Customer Reviews

Greatest Hits, David Gray

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

One might argue that David Gray's claim to fame must be his 1998 album White Ladder which spawned such deserving hits as Babylon, Please Forgive Me, This Year's Love and Sail Away, all of which are represented on the collection of hits. Actually there's more. The title of the disc is a little off. It's more a best-of though incomplete, which is not too surprising.

However, as an intro to Gray's mastery, this 1-disc set suffices. His essential songs are culled from Ladder and the two follow-up, A New Day at Midnight and Life in Slow Motion. There's the incredibly sensitive Be Mine and the heart-aching The One I Love. Older and less known material shows up in the form of a live version of Shine and Flame Turned Blue, both of which cannot do enough justice to Gray's earlier works. The bitter song Slow Motion from his last album is sorely missing. Of course, the two cursory new tracks, You're the World to Me and Destroyer rounds up the disc. (B+)

David Gray's "Greatest Hits" contains fourteen songs that span his musical career and throws together eleven of his sixteen singles to date, one new; a second previously-unreleased song; and a couple of album tracks.

Needless to say, the majority stem from his most popular albums but there are a few that showcase a talent that was left overlooked for some time.

One such track is "Flame Turns Blue", a song originally recorded in 1999 that appears on the Lost Songs 95-98 record.

It begins with an acoustic guitar accompanying Gray's stark vocals and slow-builds into an absolutely beautiful ballad, complete with pianos and drums. It's one of those tracks you'll wish you'd discovered earlier and is a highlight of the "Greatest Hits" collection.

Likewise, Caroline, a track that is "eccentric" by Gray's own admission, having been written on his computer using lots of blips and bleeps and drum machine sounds. It works surprisingly well.

The new single "You're The World To Me" kicks things off in typically solid fashion, effectively showcasing the epic sweep and emotive power of the artist's songwriting and vocals. It nods to the brilliance of White Ladder but is unlikely to have the impact "Babylon" had on the masses.

And then the hits speak for themselves.

"Babylon" hasn't really shown any sign of ageing, "Please Forgive Me" continues to stir the emotions, "Be Mine" is a rousing love anthem, "This Year's Love" remains one for the hopeless romantics, and "Sail Away" offers one of two knee-tremblers, along with "The Other Side".

And a live recording of "Shine" also provides a welcome reminder of why Gray is considered such a terrific live artist too.

There are some omissions that would have fit in well with the existing selection on the greatest hits compilation, such as "Slow Motion" or some of his earlier works such as "Faster Sooner Now".

This fine compilation is predictably satisfying to fans of David Gray. However, assuming that the hardcore followers will already own his fourth album - arguably his best work ever - "Greatest Hits" album is probably more something aimed at the peripheral admirers of the singer.

Until Tomorrow Then- The Best of Ed Harcourt (2 CDs)

I already own all these songs on previous ablums with the exception of tracks 1 and 14. The ablum itself it worh it for those tracks alone. "The world to me" and "Destroyer" are new tracks by David Gray and what I hope is a sign of what maybe a full lenght ablum in the near future. David Gray's music is amazing and very under rated. This collection of "Greatest Hits" can allow anyone who has never heard DG music to hear his music at its best.

It is not fair that David Gray is not a bigger star than what he is. If the radio stations in the United States would only play his songs. I would recommend this album if you want a sample of all this best songs. His talent comes through fully in these songs. Very relaxing music.

I'm a HUGE David Gray fan and I'm hopeful that the 2 new songs on this album mean a new album isn't far behind.

This is a great mix of songs for fans new and old. You shoud also check out the Early Years best of, it's magic too :-)

My fav song on this album is "Be Mine". I don't know what it is about this fantastic musician that reflects exactly how you're feeling......

Buy it......buy it now!

My husband loved this CD, Great Price too! I don't usually go for the greatest hits, however this one is AWESOME. Thanks Amazon

Bought this cd as a gift for my mother for Christmas and had it sent directly to her. She was so excited. She had searched around a lot in her area to find more of his music and was unsuccessful, so when she received this one in the mail she listened to it for probably a week straight. Shipping was in good timing also. I would recommend this product to anyone.

'The alchemy of undoubted talent blended with backs-to-the-wall desperation and gilded coffee tables across the world multi-platinum.'James Young

I remember exactly where I was when I first heard David Gray's voice singing 'Babylon' on his 'White Ladder' CD. I was driving with my daughter to Quebec City where she was running in a marathon. We instantly bonded with this CD. David Gray has a place in our hearts. His voice brings sunshine and smiles, even though he may be singing the saddest song. I am not a fan of most 'Greatest Hits' CD's, David Gray being the exception. I feel good listening to this CD and that is the test of any great artist.

He has added two new songs to this CD- the opener, 'You're The World To Me' belongs next to 'Babylon', 'Please Forgive Me', This Year's Love' and 'Sail Away'. The lyrics speak to me as do the words from those foru 'White Ladder' tunes. Nothing can beat 'White Ladders'- it is the CD that speaks to us all. In Ireland it is the greatest selling CD of all time, and comes close to that in the UK. David Gray has sold 6 million 'White Ladder' CD's world wide. Who can ever forget David Gray singing 'I been talking drunken gibberish' in 'Sail Away'? One of the top ten songs of all time. It is the honesty and the emotions that speak to us on this CD.

Two favorite lines on the 'Greatest Hits','Tell me something I don't know' from 'Hospital Food' and 'Tell the repo man and the stars above you're the one I love' from 'The One I Love'. David Gary and his tunes will stay in my mind and memories for years to come.

Highly Recommended. prisrob 12-06-08

White Ladder

Life in Slow Motion

I saw Dave Gray on Morning show. Loved his music instantly ordered greatest hits that night. Love this CD

David Gray's music always has a way of lifting me up when I am feeling down. His music reminds me of loves from the past, and that I will someday love again and want to share his music with that person!