Former SOUTH GANG guitarist and former MARVELOUS-3 front man / guitarist BUTCH WALKER is back with his second solo release “Letters” on Sony Records. At first listen, “Letters” comes off as a lighter, poppy-er fragment of what he once was in his prior bands and on his first solo release "Left of Self Centered". But after listening to it several times over, you start to realize what an incredible talent & songwriter this guy is. I just can't bring myself to take it out of my CD player! With intelligent, well-thought lyrics, powerful melodies and chorus' “Letters” could be and hopefully will be BUTCH WALKER's break-out album… this guy needs to be heard.

Tracks like “Maybe It's Just Me,” “Lights Out,” ”#1 Summer Jam,” and “Uncomfortably Numb” are among the more up-beat and edgier tracks which seem to cement the overall feel of the album together. They definitely provide some of the harder aspects of the album and feature some nice solos and melodies. The first video and single “Mixtape” is one of the slower, moodier selections, which also include “So At Last,” “Promise,” “Thank-You Note,” and a moving ballad entitled simply “Joan.” Other notable tracks and 2 of my personal favorites are “Don't Move” and “Best Thing That You Never Had” which contain some of the best guitar work and arrangements on the CD.

I think the thing that draws me most to “Letters” is BUTCH WALKER's originality. It's very easy to pick out bands or performers and say “This guys sounds like THIS.” or “They sound like THAT.” There're not a lot of performers out there doing what BUTCH is doing and that makes him a unique listening experience. BUTCH WALKER is a true musician and composer. He's not JUST a guitar player. He's not JUST a singer. He's not JUST a producer. This guy can do it all and with all the savvy of a professional in any of these fields. Again, I say… THIS GUY NEEDS TO BE HEARD!

So next time you become weary from banging your head to death, give “Letters” a whirl with an open mind and try to appreciate it AND the artist for what he is. If you can do that, I assure you it won't take long for you to realize you are listening to a true master at work. Also, take the time to check out some of his past releases. Especially his first solo album “Left of Self Centered” or anything from the MARVELOUS-3 , trust me… you won't be disappointed.