Burnt Letters is the second studio album by Australian singer and songwriter Taylor Henderson, released on 11 July 2014 by Sony Music Australia.
Recorded over an eight-month period, Henderson worked on Burnt Letters with a variety of producers and writers such as Louis Schoorl, Alex Hope, Hayley Warner, Jon Hume, Robby De Sa and Lindsay Rimes.
Described by the singer as "a very raw and open acoustic album",[1] Burnt Letters incorporates styles of pop, folk and country music.
Burnt Letters is the follow-up to Henderson's self-titled debut album, which featured re-recorded covers of the selected songs he performed as a finalist on The X Factor Australia.
[4] Henderson worked on Burnt Letters for eight months with several record producers and songwriters, including Louis Schoorl, Jon Hume, Alex Hope and Lindsay Rimes, among others.
"[7] Despite his music not being typical pop, Henderson revealed that Sony did not interfere with his "songwriting processes or tone" for Burnt Letters, admitting that the album is exactly the way he wanted it.
[8] Described by Henderson as "a very raw and open acoustic album",[1] Burnt Letters consists of pop, folk and country music styles.
[2] Tianna Nadalin of the Geelong Advertiser wrote that it features Henderson's "signature brand of melodic folk, buttery vocals and heartfelt lyrics.
"[14] Melissa Redman of Renowned for Sound noted that "When You Were Mine" features an "acoustic vibe",[14] while Take 40 Australia and Mike Wass of Idolator compared the song to Henderson's debut single "Borrow My Heart" (2013).
[3] According to Marcus Floyd of Renowned for Sound, the fourth song "Brighter Days" contains "the typical 'I'm with you / You're not alone' pop mush you expect to hear from an ex-talent show contestant.
[3] Beginning on 16 May to 6 June 2014, fans were given the chance to pre-order Burnt Letters online through Sanity[18] or JB Hi-Fi[19] for their names to be printed in the thank you notes of the album booklet.
[8][20] On 5 June 2014, Henderson announced the release date for Burnt Letters and revealed the album cover via his social media platforms.
[61] Marcus Floyd from Renowned for Sound awarded Burnt Letters three-and-a-half stars out of five and gave it a mixed review, noting that most of the songs on the album "are borderline similar".
[15] He also added that "Burnt Letters wasn't an entirely bad release" but felt "it would have been better served as an EP" with the songs "When You Were Mine", "Already Gone", "Sail Away" and "Taking Back".
"[15] A positive review came from The Music's Bailey Lions who described Burnt Letters as "strangely addictive" and praised the "12 thoroughly enjoyable tracks of smooth rhythms and triumphant chorus hooks.
"[62] A writer for Q News also praised the "great mix of tracks" and wrote that Henderson "has set himself at a standard higher than his predecessors and is fast proving his ability to deliver quality Australian music.