Richard Butler is best known as the charismatic rasping voiced singer in the Psychedelic Furs. After 25 years fronting the band this is his first solo album, and those expecting simply inferior Furs tracks are in for a wonderful surprise. All the songs are co-written with Jon Carin (often a member of Pink Floyd over the past 20 years or so) and all, without exception, are beautifully constructed, grown up, mature songs. Smooth keyboards and rythmn tracks slightly disguise extremely clever songwriting and some devastatingly heartbreaking lyrics. Both men lost their fathers during the prolonged making of this album and a sense of personal loss and longing permeates the album. But there is also hope and light at the end of the tunnel and despite the occasional depressing lyric this is not a doomy album in any way. Every song leaves the listener satisfied. Richard Butler's trademark voice - that 60 a day rasp - is a revelation as he demonstrates a much more tender and intimate side to his singing. His untrained croon is enormously affecting and capable of really drawing the listener into the songs. "Maybe Someday" is one of the highlights, with it's hope filled lyrics and the magnificent "Nothing's Wrong" stands as the centrepiece to this marvellous album. But every track is a winner. The opening "Good Days, Bad Days" sets the scene with a very gradual layering of instruments throughout the song to a lovely triumphant conclusion. I've had this album since it was released and it has become one of those rare records that can be returned to again and again, whichever mood you are in, and it never, ever becomes dull. Treasure this album. I will.
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