BERNARD BUTLER レコード& CD

Review: After 25 years away from solo recording, Bernard Butler returns with Good Grief, a quiet, nine-song rumination on love and loss. Butler's voice has transformed into a rich, soulful instrument, conveying wisdom and authenticity. The album balances nostalgia and self-awareness, with tracks like 'Camber Sands' evoking 70s seaside holidays and 'The Forty Foot' showcasing shivering strings and guitar feedback. Butler's production dynamics shine, holding back where his earlier work might have soared. There's a deliberate restraint, a reflection of his seasoned perspective. While some lyrics could use refining, the emotional rawness adds to the album's charm. The 70s influence permeates the music, blending Americana twang, blue-eyed soul and bar room ballads., while the album's introspection and Butler's sharp-eyed observations create a moving song cycle. Good Grief celebrates endurance and the bittersweet grace of survival, proving his flame still flickers brightly.

Review: Bernard Butler's Good Grief album marks his triumphant return to solo work after a hiatus of 25 years, during which he delved into diverse musical endeavours from pop songwriting to producing acclaimed albums with various artists. Reflecting on his journey, Butler candidly shares his apprehensions and eventual rediscovery of his solo voice, culminating in the creation of this album. Drawing inspiration from his experiences and collaborations, Butler's songwriting process for the LP was deeply introspective, allowing him to confront his emotions and craft lyrics that resonate with authenticity. The album encapsulates three decades of Butler's musical evolution, weaving together themes of loss, joy, and bewilderment. Butler's melodies are poignant and evocative, accompanied by his signature guitar work and soulful vocals. A testament to his enduring talent and a welcome return for fans of his solo work.

Review: If any album comes close to the beauty of Crosby, Stills & Nash in 2025 it's this. It's difficult to imagine anyone else nailing melodic, acoustic guitar-oriented music that treads in gospel, blues and pastoral psychedelia better than this supergroup. Could Bernard Butler be on his way to another Mercury Prize nomination with this? They've got a strong case for it. The band itself is something a little different and formed by popular demand. Norman Blake (Teenage Fanclub) Bernard Butler (Suede) and James Grant (Love and Money) originally got together for one occasion, at Saint Luke's in Glasgow in 2022 for Celtic Connections, but the power of them together was so great they've been talked into putting an album out. They've gone about it in quite a pragmatic way, with each member labelling which songs theirs, as opposed to all trying to write the same song at the same time. Makes sense really.