White Ladder

Knew about half of the tracks on here from them getting lots of airplay back at the time. It's pleasant enough, of the album tracks I didn't know I liked My Oh My but it's all pretty bland. Hard to see why it was the 11th biggest selling album of the decade in the UK, but unfair to blame him for far worse crimes against singer-songwritung committed to the likes of Blunt. A low 3 for the catchy tunes.

Easy. Decent background music.

I knew one song, somehow, as I didn’t think I knew of him at all. Super pleasantly surprised and will revisit him for sure.

I don't believe I hadn't heard of this, just on principle of its incredible popularity. Upon doing research, I have found this to be one of the most popular albums *of all time* in the UK, where it spent a cumulative 176 weeks on the top 100. It's an awfully unlikely hit too: White Ladder is a home studio folktronica album that dropped uneventfully in 1998. But two years later, it got re-released on Dave Matthews' label, and then simply became one of the most successful releases in the history of The UK. I can not fathom what would have changed in those two short years: but whatever happened, it's written into history now. And I think it's pretty good too. I have had an interest in folktronica, so I was pretty excited to delve into this. I don't get the sense that this is the perfect execution of the genre, but it *is* good execution of the genre. With the added bonus of being (seemingly by accident) the full realization of the genre's commercial potential. I thought the incorporation of electronic elements into folk music was largely effective here. And I think the atmosphere, and breezy, almost slightly ethereal sound is the main draw here. It's a great album for going on a quick autumn walk, which is exactly what I did while listening to it. Something pastoral and naturalistic is deeply rooted in the sound and it just feels right. I do think this dragged a little as it was winding down, but a lot of the positives remained throughout. It's cool stuff, I just can't see how *this* became one of the most popular albums ever.

137 Escribo esto mientras escucho canción genérica de principios de los 2000 que debe haber salido en alguna teleserie de alguna parte. Ni idea de por qué esto está en esta lista.

I can see what people like this it's all right but the guys kind of a mush mouth.

2 out of 5

Oh.. That Babylon song. Now i remember this guy.

This was a pleasant album. It has nice pop sensibilities with appealing vocals. I've never heard of this artist or any of these songs, but any number of these tracks would have fit right in on a "light adult contemporary" radio station back in the 90s, alongside artists such as Tracy Chapman, The Wallflowers, Matchbox 20, and Natalie Imbruglia. Maybe this was the case in the UK, but these tracks lack a certain luster necessary for them to be a successful US single, but, if one were, this would be an album that your girlfriend owned, and you'd have been, like, "Why do you own this album?", and she'd say, "Oh, I only bought it for that one song." What that one song would have been, I can't say, because all of these tracks fall just short of being memorable, so, you'd say "Whatever. Where's your fucking AC/DC album?" because The Razor's Edge is her only rock CD, but she only bought it for Thunderstruck, but you really dig the title track, and you're irritated with her because she won't give you a straight answer why you have to stop by her ex's place when you drive her to school in the morning, which is all the confirmation you should need that she's fooling around with him while your naive ass waits in the truck, but she's a hot-body 17yo with perfect tits and the only piece of ass in the school that will give you the time of day, so you keep putting up with her shit despite the objections of all your friends, who are absolutely right about her being a dumb bitch, and she is a bit of a butterface, but I again present in my, erm, I mean, your, defense, those exquisite tan-lined 36Cs... Ummm... What were we talking about? Oh, yeah... The 90s. Best we not dwell on the 90s too long.

4/10 Top track: Babylon I've warmed to his voice over the years, a consistent album just not all to my tastes.

It's a big ol' meh album. He's got a lovely voice but he doesn't do anything interesting with it. It doesn't help that I remember the singles being rinsed to death on UK radio.

i'm 11 years old and i've stolen my mum's copy of Bridget Jones's Diary to read in secret under my bed covers. i'm writing stories in a Groovy Chick notebook with a honeysuckle-scented gel pen. i'm going on a school trip to the Millennium Dome (RIP) and i'm doing my SATS and i'm excited about secondary school (little did i know the horrors that awaited me). that's what this album reminds me of. i'm not a David Gray hater and it was nice to revisit the singles on this but mostly it was just so blah... there was just something lacking all the way through it. interesting songwriting, probably.

I was on a long camping trip through Scotland with my girlfriend at the time. One evening we treated ourselves to dinner in a restaurant — very romantic, somewhere on some cliff, candlelight, deep conversation. At some point I said, “What is this wonderful music they’re playing?” Neither of us knew. So I asked the waitress. And I can still hear her answer today, in a thick Scottish accent: “It’s David Gray.” It wasn’t White Ladder we heard that night, but his later album Live in Slow Motion. Still, that moment sparked what has now been, for almost 20 years, a lasting… not exactly fandom, but a steady affection. I love David Gray. I return to his albums again and again. White Ladder is, of course, a classic. Sadly, shortly after that trip, my girlfriend and I broke up — so David Gray has always been tied to a sense of heartbreak for me. I only discovered the songs on White Ladder after the breakup. Almost every one of them is familiar now. “Sail Away,” near the end of the album, is an absolutely fantastic song. It’s the perfect album for being in your twenties and deeply in love. Sadly, I’ve never shared that same affection for David Gray with any partner since.

Best ever

This is what happens when you order Neil Young on Temu. It's not necessarily awful, it might even work fine for a couple of days, but it's still a cheap and unoriginal copy. I'll be generous and add a star because it was just bland and inoffensive enough to listen without effort while crawling out of my jet lag induced coma. 3/10

I had a good time listening to this album, and it reminded me a bit of Rodriguez, whom I really appreciate. It deserves a solid 3 stars but isn't quite good enough for a 4-star.

Basically the 90s equivalent of Ed Sheeran, only even more boring. Tailored for the romantically-starved housewife, this is one of the most generic and bland things I’ve ever heard.

Hey I know that one song!

Non male. Canzoni un pò melanconiche

Just not my type of music

Pretty milquetoast. Good lyricism, but pretty cliche choice of topics and didn’t really express anything new. Musically it was pretty bland.

Oh, hey, of course I know Babylon, without knowing anything about David Gray. I love the variety of sounds on this album--great work!

Unnecessary

I remember buying it and listening to it a bunch, but I don't quite have the nostalgia for it that would keep it in rotation, though it does have some great songs on it.

Isn't this THE David Gray album? I guess it's as good as it's gonna get - still pretty good music, not too risky or particularly hard going, but it does have a certain beauty that I enjoyed.

good

I really like this album. Gray's creations are melancholic, yet not to the point of depression. They pull at the heartstrings just enough to invoke a yearning. A deep sense of nostalgia. White Ladder will surely remain on rotation for many decades to come.

If I could give this negative stars I would

Very enjoyable. Soft English rock. Nice voice

If this influenced anything even remotely interesting, it was completely by dumb luck.

Good album

I liked how some of the songs were sorta bit-crushed like a bad Likewire download, gave the album a unique vibe. Beyond that, it’s all boring as sin.

I remember Babylon frequenting MTV in the late 90’s. It was a song and music video I always looked forward to in rotation. I think this is a really good album that gets off to a brilliant start with Please Forgive Me and Babylon. The latter is a borderline perfect song. The album slightly drags for me after that until This Year’s Love, Sail Away, and the closing track pick it back up. It’s an album with masterpiece bookends and a ho-hum center, but the total result is a joy.

There were a couple of songs that were memorable enough to save but it was largely forgettable. Rating: 1.7

I think the album is okay. Not that special. Pretty much the same vibe for every song, doesn't really feel like an album. The consistent guitar riffs, the same drums etc. Not the best album in the pop-rock genre for me. 2 stars.

