White Ladder - David Gray

...been that quick or simple, White Ladder being far from his debut release in a career that began almost a decade ago. Word-of-mouth and critical acclaim eventually saw the album catch on, aided by Babylon - one of the album's most immediate songs - reaching the Top 5 of the UK Singles Chart. Such a rise to popularity is usually a good sign of genuine quality, and so it is with this CD. Gray's voice evokes a young Van Morrison, with its pure soulfulness, ...
...a fine set of pipes. Some tracks tend to sound slightly alike towards the end of the record, although the inspired acoustic remake of Soft Cell's synth classic Say Hello, Wave Goodbye is saved for last. If you liked Babylon, but aren't sure whether to gamble on the whole CD, a better indication of its true style is the rather more downbeat Please Forgive Me, which was the album's first single late last year. ...

EnglishPatient 02.08.2000 (05.02.2001) · Read full review
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Review of White Ladder - David Gray

White Ladder, by David Gray is relatively new album, well worth buying. All the songs on the album are good. Sometimes albums have few good songs on, then some to just fill the rest of the CD. Not so with this album. Admittedly, the best songs are at the beginning, 'Please forgive me', and the excellent 'Babylon', but the whole album is great to listen to. The beat and background music seem to relax you, and the words and lyrics add to the atmosphere. ...
...to an amateur singer, but it fits right in with the music. Each song tells a story and is not repetitive like some songs these days, and although some songs have a very 'modern' beat (R+B?), the music will still be popular in years to come. The CD has only approximately 50 minutes of music, but better that, than the last 25 minutes or so just being filled up for the sake of it with rushed songs. It is a lovely album, and I believe in years to come ...

blockidge 30.01.2001 · Read full review
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Review of White Ladder - David Gray

...found it refreshing and invigorating.He writes about real life and experiences good or bad. I've since seen gray in concert and his abillity to sound just as good if not better in the flesh was outstanding I recommend that you buy white ladder and go and see Gray in concert. ...

Kedge 04.02.2001 · Read full review
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Review of White Ladder - David Gray

I first heard this album just after it came out. My friend had bought it and told me it was really good. Man was he right. If u like a good piece of music which u can just listen netime this is for u. A real must have of 2000 and now its almost 2001. If ur reading this i strongly recomend like everyone else u go and buy it. As someone said he could be the next Van Morrison and he does have the same raw talent and prospects as Van did at 25. This ...
...it win i lost count, he really is one to watch because his next album is going to be great. If u liked stuff like Travis The Man Who and Moby Play then i think ull like this record its kinda between the two but with all its own style and real good buy. ...

Zenoth 27.12.2000 · Read full review
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Review of White Ladder - David Gray

...and leave the worries of the day behind. In summary, I think that White Ladder is an excellent album, ideally suited to those you want to chill out and relax. If you’re not particularly a fan of slow or minor key music then this CD is not for you. ...

goodematthew 11.04.2001 · Read full review
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Review of White Ladder - David Gray

...listening to this album. White Ladder was his fourth album, I’ve never actually listened to any of his others in case they didn’t live up to this one. The tracks are as follows 01 Please Forgive Me ‘Please forgive me if I act a little strange For I know not what I do’ This is a hauntingly sad song about feeling guilty. 02 Babylon Perhaps one of the best-known tracks of the album, this is a little more upbeat than the rest of the songs. ‘Let ...
...calm and collected. 07 White Ladder The title track. ‘There’s no rhyme or reason to love’, Catchy and slightly more poppy feel to this one. 08 This Years Love Title track from film of the same name, this is a beautiful piano ballad ‘This years love had better last’ 09 Sail Away My favourite, perfect relaxing by the pool music ‘Sail away with me honey What will be will be’ 10 Say Hello Wave Goodbye Originally performed by Soft Cell, it ...

susan1967 08.02.2004 · Read full review
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Review of White Ladder - David Gray

...it’s job for me with White Ladder, as far as I know, David Gray’s first album, well done to the record company for putting their faith in this product. Only Please Forgive Me and Babylon were familiar to me at first play, always a danger when buying an album, you’ve heard the best now have the also ran’s – not here matey. White Ladder has no weak tracks, all original except for a great re-working of that 80’s classic, Say Hello Wave Goodbye by ...
...Bob Dylan, because I think White Ladder is far more accessible. The biggest compliment I can pay this album is to say that it is already in my favourite 5 of all time. The second biggest compliment is that the missus also loves it. In my view an ideal Valentines Day present. ...

jacksonandy 02.02.2001 · Read full review
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Review of White Ladder - David Gray

