Judith Owen has a knack for making soul music feel both timeless and distinctly her own, and “Inside Out” finds the acclaimed singer-songwriter embracing that sweet spot with plenty of character. Co-written with Grammy Award-winning drummer and Snarky Puppy alum Jamison Ross, the single brings together old-school soul, gospel warmth, and the unmistakable swagger of New Orleans. There’s a slightly moody, self-assured edge to the opening, where rustling, rumbling beats establish a laid-back groove and bold horns blow through the arrangement with smoky confidence.
Owen’s husky, raspy voice is the real draw, carrying each phrase with grit, elegance, and personality. She settles into the rhythm naturally, letting the song’s understated swagger do its work. Behind her, the harmonies rise lightly at first. As the track opens up, the gospel influence becomes more pronounced, and the Tonya Boyd-Cannon Choir brings an uplifting, communal energy that gives the song extra lift. The slightly smoky, measured groove blossoms into something warm and celebratory.
That shift reflects the song’s deeper message. “Inside Out” explores personal evolution, self-acceptance, and the choice to find happiness and compassion even when life gets difficult. Rather than dwelling on the past, Owen turns experience into an invitation to embrace the person you’ve become and make the most of the present. Ross calls it a “soul bop,” and that description fits because the track has enough rhythmic pull to get listeners moving while still carrying genuine emotional weight.
Taken from Owen’s album Suit Yourself, which has surpassed one million streams, “Inside Out” also captures the influence of her musical home in New Orleans, where jazz, blues, soul, and gospel traditions meet. With Ross’s collaborative touch and the choir’s soaring presence, Owen delivers a vibrant reminder that celebrating life is not about ignoring its hardships, but choosing joy in spite of them.
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Photo credits: Rick Guest
Review by: Naomi Joan