Based on this guys promo photos, I’m not going to like it. Let’s delve in. Not big on the vocals I’m getting the feeling that this is soft rock with a techno beat. This album better not have made it on this list based off of one song. I mean, it makes the album listenable but compared to other one song powerhouses, this is the Green Day of talent. Did I say the vocals are really lacking on this album? The music is serviceable. Nice bass on We’re Not Right” The album is filled with Lilith Fair sounding guitar playing. Like that hear me roar women’s movement that came out briefly. You know what I mean? They all played that similar guitar sound that we hear on this album. Silver Lining could have been an Alanis song. Maybe it was. Listen, if I’m supposed to pull some positive out of this album, I did my best. I think if a woman had sung these songs they would have packed more of a punch. It’s just a low end early 2000’s album to me. I don’t even know if it came out them. This guy is lucky enough that I at least knew his name. Choice cut: Babylon

Gray is a Manchester United supporter. ⭐ He said in 2005 that he is an atheist. ⭐ Haters gonna hate. Þetta er ekki ground breaking en þetta er fínt. Tónlist má alveg vera kósý.

Mjög huggulegt og fínt, þægileg rödd. 3,5

Not terrible, but does turn into background music very easily

3.5 rounded down. Call me basic but I really do like Babylon

Virkelig rart og godt album!! God stemme😍

Overraskende godt? Virkelig god instrumental og fed stemme

I didn’t mind the first track but what followed was one of the most boring albums I have ever listened to. The sound of beige.

I really want to give this lower, but in order to try and have some form of balance where music that has possibly lessened the cultural heritage of the human race deserves a 1, I can’t quite do it to this album because it is just very boring and inoffensive, rather than being an active stain on the musical landscape. Rubbish lyrics, forgettable vocal delivery, odd choice of supporting instruments (is that an 808 on ‘we’re not right’?!) but overall just becomes a bland soup.

David Gray made an album for middle-aged white people who think John Mayer rocks too hard, buy scented candles called Calm Breeze, and order their curries mild because “spice upsets their tummy.”

This record is a bit of a guilty pleasure. I like the folk-tronic sound and I think it works for Gray’s vocals and lyrical moods. But because I like it doesn’t mean it’s a great record.

Didn't like this when it came out. Was a better listen then I was expecting, but its still not great.

It's, as the kids say, very mid. But I didn't hate it, and could see listening to it again.

The same song ten times and it's just as boring every time.

Couple of good songs, but nothing groundbreaking. Sounds like every song that was being played in the background of one of my college cafeterias.

Accidentally listened to weezer

This folk-pop album is like rain on a city window blending acoustic warmth with electronic sheen, pairing looping rhythms and soft textures with earnest, weathered vocals. Like the rain its smoothness dulls the emotional Edge and blurs after a while.

Illuminate by Orbital is peak David Gray for me.

If this music were a colour it would be beige.

Over produced, shoe gazing, sad

I had never heard of David Gray previously, but I wish I had. A soft but impactful piece. This is the sound a lot more "pop" acts replicated around 2016 (older Ed Sheeran, James Blunt) They may not list Gray as an influence, but the comparisons are there. Straightforward vocals and instrumentals. I quite enjoyed the lyrics too

Good mastering. Soundstage on AirPods was excellent too listen to

Folktronica? He had a decent run on the radio with Babylon. Fine but quite the same throughout.

Expertly crafted background music.

Oh yes, that sad rom com sound, predecessor of people like James Blunt and other early 00s male singer-songwriters. 3* Highlights: babylon (I actually love this song)

Ein Meilenstein des modernen Folk-Pop. David Gray verbindet auf White Ladder akustische Tiefe mit subtilen elektronischen Elementen – ein mutiger Schritt, der sich als künstlerischer Triumph entpuppt. Besonders der Track „Say Hello, Wave Goodbye“, eine melancholisch-schöne Coverversion von Soft Cell, glänzt mit emotionaler Intensität und Grays rauer, ehrlicher Stimme. Das Album ist introspektiv, poetisch und zeitlos – ein echtes Herzenswerk, das auch nach Jahrzehnten nichts von seiner Wirkung verliert.

It's like a guy who was really into the Goo Goo Dolls also kinda liked electronic music. I can see this being an album that's influential to a whole genre, but that whole genre doesn't seem to be in the room with us. I struggle to give this album 2 stars, since it's not actually bad, I just don't know where we're going here. 3 stars it is; 2-1/2 would be more accurate.

Mellow, kinda morose music in a classically 90's folk/pop vein. If you're not reminded a bit of Tracy Chapman then you probably haven't gotten to her in this project, yet. His writing is confessional and his slightly nasal, occasionally gravely voice gives his compositions a vulnerable feel (added to his habit of drifting off notes in a downward glissando, adding a weary feel). It's a really lovely record. 'Babylon' was a real, deserved hit, 'We're Not Right' has a rare and fun use of theremin and I'd recommend 'This Year's Love' to anyone feeling weary or wary about romance -- it expresses a particular side of being in love that's neither jubilant nor heartbroken and is more internal than external. It's a great record, an enjoyable, digestible confessional that may sound like some later British songwriters like Ed Sheeran, for good reason. It's not perfect (some numbers drag a little) and it's not revolutionary but it is influential, well-crafted and showcases genuine musical talent without relying merely on technical fireworks to carry it (though it's not quite Nick Drake). It's a prime example of a singer-songwriter conveying an internal landscape that's clear and nuanced and that impact carried forward for a decade or more in the larger music scene. 4/5

Fairly boring and inoffensive, first track is nice though.

Generalno dosta dosadno, nije najgore što sam čula. Okej pozadinska glazba dok kiseliš kupus za zimnicu s unucima. Babylon znam otprije, ok stvar. 2/5,3/10

If I weren't alive to hear the male singer-songwriter craze at the turn of the century, I would think that David Gray was remarkable and made interesting music. Unfortunately for Mr. Gray, I was. None of this was particularly innovative. At least White Ladder is easy enough to listen to, mostly; Gray uses folk that makes it pop-like and accessible.

David Gray is one of the earliest examples I can remember of this folk-y indie style of music. He was doing this in the late 1990s, ultimately setting a path for this to become a big trend in indie style music into the 2000s. This wasn't Gray's first album, but I distinctly remember what a craze "Babylon" was and continued to be, again, even against the backdrop of other 2000s indie. Gray's voice has that 90s alternative vibe that I so enjoy, but it really works well here too. All in all, I vibe with this album okay!

I'm sure Grays music is quite good if you like this kind of music. I hear a lot of good singing, good lyrical music. But it's simply not my kind of music.

This is another one that I don’t really feel belongs on the list, and the final track being 9 minutes long is a bit excessive. The only highlight for me was hearing the chorus to Babylon and thinking, “ Oh yeah, I remember hearing this all the time when I was eight.”

Music so inoffensive you’d think you’d been put on hold by a call centre.

nothing crazy at all. Definitely 2 stars at the most.

I’m found myself wanting to skip songs. Some were good but dragged on and the singer got annoying. Very meh

Really good, chill sound.

Seemed very predicable and one note.

I had never listened to this album before and recognized Babylon and This Year’s Love, with having no idea who David Gray was. I think I enjoyed every track. Reminded me a little of Damien Rice or something. I want to give it a 4, but I feel like it was just a little flat, songwriting was good, everything was good, just never quite elevated to what I would consider great.

Non fa schifo, ma lo trovo un po' generico.

Interesting album, not sure I'll return to it but enjoyed listening

Prototypical indie stuff, low 4 I think

Pleasant, heartfelt, and good as wimpy background music.

When 80% of this list is crap it’s albums like this that keep me coming back. When I first queued it up I was prepared for disappointment- but then I was like, wow this is really good, and before long saying “hey, w know this” and it all came flooding back. A rare gem where the music, vocals and lyrics are all excellent. Being rediscovered this one will go into my rotation.

On Apple Music, this was categorized as “Rock”. Nope, pop at best. Pretty bland all around, and even Babylon isn’t one of those one hit wonder songs I need to hear very often, if ever again.

