David Gray - Shine: The Best Of The Early Years

Before he climbed the White Ladder to fame

Collating the strongest tracks from the three studio albums prior to 1999’s White Ladder (currently the 20th best-selling long-player in UK history, according to The Official Charts Company) Shine makes a compelling case that, not only was Gray’s mature songcraft established at an early stage, but that some of its more striking characteristics have ebbed away from his work following that international breakthrough.

The stark pairing of acoustic guitar and programmed percussion that defines White Ladder is nowhere to be found on these 15 tracks, which embrace a more traditional singer/songwriter sound. Appropriately, given Gray’s early Irish fanbase, there is a Paul Brady influence apparent in songs such as Shine and Everytime, the latter being a particular highlight with its sturdy tune and gorgeous harmonica playing. Late Night Radio, meanwhile, gives advance notice of Gray’s knack for arenafriendly choruses.

Crucially, there is also a subtlety to the performances that is sometimes lacking in Gray’s post-White Ladder work, particularly on 2005’s overrated Life In Slow Motion. The consistent quality of these haunting songs suggests that, rather than securing big name producers or dabbling with lavish arrangements, Gray could do worse than to return to first principles for his next studio effort.

Hut/EMI | CDHUT 88

Reviewed by David Davies
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