Customer Reviews

White Ladder

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

To this day, "White Ladder" is the only album I bought for one song ("Babylon") and ended up with one of my top 10 albums ever!

Not only is there no "bad" song on the entire disc, but each one is so strong and different that it almost sounds like a greatest hits collection and not just a standalone album. The lyrics are amazing, and the unique production mixing electronica and acoustic sounds somehow works perfectly.

"Please Forgive Me" is one of my favorite opening tracks on any album. From there, the album just goes through an amazing run of songs...from the perfect pop of "Babylon," the haunting "Nightblindness," the beautiful "Silver Lining," the electric groove of the title track, the heartbreaking "This Year's Love," and finally the 9 minute epic "Say Hello Wave Goodbye." Most artists would be glad to have just ONE of these songs in their catalog.

If you don't own this album, you SHOULD...it's just that simple. You will not be disappointed!

I was hooked shortly after the opening measures of "Please Forgive Me", which was added to my I-pod instantly. The entire CD is solid. I suspect 25 years from its recording date the tracks on this album will still command respect from those that appreciate music as art.

Back in 1999, someone at my office handed me this CD and said, "I've heard what you've been listening to and I think you'll appreciate this". He was right - I played it three times straight and was enchanted by the end of the day and bought my own copy.

The thoughtful and poignant lyrics, the sometimes sorrowful - sometimes joyous music, the absolutely soulful voice - all of it sucked me in and have kept me there. From track one "Please Forgive Me" to "Say Hello Wave Goodbye" and "Babylon II" this CD is a delight. Don't pass this CD by - you won't regret it.

I've had so many people ask me, "Who is that?" (someone even asked if it was Paul Simon) but everyone loves it. Oh yes, what was I listening to before: real eclectic mix of Ella Fitzgerald, Paul Westerberg, Bob Mould, Radiohead, Peter Searcy, Goo Goo Dolls, Frank Sinatra, The Plimsouls and some celtic folk tunes - go figure!

What the other reviewers have said is true, this is definitely one of the best albums to come out in recent years. There's not one song on here that I don't like, although, I would say "Please Forgive Me" is probably my least favorite. Like the others, I bought this album mostly for "Babylon", and was pleasantly surprised that the rest of the songs were so good. I especially like "My, Oh, My", "White Ladder", and "Say Hello Wave Goodbye". I know "Say Hello Wave Goodbye" had been recorded by someone before, but even though I don't remember the original, I know I've heard it before, somewhere. It is a great song, and doesn't even seem like it's 9 minutes long....it draws you in and holds your attention throughout the whole song. This album is a perfect blend of acoustic and electronic music. Although, I'm sure they would all sound good acoustically, the electonic part does add another dimension and though it's subtle, it comes through just enough to compliment the acoustic elements, rather than overpower them. I love David's voice and his songwriting. I just can't believe that I didn't discover him, until now. Better late, than never. I highly recommend this album!

"Silver Lining" began my love affair with David Gray. This album is amazing front to back. If you don't have it, you need it.

All David Gray fan need to own this album. If you only have one album of David Gray, I would recommend purchase this one. You will not be disappointed. David is a great musician. His music speaks to me in a way that I cannot explain. You can feel his emotions in the music.

For me this is David Gray's best album. Babylon and White Ladder are two of my favorite songs on this album.

This CD is just awesome. I gravitate towards some songs more than others, but overall this is a solid compilation of songwriting. Mr. Gray sings with such conviction that it's hard not to internalize his personal emotions. I would suggest this CD to anyone who truly enjoys and understands music.

is a wonderful collection of songs. I had bought it for the song "Sail Away" but found many more to love. His remake of Soft Cell's "Say Hello Wave Goodbye" (one of my favorite Soft Cell songs) is especially well-done. I was not disappointed at all!

Purchased for Babylon II, years ago, I soon found the entire album to be really superb and became a David Gray fan. He doesn't get better than this album (though in some other albums he does get as good). Can't believe I forgot to review this until now. I won't drone on; others have said plenty. Fully deserving of 5 stars.