David Gray | ||
| Allmusic Biography : British singer/songwriter David Gray had already released three overlooked albums by the time White Ladder (and its international breakthrough hit "Babylon") brought his mix of acoustic instruments and electronic samples to the mainstream. Born in Manchester in 1968, Gray relocated to Wales at the age of nine before returning to the northwest to attend the University of Liverpool. While in school, he dabbled in several punk bands and began exploring different styles of writing, eventually uncovering his own poetic penmanship. Following a move to London, Gray signed to Hut Records in the United Kingdom and Caroline in the United States, releasing the debut single "Birds Without Wings" in 1992. The next year saw the release of his first full-length record, A Century Ends, and Grays trademark style of fiery vocals countered with folksy, acoustic songcraft began to find an audience, particularly in Ireland. However, despite frequent solo tours (as well as an opening slot for Shawn Colvin), Grays edgy sophomore effort, Flesh, was met with an underwhelming response in 1994, and he was dropped from his label as a result. Gray signed a contract with EMI Records; meanwhile, the buzz in Ireland continued to build thanks to No Disco, an alternative music video program that showcased Gray every chance it got. Hanging onto that thread, Sell, Sell, Sell arrived in 1996 in limited quantities. Gray hitched up his touring boots and hit the road again, this time opening for such heavy-hitters as Radiohead and Dave Matthews Band, but a lack of mainstream response resulted in Grays split from EMI. Recapturing and embracing his independence, he decided to self-finance his fourth album, White Ladder, and release it on his own label, IHT Records, in 1998. Recorded in a London apartment with an easy blend of samplers and acoustic guitar, White Ladder was a sublime leap forward for the underappreciated Gray. Ireland certainly recognized its merit, as the record immediately climbed into the Irish Top 30. Gray found other outlets for promotion as well, offering five tunes (including the elegiac title track) to the soundtrack of This Years Love. The good fortune continued as former road pal Dave Matthews (who had taken a liking to Gray during their shared tour) made White Ladder the first release on his own ATO Records imprint in 2000. Boosted by this additional release, "Babylon" enjoyed a positive reception in the U.S. and peaked at number five on the U.K. charts. Its success coincided with Grays performance on the main stage at Glastonbury, and White Ladder went on to enjoy multi-platinum sales. Gray celebrated his newfound recognition by issuing a handful of albums in 2001, including a pair of compilations (Lost Songs 95-98 and The EPs 92-94) and two reissued records (A Century Ends and Flesh). Although his popularity remained greater in Europe, he maintained moderate success in the States as well, and A New Day at Midnight followed up his successful international breakthrough in the fall of 2002. Gray worked with producer Marius de Vries (Björk, Rufus Wainwright) for 2005s Life in Slow Motion; the reflective album debuted at the top of the charts in both Ireland and the U.K., giving Gray the highest chart rankings of his career. The singer then cobbled together his older material for 2007s Shine: The Best of the Early Years. The career-spanning Greatest Hits followed that fall, featuring two previously unissued tracks as well as Grays most popular numbers. Once again, David Gray found himself without a record label as he prepared to work on his eighth studio album. After setting up shop in his own London studio, dubbed the Church Studios, Gray began shaping his first set of original material since 2005. Vocalists Annie Lennox and Jolie Holland joined him on several songs, and the resulting Draw the Line was released in 2009 by both Polydor and Mercer Street Records. "Fugitive" became a Top 40 hit in America, and the album itself charted well in multiple countries. Gray quickly returned with another album, Foundling, which drew its material