Tyler Burkum’s a family man. And though ten years took him many times around the globe, twice to Grammys, and eight times to #1 hits, it took him away from them. Better known for his role in Audio Adrenaline, Tyler made a break from the band in 2006. This self-titled debut was written on his journey homeward during that last year of touring. Whether sick for home or high as the heights of heavens at the hope it, a future deliverance into the hands of his wife or kids sets longing as its very personal, vulnerable thematic element. From the birth of a son in “Hurricane” to the camaraderie of aging lovers in “Willow Tree,” each song conveys its own raw, emotional, convicted story through Burkum’s seasoned songwriting. Tears ensue. Tyler proves there can be much versatility in minimalist production. Mostly recorded on a laptop with a borrowed microphone, the intimacy of simplicity on its lone vocal/guitar or vocal/piano tracks compound the poetry of grief and desire, and will certainly make it a sure hit on many an “I Miss you” mixtape (will mix-CD ever sound right?). That simplicity only wanes on two of the ten tracks, and actually for the most part serves to enhance what he calls, “only his demo.” For those wanting a 10/10, you’ll be happy to know this demo-release is in the studio presently being rerecorded with friends. Longing has long driven poets, soldiers, and lovers to write letters and sonnets and songs. Vulnerable and keenly relatable, Burkum proves again what international success had done already, that he is one terrific troubadour. Of the ten fascinating narratives, two especially stood out, “Better Part of Me,” which I hope to use at my wedding, and the playful “Wrapped Around Your Finger.”

Title: Self-titled
Artist: Tyler Burkum
Release Date: 2006
Our Rating: 7.5/10

~Riley

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