“The love I felt for you was like no other, I didn’t look at you as my lover, more like a younger brother…” sings Alutepena Hughes-John, accompanied by an astral strings arrangement, as she opens I Told You So. The opus expands with intimate drums and a spell-binding, personal narrative from the philosophical star.
By now, you will know that Alutepena Hughes-John is a British, pioneering singer and songwriter whose genre-expansive sound has drawn comparisons to legends like David Bowie. With a career marked by innovation and versatility, Pena seamlessly blends rock, pop, and experimental elements to create a distinctive musical identity. Her work often explores themes of self-discovery, societal critique, and emotional complexity, making her a standout figure in contemporary music.
I Told You So is full of theatrical charisma, a moving storyline, and layered power pop vocals – a testament to her artistic prowess. The song brings to life the imagery of someone wagging their finger whenever someone hasn’t heeded advice, despite many warnings. The narrative centres on the theme of ignoring one’s gut instincts, only to realize later that the wisdom of others was correct all along. When quizzed about the release, Pena references the phrase “a wolf/wolves in sheep’s clothing”, highlighting the deceit and hidden dangers that can lurk beneath seemingly benign appearances.
I Told You So builds into a powerful rock-pop anthem of self-realization, self-preservation, release and protection. The finale culminates in an affirmative mantra-esque delivery that we are frankly in awe of. Hughes-John’s vocals are both commanding and emotive, delivering the song’s message with a mix of frustration and vindication.
Speaking on the release, Pena confesses, “The events that led me to write this song, were written having gone through a betrayal by not one but two people. One more cunning than the other, secret meetings with others that I trusted and their treachery came to light when I pretended not to be in earshot.”
Alutepena Hughes-John‘s ability to convey complex emotions through her music is particularly evident in this track. The chorus, with its catchy yet poignant refrain, encapsulates the essence of the song: a mix of regret and a bittersweet sense of validation. The production is polished, with every element of the track contributing to its overall impact.
In I Told You So, Alutepena Hughes-John not only showcases her talent as a singer and songwriter but also reaffirms her position as a unique voice in the music industry. The single is a compelling reminder of the importance of trusting one’s instincts and the often-painful consequences of ignoring wise counsel. It’s a song that is both a cautionary tale and a cathartic release, making it a standout addition to Hughes-John’s already impressive discography.
We love what Alutepena Hughes-John is manifesting with her sonic universe, and have added I Told You So to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our new TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream her wider body of work, and anticipate future releases from the visionary Brit!