**Introduction**

There arent many artists who have had the kind of career that David Gray has had. The singer/songwriter from Sale in Greater Manchester released his debut album "A century Ends" in 1993 and released two more albums before he actually made it big with his fourth release "White Ladder" which was six years after the release of his debut album. Before the release of White Ladder his albums had reached no higher than 92 on the UK Album chart, White Ladder was a massive hit reaching number one in the album charts thanks in no small part to the success of singles "Babylon", This years love and Please forgive me.

**A New Day at Midnight**

A New Day at Midnight was Recorded and Released on the EastWest record label in November 2002 as David Gray's fifth album although sometimes called his second album from people who were not aware of his earlier stuff. Whilst A New Day at Midnight did not receive the critical acclaim of White Ladder it was another big hit for Gray also reaching number one in the album chart. Here is my review of David Gray's A New Day at Midnight.

1.) Dead in the Water

This is a catchy track to open the album with, It opens with some nice drum parts and a gentle piano segment which is joined by the guitar and Gray's vocals. His vocal delivery is flowing and expressive. This is a great song for live performances as it's chorus seems made for crowd participation.

2.) Caroline

This is one that does not quite work, it feel a bit too mashed up with instruments that the message of the song does not get across in the best way it could. Not a bad track but could have been better had it been slowed down a little.

3.) Long Distance Call

I feel that this could be a little bit better, it is a decent track but it seems a little too chirpy compared to the other tracks on the album, It does not really fit with the rest of the album too much. A decent enough track though just not that great.

4.) Freedom

This is a really beautiful song with a great opening, On a decent Hi-Fi this track will sound amazing. I love the way the electronic beat blends with the soft percussion and guitar. This is without a doubt one of his best songs of his career with some beautifully done piano work.

5.) Kangaroo

This relatively short track is a decent track which although not as well known as some on the album it's still a very decent effort. However it won't trouble the best tracks on the album too much.

6.) Last Boat to America

This is a decent enough track but lacks a little spark to take it from a decent song to a very good song. You listen to it for yourself and make up your mind but I prefer many others from the album and White Ladder.

7.) Real Love

This is a gentle acoustic ballad which starts well and then the vocals and percussion come in. This track is not as instant as the best on the album but after a few listens you really get a sense of the beauty of the song. Not the best track on the album but still a very good one.

8.) Knowhere

This is unfortunately another track that lacks a little spark to take it from a decent track to a great track, it's by no means a bad track but just not as emotive as some of the other tracks on the album.

9.) December

This is a very decent track which has a nicely performed drum beat and piano piece. This track has the feel of a track that should be played late at night with the lights low. A very impressive track.

10.) Be Mine

This is a really good track with a fine flow, I like the way the drums move along with the vocals. This is one of the best tracks on the album and probably the best of the uptempo tracks on the album.

11.) Easy Way to Cry

This is a lovely acoustic ballad which has a great live feel. Even though there's just David Gray and a guitar this track is rather powerful and really leaves it's mark on you. When he performs this track Live it always goes down well as a crowd favourite and it's easy to understand why.

12.) The Other Side

Many albums have a slightly dissapointing final track to end the album with but that is not the case on A new day at midnight because this is an outstandingly beautiful track which showcases David Gray at his absolute best. This is a truly affecting ballad.

**Overall**

This follows on from the very good White Ladder with another fine album, Like White Ladder though there are a few tracks which could have been better had they been done a little differently, a little slower here and there would have helped. It's a shame that he has gone back to the middle of the road stuff since this album was released in 2002. He has talent there's no doubting that but his talent could be used better.

Also posted on Dooyoo as Lakerfanster