I've written songs for as long as I've played guitar - 40+ years!
I was fortunate that I was in the musical cohort after the Beatles. They had established that bands can, and more importantly should, write their own songs.
I've retained the appreciation for the form of the popular song, which hasn't changed that much over the years.
I think the best songs are written in twenty minutes and most of these were. I do love how a song then evolves as you record it, and I've always respected letting the song take me where it wants to go.
My list
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Smile! - Benny Sutton
2019 REMIX feat Inna and Gary duet. Alan Corne on drums. I think this is one of my best tracks (top 5) SEE ALSO click here
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My Funky Valentine by Benny Sutton
If you like Chaka Khan you’ll like this new R&B composition – it’s all about how a song becomes 'our song'. If you’re familiar with the classic jazz standard ‘My Funny Valentine’, you’ll understand.
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Afterglow by Benny Sutton
An ambient dance groove featuring Samantha B on vocals. Named after an Omnisphere preset! Such a great pad it takes the track to another level. If you like Chaka Khan you'll love this!
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Japanese Girl
I consider this to be arguably my most commercial pop tune
Yes, that's me singing - a very rare occurrence! Guitarists should not sing (evidence Larry Carlton on his 2nd solo album!)
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Speak by Benny Sutton
Looking for a really moody ballad? Check out this truly great vocal performance by Samantha Blanchard on this pop ballad. If you dig Chaka Khan you'll dig this.
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Groove Tonite by Benny Sutton
Old school, four on the floor funk! Partay! 2020 remix. Real Horns by Luke Tunney in the style of Earth Wind and Fire I bet Bruno Mars would like to get this authentic but was he even born when I recorded this in the 1980's?
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Crazy Lovin' by Benny Sutton
Here's a country rock tune , complete with virtual steel guitar. Yeeha cowpokes! Featuring Christian Erik on vocals who sings the heck out of it. look out Kenny Chesney and George Strait it's hot country.
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Take me to your Ocean
Another one of my original songs. Dig Samantha Blanchard's vocal on this pop ballad. Classic 60's Retro pop song, ear candy
Very much inspired by the band Lawrence who do retro better than anyone these days.
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Truck Stop Girl by Benny Sutton
A country tune for Men! Warning, look away if you don't like rock cliches! Featuring Christian Erik on vocals who sings the heck out of it. look out Kenny Chesney and George Strait it's hot country.
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Starry Night by Benny Sutton
The ultimate romantic song. If you like a sentimental pop ballad you’ll love this. It’s all about about a Christmas marriage proposal! Can you spot the references to the Joni Mitchell song River?
Vocalists
I'm fortunate to have had some great singers perform my songs. The singer will always make a contribution to the final product.
Singers perfoming here include...
- Samantha Blanchard all the female vocals
- Gary King Smile and Starry night
- Christian Erik Story of the Blues, Crazy Lovin'
- Me Japanese Girl
- AJ Lewis Hold On
These are my pick of the best I have written.