In college I was in the habit of making mix cds that included the songs I was enjoying at the moment. One month that included “this year’s love.” Cut to a week later. My girlfriend, her two roommates, and I are taking a road trip to help her find an apartment in the city she’s moving to after graduation. She puts on my mix cd. Second song: this year’s love. One of the roommates starts bawling. I learn it had been her “song” with her boyfriend, and they had just broken up like a week prior. Oops. We skip that song. That is my enduring memory of the song now, how I inadvertently emotionally sandbagged an unsuspecting young woman. Still a good song, though. Babylon and Sail Away are also good. The rest, meh.

I was the wrong age to appreciate this when it came out but do remember the hype. It is, in fact, very good. His voice is a bit nasal though.

Not unpleasant, but a bit dull

Better than I ever could have thought. I listened to it twice and look forward to revisiting it again.

Get back

I was halfway through the first song thinking, "damn, this sounds like the Babylon guy" LOL This was pretty good, nothing to be mad at. "Babylon" was the best song here but there were other good ones. Nothing I feel compelled to revisit though.

Babylon was a lovely hit single. Actually several of the tracks are very pretty. But on the whole this album is so so so boring.

Felt like I was sitting in the doctors office

4/5

Uugh! I did not need to be reminded of this genre of music. Thing is, these are pretty good songs, and he has an appealing voice. And the production style is fine . . . for a song or two. It absolutely does not sustain for an entire album. By the end of the third song in a row of this stuff, I've had it. I'm out. Sitting in a coffee shop and watching David Gray play these songs by himself on an acoustic guitar would probably be fantastic, but as presented, I can't go higher than a . . .

Good Christ. Two songs in and time has slowed to a crawl. Sitting here on the plane, reading a book, and I feel like I've been listening to this for hours. WTF. Weird enunciation on "So definite." Yeah, no thanks.

Maybe should have given this 3, but it caught me in a mood in which I found it offensively boring.

2/5 - Babylon exists outside of time for me. It makes me nostalgic for something even though I associate it with nothing and have no idea when I first heard it. The first track was also pretty good. And that was about it. This is music that makes me feel 15 years older than I am, and I completely tune out after a couple songs because it’s all so milquetoast-y. To be fair, if I could sing and write like this guy, or knew someone personally who could, I’d be thrilled, but I’m not down for a whole album of this. I need more dynamics or something.

Good stuff. A bit dated. But a very distinct pop sound.

Felt like I was listening to a season of Scrubs.

Any of the straight acoustic stuff, hard pass. But that like drum machine sound with this genre kinda worked for me?

Babylon brings back memories of scrubbing dog shit off floors listening to radio that could only get one station that loved to play the same 5 songs on repeat. The rest of the album made me wish I was listening to Babylon.

I've got a soft spot for David Gray. He may have been the harbinger of a slew of bland MOR singer-songwriters but I think ol' Davey himself is a real one, steadily going about his craft for a long time both before and since his period of unexpected stardom, and writing some excellent songs in the process. His very best tunes aren't on this album but his biggest ones are, and for the most part he's on fine form here. There's a run of tracks in the middle which are a bit nothing-y though, and that knocks White Ladder from a 4 down to a 3.5, for me. But I'll round it back up again as a 'local lad & general good egg' bonus.

bland

beautiful lyrics and composition, a true delight to listen to

Three standouts in an otherwise bland album. “Babylon,” “This Year’s Love,” and “Sail Away” are excellent tracks. The rest blurred together.

I liked the mix of singer-songwriter and electronic elements but that faded away by the end. 7/10

2.5

Three listens left me unstirred and mild. Lyrics are of the “does what it says on the tin” school.

Pretty bland and pedestrian, even the big hit "Babylon" features in a slower and unadorned version compared to the radio edit which is a bit livelier. I am a huge fan of his first album "A Century Ends", which could be a lost early Van Morrison collection if you squint your ears a bit; sadly subsequent efforts don't have the same passion or song quality, seemingly abandoned long before this one. Nevertheless, it was fun to see David Gray become a global star here, like watching Leicester City win the Premier League. Good on 'im!

Well crafted set of songs with easly listening arrangements make for a relaxing album. Gray's vocal isn't quite in crooner territory and has an edge to it which keeps your listening. Nice record and worth a listen

I'm not a fan of the cheesy electronic beats. It's like he recorded these songs acoustically, which would've been fine, but then some weak producer added in the electronic bits afterward, and ruined it for me. It's very MOR. The Say Hello, Wave Goodbye cover is a pretty good take...at least until the end of the first chorus when the drum machine kicks in.

Better than Coldplay

Lovely

No me pareció mal, pero mentiría si digo que a una semana de haberlo escuchado recuerdo algún track. Solamente tengo memoria de que hay algunos con buen ritmo pero que pecan de largos, y el disco llega a hacerse un tanto pesado. Así que supongo que no fui el fan no. 1 de White Ladder.

Forgettable late 90s too sincere singer-songwriter.

I loved this album when it first came out and to be honest it’s not one I’ve revisited in years..sure I’ve heard this years love over the years. I was pleasantly surprised that yes I indeed still love it!!

Ok but it all sounded the ssme

I remember back when Babylon was being played on the radio all the time. I couldn't really get into it then and can't get into it now.

This album is solidly alright to me, not what I’d seek out myself but I don’t regret listening to it. Probably not saving any tracks, but not mad at it.

Sa voix est terrible, mais sa musique est pire. C'est étonnant que ce ne soit pas libre de droits tellement que c'est générique. On dirait un album écrit pour un mauvais film de romance. C'est l'antithèse de la description de spotify qui le décrit de cette façon : "David Gray is back doing what he does better than almost anyone, and fans of complex, serious, lyrical songcraft should rejoice." Tellement générique, ça ne tombe même pas dans la catégorie d'albums qu'il faut "hate listen". Évitez celui-ci.

a little too slow and bland for me

This is a good album. It has a late 2000’s sound that is familiar

I forgot how good this is. But I also forgot about it. I bet that's common.

vai se fudeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

descobrir a existência do gênero FOLKTRÔNICA acabou com meu dia mais background music que isso aqui não existe. perfeito caso vc seja básico, monotono e chato e quer se sentir triste vendo a chuva cair pela janela do quarto.

I felt like the middle of this project was the best

Better than I thought it would be.

Para la época incluso muy corta venas, pero suena

I feel nothing from this album.

This might be the perfect album for sitting on a bus on your way to work in autumn with a sprained ankle and a dream. 5.0/5.0 Best Song: Babylon/Please Forgive Me

Its hard to think of a better song than Babylon. The whole album is just incredible though he's such a good song writer. 4.8/5

just initially looking at the track list, these songs are way too long. eh

This one was a bit of a grind... I remember this album when it came out and found David Gray's voice interesting but the music... uninteresting... That has stayed true during the past 30 years...

Super unfortunate for society that this kind of became the template for pop music in the 21st century. 1.0/5.0: Embarrassing

in what world did this album need a 9 minute song? certainly not this one

Talented singer songwriter. Was familiar with the hits. Debut album reinforces why he’s a good one.

I never owned this album but weirdly every song was familiar. It was ubiquitous at the time.

I think for what it is, it’s great and holds up.

Good pleasant stuff. A little more variety to it and I'd bump it to a 4 but felt a bit too samey.

First impression is that I like the arrangements and appreciate the voice even if I don't love it. Its a bit too mellow so I wish it had more rock, less ballady entries. Listened before? N Saved tracks? Y Favorite tracks? Please Forgive Me, We're Not Right, This Year's Love ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Liked some love songs

Nope, Dave Mathew’s vibes

Never heard of the album or artist. It’s kind of pleasant, but falls frustratingly short of ever actually being interesting or moving. It’s the sort of slow, melancholy music that seems like it should make you feel something, but it meanders, never really builds up, and is ultimately a disappointment. 2-3

this sounded like something you would hear at a starbucks. fake and inauthentic. this was not for me.

Started off ok but got too boring pretty quick.

The hits were good. I enjoyed the album. Now that you tell me Dave Matthews Band is associated with the artist it makes sense.

