Ludlow Expectations - Stay Gold
“Ludlow Expectations” has the kind of bright guitar sound and big chorus that makes me want to turn it up. Walker gives it plenty of heart, making it one of the songs I keep coming back to on Stay Gold.
This Butch Walker playlist brings together songs that capture what his music is all about, arranged to flow from one track to the next as though you were listening to one of his albums. It isn't meant to be a definitive best-of collection, though it includes many of his strongest songs. The idea is to offer a welcoming introduction for someone unfamiliar with his work, or a playlist you could share with a friend you've been wanting to turn on to his music. Not every album in Butch's discography is represented here, mostly because he has released ten solo studio albums, along with EPs and other releases. With that much music to choose from, I focused on the songs that fit together best. Along the way, the playlist captures the variety, personality and heart you would find on a typical Butch Walker album.
East Coast Girl - Stay Gold
“East Coast Girl” moves from conversational verses into a big, inviting chorus. I like how Walker turns that easygoing delivery into something worth singing along with, giving the song both personality and heart.
Get Down - Left of Self-Centered
“Get Down” brings out Walker's louder side, with punchy guitars and a chorus that begs to be turned up. I like the energy he puts into it, making it an easy song to return to when I want something with a little more kick.
Eye of the Tiger - Single (2019)
Walker takes on Survivor's “Eye of the Tiger” with a personal connection to its underdog spirit. I like having a cover in the mix, and this one offers another side of his affection for the songs he grew up with.
Summer of '89 - The Spade
“Summer of '89” brings together Walker's knack for storytelling and a chorus that makes me want to sing along. I like the warmth and humor he puts into looking back, giving the song more personality than a simple trip down memory lane.
Trash Day - I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart
“Trash Day” has an easygoing melody and a loose, familiar rock sound that draws me in. I like how Walker gives the song personality without overworking it, making it a welcome change of pace in this playlist.
I've Been Waiting for This - Peachtree Battle EP
“I've Been Waiting for This” is another song I keep coming back to. Walker has a way of making a big chorus feel personal, and I like the mix of warmth and energy he brings to this one.
Stay Gold - Stay Gold
“Stay Gold” has the kind of big chorus and warm guitar sound that draws me back to Walker's music. I like the heart he puts into it, making the title track an easy choice for this playlist.
Trouble - Left of Self-Centered
“Trouble” is another song I wanted to include from Walker's first solo album. It fits alongside “Get Down” while giving this part of the playlist a change of pace.
Into the Black - Left of Self-Centered
“Into the Black” keeps this stretch of the playlist rooted in Left of Self-Centered. It is another pick from Walker's early solo years that I wanted to share.
Sweethearts - The Spade
“Sweethearts” brings another welcome shot of energy from The Spade. I like its easy charm and sing-along feel, making it a natural fit alongside the other songs in this playlist.
Ponce de Leon Ave. - Sycamore Meadows
“Ponce de Leon Ave.” is another song I wanted to include in this playlist. It brings in a pick from Sycamore Meadows and keeps the journey through Walker's solo albums moving.
Hot Girls in Good Moods - The Rise and Fall of... Butch Walker and The Let's-Go-Out-Tonites
“Hot Girls in Good Moods” is a song I wanted to bring into the mix from Walker's 2006 album. Placed between “Ponce de Leon Ave.” and “Temporary Title,” it gives this stretch another stop in his solo catalog.
Temporary Title - I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart
“Temporary Title” is another pick I wanted to share from I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart. It brings the playlist back to the same album as “Trash Day” and gives this stretch another song to settle into.
Stripped Down Version - I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart
“Stripped Down Version” follows “Temporary Title” here, keeping these two picks from I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart together. It is another part of Walker's catalog I wanted to include in this introduction.
Bodegas and Blood - The Spade
“Bodegas and Blood” brings the playlist back to The Spade. It is another song I wanted to share from an album that already has several favorites in this mix.
Vessels - Sycamore Meadows
“Vessels” is another pick from Sycamore Meadows that I wanted to include. It follows “Bodegas and Blood” here before the playlist moves into “It's Gotta Get Easier.”
It's Gotta Get Easier - Cassette Backs
“It's Gotta Get Easier” brings a pick from Cassette Backs into this collection. The short recording offers a look at another side of Walker's music and makes a welcome addition to the playlist.
