Time to Share is the thirteenth album from Japanese musician Toshinobu Kubota, released on September 21, 2004 under his alias "Toshi."[1] It was Kubota's third English album.
Background and recording
Time so Share was recorded at a multitude of locations, including the New York studios like Battery Studios, Glowy Studios, Jammin' Downtown Studios, Quad Recording Studios, and Stash House Studios. It was also recorded at Westlake Studios in Los Angeles, and Home Cookin in Philadelphia.[2] Toshi co-wrote all the songs on the album, which has collaborations with rapper Mos Def and singer Angie Stone.[3] Although uncredited as a featured vocalist, Stone sings background vocals on the songs "Beating My Heart," "Breaking Through," "It's Time," and "Shadows of Your Love." Sy Smith appears on the song "Neva Satisfied," and Felicia "Fenix" Graham appears on the song "Hope You'll Be Well."[2]
Release and charts
By September 11 in 2004, the first single "Breaking Through" had been released to R&B radio, and Epic had placed it on BET and MTV2.[3] The album was released by SMI Records Inc[4] on September 21, 2004 under his alias "Toshi."[1] Epic/Sony Urban Music also released the album on September 21, 2004.[3]
The album charted at number 25 on the Oricon Albums chart. The album featured the singles "Breaking Through" and "Shadows of Your Love." In the same year, Kubota appeared on the American television show Soul Train to promote the album, becoming the first Japanese singer to appear on the show. After the release of the album, Kubota toured with Angie Stone in 2005.
Reception
Billboard called it "blissfully groove-drenched."[3]Allmusic reviewed the album, and wrote that it "is another fine album [like Toshi's last], but... the material is too mature and laid-back to appeal to more than attentive contemporary R&B fans in their late twenties and thirties. And that's not a knock on the artist."[1]