Pretty boring but some good things at least, good production choices.

Really enjoyed this. Sounded like an Ashcroft solo album. Will listen again

The hooks draw you in, the lyrics keep you

Not really my cuppa but quite nice nonetheless

Not sure if easy listening is the right description, but it was easy, kinda of calm afternoon. A few unconventional sounds so it didn't just seem like dude with a guitar. Enjoyed it and after it was over wanted to keep listening to more.

Adult Contemporary-tronica? Not really feeling this.

I think my Mom loved this music when I was in middle school.

B and I have this CD in our ~20 disc truck collection. We saw him play it live during his tour celebrating the 20th anniversary. Big fan White Ladder. This record is such an enigma, still feels fresh every time I listen to it. What I love about his music is what I also love about an adjacent group that preceded Gray by half a decade, Everybody But The Girl: incredible songwriting, iconic vocal performances, excellent understated production, electronically-tinged. A pleasant, hushed sound — romantic, contemplative, melancholic. When this record took off two years after being self-released in 1998, the scene that birthed Coldplay was already well underway, spurred in no small part by Radiohead’s meteoric debut earlier in the decade. The stock of UK artists in this vein continued stacking up into the 2010s, and continued skyward atop the shoulders of Ed Sheeran into the present day. David Gray’s White Ladder is a foundational brick of that edifice, the UK’s storied white male singer-songwriter tradition that goes back centuries.

a complete and utter load of miserable, insipid strumming along to dirgey songs. Couldnt wait for it to end.

I'd quite like to hear this fella sing some rock music. I think his voice would be suited to it. It's a bit generic 90s singer songwriter, but his voice I like. Babylon was a good song. If the songs had a bit more oomph, I reckon I'd really like it. As it progressed, it felt more like a precursor to wet music like James Blunt and his ilk. This isn't wet, so has the edge over those. Shame though: I was hoping to get more into it. It was okay.

Chill

A very easy listen. Nice to have on in the background. Gives you a sense of nostalgia and yearning. Soothing.

Some parts of this were quite pleasant to listen to, in a kind of disengaged manner. However most of it is just boring. It's all a bit sad-sack, but the music behind it isn't anywhere near good enough to elevate it to something meaningful. It's all just a bit plain and generic in every sense. I've rated worse albums higher than this, usually because they actually aspire to something or try something interesting, but this is so uninspiring that it deserves to be rated lower. 2.5 rounded down.

This one didn't hit it for me...

I was enjoying the first couple songs of the album, so I had high hopes, but once I hit the middle, it just got so generic sounding. I’m surprised this album’s on the list. The last song would’ve been good if it weren’t 9 minutes long. Maybe a third of a time and I would’ve really liked it, but it just stretched out for too long. Some enjoyable stuff on here but overall not very special.

actually pretty good

IF YOU WANT IT COME AND GET IT FOR CRYING OUT LOUD (radio edit is better)

Kind of mid, kind of good. He has a really nice voice, and the album started off strong and good vibe for a train home from the airport at 10pm alone but then faded into background noise and all songs began to blend together.

2020 Like a high school geography teacher, having a crack at being a singer-songwriter. It might be for Mums, but it ain't for me. Heard before ❌️ Listened this time ✅️ some/enough Revisit ❌️ Radio 2 fodder ★★☆☆☆ (4/10)

David Gray, the name means nothing to me. I don't know any of the songs. I can't stand Ed Sheeran and James Blunt. To me, it's all completely unnecessary garbage.

okay, nice to listen to

I think it’s over hated. Introspective and a bit edgy at times but catchy and unique

Favorites: Please Forgive Me, Babylon, Nightblindness Pretty harmless pop rock, it could definitely be worse (Train) but it's nothing to write home about. The first two tracks absolutely clear the rest of the album though. 6/10

boring af

Genius. Beautiful. One of the best albums of the 90s.

Hypnotic and enjoyable even if it doesn't grab with every song.

Objectively, White Ladder is a nice, inoffensive, accessible album that somehow sold about 700 million copies and veers far too close to the bland side of a 2.5ish rating. However, for me it has two tracks and a life event that elevate it beyond that. I’d been recommended the CD by a friend on the strength of a hidden track, Through To Myself. The trick was to rewind track 1 until you found it. In those days, most of my music consumption was via iPod and aux cable but annoyingly, iTunes couldn’t find the track so I had to listen to it on the only CD player I owned; in my car. It then basically stayed in the car indefinitely while I had the stereo set to aux 99% of the time. Some time later, on the day my wife went into labour with our firstborn, my iPod was safely packed in the “go” bag so the drive to the birth centre was soundtracked by White Ladder by default. Fine, it’s a nice, inoffensive, accessible album and we had other things on our minds. But one of my most vivid and emotional musical memories is from the following morning. I got into the car to go and buy breakfast for myself and my heroic wife who had just brought our beautiful daughter into the world at 4am. I turned on the engine and ‘This Year’s Love’ started playing. I sat and sobbed for four minutes, overwhelmed with tiredness, joy, probably some mild terror and the feeling that my life would never be the same again. It’s a beautiful song about hope and taking a leap into love, not knowing whether or not it’s going to break you. So yeah, every time I hear that song, it takes me back to the day my life changed forever, for the better. And my friend was right - Through To Myself is also an absolute banger, somehow made sweeter by the feeling that of the 700 million-odd people who bought this nice, safe, inoffensive, accessible album, most of them probably never even heard it.

Great to listen to again. It's been a while. Although most songs are a bit repetitive. It does get boring quickly.

I always really liked Please Forgive Me. I liked Babylon less. Upon listening again though, it's better than I remembered. Five singles off a ten song album is crazy. That's like Jagged Little Pill level. I will say the album tracks are not at the same level as the singles, but they aren't terrible either. This Year's Love was the biggest song off the album and my least favorite song so far. The two hits to start the album are better than the three big songs to close it out. Say Hello, Wave Goodbye deserves more credit than that. it's better than This Year's Love or Sail Away. This is like slightly less good Coldplay.

Boring singer/songwriter stuff

This album has just finished and I've already forgotten all of it.

Completely forgettable. Sings in one tone.

I knew Babylon before this and it's far and away the most interesting song here. The rest of it? Ehh 6/10

This was super popular almost thirty years ago when I was too young to pay attention to it. However, I didn’t really miss out on anything. It’s just…there. I recognise a few songs but they don’t stir anything.

A lot of songs I hadn't heard for a long time, overall a very enjoyable experience. Strong showing.

I was too cool for this when it came out and still am today. A couple of the hits are a guilty pleasure if they come on but on a whole would not play the album again.

++: Silver Lining, White Ladder +: Please Forgive Me, Babylon, My Oh My, We're Not Right, Sail Away +-: This Year's Love -: Nightblindness, Say Hello Wave Goodbye 5,2/10

So much hate in the reviews here! Damn, kids. Settle down. Albums are oftentimes on this list because they were noteworthy in the context in which they were released. Many of the best albums on this list will not sound new or fresh or relevant to a teenager today, because the teenager today has heard those innovative and exciting things a million times through other artists. The sound of this record was absorbed so completely (and quickly!) that it doesn’t sound particularly special or interesting now. But it was massively successful in 2000 because it was a set of good songs with a sound that very few people were making at the time, and that sound is Very pleasant. It is quintessential “easy listening.” There is nothing challenging about this stuff. And that isn’t bad! But people really have a bone to pick here. One guy saying he was so furious with this record because it was so popular at the time how can people like this blah blah blah like dude- sometimes people want to just relax. And this might be one of the most relaxing pop records of all time. It’s a comfortable blanket, a grilled cheese on a cold winters day, that millionth watch-through of your favorite sitcom. There is one weak track here, but the second half of the record especially is captivating. Love the last track. And it's a smart idea - your genre is "electro-folk," so you take a classic electro track and deconstruct it into your style and make it mostly folk, and it's fantastic. I have no idea what the White Ladder is, the album is great. THREE STARS