from the Draw the Line sessions and hit stores less than 12 months after the previous albums release. His next record, Mutineers, was recorded at Church Studios and produced by Andy Barlow of Lamb. The June 2014 album was preceded by the single "Gulls," which displayed a change of direction for Gray, morphing from a minimalist, almost ambient, keyboard-led arrangement to a dark, noisy, powerfully haunting chorus. He returned in 2016 with The Best of David Gray, which featured highlights from some of his most acclaimed records as well as two previously unreleased tracks, "Smoke Without Fire" and "Enter Lightly." This compilation set the stage for the March 2019 release of Gold in a Brass Age, his first set of new songs in five years. | ||
 | Album: 1 of 20 Title: Armchair Melodies: 20 Operetta Favourites Released: Tracks: 20 Duration: 52:48 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 One Day When We Were Young (03:25) 2 Ma Belle Marguerite (02:39) 3 Oh Maiden, My Maiden (03:08) 4 A Pair of Sparkling Eyes (02:47) 5 Girls Were Made to Love and Kiss (03:16) 6 Tramp, Tramp, Tramp (01:27) 7 Serenade (03:10) 8 Song of the Vagabonds (01:50) 9 Desert Song (02:38) 10 Goodbye (02:04) 11 My Heart and I (03:50) 12 Stout Hearted Man (02:13) 13 Ah Sweet Mystery of Life (02:09) 14 Riff Song (01:52) 15 Donkey Serenade (02:29) 16 A Bachelor Gay (02:09) 17 The White Dove (03:02) 18 Drinking Song (01:50) 19 Well Gather Lilacs (03:34) 20 You Are My Hearts Delight (03:16) |
 | Album: 2 of 20 Title: iTunes Exclusive Released: Tracks: 5 Duration: 00:00 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 And It Stoned Me (live at Earl’s Court, London, December 2002) (?) 2 Loverboy (?) 3 Please Forgive Me (live at Earl’s Court, London, December 2002) (?) 4 Real Love (live at Earl’s Court, London, December 2002) (?) 5 The Lights of London (?) |
 | Album: 3 of 20 Title: A Century Ends Released: 1993-04 Tracks: 10 Duration: 49:23 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Shine (04:33) 2 A Century Ends (05:05) 3 Debauchery (03:25) 4 Let the Truth Sting (05:30) 5 Gathering Dust (06:43) 6 Wisdom (04:15) 7 Lead Me Upstairs (04:54) 8 Living Room (03:44) 9 Birds Without Wings (04:49) 10 Its All Over (06:20) |
| A Century Ends : Allmusic album Review : Every note on David Grays debut album, A Century Ends, is sung with raw heartfelt emotion. Grays lyrics depict a man broken by love and wanting to escape the boredom and monotony of his current station in life. On the title track, Gray challenges himself to make changes in his life before the next millennium. Grays coffeehouse acoustic guitar and gritty Welsh-accented voice provide the backdrop for a majority of the tracks. The two exceptions are "A Century Ends" and "Wisdom," an upbeat ode to regret, complete with the only catchy chorus on the album. However, this album is not about hooks and feel-good melodies -- Gray grabs the listener with his poetic lyrics and takes off on an introspective ten-song ride through desperation, regret, lost love, and a longing for change. If A Century Ends is an indicator of things to come, then Gray has the potential to become a prolific singer/songwriter. | ||
 | Album: 4 of 20 Title: Flesh Released: 1994-09 Tracks: 10 Duration: 45:22 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 What Are You? (03:31) 2 The Light (04:10) 3 Coming Down (06:15) 4 Falling Free (03:24) 5 Made Up My Mind (03:43) 6 Mystery of Love (05:32) 7 Lullaby (03:38) 8 New Horizons (05:56) 9 Loves Old Song (03:47) 10 Flesh (05:22) |
| Flesh : Allmusic album Review : On Flesh, David Grays 1994 release, the Welsh singer/songwriter wraps his rough-hewn voice around ten self-penned songs that deal mainly with relationships. Delivered in his earnest voice, the highly literate observations of the lyrics and the folk-tinged feel of the music is easily compared to the work of Mike Scott of Waterboys fame. "What Are You?" kicks things off with an aggressive, bracing vocal growl from Gray over a tumbling rhythm. "Made Up My Mind" features a determined lyric of resilience and moving on. There isnt a weak cut on this record, but the highlights are the sparser, more reflective numbers that highlight the gentleness of Grays guitar playing and the flawless phrasing of his vocal delivery. "Falling Free" and "Mystery of Love" are two of the best examples with the romantic longing of their lyrics. Neill MacColl adds some wistful slide guitar to the latter. A must listen for any fan of Scott or just anyone who appreciates well-done, acoustic-based rock. | ||
