David Gray's voice has waxed more haunting over the years, and with this album he reaches a new high. His works are always a trifecta - song writing, voice and emotion - that works together like a well-oiled machine.
If you examine the track listing and the songs themselves, while each stands strongly on its own as a beautiful work of art, they form together into a gallery that chronicles one man's plunge into the unknown, his headfirst tumble into love and life on the streets, his fall from grace, his rediscovery and rebirth, a new love, and finally his collapse and death.
This album leaves me trembling, tumultuous, melancholy and exalted. "Jackdaw" thrills the heart with its pounding piano and melodic backing of strings, "Kathleen" opens the sore spots inside with its sense of empty purpose and longing. "Breathe" tricks the listener with changing tempo and David's voice breaking across the quickness with a long croon.
In addition to the genius music, the lyrics are some of the best I have ever heard. They may, at times, not be the most literary or refined, but they cut right to my heart and pull me into the music until the song seems to almost define a part of my inner self. Mr. Gray's music evokes such a strong emotional response, that it is hard to imagine my life before hearing him put my most complex of pains into words and his carrying, haunting voice.
Submitted by TheSavoryTrim on June 29, 2010
Draw the Line is amazing. I downloaded it in December. I can't say it's all I've listened to, but it is one of the top three. Like everyone I love "Fugitive", "Nemesis"... I love the energy of "Stella the Artist", but I LOVE every single one of these songs. Working on getting to L.A. in September!
Submitted by Cyn on June 06, 2010
As usual, David's music is so poetic the words are like music to my ears. He really does have an indifferent beautiful voice. I have listened his music from the very beginning (all thanks to my sister Dee) and i have enjoyed every song as if they were works of art. I feel like i can relate to certain songs of his...so emotional! The new album is wonderful and my fav song is "Fugitive"!
Sarah
Submitted by maywinters on May 29, 2010
I was asleep when Last Call with Carson Daly came on and I heard the most striking voice and melody - it was David Gray playing "Jackdraw" live. I immediately wrote his name down and bought two albums the following day from Amazon. Great sound, stirring lyrics. My new favorite artist and though I'm a bit late to the party, I'm happy to be on the boat now! Must see him live! come to Tampa or Orlando David!
Submitted by tkdiva on May 05, 2010
I just downloaded this album. I have his others and love his music. This new CD is definitely David, but it also has a newer edge to it, from almost Johnny Cash like Draw the Line to his collaboration with Annie Lennox who in itself is an amazing pair. This album does not disappoint, and I feel blessed to be able to see him and meet him in concert this year. The emotion in every word he writes is wonderful.
Submitted by Jenna12186 on March 12, 2010
I had never heard of David Gray (where have I been?) but when I heard the song 'Transformation' on YouTube I drove into town and bougt this album. LOVE IT! Beautiful voice, great energy. It's unusual for me to like all the songs on an album; but I honestly enjoy every one of these. Now I just have to catch up and buy all his other albums!
Submitted by marsman on March 06, 2010
This album is fantastic, from the new single Fugitive to the beautiful Nemesis (definitely my second favourite song on the album). My absoluter favourite song is the collaboration with Annie Lennox. What a duet. Their voices compliment each other to no end. As usual, a perfect album without a flaw. Typical David Gray. Even though Davids voice alone could carry any song, it is the pure emotion that makes his albums unique.Hopefully there will be many more to come - Katie.
Submitted by kat89 on November 07, 2009
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