Third album for Daptone for the much revered James Hunter Six, ‘Whatever It Takes’ follows the same stylistic path that the previous two albums (and much of Hunter’s earlier work) follows: a late 50s/early 60s Rhythm and Soul blueprint that sounds both timeless and current in equal measure. Working with Bosco Mann clearly works for the band and the songwriting is strong. The snaking ‘I Don’t Wanna Be Without You’ is a joy – that barely restrained emotion being just held in check by James, the more upbeat ‘Whatever It Takes’ carries the song’s message along on the infectious finger clicking groove while ‘I Got Eyes’ is a pacey, uptempo number that will be a dancer’s delight. There’s a good balance of ballads here, the best of which are the sassy ‘It Was Gonna Be You’ and the spacious ‘Show Her’. James Hunter rarely puts a foot wrong: he and the band are so deeply bedded in this style that it’s written and delivered effortlessly. Superb as always.
Track listings:
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01 I Don’t Wanna Be Without You by James Hunter Six
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02 Whatever It Takes by James Hunter Six
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03 I Got Eyes by James Hunter Six
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04 Mm-Hmm by James Hunter Six
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05 Blisters by James Hunter Six
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06 I Should’ve Spoke Up by James Hunter Six
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07 Show Her by James Hunter Six
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08 Don’t Let Pride Take You for a Ride by James Hunter Six
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09 How Long by James Hunter Six
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10 It Was Gonna Be You by James Hunter Six
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