 | Album: 5 of 20 Title: Sell, Sell, Sell Released: 1996-08-19 Tracks: 12 Duration: 53:57 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Faster, Sooner, Now (02:23) 2 Late Night Radio (03:54) 3 Sell, Sell, Sell (05:11) 4 Hold on to Nothing (04:15) 5 Everytime (04:41) 6 Magdalena (04:24) 7 Smile (04:06) 8 Only the Lonely (04:46) 9 What Am I Doing Wrong? (05:01) 10 Gutters Full of Rain (04:22) 11 Forever Is Tomorrow Is Today (05:32) 12 Folk Song (05:15) |
| Sell, Sell, Sell : Allmusic album Review : On Sell, Sell, Sell, David Gray plugs in and cranks it up a notch higher than on his previous release, Flesh. Where once there were sparse arrangements of acoustic guitar and piano, now there are live jangling electrics and drums. Grays voice, however, is just as raw and piercing as ever, in a good way. No matter the instrumentation, his vocal performances always best convey the message, whether urgent or tender. He does have a few quiet moments sprinkled throughout Sell, Sell, Sell, but the larger scheme is loud, driving, and powerful. "Hold on to Nothing," "Smile," and "Gutters Full of Rain" are songs that bear the torch of longing that filled so much of Flesh. Naked Gray, coffeehouse Gray -- thats what they seem to recall, and quite well. Thats not to say that the rocking stuff is no good. Its good. Its smart, melodic folk-rock done up with emotion and talent. As a writer, Grays vision has expanded to include more social observations along with his personal tribulations. The loss of faith and innocence and the coldness of winter and greed are both reoccurring themes throughout the album. Even the titles suggest the importance of what lies within the melodic lines -- "Faster, Sooner, Now," "Sell, Sell, Sell," "Everytime," "Forever Is Tomorrow Is Today." The pace and tone are set from the word go, or "hey" as the case may be. All in all, this is a fine next step in the evolution of a wonderfully talented young artist. | ||
 | Album: 6 of 20 Title: White Ladder Released: 1998 Tracks: 10 Duration: 50:39 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Please Forgive Me (05:34) 2 Babylon (04:25) 3 My Oh My (04:37) 4 We’re Not Right (03:03) 5 Nightblindness (04:23) 6 Silver Lining (05:59) 7 White Ladder (04:14) 8 This Years Love (04:05) 9 Sail Away (05:15) 10 Say Hello Wave Goodbye (09:00) |
| White Ladder : Allmusic album Review : David Grays fan base is strong and active. They have seen him through his years with Virgin Records, during which time he was applauded for his talent, emotive voice, and songwriting skills, yet he never quite broke through to a mainstream audience. White Ladder showcases Gray like never before. Its an album of such depth and quality that one would be hard-pressed to ignore his talent. Each song is strong and superbly crafted, both in terms of arrangement and delivery. The standouts, "Please Forgive Me" and "This Years Love," are touching and likely to bring a tear to the eye of the listener. This album is definitely a much-needed addition to any quality music collection. With any justice, it will finally bring David Gray the success that he so rightly deserves. | ||
 | Album: 7 of 20 Title: Lost Songs 95-98 Released: 2001-02-12 Tracks: 11 Duration: 36:59 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Flame Turns Blue (04:52) 2 Twilight (02:23) 3 Hold On (01:55) 4 As Im Leaving (04:34) 5 If Your Love Is Real (03:34) 6 Tidal Wave (02:20) 7 Falling Down the Mountainside (04:50) 8 January Rain (02:44) 9 Red Moon (03:26) 10 A Clean Pair of Eyes (04:59) 11 Wurlitzer (01:19) |
| Lost Songs 95-98 : Allmusic album Review : Singer/songwriter David Gray may have finally achieved mainstream respect with his fourth album White Ladder, but hes not one to forget the tumultuous time spent prior to such praise. He was a confused artist during the recording of that album, adding emotion to countless tracks that never made it on to White Ladder. Lost Songs 95-98 recognizes that songwriting period of personal dysfunction. Its also a definitive selection of moods, atmospheric definitions, and self-awareness, for Gray composed some of his most beautiful ballads yet. Clearly it isnt a follow-up. Its merely an additive for a fans collection. It combines classic acoustics and simplistic lyrical stories while his Welsh brogue captures the most heartfelt moments on the record. Its not massively produced, and thats whats classic about Gray as an artist. He allows the complexities of a song -- "Wurlitzer," "Red Moon," and "Tidal Wave" -- to shape its fundamentals in a nature all its own. Lost Songs showcases what was supposed to be for David Gray, without the bitterness, of course. | ||
 | Album: 8 of 20 Title: Live at the Brixton Academy Released: 2001-03-03 Tracks: 6 Duration: 28:57 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Late Night Radio (03:57) 2 Faster Sooner Now (02:38) 3 Babylon (06:43) 4 Flame Turns Blue (04:46) 5 Wisdom (04:51) 6 Silver Lining (06:00) |
 | Album: 9 of 20 Title: The EPs 92-94 Released: 2001-07-02 Tracks: 10 Duration: 42:20 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Birds Without Wings (04:49) 2 Ls Song (04:14) 3 The Light (03:51) 4 Shine (04:24) 5 Brick Walls (04:56) 6 The Rice (03:28) 7 Wisdom (04:15) 8 Lovers (03:22) 9 4:AM (02:42) 10 Coming Down (06:15) |
| The EP's '92-'94 : Allmusic album Review : Once David Gray finally became a household mainstay on the radio and on VH1, this incredible singer/songwriter received overdue props with a sold-out tour and the reissue of his first four albums. Caroline Records also participated by releasing this rare collection of combined EP tracks showcasing Grays early period of musical bleakness. The EPs 92-94 comprises Grays first three U.K. singles from A Century Ends and extra bonus tracks. Songs such as "Ls Song" and "Brick Walls" are delicately woven around signature acoustics and Grays gritty howl. "The Rice" is a bit more upbeat with glossy bass loops cradling Grays strumming, but optimism shines with plucking mandolin riffs for an Irish tinge. "Coming Down" from Grays second album Flesh is beaming with heartfelt emotion internally churning due to Grays personal hardships with the music industry during the mid-90s. Its a solid collection, but only for the most dedicated fans. The majority of the songs selected are found on his first two albums, but having videos for "Shine" and "Wisdom" also makes this inviting compilation more worthy. | ||
 | Album: 10 of 20 Title: A New Day at Midnight Released: 2002-10-28 Tracks: 12 Duration: 50:38 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Dead in the Water (03:07) 2 Caroline (03:39) 3 Long Distance Call (03:41) 4 Freedom (06:48) 5 Kangaroo (03:31) 6 Last Boat to America (04:50) 7 Real Love (04:40) 8 Knowhere (03:54) 9 December (03:34) 10 Be Mine (04:23) 11 Easy Way to Cry (03:53) 12 The Other Side (04:31) |
| A New Day at Midnight : Allmusic album Review : David Grays 1999 release White Ladder was not only a chart hit around the globe but a career turnaround for the artist. His folky techno sound was refreshing and raw, and the public finally took notice to Grays honest approach. White Ladder went double platinum in America and earned Gray a Grammy nod for Best New Artist. Expectations for a follow-up were naturally high, and Gray wasted no time making another album. A New Day at Midnight, intermittently recorded between his spring 2001 tour and early fall, marks his sixth. He sticks with simple acoustics and subtle string arrangements; however, A New Day at Midnight doesnt possess the heavy heart of White Ladder. Perhaps Gray wasnt going for that, but fans were looking for an emotional disposition. The structure on this particular record is much more loose and carefree. What an impressive move for Gray, for he created something from his heart and mind without concerning himself or what was expected of him. The piano-driven "Meet Me on the Other Side" highlights personal reflections with grace. "Be Mine" is lyrically sweeter, but the winter chill of "December" ironically finds a peace of mind. Grays father passed away during the recording of A New Day at Midnight, so this is his swan song. The twinkling "Last Boat to America" offers classic White Ladder optimism, so Grays intent in making the lush and desirable more apparent is real. Grays definitely more introspective this time around, but hes less digital. Will fans appreciate that? Sure, but it will take some time. | ||
 | Album: 11 of 20 Title: Life in Slow Motion Released: 2005-09-12 Tracks: 10 Duration: 45:04 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Alibi (04:34) 2 The One I Love (03:29) 3 Lately (04:13) 4 Nos da cariad (04:10) 5 Slow Motion (05:00) 6 From Here You Can Almost See the Sea (03:39) 7 Ain’t No Love (03:21) 8 Hospital Food (04:43) 9 Now and Always (06:45) 10 Disappearing World (05:07) |
| Life in Slow Motion : Allmusic album Review : Life in Slow Motion is an appropriate name for David Grays sixth album, since this languid, deliberate album crawls out of the speakers at a speed that suggests everything is stuck in molasses. Not that this is a bad place for Gray to be, or that it is even a big change of pace for him. As the years passed, hes trimmed away the faster tempos from his music, leaving behind an even-keeled, meditative, soft reflective folk-pop that brought him a hit in 2000 with "Babylon" from his fourth album, White Ladder. Life in Slow Motion isnt too far removed from that album, although it does lack the then-fashionable vague electronica underpinnings of that album. In its place is a mildly lush but not elaborate production thats tasteful and classy, even if it never quite grabs the listeners attention. Thats true of Grays songwriting here in general -- its well mannered and well intentioned, but falls short of being distinctive. If Gray didnt have a slight rasp to his voice, this music would simply wash over you, since its a calm, clean album ideal for either background music at work or late-night introspection. Thankfully, he does have a bit of grit in his voice -- enough to ground the music, if not enough to make it compelling. To a certain extent, thats been true of all of his albums, but Life in Slow Motion is especially low-key and quiet, requiring close listening to catch the subtleties in either the lyrics or the music. That means its a rewarding listen for the faithful who have the time, patience, and inclination to dig into this, but for those whose dedication isnt so strong, this is sweet, gentle, and ultimately forgettable. | ||
 | Album: 12 of 20 Title: Shine: The Best of the Early Years Released: 2007-03-26 Tracks: 15 Duration: 1:05:20 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Shine (04:34) 2 Late Night Radio (03:54) 3 Coming Down (06:15) 4 Birds Without Wings (04:49) 5 The Light (04:10) 6 Everytime (04:41) 7 A Century Ends (05:05) 8 Lullaby (03:38) 9 Faster, Sooner, Now (02:23) 10 Wisdom (04:12) 11 Falling Free (03:24) 12 Sell, Sell, Sell (05:11) 13 Debauchery (03:25) 14 Flesh (05:17) 15 Hold on to Nothing (04:15) |
| Shine: The Best of the Early Years : Allmusic album Review : Before David Gray became a household name, at least among those concerned with singer/songwriters, after the release of his 1998 record White Ladder (which came out in the U.S. in 2000), he was making his way though the United Kingdom and Ireland singing and playing his guitar and impressing audiences with songs off his first three albums, A Century Ends, Flesh, and Sell, Sell, Sell. Shine: The Best of the Early Years, goes back to those records, taking five songs from each (and, with the exception of the initial triad, alternating between them chronologically). Grays first single, "Birds Without Wings," is included here, as are other favorites like "Late Night Radio," "Debauchery," and "The Light." The transition from man-with-guitar to man-with-band can be felt between the tracks (and between the albums), which helps then pave the way for the further development that arrives with White Ladder and "Babylon" and "Please Forgive Me," but Grays strong, British, slightly quavery voice is a constant throughout, and always carries the piece. This is decent-to-good singer/songwriter rock that probably wont blow away anyone unfamiliar with Gray, but for fans of his (in particular fans of his who have limited experience with his early work), Shine should be satisfying enough. | ||
 | Album: 13 of 20 Title: A Thousand Miles Behind Released: 2007-08 Tracks: 12 Duration: 46:10 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Song to the Siren (04:35) 2 To Ramona (05:31) 3 One with the Birds (05:21) 4 Long Black Veil (03:50) 5 One Too Many Mornings (02:38) 6 I Think its Going to Rain Today (02:30) 7 Mansion on the Hill (03:27) 8 In the Morning (03:10) 9 I Tremble for You (03:01) 10 Buckets of Rain (03:21) 11 Go Down Easy (04:17) 12 Streets of Philadelphia (04:29) |
| A Thousand Miles Behind : Allmusic album Review : Some musicians can write music; some can sing their own tunes, and some can sing others. David Gray can do it all. Released solely on his website and the merchandise booth at his live gigs, A Thousand Miles Behind is a covers album through and through. All the songs are culled from lives shows, primarily from 2006 and 2007, with two from 2001 thrown in for good measure, from San Diego to Scotland, Idaho to Ireland, Nashville to Melbourne. Nearly half of the album is comprised of either Dylan or Springsteen covers, two artists whose class Gray fits into perfectly from a poetic standpoint. From the rhythmic swing of "To Ramona" to the power in "Streets of Philadelphia," we hear from a great artist who, in his own words, describes the experience as "getting under the skin of someone elses song." "One Too Many Mornings" is a lament, even if at the end tries to cover it up with an agree-to-disagree standpoint. Gray, like few in his generation, is really able to tap into that emotion. In the same manner, Randy Newmans "I Think Its Going to Rain Today" gets a similar treatment. Grays vocals, accompanied only by a piano, are more assured than Newmans original in this haunting rendition of hope trying to overcome bleakness. Its easily a top-notch performance in Grays distinguished career. Most of the songs are reflective, a byproduct of the set being primarily singer/songwriter material. "I Tremble for You" is the perfect song to describe heartbreak for those who have never been through it. His voice isnt as gravelly as Johnny Cashs but still resonates with pure loneliness. The slide guitar echoes in the background like the ghost of a lost lovers call as it intertwines with Grays voice. Covers are usually something we only get a song or two at a time, either in concert or from an obscure B-side, so its nice that we get to here a full collection that sounds as if it was a concert planned accordingly. For a different perspective of artistic measurement, the collection helps to add another piece to Grays puzzle. Whether you own his other CDs or not, A Thousand Miles Behind is a journey well worth traveling. | ||
 | Album: 14 of 20 Title: Greatest Hits Released: 2007-09-01 Tracks: 14 Duration: 59:48 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Youre the World to Me (03:36) 2 Babylon (03:39) 3 The One I Love (03:29) 4 Please Forgive Me (05:34) 5 Be Mine (03:51) 6 Hospital Food (04:43) 7 This Years Love (04:05) 8 Alibi (04:34) 9 Sail Away (05:15) 10 Shine (live) (04:43) 11 Caroline (03:39) 12 The Other Side (04:28) 13 Flame Turns Blue (04:52) 14 Destroyer (03:15) |
