Willie J Healey – Bunny review

Mike Tyson famously once said “Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” A former boxer himself, Willie J Healey had a plan which involved musical stardom, one that looked like it was coming to fruition when he signed to a major label and in 2017 released his debut album People and The Dog.

Then came the knockout blow as he was dropped. Regrouping, three years later he released the seventies-indebted Twin Heavy, only to be frustrated by the pandemic’s enforced shutdown. Now, he’s really, really back with Bunny.

Healey’s not exactly been idle in the time between, opening for amongst others the Arctic Monkeys and Florence and The Machine, but after taking inspiration from a drum machine given to him by Jamie T, on Bunny he’s chosen to embrace Philly soul and R&B, to a generally positive effect.

His friend’s contribution is acknowledged directly on Thank You and as tracks like Woke Up Smiling, Tiger Woods and Little Sister show the laid back demeanour suits. The pick of the generally good vibes only however is Black Camero, a ballad that definitely doesn’t feel like taking one right on the chin.

You can read a full review here.