I have to be honest - I bought this album on the strength of hearing 'Babylon' about 4 times a day on the radio, and having heard work colleagues rave about it. I wish I hadn't bothered - I know this is going against the grain (especially if you read many of the other Ciao reviews). I have tried to like it - but the whole point of music (to me), like reading, is that its accessible and easy. Despite numerous listenings, I have to 'try' and listen ...
...out and screams 'put me on'. One work colleague said to me 'You'll love this - you like Van Morrison and Neil Young, so this is for you'. Come on, comparing this guy with Van the Man is like comparing a Mini against a Ferrari (and where Neil Young comes into it!?). This is more like Bob Dylan to me - and I don't particularly like his music either. Maybe this has had a bearing on this, because, from the first listening, I though of Bob Dylan and ...

sdwatson 15.02.2001 · Read full review
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Review of White Ladder - David Gray

This is a top album. Its new, why this guy hasn't been a hit before now is beyond me - glastonbury did him a hell of a lot of good. It starts with the well known hits, Babylon, Please Forgive Me, and then moves into a few excellant B - sides, keeping in the same style. The last track, a cover of Soft Cell's Say Hello Wave Goodbye, is the ultimate. Even better than the original maybe?? Its the perfect CD for chilling out, u can listen intently, or ...

hbbird 31.01.2001 · Read full review
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Review of White Ladder - David Gray

...with a song that includes the line, “I’ve been speaking drunken gibberish, falling in and outta bars”. I’ve also got Gray’s first album, but White Ladder has improved on that so much! My personal favourite is “Sail Away” which I believe has just been released as a single. Truly magical! ...

Lisawoolley 02.07.2001 · Read full review
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Review of White Ladder - David Gray

This album is so oringinal...in more ways than one. Firstly the lyrics are written in the sleeve as a chunk of verse. It is like reading a poem that travels through the world of David Gray. Some of the songs are a little depressing such as 'We're Not Right'. Yet, it is easy to imagine what David is feeling and they are thought provoking. Babylon, is the most well known track after it's release into the charts. It is the most catchy song on the ...
...'Sail Away' for example, is the best pick-up song. David's talent is sweeping through the States and his popularity is growing by the day. I was introduced to him by a mate who has been obsessing over the music for a good few years now. It's good to see that David has finally been given the recognition that he deserves, not only as a fantastic lyricist but as a magical music maker! I recommend it to anyone who likes to listen to something fresh. ...

luli 21.01.2001 · Read full review
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Review of White Ladder - David Gray

When i first heard the top 5 single 'babylon', i was unsure whether i liked it or not but the more i heard it, the more i came to love it and see the beauty in the lyrics. 'Please forgive me' took my breath away and i knew i had to purchase this album. It's not instantly obvious that this album has the potential to become a classic, but just like 'babylon' i found the more i listened, the more i began to love it. The stand out tracks are undoubtedly ...
...right' (possibly the most relaxing song in the world!) and the equally chilling 'sail away'. This is definitely an album to chill out to and the only flaws are the weak title track 'white ladder' and possibly the soft cell cover 'Say hello, wave goodbye' which you feel just drags on a little too long, at over 8 minutes. This is not enough to spoil what is otherwise a breathtaking album, Gray's unique gravelly voice adds to the experience and is ...

PAULC29 07.05.2001 · Read full review
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Review of White Ladder - David Gray

As with every body else the first I heared of David Grey was when Babylon hit the radio stations and then the charts. On the strength of this I then went out and bought the album. Its most certinly different and better than alot of the albums in the charts at preset although I was pleasently surprised at the amount of accoustic guitar on the album. Don't be put off by this as the songs are very fresh and you'll find yourself singing along. I know ...

cicymru 24.09.2000 · Read full review
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Review of White Ladder - David Gray

...of years ago. His album White Ladder was released shortly afterwards, earning him several number one slots in the UK album chart. One of the things I especially like about David Gray is his ability to appeal to a wide audience. A recent performance on Parkinson went down extremely well, and he has also performed at Glastonbury, demonstrating his unique ability to capture an audiences' hearts. Babylon remains one of my favourite songs of all time, ...
...for you. Every track is different but instantly recognisable and I'm sure you will decide on your favourites after a few times of listening to it. Personal faves of mine are: Babylon, White Ladder, Sail Away and Please Forgive Me. This album wasn't number 1 for nothing. An excellent buy. ...

EllieBrain 25.10.2001 · Read full review
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Review of White Ladder - David Gray

...it should be David Gray's White Ladder. This album includes some of Grays Classics as well as other tracks that are equally worthy to acclaim but for some reason do not receive the same radio play. 01 Please forgive me 02 Babylon (the classic anthem from which many peoples love of Gray's music developed. 03 My Oh My 04 We're not right 05 Nightblindness 06 Silver lining 07 White Ladder 08 This Years Love (one of my personal favourites, mainly ...
...life feel better by its mere existence’; this is one of the most accurate quotes I have ever seen promoting an album. White ladder is a remarkable album perfect for background music while entertaining as well as a highly pleasurable album to listen to at other times. R.K. ...

sally_x_uk 09.08.2001 · Read full review
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Review of White Ladder - David Gray