Though he's been a first-call songwriter and producer for artists ranging from Fall Out Boy to Weezer to Pink to Dashboard Confessional for some time, Butch Walker has never had more to write about than he does right now. ... more »In recent years he has witnessed the birth of his first child, lost his home (and recording masters) to Malibu wildfires, and turned 40. Appropriately
then, Butch's new album I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart is about beginnings, endings, and the long journey in between. The album, featuring eleven new songs co-written by Walker and his songwriting partner Michael Trent, will be released on cd and digitally on February 23, 2010.« less
Though he's been a first-call songwriter and producer for artists ranging from Fall Out Boy to Weezer to Pink to Dashboard Confessional for some time, Butch Walker has never had more to write about than he does right now. In recent years he has witnessed the birth of his first child, lost his home (and recording masters) to Malibu wildfires, and turned 40. Appropriately
then, Butch's new album I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart is about beginnings, endings, and the long journey in between. The album, featuring eleven new songs co-written by Walker and his songwriting partner Michael Trent, will be released on cd and digitally on February 23, 2010.
"Butch Walker's latest is just simply awesome. The whole album is just honest to goodness rock n roll. Butch shows once again that he's an incredible song writer that can tell a story, make you smile, and shake your ass all in the span of a few tunes.
Unlike his last album 'Sycamore Meadows', this one is more band-based and it totally works. Throughout the album, you can hear musical 'shout out's' to ELO, Tom Petty, and even Queen.
My favorites are probably "Pretty Melody" (which indeed has a pretty melody which WILL get stuck in your head) and "Don't You Think Someone Should Take You Home". Both of those songs feature gorgeous string arrangements and beautifully haunting meolodies.
There aren't any real rocking tunes on this record but there aren't any weak songs either. If you're a Butch Walker fan at all, you'll definitely like it."
A Great...Great Album
Daniel A. Johnson | Portland, Indiana United States | 02/24/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have been a Butch fan for quite some time. This is a very solid and complete album. His last two efforts have seemed to have seen Butch grow up a little bit. Like some others have stated, when I listen to this album, I hear splashes of ELO, Queen, and the Steve Miller Band. Some of the standouts on this album are Days/Months/Years, Pretty Melody, She Likes Hair Bands. Do yourself a favor and pick up this album, and if you can see Butch on tour, he puts on a great show."
I Liked It Better When Butch Rocked Out
L. A. | Milwaukee, WI | 05/07/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I am a diehard Butch fan. I can't say I really love this release though. It is akin to Sycamore Meadows and has more of a cafe feel to it. It is lacking the old, heavy guitar riffs of the past. I understand his need for creativity and appreciate his indie style. The music still has heart and soul, that is never lacking. I just miss the balls out rocking. Butch, how about next time around you go back to your roots, at least for half the songs? I'd really love that. Thank you."
Butch Lite
McMike | 03/28/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Another tribute to styles of music's past. Good songs, but not the cock-rock of Butch's past.
Similar to Sycamore Meadows with the 70's cheekiness of Let's-Go-Out-Tonites.
There is a in-your-face Jeff Lynn (ELO) harmony fill, and a Brian May solo that cracked me up. :thumbs up:"