Butterfly
The Hollies · 1967
33 min · 12 tracks · rock music
A dreamy blend of baroque pop and rock, where lush harmonies meet whimsical instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Dear Eloise Start here — Opening the album, this track features intricate vocal harmonies and an engaging narrative that sets a reflective tone for the entire record.
-
→
Would You Believe — This song stands out with its captivating melody and poignant lyrics, capturing the essence of longing that permeates the album.
-
→
Butterfly — Serving as the title track, it encapsulates the album’s whimsical spirit with delicate instrumentation and dreamlike lyrics, creating a lasting impression.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends experimental sounds with strong melodies, showcasing The Hollies' evolution in a distinctive way.
What we noticed
- The album opens with 'Dear Eloise', featuring layered harmonies and a lush orchestral arrangement that sets a dreamy tone.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as 'Pegasus', which features abrupt tempo changes and varied instrumentation.
- The use of whimsical sound effects, like chimes and flutes, is prominent in tracks like 'Wishyouawish', enhancing the baroque pop aesthetic.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- short, reflective listening sessions
- dreamy, contemplative soundscapes
- gentle melodic explorations
- light, airy atmospheres
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Showcases a shift towards experimental sounds and ambitious arrangements.
- Themes
- psychedelic dreams· whimsical lyrics· experimental soundscapes
- Career context
- Released in early 1967, Butterfly was The Hollies' sixth studio album, emerging after their hit compilation album. This record represented a shift towards more experimental sounds, showcasing the band's willingness to evolve beyond their earlier beat music roots.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Byrds· The Beach Boys· The Zombies
Tracklist
- 1 Dear Eloise Start here 3:05
- 2 Away Away Away 2:18
- 3 Maker 2:49
- 4 Pegasus 2:37
- 5 Would You Believe 4:03
- 6 Wishyouawish 2:03
- 7 Postcard 2:16
- 8 Charlie and Fred 2:55
- 9 Try It 3:04
- 10 Elevated Observations? 2:32
- 11 Step Inside 2:50
- 12 Butterfly 2:42
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
Shares lush harmonies and experimental production, creating a dreamlike pop landscape.
Odessey and Oracle
The Zombies
Explores whimsical lyrics and psychedelic soundscapes with intricate arrangements.
Forever Changes
Love
Combines surreal lyrics with rich orchestration, embodying the same dreamy psychedelic vibe.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.