New York Blues Hall of Fame inductee Bette Smith is back with her third studio album, and like the title suggests, that’s a Goodthing.
Produced by Grammy-winner Jimmy Hogarth, known for his work with Amy Winehouse and Duffy, Goodthing is a strong fusion of soul, gospel, and good ol’ rock & roll. Smith’s powerful vocals, in a league with legends like Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, and Etta James, take center stage on the album. Her raspy, soulful delivery fills each song with an anthemic quality you’ll feel deep within the soul. The album is ingrained with music that pays homage to the roots of soul, but with touches of today’s rock & roll.
With Hogarth at the helm, Goodthing gets its swagger from a polished sound that highlights Smith’s dynamic range and emotional depth. From gritty, heart-pounding anthems to soul-stirring ballads, each song on the album showcases her ability to enrapture listeners with raw honesty and bottomless energy.
Smith’s work on Goodthing is a tribute to who she is as an artist. It’s about making music; but it’s also about telling a story that celebrates resilience, joy, and the indomitable spirit of soul music. As she effortlessly takes us through themes of love, loss, and redemption, Smith lets us know that what we’re all going through is both personal and universal. During a time when authenticity is sometimes overlooked, Bette Smith stands out as a genuine artist, making Goodthing is a celebration of the soulful roots that define her music. This record should do nothing less than help solidify her place among the greats.