Butterfly (studio album) by The Hollies

"For Certain Because" marked the beginning of probably the most creative period in the career of the Hollies. It was also the album that introduced Tonys Hicks' banjo which is very prominent on the big single hit "Stop Stop Stop".
"Butterfly" is often regarded the strongest album by the Hollies. Released in 1967 it was to be last to feature high-pitch vocalist Graham Nash, who left in late 1968 to join David Crosby and Steve Stills. Sadly the Hollies were never quite the same after his departure - they did record some fine album later, but some of the magic somehow had gone.

With the "For Certain Because" (1966) the Holles had begun to write all their material for their albums, and the this continued on the following two albums "Evolution" and "Butterfly". All 3 album contains some of the finest songwriting the Hollies ever did. Their playing and singing is impeccable like on most of their recordings - some might say that their lyrics at times tend to be a little too naive or silly.

"Butterfly" is their most adventurous album and the closest the Hollies ever came to psychedelia. Apart from "Dear Eloise" which was released as a single in some countries it is very much an "album" - not just a collection of songs built up around 3 or 4 hit singles.

It seems the Nash was the dominating force at this point, taking the lead vocal on more songs than usual lead-singer Clarke. Nash abilities as lead-singer are obvíous here, but it's usually a pleasure to listen to all singer, not least when they change lead-vocals or join in on harmonies.

It's hard to bring forward particular tracks, because all are great. Tony Hicks cute "Pegasus" was always a favourite, but the songs like "Try it", "Would You Believe" and "Dear Eloise" with Allan Clarke up-front are all classic Hollies. Nash's laid back-songs like "Wish You a Wish" are "Postcard" are close to the sound of Simon & Garfunkel. On the instrumental side, there is a lot experimenting with various instruments like citar, different keyboards and several tracks feature string-arrangements.

The Hollies actually recorded at least an album's worth of material before Nash finally left. With strong material like "Wings", "Open Up Your Eyes" , "Tomorrow When it Comes", "Man With No Expression", "Do the Best You" and the two fine singles "Listen to Me" and Jennifer Eccles" another fine Hollies album (with Nash) could have been made; insted they gave us the deeply disappointing "Hollies Sing Dylan" "Butterfly" is probably their finest moment.

Here we have as bonus-tracks most of these potential final-album songs. The Nash version of "Blowing in the Wind" was another possible inclusion. A song called "Ashes to Ashes" is also said to have been recorded.

https://www.angelfire.com/nv/Badfinger/BANDhollies.html

From Jboy56 10/14/2022 15:24

The Hollies' contribution to the 1967 music scene is a very open and nicely airy album, with the mandatory summer of Love vibes within.

From nitomano 04/12/2018 05:41

Siempre tuve un concepto de que The Hollies eran una banda de Brit Pop pero con este album se fueron completamente a la psicodelia de la época. Interesante de escuchar.

Favoritas: Dear Eloise, Maker, Would You Believe

I think Hollies had some terrific singles, but was never an album band. Butterfly is no exception. Some very good tracks though; Dear Eloise stands out !!

From RoundTheBend 03/03/2016 05:36

I couldn't help but feel this was just as good as any early Beatles album, but slightly less so.

In my opinion, their best. Along with Forever Changes, it stands out as some of the great acoustic psychedelia of the year, although this is more poppy and Arthur Lee had better lyrics.

From Listmeister 11/13/2013 17:03

I love the Hollies, but this album is disappointing, except for "Step Inside".