Well, i'm a student in South Essex, currently studying my 'A' levels.
Well, i'm a student in South Essex, currently studying my 'A' levels.
Member since:06.07.2001
Reviews:26
Members who trust:9
With his familiar head-nodding during live performances, David Gray is becoming more familiar, not least for his ‘sheep-style’ voice, which, in my opinion, is one of the most distinctive in recent years.
White ladder starts with the familiar ‘Please Forgive Me’, which, being a very easy going, yet uplifting tune eases you into the album itself The more familiar ‘Babylon’ follows, which follows the trend of the previous track, both feeling very chilled, whilst his distinctive voice continues to lift the mood. The album ten moves into the more obscure tracks, which, although relatively unknown, more than live up to the standard that you would expect from this talented artist.
Track four, ‘We’re Not Right’, does not follow the true form of the CD and seems to go against the grain when compared with the other tracks, in a sense that the electrical enhancements do not suit Gray’s style, however further into the track the thought provoking lyrics lift the track further.
Tracks five, (Nightblindness), six (Silver Lining) and seven (White Ladder), follow and continue to lift the mood of the album further, through the use of guitar, and these more ‘in your face’ tracks, although still very laid back, are a welcome accompaniment to the CD.
‘This Years Love’ follows, which is Gray’s latest release, again containing thought provoking lyrics, which I am sure many can identify with. However this track, when listened to repetitively, can become very monotonous, due to the repetitive piano chords, but still, this is a very beautiful track that almost everybody can associate with.
Track nine, ‘Sail Away’, does exactly what it says – the catchy lyrics and again grab hold of your imagination, and takes you on a journey. Although relatively repetitive, the repetition appears to represent the imagery of the rocking motion of a boat itself, which is very relaxing to listen to. (I’m beginning to sound like an art critic so I’ll move onto the next track!)
The CD concludes with ‘Say Hello Wave Goodbye’, which, although a full nine minutes long, is still not long enough for my liking – the tune has a very, very uplifting finale, with great guitar chords and lyrics, which provides a beautiful conclusion to the album. Although this track is repetitive, it still does not tire when listened to repeatedly. A great end to the album which leaves an ‘open ending’ to prepare you for his next installment
To conclude, White Ladder’s re-release is highlighting David Gray’s musical popularity in the UK, however many radio stations prefer not to play his songs in preference of manufactured bands, which, in my opinion is a pity as this artist has a great talent and I am sure will stand the test of time.
Recommendation – I would recommend this CD to anyone who appreciates true laid back music, which is both thought provoking and pensive, yet is very easy-going and is especially great for just chilling out.
Track Listings: ---------------- 01. Please Forgive Me 02. Babylon 03. My Oh My 04. We’re Not Right 05. Nightblindness 06. Silver Lining 07. White Ladder 08. This Year’s Love 09. Sail Away 10. Say Hello Wave Goodbye
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
A major artist in Ireland, David Gray has a loyal but somewhat smaller following ... more
throughout the rest of the world. Since his 1994 debut albumA Century Ends, he has consistently produced quality, folk-tinged songs that showcase his one major talent--a r...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
A major artist in Ireland, David Gray has a loyal but somewhat smaller following ... more
throughout the rest of the world. Since his 1994 debut album A Century Ends, he has consistently produced quality, folk-tinged songs that showcase his one major talent--a ...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
A major artist in his native Ireland, David Gray has a loyal but somewhat smaller ... more
following throughout the rest of the world. Since his 1994 debut albumA Century Ends, he has consistently produced quality, folk-tinged songs which showcase his one major...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: Wide range of music; some truly great tracks; consistently high quality Disadvantages: Very few, perhaps only that it is very slighty shorter than previous albums