Feelin' Bitchy

Millie Jackson never shied away from the sharp edge of truth, and Feelin’ Bitchy might be her most gloriously unfiltered work. Released in 1977, the album cemented Jackson as both a formidable soul vocalist and a razor-tongued storyteller, blending humour, heartbreak and heat with unmatched flair.

Best known for the Merle Haggard cover “If You’re Not Back in Love by Monday” and the infamous Latimore-penned “All the Way Lover”, Feelin’ Bitchy struts between classic country soul and audacious spoken-word theatrics. The former gave Jackson a Top 50 pop hit; the latter, a ten-minute monologue on sexual reciprocity that saw the LP tucked behind counters in more conservative record shops.

Beneath the provocative persona is a slick and soulful band, anchored by Muscle Shoals royalty: Roger Hawkins on drums, David Hood on bass and Barry Beckett on keys. There’s a richness to the arrangements — lush strings, tasteful horns — but Jackson is always the main event. Even on ballads like “Angel in Your Arms” or “Cheatin’ Is”, she owns the narrative, flipping heartbreak into empowerment with a knowing grin.

Critics were largely impressed. The Virgin Encyclopedia of R&B and Soul and AllMusic both awarded four stars, while The Bay State Banner nailed it best, calling “All the Way Lover” a “mischievous, unkind, joyously detestable yakety-yak”.

Feelin’ Bitchy hit number 4 on the US Soul Albums chart and earned Gold certification, a reminder that truth — even when it’s delivered with a wink and a cackle — still sells. Millie was never here to play nice. She was here to play real.