Extract from americansongwriter.com on It’s About Time:
Patty Smyth returns with an excellent new album It’s About Time, a title that puts a button on the question she’s been asked by fans and often posed to herself.
Though there have been a few scattered songs here and there, it’s been 28 years since her last full album, 1992’s self-titled Patty Smyth, which contained the Grammy-nominated “Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough,” sung with Don Henley and co-written with Glen Burtnik. Since that time, Smyth raised her family of six kids with guitar playing husband and tennis legend John McEnroe. Truth is, she’s been touring, playing shows and writing all along, but never found the time to get back in the recording studio.
“It’s a big crossroads for me, and it’s not just because of my kids leaving home,” Smyth tells American Songwriter. “It’s now or never. I was too deep in the trenches and I was just doing what was in front of me. I’ve been touring for the last twelve years and people kept asking me when I would have new music. I would play a couple new originals in the shows. I finally said I have to do it. I have to jump off the cliff!”
Recorded in Nashville with Dann Huff, It’s About Time is a journey back to her roots and simpler times, focusing on the strength and importance of formative, long-lasting relationships. The six originals on the record retain the classic Patty Smyth sound- driving drums and a hint of classic ‘80s sounds finely blended with acoustic guitars and crunchy electrics. Soaring over the instruments is Smyth’s seductive voice, which still exudes passion and a sultriness that perks your ears and makes you stop what you’re doing and just listen.
The contemplative “Losing Things,” rooted in the soothing sound of an acoustic guitar, would fit as easily on a Miranda Lambert album as it would if it were sung by Paul Westerberg. Inspired by a photograph she found of her and her sister, she revisits her youth and the desire to hit with the road to nowhere on “Drive.” “Build A Fire” chronicles the long love affair with her husband, and the strong bond and the chemistry the two still have for each other. Two classic covers, “Downtown Train” and “Ode To Billie Joe,” a cornerstone song of her childhood, give the listener a peak into her influences and round out the eight-song album.
My hands must be tattooed all over you by now
I placed a million crazy kisses on your mouth.
I’ve been holding you so long I’ve lost all track of time
Only you can take me higher, baby you and I can still build a fire
Right before the pandemic hit in March, Smyth performed on a cruise for the first time, which reaffirmed the importance of releasing It’s About Time. Not knowing what to expect, the cruise turned out to be a blast all around. Smyth saw herself in the fans in the audience.
“There were 3500 fans and they were so into it, dressing up like Miami Vice, or Baywatch and so fucking happy! They were mostly my age and it was funny and infectious. That’s where their joy is.”
“I say this a lot when we’re playing live: How did this happen, that we’re older now? Our kids are grown up! I didn’t see it coming. I didn’t know it was going to happen to me. I really didn’t. I don’t feel any different, but I look different. A lot of years have gone by, I guess. I see it in their faces too. ‘What happened?’ But on that boat for that hour and half at the show, you’re just cutting loose, laughing out being older and being parents and how hard that is. The joy of music is infectious and it’s great to be around people who love it too.”
“Now is the time to do whatever brings me the most joy. And people have been asking for new music for so long, I feel like saying it’s about time and I’m so sorry it took so long. Those were the two choices for the album title: It’s About Time and Sorry It Took Me So Long!” (laughs)