Day 42 First listen- This album is mellow and perfect for a slow, rainy day! Esp 5-8 were my fav! I will def listen to this again! (3/5)

- **Album Context**: Background and recording conditions of the album. - **Lyrical Themes**: Analysis of love, loss, and urban loneliness. - **Musical Style**: Exploration of folktronica fusion and melodic strengths. - **Production Analysis**: DIY ethos and atmospheric soundscapes. - **Critical Reception**: Commercial success and mixed critical opinions. - **Pros and Cons**: Strengths and weaknesses of the album. - **Legacy and Influence**: Impact on music and enduring appeal. ------- # In-Depth Review of David Gray's "White Ladder": A Definitive Analysis of the 1998 Folktronica Masterpiece ## 1 Introduction: The Album's Context and Legacy **White Ladder**, the fourth studio album by English singer-songwriter David Gray, stands as one of the most remarkable success stories in modern music history. Originally released in 1998 on Gray's own IHT Records after he had been dropped by two major labels, the album was recorded in a modest bedroom studio in Stoke Newington, London, with basic equipment and a shoestring budget . Despite its humble origins, *White Ladder* would eventually become a cultural phenomenon, spending nearly three years in the UK charts and becoming the **best-selling album in Irish history** (with one in every four households owning a copy at one point) . The album's journey from obscurity to international acclaim—it has sold over 7 million copies worldwide—represents a triumph of artistic vision over commercial constraints and established Gray as a definitive voice of introspective songwriting blended with electronic experimentation . The album emerged during a period when Gray was experiencing significant professional setbacks and personal reflection. After three commercially unsuccessful albums and a disastrous gig where he was billed below barbecue ribs, Gray found himself at a creative and professional crossroads . This sense of disillusionment ultimately fueled the album's emotional core, with Gray later reflecting: "I had to get over myself... White Ladder's emotional center is flipping all that bad energy into positive" . This transformative process resulted in an album that resonated deeply with listeners worldwide, capturing the essence of **late-twenties introspection** and emotional reckoning against the backdrop of urban life . ## 2 Lyrical Themes and Analysis - **Love and Vulnerability**: Gray's lyrics on *White Ladder* explore the complexities of human relationships with remarkable emotional honesty. The album presents love not as a idealized state but as a complicated, often painful experience that requires vulnerability and surrender. In "Please Forgive Me," Gray paraphrases Jesus on the cross ("For I know not what I do") to convey the overwhelming, almost destructive power of romantic desire . This raw vulnerability reappears in "This Year's Love," where he captures the hopeful yet fragile nature of new romance with exquisite tenderness. The lyrics consistently reject simplistic notions of love in favor of a more nuanced exploration that acknowledges doubt, fear, and complexity within intimate relationships . - **Urban Loneliness and Spiritual Searching**: Multiple tracks paint vivid pictures of contemporary urban isolation, particularly in London, which Gray metaphorically frames as "**modern-day Babylon**" . The title track establishes this theme immediately with its imagery of "water and wine," "thunder and war," and the repeated acknowledgment that "there's no rhyme or reason" to life or love . This spiritual questioning runs throughout the album, with Gray searching for meaning amidst the chaos of city life and personal relationships. The biblical allusions (including the title itself, which some interpret as a reference to Jacob's ladder) provide a spiritual framework for what is essentially a very earthly struggle for connection and meaning . - **Personal Transformation**: The album documents a period of significant personal reckoning for Gray, who was in his late twenties, financially struggling, and dealing with his parents' divorce during its creation . Tracks like "Babylon" capture this reflective mood, painting a picture of a lonely weekend in London where the protagonist moves from "turning over TV stations" on Friday to a night of partying followed by a hungover Sunday spent "kicking through the autumn leaves" . This narrative arc mirrors Gray's own journey from disillusionment to a tentative embrace of life's uncertainties, culminating in the album's central mantra: "**Let go your heart/Let go your head/And feel it now**" . ## 3 Musical Style and Composition *White Ladder* pioneered what would become known as "**folktronica**"—a fusion of acoustic singer-songwriter traditions with electronic elements that was relatively innovative for its time . The album's sound is built around Gray's distinctive vocal delivery, which combines the gruff, impassioned quality of early Bob Dylan with the rhythmic phrasing of Van Morrison . This vocal style sits atop musical arrangements that blend organic instrumentation (acoustic guitar, piano) with electronic elements including drum machines, samplers, and synthesized strings . The album's **melodic strength** is one of its most defining features. Gray has a particular gift for crafting melodies that feel immediately familiar yet fresh, with soaring choruses that elevate the emotional content of the lyrics . "Babylon" demonstrates this perfectly with its unforgettable piano hook and anthemic chorus, while "Please Forgive Me" builds from a simple drum machine pattern into a sweeping crescendo of piano and synthesized strings . Even the more subdued tracks like "This Year's Love" feature melodies that linger in the memory long after listening . The rhythmic experimentation on the album, particularly on tracks like "Please Forgive Me" (which features a drum'n'bass-like effect) adds an unexpected urgency to what might otherwise be conventional ballads . This blending of electronic rhythms with acoustic instrumentation creates a distinctive texture that set *White Ladder* apart from both mainstream pop and traditional folk recordings of its era . The cover of Soft Cell's "Say Hello, Wave Goodbye" further demonstrates Gray's ability to reinvent existing material within his distinctive folktronica style, incorporating interpolations from Van Morrison's "Madame George" and "Into the Mystic" . ## 4 Production Analysis and DIY Aesthetic The production of *White Ladder* is remarkable both for its **resource limitations** and the creative solutions that emerged from them. Recorded in Gray's bedroom with basic equipment—a computer, sampler, keyboard, and the Roland MC-303 Groovebox recommended by Phil Hartnoll of Orbital—the album embodies the DIY ethos that would later become commonplace in the digital age . Producer Iestyn Polson's role was crucial in transforming Gray's ideas into a coherent sound, employing techniques like chopping up beats, creating samples, and even recording drums in the bathroom to achieve the desired sounds . The production is characterized by its **intimate atmosphere**, which often incorporates ambient environmental sounds rather than trying to eliminate them. Most famously, the track "Babylon" features the sound of a car passing by the house, which Polson initially edited out but then restored because the song "didn't sound as good" without it . This acceptance of imperfection gives the album much of its charm and authenticity, creating a sense of immediacy and presence that complements the emotional directness of the songs . Despite its homemade quality, the production maintains a surprising **textural sophistication** throughout. Polson's background in electronic music informed his approach to processing acoustic elements, creating layered soundscapes that support Gray's vocals without overwhelming them . The arrangements are generally sparse but effective, knowing when to build intensity (as in the crescendo of "Please Forgive Me") and when to retreat to minimal accompaniment (as in the verses of "White Ladder") . This production style would prove enormously influential, paving the way for the bedroom recording revolution that would follow in the next decade . ## 5 Critical Reception and Cultural Impact *White Ladder* received **mixed initial reviews** but grew in critical esteem as its commercial success expanded. Some contemporary critics dismissed the album as middle-of-the-road or overly simplistic, with one later retrospective describing it as "background music for people who like Coldplay" . Others criticized its production values, with one detractor calling the synth patches and drum machines "awful" and claiming they "destroy whatever impact this music might have had" . However, more favorable reviews praised Gray's songcraft and emotional authenticity, with The Music Box noting that the album contained "one of the finest releases of 2000" despite being a departure from folk purism . The album's **cultural impact** is undeniable, particularly in Ireland and the UK where it achieved unprecedented commercial success . Its sound—a blend of acoustic authenticity and electronic elements—paved the way for later artists like James Blunt, Ed Sheeran, and Lewis Capaldi . As one critic noted: "If you've ever gotten teary-eyed at a George Ezra song on the radio, you've got David Gray to thank for it" . The album's songs became staples of television soundtracks and romantic compilations, with "This Year's Love" in particular becoming a wedding and funeral standard . Despite its commercial success, the album created something of a **double-edged legacy** for Gray, who found himself categorized as a "pop artist" rather than the serious singer-songwriter he had previously been regarded as . Gray himself acknowledged this tension in a 2010 interview: "I'm sort of seen as a pop artist. I'm dismissed as slight, I'd say, because of White Ladder" . This perception arguably undervalues the album's innovative qualities and emotional depth, reducing it to its most accessible elements rather than considering its full artistic achievement . ## 6 Pros and Cons Analysis ### ✅ Strengths (Pros) of the Album: - **Emotional Authenticity**: Gray's lyrics tackle universal themes of love, loss, and urban alienation with rare honesty and vulnerability, creating a deep emotional connection with listeners . - **Innovative Fusion**: The blend of acoustic folk with electronic elements was fresh and innovative for its time, creating a new template for singer-songwriters in the digital age . - **Melodic Brilliance**: The album features some of the most memorable melodies in contemporary popular music, with hooks that balance immediacy with sophistication . - **DIY Charm**: The bedroom production values create an intimate atmosphere that complements the material, turning technical limitations into aesthetic advantages . - **Cohesive Vision**: Despite covering emotional terrain from despair to ecstasy, the album maintains a consistent tone and atmosphere that makes it feel like a complete statement rather than a collection of songs . ### ❌ Weaknesses (Cons) of the Album: - **Dated Production Elements**: Some electronic elements, particularly the drum machine sounds, haven't aged as well as the organic instrumentation and can sound product of their time . - **Lyrical Ambiguity**: At times, Gray's poetic approach results in lyrics that feel vague or overly abstract, potentially creating emotional distance rather than connection . - **Predictable Structures**: Some critics have noted that songs occasionally build toward anticipated climaxes that never arrive, creating a sense of musical anticlimax . - **Lack of Dynamic Range**: The album maintains a relatively consistent mid-tempo pace and emotional tone throughout, which some listeners might find monotonous over its full duration . - **Overfamiliarity**: The massive commercial success of the singles, particularly "Babylon," has potentially diminished their impact through overexposure, making it difficult to hear them with fresh ears . ## 7 Legacy and Conclusion **Twenty-five years** after its initial release, *White Ladder* remains a landmark album in the singer-songwriter genre and a testament to the power of artistic vision over commercial calculation . Its influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who have followed Gray's blueprint of blending electronic production with acoustic intimacy . More importantly, the album continues to resonate with new listeners who discover its emotional truths and melodic pleasures, transcending its late-90s origins to speak to universal human experiences . The album's **enduring appeal** lies in its paradoxical combination of specificity and universality. While rooted in Gray's personal experiences of professional disappointment and romantic uncertainty, the emotions it captures speak to broader human conditions . The central message of surrender—of letting go of heart and head—proves to be a perennial wisdom that different generations discover anew . As Gray himself reflected: "What other way is there to live but to surrender? Do we really believe in reason? You've got to let go, there's something much bigger" . In conclusion, *White Ladder* represents a **creative peak** in David Gray's career and a significant moment in the evolution of popular music. It demonstrates how technological accessibility could democratize record production while maintaining artistic integrity . Despite some dated elements and criticisms of its mainstream appeal, the album's strengths—its emotional honesty, melodic gift, and innovative spirit—far outweigh its limitations . It remains not just a cultural artifact of its time but a timeless exploration of the human heart that continues to reward close listening and emotional engagement . *White Ladder* ultimately stands as proof that great art requires neither massive budgets nor commercial calculations—just authenticity, vulnerability, and a willingness to blend tradition with innovation . As Gray himself put it: "It's proof that you don't need much to make something that lasts" .

