Flesh & Blood
John Butler Trio · 2014
59 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock
A vibrant blend of folk-infused rock and reflective storytelling shaped by earthy instrumentation and emotive vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
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Livin’ in the City — This track captures the juxtaposition of urban life with a sense of longing for simplicity, featuring infectious rhythms that showcase the band's energetic style.
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Blame It On Me — With its introspective lyrics and soulful melody, this song stands out as a heartfelt reflection on accountability and personal growth within relationships.
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Wings Are Wide — The expansive soundscape and uplifting message make this track an anthem of freedom and resilience, embodying the album's overall spirit.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production but lacks a fully cohesive flow across its length.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a steady build-up of instrumentation, layering guitars and percussion before introducing more complex arrangements.
- Several tracks incorporate shifts in dynamics, such as 'Cold Wind,' which transitions from soft verses to a powerful chorus.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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
- dynamic progression with resolution
- vibrant storytelling through sound
- engaging narratives for reflection
- for sunny afternoons
Maybe skip if you
- dislike intricate guitar work
- prefer fast-paced listening
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Flesh & Blood is the fifth studio album by John Butler Trio, released in 2014 after a three-year hiatus following the commercially successful album, April U. This period saw Butler exploring new musical directions while remaining committed to his roots in alternative rock and folk, showcasing growth as both a songwriter and a performer.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ben Harper· Jack Johnson· Dispatch
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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How You Sleep at Night
In a poignant moment, the lyrics shift to address someone directly, questioning their conscience amid emotional chaos.
This direct address creates an intimate confrontation that deepens the song's emotional weight and pulls listeners into a personal narrative.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Spring to Come 4:13
- 2 Livin’ in the City 3:26
- 3 Cold Wind 4:57
- 4 Bullet Girl 5:20
- 5 Devil Woman 2:59
- 6 Blame It On Me 6:08
- 7 Only One 3:41
- 8 Young and Wild 5:35
- 9 Wings Are Wide 5:50
- 10 How You Sleep at Night 4:13
- 11 You're Free 5:33
- 12 Higher 4:03
- 13 Runaround 3:27
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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