The anticipation as you wait for a new album to come out is always part of the enjoyment unless you are anticipating a disappointment. I've been looking forward to the new David Gray album Dear Life being released. It's out now and available everywhere you'd expect it to be. It's his 13th studio album and I was expecting big things from him with this latest release.
Gray’s past albums have varied quite a lot, although always underpinned by good writing, thoughtful lyrics, and a melodic sound. He had two solid albums before his big breakthrough hit with White Ladder. From its many upbeat moments and electronic beat to the more atmospheric and quieter Skellig, there has always been top-quality music.
Dear Life continues that trait. It's full of more great songs as Gray explores many of life’s issues, celebrations, and darker points. The album is both reflective and joyful, with a mix of quieter moments and upbeat tunes. Perhaps typically Gray, but there is a difference. This one feels more well-rounded and deeper in the lyrics and storytelling.
David Gray's 13th studio album is reflective and joyful
Across the 13 tracks, Gray’s songwriting comes to life. He’s gone for a bigger sound in places too. There are quieter moments in the acoustic-led and poignant “That Day Must Come.” There’s a mix of simple acoustic with fuller orchestration on “After The Harvest,” and bright horns are added to “Future Bride” giving depth to the song. The shimmering tone of “Sunset On The Water” is another favorite song on the album.
Electro-pop returns with his lead single, “Plus & Minus,” where he is superbly supported by Taliah Rae on vocals. Gray has spoken about that song, bringing life to a simple chord sequence he’d put together back in 2004 and only now finishing it off.
He also digs out some synth sounds again on “Singing For The Pharaoh” and “The Messenger” (a bonus track for those who buy the physical album). It’s quite a combination and range, and I don’t hear any lesser tracks in this collection. They all come stamped with the Gray quality and style.
Although the music is different there’s a similarity in a way with David Gilmour's latest album, Luck And Strange. Gilmour touched on many life-related matters, love, loss, family, and mortality. He also made it a family album with his wife Polly’s lyrics and daughter Romany adding vocals. Gray draws on those same topics in his crafted lyrics and brings in his daughter Florence on backing vocals for several of the songs.
If you already like David Gray, this will be a perfect album for you. It’s almost like a Best Of compilation but with all new tracks. I reckon it's a future classic Gray album, full of great songs that bring out the best of him. If you are less aware of Gray, then Dear Life is an ideal place to start. It should inspire you to dip back into many of his other albums, too, and sample his different styles in more depth.