Black Butterfly

About

Released September 08 (Eleven Seven Music) Billboard 200 Chart Position: #8 Band: Josh Todd – Vocals Keith Nelson – Guitar, Backing Vocals Stevie D – Guitar, Backing Vocals Jimmy Ashhurst – Ba, Mandolin, Backing Vocals Xavier Muriel – Drum, Percussion, Backing Vocals Production: Keith Nelson and Marti Frederiksen Having built up a huge following over the year, Buckcherry have been riding on an all time high of popularity, particularly since their smash comeback record ‘15’, released in 2006. Here, Keith Nelson shares production duties with long-time Aerosmith cohort Marti Frederiksen, who also co-wrote the hit single ‘Sorry’ which was featured on the last album. Sticking to the formula of their success; riotou, whiskey-stained, sleaze-infested anthem, and heart-felt power ballad, Black Butterfly does not disappoint. Album opener ‘Rescue Me’ is a feisty, energetic affair, exposing the downsides of the rock n’ roll lifestyle, whilst ‘Tired of You’, with it’s groovy guitar riff, depicts an individual coming to terms with the imminent end of a relationship, due to the addiction, and resultant behaviour, of their other half. ‘Too Drunk…’ is the first single to be released from this album, and is most comparable to past offerings such as their first hit ‘Lit Up’ and their signature anthem ‘Crazy Bitch’. Focusing upon the themes that surround the sex, drugs and rock n’ roll lifestyle, it’s outrageous lyrics “I got so many women comin’ after me/I put some pussy on layaway” and a punchy guitar riff to go with it, ‘Too Drunk…’ will not disappoint those in search of one sordid, dirty, party anthem. ‘Dreams’ and ‘Don’t Go Away’ display the balladry prowess that Buckcherry are so good at, the latter being the second release from the album, and probably the most heartfelt of them all. ‘Talk To Me’ incorporates scratchy guitar-led verse, depicting a loveless yet ‘physical’ relationship, whilst ‘A Child Called ‘It’ deals with the taboo issue that is child abuse and neglect, written from a child’s perspective. ‘Fallen’ is an all out rocker, much in the same way that ‘Imminent Bail Out’ is; grinding, heavy, rhythm’, accompanied by Josh Todd’s signature growling vocal, lyrically, both offerings illustrate a person with one hell of a chip on their shoulder. ‘Rose’ is quite the feel good anthem, providing a tribute to that special person in your life, whilst in addition to thi, you have the acoustic ‘All of Me’ which embraces a somewhat bluesy/country mantra, complementing the tender lyrics of the song. Finally, we have album closer ‘Cream’. A stirring semi-ballad, it begins rather delicately, before launching into a surge of military-style drum, crunching power chord, and in particular, showcases Todd’s vocal range in a way that many of the songs don’t do justice. All in all, this album does not let down. There is no doubt however that Buckcherry will come under fire from various critic, as some may perceive it as being ‘too safe’ and staying too much within their comfort zone. Ye, so maybe they are relying a little too much on the formula’s that made them the success that they are, but they’re giving their fans what they want, and what they expect; sleazy, good-time rock with swagger …and heart. .

via Last.fm

The Clerk says

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