Search - David Gray :: Lost Songs

Like no other album in his catalog

Elliot Knapp | Seattle, Washington United States | 01/08/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It's surprising how well Lost Songs holds up, considering it's less of a planned-out album than a collection of songs written between Sell, Sell, Sell and White Ladder. It sure isn't White Ladder, without those computer-enhanced drums and pop oriented beats, but it also isn't A Century Ends or Flesh--it's folky, but the aggressive, burning fire of those albums has smoldered slowly to resignation on a few tracks and has matured to be expressed more indirectly on others. As it stands, Lost Songs is a pretty minor entry into David Gray's impressive catalog (primarily because of its short length), but by the strength of its songs and performances it holds up quite well as a coherent album and remains a worthwhile, essential listen.



The production on Lost Songs is really stripped down--generally it's just Gray and guitar, with the addition of McClune on drums and background vocals, some bass, and occasionally a piano. This lack of emphasis on production really throws the spotlight on Gray's singing and his songs. For this reason, it's a pretty downbeat affair--most of the songs reflect frustration, heartbreak, and struggle. Gray's trademark voice sounds emotionally invested and torn by the songs he's singing, a certain nakedness he'd never exposed before.



Highlights are the lyrically impressionistic "Flame Turns Blue," the despairing "Hold On," the dark "Falling Down the Mountainside," and the bitterness of "Red Moon." It's a pretty quiet affair, and I've often found it a pretty relaxing album to wind down to, but if you listen to the lyrics there's an intensity that is belied by the mellowness of the music. If you're a recent David Gray fan, this album might take a bit of getting used to, but you'll probably like it eventually since it still contains the heart and soul of what makes his music great whether it's electronica flavored folk pop, or angry folk rock."

The One That Confirmed His Genius.

Michael W. Jackson | Scranton, PA USA | 03/08/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After I had "White Ladder" for a while and had played it nonstop I was hungry for more music from David Gray. He was getting noticed for his subtle use of electro in the background of his songs but I was more impressed with something else. I noticed his lyrics were cryptic and brilliant at the same time. His voice was pure and emotional. I wanted to find an album of songs that were raw and stripped down. After all, what is the point of being a singer-songwriter if you need all the electro ticks to sound good. I knew Gray didn't need it and wanted to hear it for myself. "Lost Songs" had just come out so I ran and got it. WOW! Its full of his signature emotion and talent and his guitar playing showed me a new level of skill. "Flame Turns Blue" grabs you right away and lays the ground work for the rest of the album. Songs like "Twilight" "If Your Love is Real" and "Tidal Wave" are so sweet and speak of love in such a poetic way. Others like "Clean Pair of Eyes", "Falling Down the Mountain Side" and "Red Moon" have a sharper sound and feel to them while never loosing Gray's brilliant use of words. This was the album that convinced me to get all his other albums previous and forthcomming. If you love "Smart" lyrics and soulful singing then by all means run out and get any and all David Gray music starting with this album. I hope this helped:)"