Time (K. Michelle song)

Eric Hudson produced "Time" and wrote it alongside Kimberly Pate and Priscilla Renea. Hudson also worked as a programmer for the single. Joi Campbell, Eric Cire, Eric Dawkins, Sha Sha Jones, Sam Salter, and Young Goldie provided background vocals, while Curtis Hudson played the guitar. The track was mixed by Josh Mosser, and mastered by Christ Athens, while the vocals were produced by Dawkins.[1]

On February 25, 2016, "Time" was made available as a promotional single from Michelle's third studio album More Issues Than Vogue (2016),[2][3][4] upon pre-ordering the album.[4] Prior to its release, Michelle teased the song through black-and-white videos uploaded on her official Instagram account, where she performed with a band.[5][6] On March 7, 2016, she sang the song on the reality television series K. Michelle: My Life.[7]

"Time" is a R&B and soul ballad,[4][8][9][10] which lasts four minutes and 37 seconds.[1][11] In the song, Michelle sings about struggles within a relationship, while accompanied by "a smooth, gospel-tinged chord progression".[2] The instrumental also includes "soulful melodies over climactic piano keys",[8] along with strings, a piano, and drums.[4] Elle Breezy of Singersroom interpreted the song as an "old-school soul record",[9] and Ken Hamm of SoulBounce.com referred to it as an "old school slow jam".[4]

In "Time", the singer addresses an ex-partner whom she tells that it is too late for reconciliation,[8][12] through the lyrics: “It’s too late for you and I, thank God I left you right on time / Kissing you goodbye, and I did it right on time."[9] Other lyrics include: “In a perfect world, you would try to prove your love, take me to the stars above.”[13] Sarah Malik of MTV described the song as "sentimental",[8] while Breezy wrote that its focus on leaving an unhealthy relationship was similar to Michelle's 2016 singles "Not a Little Bit" and "Ain't You", which are also included on More Issues Than Vogue.[9] Bianca Gracie of Fuse associated "Time" with how Michelle "point[s] out her flaws and pour[s] out every inch of her heart in her music".[14]

Upon its release, "Time" received positive reviews from critics. Danny Schwartz of HotNewHipHop wrote that it was his favorite out of the promotional singles released from More Issues Than Vogue, and praised Michelle's vocals.[2] A writer for Rap-Up commended the single as "smooth and emotional", writing that it was part of "an impressive and versatile streak of MITV leaks".[12] Andy Kellman of AllMusic and Ben Beaumont-Thomas of The Guardian chose "Time" as one of the highlights from the album,[10][11] and Holly Lewis of Sway's Universe identified the lyrics and Michelle's vocals as high points of the single.[13] Sarah Malik wrote that Michelle "gracefully demonstrates her ability to amalgamate heartfelt lyricism with her powerful vocal range" through "Time", and "allow[s] listeners to absorb her true emotions".[8] Ken Hamm praised the single's content, describing it as "a powerful, mature break up ballad" due to its emphasis on finding joy from the end of a relationship rather than seeking revenge.[4]

Credits adapted from AllMusic:[1]

• "Time" (Official Audio) on YouTube