Customer Reviews

White Ladder

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am sending copies to all of my friends and relatives for Christmas. For those of you who aren't familiar with DG, my guess is that you soon will be. This album has gone triple platinum (!) in Ireland, and David is now beginning to sell out 10,000 seat venues there. Once this album is distributed domestically and he goes on tour in 2000, he is sure to claim his rightful place in popular music. So buy it for all your friends and tell them you heard it first!

If you're a fan of David Gray already, you won't be disappointed by White Ladder, arguably the best album released in 1999. If you're not familiar with his work, here's your chance to get in on the big secret. Gray is, unquestionably, one of the finest vocalists around. White Ladder allows Gray to showcase his folky-pop style with radio-friendly tunes like Please Forgive Me and My oh My to more maudlin tracks like Sail Away and This Year's Love. There's even a beautifully melodic cover version of Soft Cell's Say Hello, Wave Goodbye here. Although Gray has been continually selling out large venues here in Ireland, it's surprising his work is still relatively unknown in North America. Wake up America! Don't let this one go by you. White Ladder is an album you definitely won't regret adding to your collection. Remeber his name. You're bound to be seeing a lot more of him in the future.

David Gray has been exteremely successful in Ireland for the last number of years-and I think this album will soon make him a household name in many places.This is his first album on his own label and it sounds like he's put his heart,soul and mortgage on it's success.Compared to previous albums the production on this album is light years ahead of the others.Added to this are ten excellent songs,which go to prove Gray is as good a singer-songwriter as there is anywhere in the English speaking world.This c.d. has got every type of song- most suitable for contemplative late night listening.'Please Forgive Me','Babylon' are songs that would grace any singles chart.'This Years Love' is an excellent heartfelt song also.The best part of the c.d. is his very brave choice for a finale-I thought Soft Cell's 'Say Hello,Wave Goodbye' is a difficult song to cover and even though I was a huge fan of the original,I have to say that Gray's version even surpasses this.Gray as I write is finally beginning to break into the upper end of the U.K. market with this c.d.-I would whole-heartedly reccomend the rest of the world to follow suit!

I first heard about David Gray through rave reviews from Dave Matthews. I was curious about what he was saying. The first time I thought the album was interesting and different from the commercial music available these days. There was a quality of the music that sticks with you and grows. Every time I listen to the album, which is often, I appreciate his craft more than before. I am now ordering his other albums. I am a fan who is looking forward to hearing from this artist in the future. If you are looking for something different from the everyday commercial music, try David Gray. Listen with an open mind and he will fill your heart with great music.

It is rare that you listen to a CD and immediately like all the songs upon first listening. But this album captures you straight away. If you've ever had your heart broken (who hasn't ?) then you'll be able to feel this music within your soul. Brilliant can't wait for Mr.Grays next one.

This is a great album...DG is a mix master crossed with a folk singer...very mellow, so only get it if you are in a mellow mood or are depressed.

David Grey is a true artist. This is a fabulous album you'll never get tired of. Babylon is superb. I didnt know there was a hidden track before the first song. I'll have to check it. I have now ordered Flesh and hope it's as good. Anyone who likes Van Morisson or Bob Dylan will love this. GET IT!

The day this CD was dropped on my desk in work is a day I will not forget. White Ladder is a superb album from a guy who has a huge following in Ireland but has yet to really make it in the UK or US. Excellent songs line this album with 'Please Forgive Me', 'Babylon', 'Say Hello, Wave Goodbye', etc. really touching a nerve. Things are beginning to happen for him now - if you get a chance to see him live, grab it with both hands!!

How to express what this album means to me in words?

It's a true classic, one that everyone needs to have in their collection. You can take it out in any mood, it will hit the spot quicker than you expect it to.

David's quite introvert manner in interviews is quashed here. Both his lyrics and melodies express profound attitudes to all that life can throw at us.

No other album comes close. (Well perhaps A Century Ends!) Don't ignore this album, it will change your life forever and it will never bore you. Each playing brings with it new horizons, all you've got to do is listen and take a look.

As a long-time David Gray fan, I was shocked to hear the drum tracks on this album closely resembling those played at dance clubs. I understand that a two-man band is hard-pressed to record their own drums without technological assistance, but with the raw voice and sound I've come to expect and love from David Gray, one would think he'd be against such canned noise.

Despite this, I was as impressed with this album as I was of his first two (not a fan of Sell, Sell, Sell, except for a couple of songs). After the first couple of songs, the drum machine steps quietly into the background, and we're left with Gray's beautiful voice, lyrics, and melodies. Also, some of the bass tracks on this album are the best I've heard from him, and his guitar is, as usual, splendid.

And, you know, maybe those songs with particularly intrusive drum tracks aren't so bad. I've been too depressed by them to listen to their entirety. Let me know if I'm wrong.

prussell@welseyan.edu