What makes Feel the Spirit by Leroy Hutson notable?

Feel the Spirit received critical acclaim for its sophisticated production and songwriting, helping to solidify Hutson's reputation in the music industry. The album is often recognized for its influence on the neo-soul movement that emerged years later, with artists citing Hutson as an inspiration. Tracks from the album have been sampled by contemporary hip-hop artists, further extending its cultural impact. Released in 1976, Feel the Spirit was Leroy Hutson's second solo album following his self-titled debut. At this point in his career, he was establishing himself as a key figure in the soul genre after previously working with the Impressions. This album continued to build on his signature sound, showcasing his talents as both a vocalist and producer.

How many songs are on Feel the Spirit?

Feel the Spirit has 7 tracks, running approximately 32 minutes.

Released 50 years ago

Feel the Spirit

Leroy Hutson · 1976

32 min · 7 tracks · soul

A lush blend of soul and funk, marked by smooth vocals and rich instrumentation that invites listeners to groove and reflect.

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Top tracks — play these first

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It's the Music — This opening track sets the tone with its vibrant arrangement and infectious energy, encapsulating the essence of the album’s joyful spirit.
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Lover's Holiday — With its romantic lyrics and smooth melody, this song exemplifies Hutson's ability to blend heartfelt sentiment with danceable grooves.
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Feel the Spirit ('76) — The title track showcases Hutson's vocal prowess and intricate harmonies, embodying the album’s themes of love and celebration.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends rich instrumentation with smooth vocals, creating a distinctive sound that resonates within the soul genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong groove in 'It's the Music', featuring layered horns and rhythmic guitar that set a danceable tone.
The final track, 'Butterfat', features an extended instrumental section that allows for improvisation, contrasting with the more structured earlier tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Never Know What You Can Do (Give It a Try)

The verse encourages taking risks and embracing opportunities, shifting from hesitation to confidence through uplifting imagery.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 It's the Music 4:54
2 Let's Be Lonely Together 3:37
3 Never Know What You Can Do (Give It a Try) 3:48
4 Lover's Holiday 3:47
5 Feel the Spirit ('76) 5:48
6 Don't Let It Get Next to You 3:28
7 Butterfat 7:18

What to play next

Listen next

Hutson II

1976

Go back to

Hutson

1975

Full Leroy Hutson discography Artists like Leroy Hutson

soul

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata