David Gilmour 'Luck and Strange' album review: Full of the sounds you need

A new David Gilmour album deserves time to be savored and not rushed. His music, as is that of Pink Floyd, is worth taking the time to listen to. An instant opinion is fine, and first impressions do count. But sometimes you need a few plays to really appreciate the new music. This is why I haven’t rushed to share my thoughts within an hour or two of the release of his latest work.

Gilmour’s new album Luck And Strange was heavily trailed over the summer ahead of its release on Friday, September 6. We all had the chance to listen to some early preview tracks. “The Piper’s Call”, “Between Two Points”, and “Dark And Velvet Nights” were all shared in advance via Gilmour’s social media, YouTube channels, and as singles. We also heard a sample of the instrumental opener “Black Cat”. Gilmour also teased us by promising electric piano on the album recorded years before by the late Rick Wright.

That all indicated we were in for a treat. Gilmour also suggested his new album was worth waiting for, both over the summer and for the nine years since its predecessor, Rattle And Lock in 2015. Gilmour reckoned this would be his best work since the Pink Floyd classic The Dark Side Of The Moon from 1973. Now it’s here, how does Luck And Strange stand up to that claim?

David Gilmour - Luck and Strange review

It's a great album, full of Gilmour trademark sounds and Pink Floyd elements. But there is also a freshness and a difference from his past work too. He also makes it a family affair involving his daughter Romany, son Charlie, and his wife Polly Samson. The bottom line is that if you like the music of Gilmour and the band, you’ll be very happy with this. 

Some reviews have expounded in deep lyrical prose to a ridiculous extent.  So as we come to a track-by-track listen and view, let's keep it simple. Here’s the extended album, as issued on CD, in three sentences per track. 

“Black Cat” - Short and easy going instrumental. Slides us into the album. Sets the tone nicely.

“Luck And Strange” - A bluesy vibe runs through this. Richard Wright on electric piano supports that theme excellently. It all builds to a great ending and soaring guitar alongside Wright’s keyboards.

“The Piper's Call” - Another song that builds superbly from a quiet acoustic start. Hard to imagine that Gilmour wrote it initially on a ukulele although it does feature on it too. More bluesy solos, some slide guitar, and a solid crescendo for the finale. 

“A Single Spark” - A quieter thoughtful setup to this song. Gilmour does end it on a flowing and soaring guitar solo. A calmer, mellower song but with the Gilmour stamp on it. 

“Vita Brevis” - A second short instrumental. It bridges and links songs nicely. The title is Latin for life is short, which is a theme of the album. 

“Between Two Points” - Features daughter Romany on lead vocals, great work from her. It’s a rare cover song from Gilmour, original by The Montgolfier Brothers.  But you'd still recognize the classic Gilmour hand on it despite those differences. 

“Dark And Velvet Nights” - A step up in pace and an earthier style. A chugging more rugged guitar drives it forward. Perhaps has benefitted from its earlier release and more listens as the track has really grown on me. 

“Sings” - And back to easygoing, mellow, and thoughtful now. Softer voice, and a softer sound. Stands out against the others nicely. 

“Scattered” - Such an interesting and different track. Cascading piano and orchestral sounds. Occasional Pink Floyd sounding reminders too. A flourishing, grandstanding Gilmour guitar solo to close to.

Bonus tracks on CD and other versions

“Yes, I Have Ghosts“ - Romany Gilmour is back dueting with her father and also playing harp on this song originally released in 2020. Poignant and laid back, their voices blend neatly. Acoustic guitar backdrop is very classy and adds a light folky hint. 

“Luck and Strange“ (original Barn Jam) - Originally recorded in 2007 and again featuring Wright on electric piano. A 14-minute alternative to the earlier version with what sounds like late-night smooth modern jazz in places. Extraordinarily good and heading the list as my favorite track, so far. 

Gilmour’s new album delivers what's needed and more

Gilmour has talked about the challenges set by producer Charlie Andrew for the album. The gist of the story is that Andrew wasn't that familiar with Gilmour's work and questioned much, including the fading guitar solos to close songs. Andrew also brought in more jazz-based musicians and arranger Will Gardner to stretch the direction at times. It all worked really well based on the album. There's lots more about the making of the album in the video below.

Gilmour has got a delicate balance right on Luck And Strange. All his subtleties and guitar mastery, with a mix of quieter styles, harder sounds, and new approaches. There are lesser moments, but perhaps only alongside many great peaks. There are no skips here. 

Is it his best work since DSOTM? Well that's still a big ask and a huge question, as yet not fully answered. Luck And Strange could be up there with more time and plenty of plays. It will mature and deepen and become a favourite I'm sure. Wish You Were Here has a lot to beat with its title track, “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” and “Have A Cigar” amongst others.  Right now Luck and Strange comes very, very close but no cigar, not just yet anyway. 

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