The song was released as the album's first European single on 31 July 1989, by Arista Records and received positive reviews from music critics.

It included "Affection", "Big Thing" (recorded by Stansfield's 1980s band Blue Zone) and remixes created by David Dorrell, CJ Mackintosh, Paul Witts and Eddie Gordon.

"[2] Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report felt the jazz/soul flavoring in her brand of pop "gives the music a distinctive sound polished off by the stunning vocal talent of this singer/songwriter.

With songs this hot, Lisa and her partners Ian Devaney and Andy Morris should be getting lots of time—make that air time in the years ahead.

"[6] Gene Sandbloom from The Network Forty stated that this latest single from her Rolling Stone four-star rated LP "maintains Stansfield's stunning soul licks while adding more tempo and house sounds than any of her previously released tracks.

"[8] Marisa Fox from Spin found that the track was "in a similar vein" like "People Hold On", declaring it as "perfect pop rollicking over a regal R&B rhythm.

"[9] John Nichols from Toledo Blade named "This Is the Right Time" one of the "standout" tracks on Affection, adding that it "has a infectious Latin beat.