David Gray - Draw The Line
Some would say Gray is a hit or miss artist. There’s rarely a middle ground with his recordsbut when he gets it right (which he does more often than not), he gets it very right - although arguably he’s never been able to top 1999’s White Ladder. That was then though and now is the time for his eight studio album and another attempt to emerge from that record’s shadow.
As with all his albums, there are marked similarities to what has gone before, as well as moments that set it apart. Hair raising single ‘Fugitive’ is one such, and provides the record with a fiery opening. There are two wonderful duets here, the first on ‘Kathleen’ where Jolie Holland conquers with the marvelous melody from the very first piano chord and also on the closing ‘Full Steam’, performed with the gorgeous Annie Lennox and leaving the listener in the most optimistic mood.
Although it’s hard to see Draw The Line breaking any sales records for David Gray, his songs are still the perfect soundtrack to romantic films both real and imaginary, with something for both young and old in this album. His vocals do not worsen as the years pass and he clearly sounds more than content with his new band of musicians behind him, with a huge amount of energy throughout the record. Overall each track leaves you wanting and it’s clear that David Gray is back. We were four years waiting for this album, was it worth the wait? Hell yes!!!!
Review written by Alan Clarke | OMG Entertainment
