Just one listen to the opening track of Butch Walker's debut solo album confirms that this Atlanta native clearly doesn't take himself too seriously. A pastiche advertisement for a vocal aid that is filled with dubious attempts at comedy may not be the most orthodox way to introduce a new record to new listeners, but it's certainly a brave one, especially considering Walker's track record so far in the music industry.
Walker has undoubted talent, but after spells in cult-status major label bands Southgang and Marvelous 3, as well as various production and songwriting gigs, he has yet to find the right vehicle for his immense musical gift. Southgang arrived on the early 1990's hard rock scene too late to make any real impression, whilst it still remains a mystery why Marvelous 3 never attained any significant success.
However, Left of Self Centered could finally be Butch Walker's destiny, so perfectly does it encapsulate all the elements of his music career thus far. With Walker writing, playing, producing and singing everything himself, this album makes no attempt to hide Walker's perfectionism or single-minded attitude, yet it's also very easy to see why Arista have taken a chance in affording him such creative control.
Quite simply, Left of Self Centered is crammed with great rock songs, and even one or two potential monster hits. The first single, "My Way", is one such contender, and as one of the most added songs to playlists in May, could be the first of many. With a gargantuan hook line, massive chorus and some thick, crunchy guitars, it will certainly prick up the ears of most who hear it, and it should appeal to anyone wanting a more mature and fine-tuned alternative to the likes of Sum 41 or Lit.
Indeed, what distinguishes the songs on Left of Self-Centered from the majority of punk-pop bands currently out there is Walker's cerebral, dare I say intelligent, lyrics. Bob Dylan he ain't, but it's refreshing to hear a rock singer with a greater grasp of songwriting than most of his contemporaries. Songs like the high-energy "Diary of a San Fernando Sexx Star" and the brilliant "Suburbia" are a lot more clever than they appear, demonstrating Walker's knack for crafting immensely likeable tunes about characters on the periphery of society, as well as his concern with the sad social detail of his characters' lives.
This trend continues on the impressive "Trouble", a song that looks at the realities of a one-night stand, but without wishing to over-intellectualize his music, Walker has been brought up on the hair rock of the '80s and it shows clearly throughout, not least when Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx makes a guest bass appearance on "Into the Black". This song, like the excellent "Alicia Amnesia" and the aforementioned "Diary of a San Fernando Sexx Star", embraces the bombast and melody of the hard rock music he grew up with, but welds that with contemporary arrangements, modern production techniques and an overall vibe that means Left Of Self Centered sounds entirely relevant in 2002.
There are also a couple of well-crafted slower tunes, including "If (Jeannie's Song)" and "Take Tomorrow (One Day at a Time)", a touching song written in the aftermath of September 11th that rounds off the album nicely, and one that could be a huge hit.
Left of Self-Centered is a true solo album in every sense and is a natural progression from Marvelous 3's finest moment, Readysexgo. Even though Butch Walker may not take himself too seriously, on the evidence of this album, it's about time the rest of the music industry did.
— 25 July 2002
