Hip Hug-Her cover

Hip Hug-Her

Booker T. & the M.G.'s · 1967

31 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A smooth blend of jazzy grooves and soulful melodies that invites listeners to sway with its infectious rhythm.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Hip Hug‐Her — As the title track, this song captures the essence of the album's blend of catchy hooks and rhythmic grooves, becoming a defining piece for the band.
  • →
    Soul Sanction — This track highlights Booker T.'s signature organ riffs intertwined with tight horn arrangements, showcasing their mastery of instrumental arrangements.
  • →
    Sunny — A soulful rendition of Bobby Hebb's classic, this version illustrates how Booker T. & the M.G.'s could transform popular songs into compelling instrumental interpretations.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong instrumental compositions and tight arrangements, maintaining a consistent groove throughout.

What we noticed

  • Each track features prominent organ melodies layered over tight rhythm section work, creating a cohesive sound throughout the record.
  • Several tracks incorporate call-and-response elements between instruments, enhancing the dynamic interaction within the arrangements.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • short, engaging listening sessions
  • upbeat background ambiance
  • dynamic rhythmic grooves
  • inviting and lively atmosphere

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in June 1967, 'Hip Hug-Her' marked Booker T. & the M.G.'s third studio album, coming off the success of their previous record 'Green Onions'. At this point, they had established themselves as a crucial act in the Stax sound, bridging the gap between instrumental soul and popular music.
Stylistic neighbors
The Funk Brothers· Booker T. Jones· The Meters
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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Sunny

    The arrangement shifts from a sunny melody to a deeper groove as it builds, allowing various instruments to take turns in expressing the song's warmth.

    The transition emphasizes musical conversation among band members instead of relying solely on lyrics, showcasing their improvisational strengths.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Hip Hug‐Her 2:26
  • 2 Soul Sanction 2:38
  • 3 Get Ready 2:50
  • 4 More 2:52
  • 5 Double or Nothing 2:56
  • 6 Carnaby St. 2:19
  • 7 Slim Jenkins’ Place 2:26
  • 8 Pigmy 3:57
  • 9 Groovin’ 2:43
  • 10 Booker’s Notion 2:26
  • 11 Sunny 3:26

What to play next

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1968
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1967
Full Booker T. & the M.G.'s discography Where to start with Booker T. & the M.G.'s Artists like Booker T. & the M.G.'s
jazz soul

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata