JSU Album Review




Hayley Hutchinson
Independently Blue
Release Date: 6th September 2004 on HaYLo Media







The album opens well, sounding a little like a Sheryl Crow riff but with an injection of funk about it as 'Deadman' begins, but it's only when Hayley's beautiful tones make their presence known that things are set alight. The opening track is one of high energy, featuring some slick (electric) guitar work, no doubt provided by father, John Hutchinson (ex-Bowie guitarist).

Things are slowed a bit with the acoustic pluckings of 'Climb Through', which is an incredibly sweet lullaby. Banjo-fuelled title-track 'Independently Blue' is another very strong track, tells a story of being strong as an individual woman but allowed to be sad with it "My mind is made up on how it should be/I won't stand around for you to make a fool of me/ And I will be independently blue". 'Find Myself Lost', features the strongest backing vocals from guest muso Chris Helme (The Yards / ex-Seahorses) and is a slower, darker-sounding song and reminds me a little the Yards 'sweet but a little bit evil' newfound sound.

'Minor key' is very Alanis Morrisette inspired tune. At this point 'I Have To Say I Love You'… floods the room with a haunting, shiver-sending vocal from Hayley. Only accompanied by a quiet acoustic guitar, she's really proving the strength and power of her voice. Most beautiful track on album, and I bet a great song to see her perform live.

'Fall Down' in contrast sees a full accompaniment including strings as it spirals off half way through. Full percussion intro on standout track 'Here's The Love' on the happy, melodic up-beat tune. ("Here's the love I've been dreaming of/If it is I'm forever in debt to you"). 'Hands' is another haunting track and another of my favourites on this album. Hayley's voice is most beautiful and emotional on this track. 'Say My Goodbyes' is a bittersweet song "I love you and I hate you at the same time/But you got crueller, crueller, the more I gave away for you to ignore/What is love, what is it for".

'Wicked Thoughts' winds things down for the last time before picking up for 'Happy Endings' the perfect ending to this collection of tunes. Which sounds light-hearted and optimistic until you catch hold of the lyrics "You're looking through photographs that remind you of good times/ And these moods seem to change a lot / You can't always have what you want / Like happy endings."

Hayley's voice throughout the album is beautiful, strong and full of emotion. She has a full cast of guest musicians including her father John Hutchinson (Ex-Bowie guitarist), Stuart Fletcher (Yards, Bass), Chris Helme (Yards, Vocals) to name just three and she is easily one of the most provocative female solo artists I've heard in a long time.

Overall if you're looking for something different, to take you away from that headache of kid-pop that's flooding the charts then this could be the album for you.

This album is certainly a grower and Hayley's voice overpowers you if you let it.



Standout Track: 'Here's The Love'





For more details visit Hayley Hutchinson's Offical website. 'Independently Blue' is released Monday 6th September on HaYLo Media.

Hayley plays Fibbers in York this Friday (Sept 3) with Chris Helme.





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