Lisa Stansfield – This Is The Right Time

Released in 1989, “This Is The Right Time” was the first European single from Lisa Stansfield’s debut solo album, Affection. Written by Stansfield with Ian Devaney and Andy Morris, the song was produced by Coldcut and combined soulful vocals with house rhythms, electronic production and a sophisticated dance-pop arrangement. It followed Stansfield’s appearance on Coldcut’s “People Hold On” and helped establish her as one of Britain’s most distinctive new voices.

The song is an optimistic celebration of love, built around the belief that the moment has arrived to take a chance on a relationship. Stansfield’s warm, soulful voice gives the lyrics emotional depth, while the production provides a relaxed but infectious groove. Programmed drums, deep bass, shimmering keyboards and subtle electronic textures create a stylish late-1980s sound, with the house influence giving the recording a strong connection to the rapidly developing British dance scene.

Today, “This Is The Right Time” remains a favourite from Affection, remembered for its sophisticated blend of soul, house and pop, and for the distinctive vocal style that would make Lisa Stansfield one of the standout British artists of the late 1980s and early 1990s.

It peaked at No. 13 in the UK Singles Chart on 28th August 1989.