Quitters by Christian Lee Hutson is a perfect listen for those feeling lonely, misunderstood, or sad. The album is a testament to Hutson’s songwriting abilities and his skillful use of various music styles to express his ideas. Through this album, Hutson paints pictures of different characters, often misfits who can easily be misunderstood by people. By tastefully delivering vulnerability in musical form, Hutson explores the depths of human emotions, relationships, and life experiences.

Christian Lee Hutson is an American songwriter born and raised in Santa Monica. He started his musical career in 2005 with The Driftwood Singers and later signed to the record label Anti as a solo artist in 2019. Hutson’s most recent album, Quitters, released on April 1, 2022, is a compelling work of art that has received much critical acclaim and is reminiscent of the styles of artists he takes inspiration from.

Lyrics of Realism and Intimacy

Hutson’s lyrics allow listeners to connect with the emotions and experiences portrayed in the songs. His songwriting is deeply personal and often draws from his own life experiences, creating a sense of authenticity and vulnerability that is prominent throughout the album. One of the ways in which Quitters achieves a sense of intimacy is through its use of vivid and detailed lyrics with precise realism, closeness, wistfulness, and humor. For example, in the song “OCDemon,” Hutson uses humor to explore the complexities of mental illness and the impact it can have on personal relationships, with the line “I’m not safe around people” encapsulating the sense of vulnerability and isolation that can come with struggling with mental health issues.

The emotional weight of Hutson’s lyrics is made even more poignant by his ability to convey complex and personal experiences with realism and humor. In “Age Difference,” Hutson explores the difficulties of a romantic relationship with a significant age gap. Lyrics such as “I think I was suicidal before you were even born,” showcases his vulnerability and introspection, giving listeners a glimpse into his emotional struggles. As such, Hutson shares difficult topics with sincerity and empathy which is a major strength of his songwriting and the reason why Quitters resonates so deeply with listeners.

Hutson’s Greatest Influence

Phoebe Bridgers and Conor Oberst have been crucial to Christian Lee Hutson’s musical career. Not only have they performed with him during tours, but they have also collaborated with him on his album Quitters. Their impact on Hutson is evident in his music, with their indie-rock influence being prominently featured throughout the album. Moreover, Bridgers and Oberst’s contributions to his music have helped Hutson develop his sound and gain recognition in the indie folk scene.

Their collaboration on the #SaveOurStages virtual festival in October 2020 was a testament to the strong artistic connection that exists between the three musicians. During the festival, Hutson performed his song “Lose This Number,” which further demonstrated the impact that Bridgers and Oberst have had on his music. With their help, Hutson has been able to develop his own unique style, characterized by introspective themes and delicate guitar work.

Bridgers and Oberst’s involvement in Quitters has established Hutson as a rising star in the indie folk scene, with recognition from publications such as Rolling Stone, NPR, and Pitchfork. In particular, “Northsiders,” from the album, looks back on Hutson’s hometown of Santa Monica and the experiences that have shaped him as an artist. Overall, Quitters has been a successful release for Hutson, solidifying his place as a talented musician in the indie folk genre.

Through his use of vivid lyrics, Hutson explores topics such as mental health, relationships, and personal struggles which create a sense of vulnerability that deeply resonates with listeners. With the help of Bridgers and Oberst, Hutson has gained recognition and solidified his place as a talented musician. His album, Quitters, is a testament to Hutson’s songwriting abilities and a splendid listen for anyone seeking for honesty and vulnerability in music form.