People throw the terms "pop music" and "pop star" around like it's a towel soaked in boil pus.  No one wants to touch it for fear of the smell that will linger in the room.  There's also the daring who think they know what pop music is, because it's a safe term to describe anything that is non-threatening.  Yet after listening to "Let Your Heart Break" (self-released) by The Billie Burke Estate, one wants to call this one of the best pop albums made in the 21st century so far, because the songs are moving, charming, and irresistible, the type of music that one would never want to get out of their heads, but it's not "safe".  Instead, it's the kind of pop music and craftsman ship that challenges the listener to listen deeper, to move, to be inspired and look at the world differently.  It's not Cher's "Believe", but The Billie Burke Estate make you want to believe.

The Estate in question is the brainchild of one man.  That's right, Andy Liotta is the one-man genius behind The Billie Burke Estate, and forget who Billie Burke may or may not be or what Estate he's trying to be a part of, that's not the point.  What is the point is this album, and these 12 songs that should be heard and bought by anyone who dares call themselves a musician.  One can tell that Liotta is a passionate person who writes from the heart, and if there are any fears, hopes, and dreams, he puts them into words and music, and hearing it is, as the old song goes, pure pop for now people.  "Perky Muscle Girl" is the song Todd Rundgren wished he had thought about, while "I Want U" is as powerful as it is surprising, as it switches mood and tempo about half way through.  He tells believable stories, not quirky or "pages from a stoned out poet".  It's bright but not sappy, bold but also multi-dimensional, and it comes from a diverse city like Seattle.  Some are love songs, song are songs that may very well be lullabies for his children, some are child-like, others offer unique tales of life's path, perhaps coming through Liotta's previous experiences as being a member of Walrus and the almighty Smokin' Rhythm Prawns.  "Let Your Heart Break" is an honest title representing an album full of honest songs by an artist who wishes to share his honesty with those who may want to hear... if not "pop music at its best", then just good music without fear.  If you open up your heart, you may find a bit of this music already lurking there.
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This album reminds me of so many good things from the 70s. I can't place them all, but they're there! "I Want U" makes me giddy, "Maisy" makes me cry, "Skin" is the best make-out song of the year, "Let Your Heart Break" is just so damn profound. I could go on and on.
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I've listened to this album several times now and it surprises me with each new play. Andy makes it all sound so simple, but there's such an incredible, catchy depth to the music, lyrics, and melodies. I've had several songs stuck in my head - and I don't really mind.
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