Search - David Gray :: White Ladder

Commanding and memorable, an album that should grace each an

Andrew Ellington | I'm kind of everywhere | 10/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When you sit down to listen to David Gray's album `White Ladder' something unexpected may happen, at least I know that's how it was with me. I realized about half way through that I had heard and always loved half these songs; I just never knew who sang them. Most of the tracks on `White Ladder' are quite recognizable for they have appeared on many a popular television show or popped up in memorable scenes in film. Songs like the opening `Please Forgive', the very popular `Babylon' and the beautiful `This Years Love' are going to be very recognizable upon a listen through.



The album starts off with the very catchy `Please Forgive', a song about not wanting to lose the one you love for the stupid things you do. It's a great way to start off the album for it shows that Gray has the goods despite the fact that the track itself is probably my least favorite on the album. His next track, `Babylon', is substantially better than `Please Forgive'. It's catchy and memorable and ultimately a very likable song. It gives a feeling of being free and happy and I like that about this track. Overall, David Gray's music is very accessible. Next to Damien Rice he has to be my favorite musical artist (geniuses I call them) for their stark contrast. Damien has a much rougher and more downtrodden sound, and I adore him for that, but it's in the perfected and polished qualities that I find my love for Gray. The title track `White Ladder' continues this upbeat catchy appeal. Gray's voice manages to excel in just about every track here. His slick baritone is just all embracing and I love that about him.



David also manages to captivate amidst a slower, more emotionally intoxicating sound. On songs like `Nightblindness' he slips into the listeners ears with his impressionable voice and forces us to understand his pleadings. The best example of this power in found in `This Years Love', one of the all time greatest love songs I've ever witnessed. The piano playing behind Gray's bellows is beautifully orchestrated. Upon just one listen you will understand its beauty intensely. `My Oh My' is a track that relies on acoustic guitar and David's smooth vocals and it works beautifully. The closing track `Say Hello Wave Goodbye' works even better in this same regard. It's just a beautifully arranged song about ending a relationship that just was never meant to be.



Songs like `We're Not Right' have a very modern feel to them with David's love for electric sounds contributing to the musical arrangements. `Silver Lining' rests easy on the eardrums. It's a very beautifully woven track. This brings me to my favorite track on the album, a track that may very well be my favorite song he's ever recorded, `Sail Away'. This track is just utter perfection in my humble opinion. From the musical arrangement to David Gray's beautifully commanding vocals, `Sail Away' is just outright superior. Just one listen will permanently cement itself in your musical library. There are few songs that leave this deep an impression in my very soul, but I have no reservations or hesitations in saying that `Sail Away' is one of those songs I'll never forget nor ever grow tired.



If you've never experienced David Gray in full then you need to give this album a chance. David Gray is definitely one that everyone should take notice of for he has what most of these media darlings lack, true unconditional talent. From his head to his toes he's absolute musical perfection."