Chrissie Huntley – Supposed To Be (2021)
With a reputation for captivating performances, singer-songwriter Chrissie Huntley can easily hold an audience in the palm of her hand. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, accompanied by lockdowns, Huntley was making huge strides as a live artist headlining the 02 Academy Bristol in 2018 and being chosen to play Glastonbury in 2019. Yet, while 2020 was uncertain for live performances, Huntley continued to create music writing and releasing original material in preparation for 2021. She blasts into this new year with her latest single ‘Supposed To Be’.
Merging elements of pop, soul and jazz, ‘Supposed To Be’ is a poignant track immersed in a soothing, languid and harmonic swirl of sound. Yet, while you become lost in the music, Huntley anchors you with her bold and warm vocals. In fact, it is her dulcet tones that carry the song instead of the simplistic instrumentation flickering like sparkling waves on a river of sound. It is impossible to listen to this song without getting goosebumps or butterflies in your stomach.
As I mention, Huntley’s voice is the true star of the song. Reminiscent of Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, Joss Stone and Florence Welch, there is a rawness to her soaring vocals. Catchy choruses are accompanied by infectious verses with an underlying sensuality. It is, however, intriguing that the comfortable warmth of the melody juxtaposes the melancholic lyricism – a sign of Huntley’s depth and innovativeness.
“‘Supposed To Be’ is a very vulnerable track, I suppose. It was very raw at the time of writing and I never had any intention of releasing it – it was more like therapy to me than anything else. But, seven years later and here we are! Releasing this as an introduction to my new sound seemed like the perfect fit as it holds the part of me that first turned to music at a time where I was struggling, which went on to become the entire premise of my musical journey.” – Chrissie Huntley on ‘Supposed To Be’
Known for writing music as a form of escapism, ‘Supposed To Be’ is a vulnerable, emotional and provocative track exposing Huntley at her most fragile. Written several years ago when she was a teenager and was dumped by her boyfriend, ‘Supposed To Be’ has a childish innocence in its poetic lyricism but it also contains a sophisticated maturity in its insightfulness. Sincere and sentimental, Huntley captures the pain of loss and sonically personifies the anxiety-ridden confusion of, well, life.
Only a few days after its release, ‘Supposed To Be’ has already featured on lefuturewave, A&R Factory, Tap The Feed, Amazing Radio, BBC Radio Bristol, Bristol Music Show, Berlin On Air and several other online stations/podcasts. It seems that her music is a sensation no matter where she goes or what she does.
For more from Chrissie Huntley check out her official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
