Scottish musician Jenn Butterworth released her latest
album, “Her By Design,” on February 28, 2025. This is Butterworth’s debut
self-produced album, and it consists of eight songs.
The album was recorded by Stuart Hamilton at Castlesound Studios in Pentcaitland, Paul Savage at Chem19 Recording Studio in Blantyre, and Jenn Butterworth at GloWorm Studios in Glasgow. It was mixed by Andrea Gobbi at Carrier Waves & GloWorm Studios in Glasgow and mastered by Cicely Balston at Abbey Road Studios in London.
Butterworth is known for her musical collaborations, so it
is nice to hear her break out and do her own thing. The album is an amazing reflection
of who she is as her own musician. She is so clearly passionate about these
songs and connects to them so closely.
Butterworth’s goal for the album was to have a collection of
songs and stories that are centered around women. It is so refreshing to see a
woman lifting up other women. In today’s world, women are often placed in
competition against each other, and there is an expectation that they are meant
to hate each other. However, women are stronger when we lift other women up and
support each other.
While there are only eight songs, they average between four
and five minutes in length, some being a bit longer. Each song is filled with
substance and depth, which is a rare thing in music these days. Each story has
its own unique story that echoes the traditions of Scottish music.
There are only eight songs on the album, but each song is so
full that the album feels finished with just these songs. Listeners are left
feeling satisfied, but looking forward to what Butterworth comes out with next.
The mixing on the album is really well done. The vocals are easy
to hear and understand. The background instruments are in perfect balance with the
vocals, never overpowering them.
The background instruments are simple and kept to a minimum,
but the album is about more than the album being a whole production in itself. The
focus on the album is on the lyrics and the stories, especially stories
pertaining to women. This focus remains central throughout the album, and it is
refreshing to have an album be about more than the fanciest music technology.
Track List:
1. All Our Days
2. Little Sparrow
3. Fair Maids of February
4. The Housewife's Lament
5. A Toast
6. One in Ten
7. Jeannie
8. Her Bright Smile Haunts Me Still
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