With What Is It We Need, Amanda Whiting offers a moment of true elegance—an unhurried, soul-steeped piece that moves with the grace of a slow, stately dance. It’s a track that’s as much about space and mood as it is about melody, and it gently unfolds like a breath held and then exhaled, warm and weightless.
Whiting’s harp wraps around everything with subtle command, never overpowering but always central—its delicate cascades flowing alongside the hushed pulse of a velvety double bass and the whisper of brushed percussion. There’s a quiet sophistication at play here, yet it never feels aloof; it’s deeply felt and soulfully delivered.
At the heart of the track is a stunning vocal turn from Alice Russell, whose voice—rich, expressive, and soulful—brings a luminous emotional depth to the piece. Her phrasing is immaculate, intimate yet expansive, and perfectly in step with the music’s sway. The vocal harmonies are equally tender, folding into Whiting’s instrumental lines with a natural grace.
As the song moves through its changes, brief moments of bass exploration give it just enough movement without breaking its spell. It’s measured and steady, but with a hypnotic groove—an irresistible sway that draws you in and doesn’t let go.
What Is It We Need is a beautifully restrained, emotionally rich piece of modern soul-jazz. Whiting and Russell are a dream pairing—each bringing nuance, clarity, and warmth to a track that feels both timeless and quietly bold. A lovely, lingering listen.
