First Listen: Faith Evans helps Gwen Bunn "Between the Lines"

(October 21, 2020) The sample serves multiple purposes when used in a song. It has a groove or a beat that the song producer wants to include in his or her work. Or, in some cases, samples are a contemporary artist’s way to throw a bouquet to a musician that is held in high esteem. That is probably what Grammy nominated singer, songwriter and producer Gwen Bunn was thinking when she sprinkled her latest single “Between the Lines,” with a sample of Faith Evans’ opening riff from the 1990s hit “Soon as I Get Home.” Bunn is a Faith Evans fan and the “Soon as I Get Home” and “Between the Lines,” share thematic similarities.

Both songs are about making it clear to someone that maintaining the relationship is the priority. Or as Bunn puts it, “The song is about longing for someone and knowing that y'all are better together than apart regardless of the ups & downs.” Bringing Evans in to contribute vocals on the track added to the excitement for Bunn, particularly since 25 years have passed since Faith Evans released “Soon As I Get Home.” Time really flies.

And like Evans captured the increasing fusion of R&B and hip-hop that was developing in the mid-1990s, “Between the Lines” showcases how those two genres have continued to  evolve over the years – from a musical arrangement and vocal standpoint, which you can certainly hear in “Between The Lines.” Check out this enjoyable tune below.

By Howard Dukes

 Gwen Bunn feat. Faith Evans
"Between The Lines"