Perfect name for a guy with a forgettable album

I vaguely recall Babylon from my high school days. It definitely did not make it onto any of the mix CDs I burned (in between all the burn errors). Why is this on the list? So generic. So meh. I'm seeing a number of reviews that mention driving to this one, which I cannot grasp. I would fall asleep at the wheel. Listened before? N Saved to library? N Favorite track(s): N/A

**

This is not nearly as offensive as the albums I usually reserve 1s for. But this might be the worst inclusion on this list so far. I could listen to this album every day for a year and still probably not be able to distinguish any of the songs from each other. And they’re all boring.

This went well with the pseudo-fall weather we've been having. Felt like strolling down to a dumpy college coffee shop putting a scarf on and pretending to read my French existentialists.

At least Nick Drake was a talented sad boy musician. Probably a 1.5, but I penalize this album as it apparently paved the way for other trash like Ed Sheeran and James Blunt (at least "You're Beautiful" is objectively funny)

422/1001

Kinda like cold play if the lead singer was Scott Stapp from Creed.

First two songs (the first song in particular) had me so hopeful and captivated. But what followed was a slow dive into easy-listening monotony. Wasn’t horrible, but there wasn’t much going on otherwise. “Please Forgive Me” is a proto-postal service beat thats serene and idyllic. The song is so sweet and loving! Such a nice opener. “Babylon” was a song I didn’t realize I knew. It got played soooo much on the radio when I was little. Also, the voice sounded a little too much like Bob Dylan at points, like on “Say Hello, Wave Goodbye”. 3/5, soft - like the music

He sounds older than 30, but nice chill vibe

All time snooze-fest.

Its a really solid listen - and clearly was a starting point for similar artists to follow in its footsteps. I'm familiar with the songs featured in Scrubs and Garden State, but it has an incredibly consistent vibe that carries a lot of charm.

Meh

fairly good representation of 1998

I forgot about that Babylon song. Was that a hit in the US? It’s been in my head for like a week now. Ummm I guess I would call this music for British rom-coms circa 2000. Powerfully inoffensive.

Meh

I wasn't familiar with David Gray or the album White Ladder before. At the beginning and well over halfway through the album, I still thought the music might be quite interesting. In the end, however, boredom prevailed. The album is okay. But I probably won't listen to it again. 3/5

Risotto

Somehow perfectly captures the prevalence of digital beats and great songwriting of the turn of the century.

makes Coldplay sound like heavy metal. as interesting as watching paint dry or doing laundry by hand without electricity. Why is this on the list?

Very nice

Bland, inoffensive, boring, plodding.

Few good songs Nice voice Not my taste but appreciate it Voice reminds me of Elton John

So boring and repetitive. Babylon is probably the strongest track but the rest of the record sounds just like it. 2

Listened to this endlessly while riding the subways in Paris while getting over a bad breakup. Seeing him perform this album in its entirety at Red Rocks was a dream come true.

Autsch, das würde ich selbst als Hintergrundgedudel beim Autofahren nicht ertragen. Aber ok, wenn die neue Flamme das erste Mal zu Besuch ist, kann man das nach der James Blunt Playlist schon mal gerne laufen lassen.

I enjoyed the calming feel of this album. I was just starting out in life when this album came out, so it wasn’t even on my radar.

Easy listening. Soft rock, ballads.

Folk singer on speed.

Boring

It was alright, better than expected for music for parents in 1998 who didn't really like music, which it was always been in my head

It was nice enough, can't say I'd choose to listen to it again but I wouldn't switch it off

I just hate this so much. It's probably technically a good album but I HATE IT. This years love is really good though, so 1.5?

Stunning

4/5

The Melancholic movie OST

Wait, do I have to learn English to enjoy music now?

decent desu

Groundbreaking? No. Enjoyable? Absolutely. Folk music with electronic beats is just hard to take seriously.

9 straight albums from the UK and 48/126 - what the absolute fuck is this!?! There are 194 other countries on this planet that all make music. I know the US and UK will hold a bulk of this list, but some of this is just a British circle jerk of what they listened to when they broke up with their girl friend or went on a road trip with their 'mates.' This is a generic dentist office waiting room album - I can partically hear the whizzing of the dentist's drill in the. background and clacking of the block on that rainbow colored loop-di-loop thing meant to keep kids occupied while they wait for their appointment. I was 15 when this album came out and have never heard one of these songs or this artist, and somehow it is so special that it need to be heard before you die?!? This guys vocals are so basic and bland that it wouldn't surprise me if it was a baked potato singing. It is so bland that I forgot I was listening to it for 3-4 tracks. The only list this belongs on is albums you must hear in order to become a right proper English twat. This list is really testing my dedication the last 2 weeks. 2.8/10 126/1001

3.5

David Gray, not as good as I remembered (I seem to think I had as a four and enjoying it as quite a bit) it starts and ends really well but there is like a three song stretch, really felt dreary... But Babylon and Sail Away are tops for me still 7.65 ★★★½

This ends on a solid run of songs, but the start is really boring. Don't like the programmed drums. 3.5 stars

Despite knowing and liking "Babylon", I've never actually heard this album in full. My general take on it is that it's pretty nice and inoffensive, but also a little boring. I think the first two songs -- "Please Forgive Me" and "Babylon" -- are the best things here. The rest is kind of lesser versions of the same style -- folky acoustic guitars with some programmed drums. "Say Hello, Wave Goodbye" is a great song too, but I don't think Gray's version holds a candle to the original Soft Cell version. 3 stars.

Nice dreary late 90s folktronic salvo, or at least initially. Starts off strong with Babylon the key evergreen wuss fire anthem and This Year’s Love later on another croaky sadtastic classic. The staring out of a window on a rainy day sameyness does get quite maddening throughout its overlong runtime though and it does congeal speedily into one bleary, subsatisfactory folktronic splodge.

Wonderful 90s singer-songwriter pop. David Gray has a great crooning voice. And the hooks and songwriting are excellent too. Very catchy and emotionally moving batch of tunes. Add in some electronica-influenced production, and it all adds up to a very strong album.

I can see why this album is such a big one for the UK. I feel like when I listen to some of these tracks, like "This Year's Love" and "Sail Away", that I can hear how it has influenced modern acts like Adele, Lewis Capaldi, and Hozier. The compositions are really nice, he's got an amazing voice, and the production has some nice surprises in it too (I love the electronic sound that comes in and out). This was a nice surprise! I don't think I'm totally familiar with him but I feel like I've heard him on the radio quite a bit when I was younger.

I used to own this CD, also saw him perform on that tour - saw a lot of live shows then. As i listened to it again, i don’t feel it holds up very well. There are a couple of interesting songs I have enjoyed, but don’t think I’ll be listening to it again. st

You couldn’t escape Babylon in the late 90s so I didn’t come into this expecting much and I didn’t find much either. Inoffensive sound and fine but nothing memorable or great here. Production is good but I just felt so bored.

Ah love to see this come up and such fond memories. Holds a special place. Always loved that it was self recorded and what a collection of stats in the wiki info 😮 (many of the reviews, on the other hand… 😂) Singing along from the first word. I love this album (and may be the minority on this list!) “It’s take a lot of love my friend, to keep you heart from freezing, to keep you spirit free” Just feel every song is absolutely solid but with a good amount of variety. Great album.

Totally pleasant. I remember Babylon... nice song. Problem is the whole album sounds just like it.

10/10, pure nostalgia, such incredible songs such as Babylon, please forgive me, sail away, say hello wave goodbye etc etc. Late 90s at the peak of British culture, such an influential album in my teenage years. Also very well produced and a must on an audiophile's playlist.

Really don't know that much about David Gray (is he british maybe?), but for some reason I really like this album. 3.5 stars

1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die: 8/1001 This album served as yet another soundtrack I could see setting the mood for any number of days. For intent listening, the first song hit me hard- a bitter-sweet and self-reflective song in a melancholy tone coupled with a casual upbeat sound and forgiving lyrics. The song was a masterpiece. Despite some of these masterpieces, there was nothing that made the album one of the most iconic of all time, yet throughout persisted a timeless quality to it. If this album were released today, it would fit right in with the same mediocracy that makes it worthy of at least a listen. There's a calming nature to this album and smooth melodies. The lyrics are deep and moving, the stories behind them are highly relatable. However, through the middle of the album, there wasn't enough uniqueness to make it memorable. Upon future listenings, I found these songs all blurring together. It wasn't until the end of the album I was sucked back in with my favorite song on the album, Sail Away. With four tracks positioned at each end of the album, you start and end on two highs that are anything but forgettable. It feels like these songs carry more soul and meaning than the others on the album, and I think that's what sets them apart. There's a power in David Grays voice which otherwise tends to be good but not exceptional. When he hones that power, the album soar. Podium: 1. Sail Away 2. Please Forgive Me 3. Say Hello, Waver Goodbye Honorable Mention: Babylon I teetered on where to exactly land with this album for a final score. Ultimately, I still find myself favoring four tracks much more than the album in its entirety. That's not to say the rest of the album isn't good; in fact, it's pretty solid and generally cohesive. I think this high-quality and multiple hits make the album worth a listen. Those songs will find their way into my playlists. While I may listen to the album again in the future for background noise, I don't see myself listening solely for the album as a whole. For these reasons, I give White Ladder by David Gray 3.5/5 stars.

This is the most boring, generic music in the world. If I never have to listen to David gray again, it’ll be too soon. This is the kind of music they sell at Starbucks.

3.2 the first three are bangers but then the rest kinda got lost on me

Blue eyed soul with some indie rock, with Babylon and This Years Love. Is anything else as good as these singles? Recognise Sail Away. It's easy listening but nothing inspiring really. Best track (other than those known) - Silver Lining 3 stars (2.5 but I'll round it up)

music that comes preset on your phone for ringtones and alarms.

довольно гнусаво но неплохо)

chill acoustic album. a bit repetitive in the middle but the last tracks are so good. FAVS: 1. Sail Away 2. Babylon 3. This Year’s Love

This was largely forgettable.

David Gray's White Ladder is a strong 4/5 - consistently excellent with moments of brilliance ("Babylon," "Sail Away"), though not every track reaches the same peak. The album's intimate production and emotional depth make it stand out, even if it falls just short of being a flawless masterpiece.

i was aware of this album but didn't think i had ever heard any of it, but turns out i was wrong, I've heard several of these songs.... over store PA systems. which to me is a pretty good summary of the whole thing: pretty pleasant, some catchy stuff, and it's got pretty broad appeal, but the flip side of that is that it doesn't have any weird hard edges or big swings for me to latch on to. it's fine, but doesn't leave me with any really strong impression

Reminded me of Tracy Chapman. I feel like I've heard "Babylon" in tons of different movies and TV show. Enjoyable, light background music.

Good surprise.

Holy shit. This album has the highest number of scathing top reviews I’ve seen to date. It can’t be that bad, right? Anyways, awesome album cover. No clue what to expect from this one, but I’m lookin’ forward to hearing it out. David Gray is an artist I’m confident I’ve never heard of, but there are some very high stream numbers on-goldarn it. If I had a nickel for every time I talked about being unfamiliar with an artist only to be immediately hit with a song I recognise on the second track, I would have a nice assortment of small change capable of buying half a gumball. It’s heartening to know that I do, in fact, have some musical know-how after all. Yeah, it’s a bit dull and dragged out for way longer than it ever needed to be, but I can’t bring myself to dislike this album. It’s just firmly rooted in “alright” for me, which is a respectable enough place to be. The opener is a good track. I like the spacy, electronic atmosphere, which does a good job at differentiating this album from the other singer/songwriter works that I’ve listened to. Babylon is the obvious highlight. I quite like the acoustic guitar and jittery percussive sounds in the background, which I hadn't even noticed in the times where I've passively listening to this song on the radio. The vocals and songwriting are the obvious highlights, however. It’s just a nice song overall. This Year’s Love is another good one. You’d have to be phenomenally bad at your job to fail at making a piano ballad. The ambience hanging on the back of the track during the second half of the piece works pretty well, too. Gonna check the book on this one. Revitalised the career of a struggling artist. Blew critics out of the water. Broke sales records in the UK and Ireland. Surpassed some of his contemporaries on the American charts. Wikipedia says this album failed at launch but picked up steam and became one of the longest-charting albums in the UK. I’m not an authority on singer/songwriter music, but this seems like a solid pick. Definitely a better album than “The Man Who” by Travis, which scratches the same late-90s optimism itch as this album.

