What does Erin Hunt have in common with Tamia, Robin Thicke and Remy Shand? The answer is that Hunt – like the above-mentioned trio of R&B/soul singers – hails from Canada. Hunt won’t have to worry about her music being confused with any of those singers, however. Her style on the very good Meet Me in the Middle, her debut EP, is unique. Hunt is not content to limit herself to one genre. She moves from the adult contemporary pop on "The Woman I Am" to funk on the torch song "My Friends." "If I Could Go Back" and "Ain’t Nobody" are both bluesy numbers, while "If You Believe in Me" sports a Bossa Nova feel likely inspired by two of Hunt’s influences – Astrud Gilberto and Antonio Carlos Jobim. Vocally, Hunt has an intimate, mature voice that is the perfect complement for her sophisticated lyrics. With six songs, Meet Me in the Middle goes fast, but listeners won’t have to feel defensive about putting this record on repeat.
Notable tracks: The Woman I Am, If I Could Go Back, My Friends
Vocals: 3.5 stars
Music: 3.5 stars
Lyrics: 3.5 stars
Production: 3.5 stars
SoulTracks call: Recommended
By Howard Dukes