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by Tony Pascarella Published: January 20, 2005
Georgia-born Butch Walker is a 35-year old singer and songwriter who started his career as the frontman for Atlanta's Marvelous 3. After going solo, first as a producer and later as a singer, Walker released a 2002 effort on BMG titled Left Of Self-Centered. Known for his stylish, up-front lyrics, he followed up two years later with his second solo album. August of 2004 saw the release of Letters with little to no fanfare outside of the underground following Walker has. In my attempt to find something to review in the post-Christmas album release wasteland, I stumbled across this album and decided to give it a shot. One of the first things you'll notice about Letters is the versatility of it all. After a brief opening interlude, "Maybe It's Just Me" kicks off the album. This is a bona fide hit; balancing a poppy sound with introspective lyrics and a voice reminiscent of a more upbeat John Mayer. If you want a powerful yet not stuffy tale of love, you've found it. "Mixtape" is next, starting with a simple piano intro. It segues into Walker's acoustic guitar playing, which eventually transforms into a shadow of its original self. Crescendoing vocally and musically, the song loses all semblance of acousticism before rapidly losing pace again. This system of peaks and valleys throughout works excellently. Butch Walker's lyrics are interesting, although oftentimes it takes several listens to catch the subtle stuff. "#1 Summer Jam" may be one of my favorites from Letters. Embracing the stereotype, this song is a typical Southern California summer song. Well, it is--it is also so much more. Hooky yet engaging, this song uses the switch from acoustic to plugged in guitar effectively. The carefully crafted "So At Last" is designed to tug at your emotions and then play around a bit too. Walker's voice is silky smooth, not the sometimes gruff sound he displayed on some of the earlier tracks. The combination of piano and drumming keeps "So At Last" down to earth, and it sounds a bit like it could have come off U2's How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. "Uncomfortably Numb" has that So-Cal rock feel again, as the intro pulsates in front of manic drumming. He sings about wanting to get out of Los Angeles in this song. What I love about it is the layered sound that works so well here between the guitar, Walker's vocals, the piano, and the echoes throughout. "Joan" is a lot more sleep-inducing than anything on Letters. Unfortunately, it is the brick wall the momentum of the album runs smack into. Not to say it's bad, just very slow. The piano playing is very good, and Walker's almost tortured singing tells a gripping tale of suicide. This will definitely take some getting used to, but Butch Walker is one heck of a storyteller. "Don't Move" is more fast-paced than the previous song. While the lyrics are decent, it doesn't seem to have that same captivating feel. The guitar (plugged in this time) playing is stellar, and Walker's passion in his music is wholly evident. "Lights Out" is a raw, scrappy song that blends the raucous and the surreal. Oh yeah, and there's some jabs here and there at society. "Best Thing You Never Had" is a punchy ballad. The drumming hits hard, while Walker pours his heart and soul into this song. I'm telling you folks, this guy's going places. The layering effect that appeared earlier on Letters pops up here, adding to the chaotic organization of the song. We all have our guilty please songs in life. One of mine is the off-center "Race Cars And Goth Rock." Comparing cars to the relationship isn't exactly unique, but Walker adds a twist. The tale of a guy whose girlfriend left for a rich guy, Walker pokes fun at his small grand piano, both literally and figuratively. "Promise" falls back in the realm of R.E.M-like sopor. While listening, you can just see Walker sitting alone in front of a microphone in a quiet club with just his guitar, John Mayer-style. If you're looking for a poppy song, don't be looking here. It's definitely pandering toward a more eclectic genre of listeners, but it's still a good song. To close the album, Walker includes "Thank-You Note," a heartfelt ode to a deceased female friend of his. It's touching and emotional, with great piano playing. Letters is an album that will lead you from sadness to laughter to placidity to tears and back again. I have to admit, I've always been a fan of alternative rock that's upbeat with good lyrics. An artist like Butch Walker probably wouldn't strike my interest unless I heard some of his songs. Now, having listened to this masterpiece, I'm absolutely blown away. There are very few albums that grip you and hang on as tightly as Letters; it drags you through such a range of emotions that it may take several listens to understand exactly what it all means. While I didn't write this review until after I finished my Best of 2004 list, I'd love to make an addendum and put Butch Walker's Letters on it. This is a well-rounded alternative rock album that will be mostly overlooked. Do yourself a huge favor and check it out. You will not be disappointed at all.  Recommendation: Very good album; definitely worth a purchase Genre: Rock Overall Grade: A |
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