After a four-year hiatus, David Gray has returned with a new band, a new record label, and a new studio album, his 7th to date. However, no matter how new everything is, one thing remains the same - that is his warm calloused voice, creative lyrics and catchy songs.
Draw the Line is a collection of 11 solid tracks consistent in appeal to previous recordings. The title track "Fugitive" is a powerful song that kicks off the album with a martial tempo drum beat followed by a looping piano and then "live in the moment" lyrics.
Gray shares some time on this album with 2 brilliant female singers as well. Jolie Holland, founding member of The Be Good Tanyas lends her vocals on the track titled "Kathleen" which perfectly portrays the spectral scene of a man wondering, lost, with a bygone lover on his mind. And then Annie Lennox trades lines with Gray on the wrenching ballad "Full Steam" that closes the record.
Draw the Line is unmistakably David Gray - his voice is distinct and the melodies are instantly recognizable. It may be pretty tough to top our own personal favourite album White Ladder from 1999 but Draw the Line is definitely on the right track to bring this artist back to the limelight he deserves.
Check out the trailer for the new album as well as the video for the first single "Fugitive" below:
Hey Red, always love the music reviews. You are my guidepost for the new music scene - Jason Mraz, Tristan Prettyman, etc., etc. - you always introduce me to incredible artists' music years before they become so popular that their music gets played 24/7 on the radio. Thanks!
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