| Greatest Hits : Allmusic album Review : Those looking to score their Sunday afternoons with polished, midtempo ruminations of life and love could do much worse than this compilation of David Grays best work. "Babylon" is the only track to have previously enjoyed much chart success in the States, and many American listeners will find Greatest Hits to be more of a primer to Grays acoustic-fueled style than a collection of past hits. But for returning fans -- particularly those who already own Shine: The Best of the Early Years, also released in 2007 -- Greatest Hits is a cohesive disc that paints the picture of a seasoned songwriter. Gray didnt start writing hit songs until four albums into his career; as a result, these tracks sound sophisticated and tasteful, quite possibly because they draw their maturity from years of touring, recording, and label-hopping. Also included are 14 pages of liner notes (written by Gray himself in track-by-track format) as well as two new numbers, "Youre the World to Me" and "Destroyer," which bookend the CD with the sort of clean, crisp pop/rock that will always find a home on adult contemporary charts. David Grays music doesnt quite electrify, but it rarely fails to please, making Greatest Hits a nice commercial companion to the fans-only appeal of Shine. | ||
 | Album: 15 of 20 Title: Draw the Line Released: 2009-09-14 Tracks: 19 Duration: 1:32:55 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Fugitive (03:43) 2 Draw the Line (04:23) 3 Nemesis (05:25) 4 Jackdaw (03:55) 5 Kathleen (03:49) 6 First Chance (05:59) 7 Harder (03:51) 8 Transformation (03:23) 9 Stella the Artist (03:37) 10 Breathe (04:38) 11 Full Steam (04:12) 1 World to Me (03:45) 2 Sail Away (05:27) 3 Aint No Love (03:20) 4 Babylon (06:32) 5 Slow Motion (04:42) 6 The One I Love (04:14) 7 Other Side (06:51) 8 Nightblindness (11:09) |
| Draw the Line : Allmusic album Review : After taking a four-year break from the studio, David Gray announced his return with a new backing band, new label representation, and this new album. 2009s Draw the Line is consistent with the rest of Grays catalog, proof that the songwriters appeal rests not in those around him but in his nuanced piano ballads and warm, calloused voice. There are two duets here, one with folk artist Jolie Holland and the other with a rather militant-sounding Annie Lennox, but the best material is reserved for Gray alone. He does what he does best on songs like "Transformation," whose homespun melody is at once warm and utterly heartbreaking, but he also makes room for faster material, from the rhythmic drive of "Stella the Artist" to the casual strut of lead-off track "Fugitive." Regardless of the tempo, Grays voice remains the centerpiece of this album, as his lived-in vocals continue to amass more conviction and grit with age. Those looking for another "Babylon" probably wont find such commercial appeal here, but David Gray hasnt concerned himself with the mainstream for years, and Draw the Line is essentially another cog in the folksy wheel hes been spinning since New Day at Midnight. [Die-hard fans may want to pick up the albums deluxe edition, which includes a 20-page booklet and a bonus CD of live performances.] | ||
 | Album: 16 of 20 Title: Foundling Released: 2010-08-16 Tracks: 11 Duration: 44:42 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Only the Wine (02:52) 2 Foundling (05:29) 3 Forgetting (04:18) 4 Gossamer Thread (05:11) 5 The Old Chair (02:55) 6 In Gods Name (03:43) 7 We Could Fall in Love Again Tonight (04:26) 8 Holding On (05:10) 9 When I Was in Your Heart (02:37) 10 A New Day at Midnight (02:46) 11 Davey Jones Locker (05:11) |
| Foundling : Allmusic album Review : Written during the same sessions that spawned 2009’s Draw the Line, Foundling is another pleasant, pastoral effort from David Gray, who seems to have settled into a contemporary folk mold after flirting with electronics during the ‘90s. “Only the Wine,” which kicks off this two-disc set with acoustic guitar and brushed percussion, takes its cues from Van Morrison and Nick Drake, both of whom serve as stylistic touchstones throughout the album. Gray plays to his strengths fairly well, keeping the tempos leisurely and the mood relaxed, and he looks to his arrangements for diversity, either paring a song down to its piano-and-vocals skeleton or dressing it up in light layers of strings, organ, and electric guitar. When he does throw a curve ball into the mix, it’s a nice change -- the slow-building title track stretches a Celtic soul groove over five and a half minutes, and “Morning Theme” (one of the eight tracks that make up the bonus disc) sets itself up as a piano lullaby, with fingerplucked guitar arpeggios and gauzy, cooing harmonies rounding out the song. Those moments are few and far between, but David Gray doesn’t really purport to be anything other than a contemporary folk-pop singer, and Foundling finds him doing what he does best. | ||
