“Give me all your attention // Gonna make you feel my vibe // With my hips and my lips // And my funk inside” sings Brooklyn born and bred rhythm & blues powerhouse Bette Smith in the title track of her new (third) LP Goodthing. The record contains thirteen original soul and gospel songs with a rock ‘n’ roll feel, varying in tempo but always intense, presenting personal stories of resilience and passion through hardship and neglect. It is the awesome distinctive vocals that naturally take the leading role, but don’t ignore the musicians behind the singer, because their 70s-infused sound is as groovy and empathetic as can be. “Can’t get too much of a good thing” we hear, and that’s exactly how it is.
Goodthing, produced by Jimmy Hogarth, is out now digitally, on CD and vinyl LP, through Kartel Music Group. RIYL Tina Turner, Betty Davis, Macy Gray.