The James Hunter Six Off The Fence
The James Hunter Six's Off The Fence arrives as a compact, winning return to the group's signature British R&B and retro soul, earning praise for its warmth, wit and musicianship. Across professional reviews critics note a balance of rollicking jump-blues and sly torch songs that make the record feel both nostalgic and immediate. The consensus score of 84.67/100 across 3 professional reviews highlights broad critical approval.
Reviewers consistently single out “Ain't That A Trip [Feat. Van Morrison]” and “Here And Now” as standout tracks, praising the former's gleeful duet cameo and jump-blues crackle and the latter's haunted melody and tasteful guitar tremolo. Critics also highlighted “Gun Shy” and “Let Me Out Of This Love” for their mix of humor and heartache, and several reviews point to James Hunter's leather-throated vocals, British phrasing and sly storytelling as the record's emotional glue. Professional reviews emphasize the band's tight arrangements, vintage groove and Northern soul nods as proof of careful songcraft rather than pastiche.
While praise is steady, critics frame Off The Fence as continuation rather than reinvention - a lovingly produced collection that rewards repeated listens rather than a radical departure. That consensus suggests the record's strengths lie in craft, charm and collaborative continuity, situating it as a must-hear for fans of retro soul and anyone searching for the best songs on Off The Fence with highlights like “Ain't That A Trip [Feat. Van Morrison]” and “Here And Now” leading the way. Below, the full reviews unpack why critics agree this is another assured chapter in Hunter's catalog.
Critics' Top Tracks
The standout songs that made critics take notice
Ain’t That A Trip [Feat. Van Morrison]
3 mentions
"the exciting jump blues of “Ain’t That A Trip,” where Van Morrison sounds almost like Benny Spellman"— Americana Highways
Here And Now
3 mentions
"The beautiful “Here and Now” draws its inspiration from guitar hero Hank Marvin"— Americana Highways
Gun Shy
3 mentions
"doo-wop or early R&B (“Let Me Out Of This Love,” “Trouble Comes Calling,” and “Gun Shy,” co-written with bass player Myles Weeks)"— Americana Highways
the exciting jump blues of “Ain’t That A Trip,” where Van Morrison sounds almost like Benny Spellman
Track Ratings
How critics rated each track, relative to this album (0-100). Only tracks that made critics feel something are rated.
Two Birds One Stone
Let Me Out Of This Love
Gun Shy
Believe It When I See It
Here And Now
Off The Fence
Ain’t That A Trip [Feat. Van Morrison]
One For Ripley
Trouble Comes Calling
Particular
A Sure Thing
Only A Fool
What Critics Are Saying
Deep insights from 3 critics who reviewed this album
Critic's Take
The James Hunter Six sound unmistakable on Off The Fence, and Steve Horowitz leans into that warmth and wit. He praises rollicking cuts like “Ain’t That a Trip” and “Gun Shy” for their self-deprecating fun, and slow burners such as “Let Me Out of This Love” and “Particular” for their sly emotional bite. The review highlights Hunter’s leather-throated vocals and droll, earnest tone as the glue that makes these best tracks land. Overall, Horowitz frames the album as a pile of familiar gems that still reward repeated listens.
Key Points
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The best song is the Van Morrison-featuring “Ain’t That a Trip” because the guest vocal and humorous take on human shortcomings elevate it.
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The album’s core strengths are Hunter’s leather-throated vocals, witty storytelling, and tightly rendered retro-soul arrangements.
Themes
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Critic's Take
The James Hunter Six’s Off The Fence finds James Hunter leaning into the warm, scrupulous soul he has always loved, with the record’s best songs - “Two Birds One Stone”, “Ain’t That A Trip”, and “Here And Now” - standing out for their authenticity and wit. The opener, “Two Birds One Stone”, rides a rumba-like pulse and bouncing piano that immediately frames the album’s strengths, while “Ain’t That A Trip” crackles with jump blues energy and a notable Van Morrison cameo. Elsewhere, “Here And Now” showcases Hunter’s tasteful guitar tremolo and quietly haunting melody, proving his songwriting can be both subtle and immediate. The record reads as a continuation rather than a reinvention, lovingly produced and populated by deft arrangements and British sardonic charm.
Key Points
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The opener “Two Birds One Stone” sets the album’s tone with rumba-like rhythm and vintage soul styling.
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The album’s core strengths are authentic songwriting, tasteful musicianship, and a clear reverence for classic British and American soul traditions.
Themes
Critic's Take
In his unmistakable conversational and slightly sardonic tone Jim Hynes notes that The James Hunter Six on Off The Fence lean into infectious grooves and vintage Northern soul, with top moments like “Ain’t That a Trip” and “Here and Now” standing out. He relishes Hunter’s knack for turning everyday phrases inside out and praises the band’s telepathic interplay, making the best tracks on Off The Fence feel immediate and timeless. The duet with Van Morrison on “Ain’t That a Trip” is celebrated as joyous, while “Here and Now” is singled out for gorgeous, melodic guitar turns. Hynes frames the album as a lean, 40-minute set of head-bobbing songs that reaffirm Hunter as a master of blue-eyed soul.
Key Points
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The duet “Ain’t That a Trip” is the album’s emotional and celebratory high point because of Van Morrison’s joyful contribution.
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The album’s core strength is its infectious Northern soul grooves and tight band interplay that evoke a vintage yet fresh sound.