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.
… Read more