This is possibly the best uninteresting music I've ever heard. 6/10

Really liked that album, never heard that guy before

I liked it. Not super remarkable but I enjoyed listening to it. Best song: Please Forgive Me Notable(s): Say Hello, Wave Goodbye

Soooooooooooooo booooooooooooooooring, gave up by track 7

Sweet and beautiful

Listens: 3 Standout tracks: Babylon, Sail Away I'm sure I've heard Babylon on the radio in the car growing up. Instantly recognizable - not as a "David Gray song" necessarily - just recognizable in the sense that it has been played far and wide. It's cool when you can finally put an artist to a song you've heard, known about but never had the energy or bother to actually look up. Granted it's been made so much easier these days, in the age of the always-listening smartphone. Anyways, I get some Bob Dylan influences, probably in the rasp of the voice. The music is eclectic, easy listening, not offensive. As I wrote this, I'd probably argue it's a little too safe, and plain. There's no daring or challenge here. Nothing particularly musically adventurous. I also really like Sail Away. There's some additional instrumentation going on besides just acoustic guitar. Light drums; Possibly piano or maybe a string instrument (besides guitar), and some nice whistling at the end. It also feels like a departure from the rest of the album in that is stands out musically.

Meh

I was more than prepared to write this off as turn of the millennium angst guitar based over mid beats rubbish (and it mostly is....) but then "This Year's Love" came on and I forgot how fucking beautiful that song is. David Gray has one song like this in each of his albums I've listened to, for example "Be Mine" on A New Day At Midnight and "Full Steam" on Draw The Line, just a beautiful ballad that hits the feels just right (or wrong) and makes you forget how the most of the album is contrived pap. Then he gets you with "Sail Away" and you're gone, damn this troubled introspective troubadour playing with my emotions... I had to follow this up with some Damien Rice, I'm not doing well babes....

5/10 I just remember this guy moving his head a lot. That's all I saw in my head was his weird head movements. not sure if that colored my enjoyment of the music. 7-9-2025

4.9 - Dude common, this is just lovely

What's this shneaky little trip hop beat kicking off the album eh? Why does this actually kinda slap? Why?! File Babylon away in the collection of songs that I feel like I know well but never listen to but actually really are fantastic and I should listen to more. After the first few tracks this did slip more into what I expected it to be tbh. Quite boring singer songwriter music. If the whole album had the quality or even just the style of the first two tracks this would be a great album and a justifiable 1001 entry. But it doesn't, so it isn't. Fave Tracks: Please Forgive Me, Babylon 3.3/5

Eh. Couple of classics but monotonous. 2/5

David Gray is one of the greatest musical David’s.

It's fine, but it is the same song over and over again. Mid 3.

Blending into background kinda music

5/5 for me. Nostalgia

I wore this disc out when it was first out. I love his voice and the pace of his instrumentation. Babylon and Please Forgive me are 4 stars alone. Great stuff.

Know the song “Babylon” but other than that…

good solid album

Favourite wobbly head singer 1) Thom Yorke 2) David Gray

Found this a tough listen...lots of sentiment, yet also strangely devoid of emotion.

I’m going to be generous again here as it’s easy to overlook that this album and artist was the forerunner of the hugely popular male singer-songwriter “heart on my sleeve & vulnerable” trope, reviving genre which had been largely dormant in popular terms since the mid 70’s The album has some lovely ballads, a few fillers, it sounds a bit dated, but also plays out with one of my favourite cover versions which cleverly interweaves Van Morrisons “Madame George” into the proceedings. An uncomfortable four from me 🫣

Literally middle of the road for me as it reminds me of being in the car with family, very nostalgic good memories and I love that weird little head wobble he does!

This is music for: a) Richard Curtis movies b) Turn of the millenium dinner parties c) Heartbroken, drunken chavs to sing loudly in the early morning hours while walking in an alley between terraced houses and a railway d) All of the above. Best Tracks: Please Forgive Me; Babylon; This Year's Love

David Gray trousers 2/5

Very singer-songwriter focused with touches of breakbeat on certain tracks.

In 2000, Dave Matthews released this album by David Gray. In 2004, a tour bus belonging to the Dave Matthews Band released an estimated 800 pounds (360 kg) of human waste from the bus's blackwater tank through the Kinzie Street Bridge in Chicago onto an open-top passenger sightseeing boat sailing in the Chicago River below. The incident became popularly known as the Dave Matthews Band incident or Poopgate. I can only conclude that Dave Matthews is a scatological menace.

Very chill music, has a good vibe

I absolutely love this album. It was exactly what I was looking for in 1998, and it was just as great to listen to it again.

Bland 90's singer-songwriter stuff, just incredibly dull.

Heard it. Fine album

Really boring. The music didn’t add anything to his voice and every song was sung the same way. Some catchy songs though. Will never listen to this again on purpose.

I liked this album. Sail away was a great song. Reminds me of John Mayer / that early 2000s singer songwriter pop. Easy to listen to, if a little forgettable at times.

7/10

I liked "My Oh My." "We're not Right" and "This Year's Love" we're good too!

Lovely folk pop, some great hits. Longest time UK number one.

No me gusto, música ed sheran total

This is one of the best Bob Dylan albums of the 90s, and it's by a man named David Gray. The songs proceed simply yet carry a depth of emotion. Perhaps that slow burn is why it was a "sleeper" hit in its day, almost overlooked and then ended up on some charts for years to come. Not sure if it will do the same or not for me, but I admire its quiet strength.

I didn't remember David Gray at all, and I was kind of on the fence about the album as it started, but it really came around for me. I recognized Babylon, and dialed in quickly. This is a good, strong album and worthy of your attention. Apple Music calls it "Rock" but it really is almost Alternative folk. No matter where it falls in terms of genre, David is an excellent songwriter and musician. Don't pass this one by!

Smooth album.

Gray's voice sounds somewhat like Loudon Wainwright III at times.

This was OK I guess but unremarkable, rather forgettable and kind of boring. 2.5/5

Not that fussed with this album. It just seems so samey and not impressed by, say hello wave goodbye, made to sound like a rom com sign off. Meh!

Listened to before: No I think I knew the name before, but not what sound Gray made. The hype must have passed me by, at it's time. With the first track Please Forgive Me, I got interested. Minimal piano chords and a nice breakbeat make a fine introduction into a very good song - A highlight. But after that it goes downhill for me. The further Gray moves away from gentle electronica into acoustic soft rock the less interestet I get. And that is not because I don't like acoustic sound. There just does not seem anything to be there that catches me. I enjoy Grays voice at some points, but often he moves towards a Dyland impression - At these time I can't stand his voice. I know it is easy to hate on this kind of music. I don't want to do that: It has it's purpose and I find it listenable enough to sympathise with it. But I wob't play it on repeat, as it does not touch me. And if it does not touch me, there is nothing much left in this kind of music.

Too pop

I really liked this album, right from the first song. It immediately made me sentimental for England and I remember listening to that track on the tube and just thinking how perfect it was. The album as a whole was a great journey. So, so talented and expressive and communicative.

Peaceful and embracing brit folk. I enjoyed the electronic overlays and experimental sound which gives an otherwise cookie cutter folk album some richer elements. I think the singles excelled in their presence of creativity. High 3

Ни о чём. Такого пруд пруди

Good mix of genres in music. revolutionary

It's like a modern, more dramatic Bob Dylan. It's good, but the songs are undeniably a bit boring. 7/10

Very peaceful and beautiful.

If vanilla had a soundtrack it’d be this