmith's career thus far has been a mixed blessing. He has enjoyed praises from such luminaries as Paul McCartney & Elvis Ron Sexsmith's career thus far has been a mixed blessing. He has enjoyed praises from such luminaries as Paul McCartney & Elvis Costello, recorded with Chris Martin, been covered by Feist, and on and on. Ron has a knack for writing some very nice songs, consistantly. Very consistantly. Therin lies the problem. Time Being really cements what Retreiver hinted at; better to play it safe and give the people what they have come to expect than to alienate your base with something new. By new, I mean trying new things once in a while. Ron has such a gift for song that it is a shame seeing him do the same song a million different ways. Ron, I love your art, but please give me the unexpected once in a while. Full Review »
  2. matta
    Jul 11, 2006
    9
    While this album is not as good as Sexsmith's last three albums (all of the ones here on metacritic), it is still a Ron Sexsmith album, While this album is not as good as Sexsmith's last three albums (all of the ones here on metacritic), it is still a Ron Sexsmith album, and is, thus, full of catchy melodies and thoughtful lyrics. He's never put out a bad album and I really don't think that he ever will. If you've never heard of him, then I would start with Cobblestone Runway and Retriever, but this is also a fine place to start. Full Review »
  3. Dazz
    Jul 1, 2006
    10
    Anyone not knowing Sexsmith (there are many), need to know the following this guy has. He is certainly within the CD collection of all the Anyone not knowing Sexsmith (there are many), need to know the following this guy has. He is certainly within the CD collection of all the best songwriters in the world. Google it if you doubt me. If he was not Canadian, one could belive he would be bigger and tainted with fame. Full Review »