David Gray:
Draw the Line

I'll agree that this is not the greatest set of songs that Gray has recorded but "mid-tempo muck" is a bit harsh. "Kathleen" is a fantastic track that is only made better by the addition of Jolie Holland's voice. I will agree that it definitely trails off at the end with "Breathe" and "Transformation". The album is a bit disappointing but not a complete let down.

Why does David Gray continue to do this? The guy who penned "A Century Ends" and "Flesh" is a genius. "White Ladder" -- not so much. I understand that artists want to evolve and people naturally have changing goals, motivations and inspirations. (I mean Bruce Springsteen doesn't want to write another "Asbury Park" and Van Morrison surely would like to have graduated from the otherworldly "Astral Weeks.") But come on. I must wholeheartedly agree with Rachael on this one. Her quick take is spot-on. Sad thing is -- I was pumped about the possibility of hearing a Gray comeback -- musically speaking. The question is: Can Gray still write or does he choose to write music this way now?

To the last two comments I must exclaim... "Are you f*@king kidding me?" David Gray has put out yet another gem in a long line of beautiful music. david you are fool to expect him to write as if he was working on another "Century Ends" and Rachael are you kidding me? Did you actually listen to the songs more than once or were you just too busy?

Draw the Line is a great addition to an already great body of work. If all of you are too dense to "get it" then shame on you for listening.

Gotta agree with Chris. This album is magnificent - beautiful lyrics, soulful music that makes me want to cry and dance at the same time. Equally as good as 'White Ladder' because it's a more mature body of work. Love this!

'Full Steam' and 'Kathleen' are the two best tracks on the album. Beautiful, just beautiful.

I agree with Chris. This album is amazing. Unlike the reviewer, I actually listened to the album, and simply incredible. I played it for 4 different people, without saying anything, each time they were intrigued, blown away, and went out and bought it themselves. Melodic, deep, and layered. Not a single throwaway track. Take my advice, pop it in and sit back...listen....while you look for a new job, please dont give music advice to anyone.

It is unfortunate to me to see any review of a David Gray CD be written within a week or two of its release. It is very difficult to like any DG CD immediately as each album is filled with complex lyrics and emotions that take a while to absorb and appreciate.

After two month of listening and having the opportunity to see him live recently in NYC (unbelievably good live- his voice is amazing); I am putting this album right up there with some of his best work ever. Overall the lyrics on this CD are much more coherent and meaningful than “Life in Slow Motion” even though some of the tracks may not be as catchy. And to say that this CD fizzles with Breathe at the end is an atrocity to me. In fact, if you are a fan of DG’s early stuff then you will LOVE Breathe. It is easily my favorite song on the CD because it is mainly an acoustic jam with great lyrics and imagery (especially the last verse) and DG’s voice hasn’t been this powerful on a track in a long, long time (dare I say Shine or Birds Without Wings?).

As for the authors review; did Rachael really expect an upbeat album from David Gray??? Does she even know what type of music he sings and composes? To me, a true fan of his; this is a great album- one of his best. With classic songs like Breathe, Nemesis (incredible song), Kathleen and Full Steam Ahead; and catchy tunes like Fugitive, Draw the Line and First Chance this is again, one of his best albums in my mind and hope that David Gray continues to make incredible music in the same style that his fans are accustomed to.