Selmer Review
77todd77 | Seattle, WA | 02/04/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's interesting that people are just now taking notice of David Gray almost ten years into his career. He's been making stunning heartfelt music since 1993 and 'White Ladder' is no exception. It's been billed by critics and by david himself as his most simply produced album to date. On past albums, overproduction only got in the way anyway. Oddly, this album feels very lush and organic despite the addition of electronic effects. 'My Oh My' comes from a place that is so fragile, it is almost broken. A recurring theme throughout the album, is redemption and strength through loss and heartache. Even somber tracks such as 'This Year's Love', 'Nightblindness' and the aforementioned 'My Oh My' have rays of bright hope shining through the fog. David's voice has never sounded better. Crystal clear and expressive. The bonus track on this import version, is an almost bluesy little track called, 'Over My Head'. It rounds out the album quite nicely. The only real disappointment is a track called 'Babylon 2'.(It appears on the domestic release also) It is basically just a shortened version of the original 'Babylon'. They should've included another b-side that doesn't appear here called 'Tell Me More Lies'. Anyway, on 'White Ladder', David Gray achieves something that many artists attempt, but very few ever accomplish. Timelessness. Similar Artists:Dave Mathew's Band,Toad the Wet Sprocket,Rufus Wainwright,Bob Dylan,Van Morrison."
Understanding
Ben Jones | England | 06/12/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was browsing this website when i came across a review of White Ladder by someone who i can only describe as a tasteless fool. David Gray is arguably THE most innovative and exciting artist this century. For someone with such passion for his talent to emerge through the wrath of endless rubbish boy and girl bands only serves to promote his esteem.Admitedly some of the tracks are sombre, but they reflected his current personal tragedy, a combination of the break up of his parents marriage and the eventual death of his father. Never since Bob Dylan has someone written such melodic and meaningful rhythms with the subtle lyrics to match. For almost ten years now this man has been producing material that is nothing short of awesome. Anyone who is not positively affected by his raw talent does not deserve the gift of hearingThanks in anticipation of the new album."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1