
Well this is the follow up release to Buckcherrys most successful effort so far “15″. Im a big fan of 15 and previous Buckcherry albums so this album has been quite a wait for me. Did it live up to standards?
1. Rescue me – This song opens up the album , immediately a tame opener compared to “so far” back off 15. The song has got a kind of Hanoi Rocks feel to the riffs. The chorus is very strong and there is some nice guitar solo melodies. The song isnt very hard rocking like what im used to by them which is a disappointment but Josh Todds singing adds a very catchy melody throughout. Best part is probably the change in pace and riffs before the solo.
2. Tired of You – This song is great, this is Buckcherry how they are supposed to be, upbeat and hard rocking. The song has an AC/DC feel at times with the riffs. The chorus on this song is just brilliant, one of the stand out tracks on the album.
3. Too Drunk…- Too Drunk to fuck was the first taste of the Black Butterfly album as the song leaked prior to the album release. It also had a online video marketing campaign. The song is similar to the bands hit single Crazy Bitch with a groovy mid tempo edge to it. While its not as good as the classic Crazy Bitch. The song does have amusing lyrics and a nice guitar solo. I cant get past the fact the end solo is clearly a Jimi Hendrix lick from Purple Haze though.
4. Dreams – This song is a strange song. Kind of half ballad half not. It starts off with an acousticy sounding guitar with echoe on and melodic singing but at a faster tempo than the usual power ballad. The chorus has strong guitars and is very melodic general “i wanna be, in your dreams”. The song can come off a little cheesy at times which spoils it. Its quite a good song but its a bit tame for my liking. I also have a disliking how during the solo the way the song goes reminds me of MCR a bit, not in lyric content (thank god) just the tune of things.
5. Talk to Me - This song is more like it. Up beat and totally hard rocking!!! The drum beat really adds to this song. Its got a great mix of strong riffs and then groovy zeppelin styled riffs. The chorus then turns into a style which reminds me of something the Cult would do on the “Love” album. The songs very catchy and all the changes in general blend well together and keep the song interesting. This song is definately a song to play at parties, i love it.
6. Child Called It – What the fuck is this. Buckcherry does Blink 182. This song is just, by Buckcherrys standards, shite frankly. The song sounds like Blink 182 could of produced it. This is just lame it doesnt deserve anymore talk from me on it.
7. Dont Go Away – Power ballad time. The song is an ok power ballad but if anyone is familiar with any previous Buckcherry power ballads this song isnt a patch on their older songs. Its just not as catchy and Josh’s voice sounds a bit strained on this song which is a shame because he is usually quite a consistant singer. This though is probably the first Buckcherry ballad with a fitting guitar solo, i always felt what spoilt their hit ballad “Sorry” from 15 was the lack of a guitar solo.
8. Fall out - This song is one of the other songs on the album that i think lives up to standards. The song opens up with a riff that i could imagine Steve Stevens of Billy Idol creating. The song also has an awesome bit before the chorus which i cant really explain but the way the drums bash with the chord changes really emphasises them. The chorus is also awesome. Joshs voice sounds great here.
9. Rose - This song sounds like it could of been done by Bryan Adams, no bullshit. Its kinda got a up beat acoustic feel to it, the song is ok nothing amazing to say for it really anyone could of whacked this out. Average Buckcherry song next to previous acoustic tracks off old albums like “Carousel” and “Brooklyn” which were great.
10. All of Me – Whats this, another slow paced acoustic number following on from a previously acoustic song, we are entering boredom area here. This song is slow in pace and has a bit of a western feel to it, its quite a boring track that i would say was a pointless addition to the album. This would appeal to the Average Kooks fan, not a rock n roll fan.
11. Imminent Bail Out – This song is cool, a very fast song. Again reminds me of Hanoi Rocks. This song resorts back to Joshs old more aggressive singing style which is strongly lacking on this album may i add. Its not as good as some of the other rockers on the album but i guess its a fun driving song. Lets just say its ok but its no “Broken Glass”.
12. Cream – The album closer. This song starts off kinda lazy with some random lyrics “cream on me, you will always be, my deepest love”…right. The song has an annoying marching band drum roll which reminds me of that band, that i hate, My Chemical Romance. Anyway the song builds up with this then kicks into a very early 90s alternative band sounding chorus. It has a Smashing Pumpkins feel. Then the song suddenly takes a change into a more Guns N Roses “Mr Brownstone” styled groove which is more like it and molds into a solo. Probably the best part of the song. But then it goes back into MCR mode leaving a bad taste in my mouth. The song has a few more chorus parts again reminding me of 90s alternative bands. Never really gets off the ground.
Overall opinion – dissappointing follow up to a classic album of the 00s. With a lack of hard hitting rock songs and way too many medicore ballads and downright boring songs this is Buckcherry watered down to cater for a market so it can achieve largest sales. Its a shame, Buckcherry were a great Sleazy Rock N Roll band. They show on some of the better tracks what a great album this could of been if they hadnt of loaded it with radio friendly drivel.
Also i tried a different way of writing a review this time, leave a comment if you prefer this style of writing or my old style.