 | Album: 17 of 20 Title: Mutineers Released: 2014-06-17 Tracks: 26 Duration: 2:15:49 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Back in the World (03:57) 2 As the Crow Flies (04:13) 3 Mutineers (05:01) 4 Beautiful Agony (04:04) 5 Last Summer (04:13) 6 Snow in Vegas (04:21) 7 Cake and Eat It (02:33) 8 Birds of the High Arctic (06:24) 9 The Incredible (03:23) 10 Girls Like You (05:18) 11 Gulls (04:55) 1 Foundling (08:00) 2 From Here You Can Almost See the Sea (04:03) 3 Davey Jones Locker (07:19) 4 Lately (08:25) 5 The One I Love (04:00) 6 Kathleen (03:58) 7 Aint No Love (05:26) 1 My Oh My (04:40) 2 Fugitive (03:33) 3 Forgetting (04:16) 4 Falling Free (04:25) 5 Flame Turns Blue (04:49) 6 Babylon (06:39) 7 Nemesis (11:41) 8 Sail Away (06:13) |
| Mutineers : Allmusic album Review : Bouncing back from the hushed austerity of 2010s Foundling -- a tasteful affair, to be sure, but perhaps a shade too tasteful -- David Gray joins forces with Andy Barlow, a producer/songwriter/remixer who has worked with Elbow and Damien Rice but is best known as one of the founding members of Lamb, the British electronica band of the 90s. This hardly signals an excursion into electronic music for the folkie, but Barlow does paint Mutineers with many appealingly muted colors, an approach that seems surprisingly bright after the off-white Foundling. At its best, the production is so quietly textured it never draws attention to itself; instead, it enhances the songs themselves, letting them breathe and settle. Its not simply that the production of Mutineers is well-drawn, so are the melodies of the songs. Grey remains a subtle songwriter, but these songs are direct and often slyly hooky, which means Mutineers makes a striking initial impact then seeps in deeply. | ||
 | Album: 18 of 20 Title: Live at the iTunes Festival Released: 2014-09-20 Tracks: 19 Duration: 1:48:28 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 Birds of the High Arctic (08:05) 2 Back in the World (04:11) 3 As the Crow Flies (04:25) 4 Mutineers (05:41) 5 Last Summer (04:50) 6 Beautiful Agony (04:10) 7 My Oh My (06:13) 8 Fugitive (03:55) 9 Alibi (05:06) 10 Nemesis (13:55) 11 Gulls (04:42) 1 Shine (05:26) 2 Falling Free (04:40) 3 This Years Love (04:11) 4 Sail Away (05:31) 5 Silver Lining (07:20) 6 Please Forgive Me (06:53) 7 Babylon (04:32) 8 The One I Love (04:36) |
 | Album: 19 of 20 Title: The Best Of David Gray Released: 2016-10-28 Tracks: 31 Duration: 2:16:48 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Babylon (03:38) 2 Youre the World to Me (03:37) 3 Sail Away (05:15) 4 The One I Love (03:28) 5 Alibi (04:36) 6 Smoke Without Fire (02:55) 7 Flame Turns Blue (04:51) 8 Be Mine (03:51) 9 This Years Love (04:06) 10 Fugitive (03:43) 11 Please Forgive Me (05:34) 12 Only The Wine (02:52) 13 Snow in Vegas (03:30) 14 Back in the World (03:58) 15 The Other Side (04:27) 16 Enter Lightly (04:50) 1 Falling Free (2016) (04:28) 2 A Clean Pair of Eyes (05:00) 3 Kathleen (03:49) 4 Fixative (04:06) 5 Gulls (04:53) 6 Forgetting (04:16) 7 Falling Down the Mountainside (04:49) 8 From Here You Can Almost See the Sea (03:38) 9 Birds of the High Arctic (06:23) 10 Twilight (02:22) 11 Ls Song (2016) (04:26) 12 Nemesis (live at the Royal Festival Hall) (11:40) 13 January Rain (02:43) 14 Last Summer (04:10) 15 Shine (25th Anniversary version) (04:54) |
 | Album: 20 of 20 Title: Gold in a Brass Age Released: 2019-03-08 Tracks: 11 Duration: 46:11 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 The Sapling (03:26) 2 Gold in a Brass Age (04:20) 3 Furthering (04:32) 4 Ridiculous Heart (04:00) 5 Its Late (02:15) 6 A Tight Ship (04:49) 1 Watching the Waves (04:44) 2 Hall of Mirrors (04:03) 3 Hurricane Season (05:35) 4 Mallory (04:45) 5 If 8 Were 9 (03:40) |