The present disclosure provides recombinant E. coli and other bacteria with reduced alcohol dehydrogenase and/or aldehyde reductase activity. The present disclosure further provides recombinant E. coli and other bacteria with reduced isobutyraldehyde reductase activity. Methods for the production and the uses of the recombinant bacteria are also provided. Specifically, recombinant bacteria further expressing 2-keto-acid decarboxylase can be used for producing higher aldehydes or other non-alcohol chemicals derived from aldehydes.