David Gray

For those fans expecting to hear the David Gray they knew from his breakthrough album White Ladder, they might end up disappointed. But that doesn't mean that his new album Life In Slow Motion is a let-down, it’s just different. On his seventh album (and first for Dave Matthews' ATO label), Gray delivers heavy instrumentation and a richer, more complete sound. David Gray is indeed changing.

On the first listen, Life In Slow Motion doesn't appear to have the same depth of Gray’s earlier work, but the fact is it does--just in a different way. Developing and crafting a sound takes time, and Gray's signature piano sound is still there, but expanded with a more orchestral landscape. Recorded in a full studio as opposed to the smaller spaces he has previously used, the album offers more layers and an expanded appeal. As a matter of fact, the music is so melodic that Gray's "gravely" voice feels a little out of place at times.

The lyrics are also different this time around - sometimes as in "Slow Motion," they repeat in an almost hypnotic way. Although lacking the "confessional" feel of some of his earlier work, his words are nonetheless delivered with sincerity. Here and there you'll hear an echo of an older Gray song, as "Hospital Food" reveals a flash of "Sail Away."

Those who love David Gray will be happy to hear that he is still growing as a musician. Life In Slow Motion isn't the type of CD you listen to and "get." You need to let it settle around you and then set aside a little time to put it on replay. By the third or fourth listen, David Gray will have you.