When a friend in Melbourne introduced me to the music of David Gray, I was puzzled why I’d never heard of him before. It was music that struck an immediate chord and drew me in. Babylon is a good appetizer of his music in general. “Let go of your heart, let go of your head, and feel it now,” he sings in the chorus. He’s simply just a guy trying hard to say what’s going on in his heart and the world around him. There’s real passion in his voice; the sense that David is compelled to open up his soul and shout, to declare something.
David Gray is a British singer songwriter who came to world-wide prominence after the release of his White Ladder album in 2000. Babylon – his second single from White Ladder would be his highest selling single to date. It peaked at number 5 in British charts and became a minor hit in Australia and Germany. The album White Ladder is the biggest selling album to date in Ireland having sold over 100,000 copies there alone. It spent a whopping 2 years and 5 months in the UK albums chart.
His 3 three albums before White Ladder comprised of mainly folk-rock music. Starting with the release of White Ladder, Gray began to make significant use of computer-generated music (folktronic) to accompany his voice and acoustic instrumentation. He has been dismissed by some as making middle-of-the-road soft rock, but that’s ultimately a matter of taste. I can understand that criticism but there’s no denying he is a talented singer-songwriter. This music library project will feature other songs from David Gray.
The version of Babylon below is a softer acoustic (classical) version on KFOG Radio, San Francisco.
Sunday all the lights of London shining
Sky is fading red to blue
Kicking through the autumn leaves
And wondering where it is you might be going toTurning back for home
You know I’m feeling so alone
I can’t believe
Climbing on the stair
I turn around to see you smiling there
In front of me
References:
*Wikpedia – David gray Musician
*The Rabbit Room – Why I can’t stop listening to David Gray
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
I like David Gray too. Though I don’t really consider David Gray in this vein, I have a special place in my heart for Adult Contemporary music. It was music that my mom and I listened to together. My dad too–though he liked elevator music more. Me–not so much. Ha!
But yeah, David Gray’s talent is undeniable. His voice is very authentic. I love this song and this stripped down version of it. It showcases his talent all the more. The guitar playing reminds me of America, a group I also love.
As I alluded to in my post I consider it middle-of-the-road soft rock and like your husband perhaps; too much of it to me can feel a bit like elevator music. But that goes with most of my music though. I definitely prefer to listen to various artists during a long listening spell. It’s all very subjective.
I’m glad you like this stripped down version. I agree it showcases his talents all the more. He’s great live. My favourite song of his ‘Be Mine’ will feature shortly and I know a great live version of that track.
Matthw, a beautiful song, thank you for sharing and introducing me to David Gray.
You’re welcome Annika, I’m so glad you liked it.
I didn’t know David Gray but his music is quite acceptable. You already know that mine is the rock of the 70s but this album is good to listen to. Regards.
Hola Manuel. Lo siento no te habia respondido antes. Su musica favorita es Rock de los 70’s?
I like his voice and it’s very melodic…Kinda like a modern Bread and I like them.
Yeh, I can see the similarity Max. I hope this message finds you well buddy. Things have been a bit hectic of late in Bogota. Cheers.
I hope it settles down for you Matt. Glad to talk to you again.