Imani Hutton - go the right way

Imani Hutton

Go The Right Way
Hutton Records; 2014

3.4 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

Imani Hutton is a singer/songwriter/producer from Maryland who recently released an impressive album entitled Go The Right Way. Hutton wrote all the songs on Go The Right Way and will encourage you to check out her blog detailing the writing process and thoughts behind the song. She may have wrote this album but is certainly not a solo effort as you can see simply from looking at songs. Almost every song features a different person which adds a whole other dimension to the songs. 

Musically, Hutton covers an ample amount of genres spanning from Electro-Pop, Soul, Funk, and Gospel. No matter the genre the songs are heartfelt, inspired pieces that you can feel are coming from a real place. That being said there were a number of songs that stuck out to me as highlights.

One of the highlights was the second track “Find A Way To Love” which has loungey, soulful vibe that is warm and inviting. I especially enjoyed the overlapping vocals, synths and percussion during the chorus that created a hypnotic array of sounds. The next track “I'm Grateful feat. Denae Fielder” is another sweet track that combines elements of gospel and soul. Denae Fielder delivers an exceptional vocal performance that sounds like something you would hear at your local nightclub.

“In Your Arms” is a grandiose ballad that reaches for epic heights while “Out To You/Come Thou Fount feat. Jason Sellers & Justin Wilson” is a ten minute epic that incorporates some very welcome jazz elements.

Overall, there was a lot of good material however some songs seemed a bit dated. There was a distinct 80’s type flavor that reminded of Broken Glass by Annie Lennox. A few missteps aside I found this album to be an enjoyable listen. 

Hutton can not only write a tune but can combine genres with relative ease. If you are looking for a album with “inspirational” songs I would give this a spin.

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