Gavin DeGraw is an extraordinary singer/songwriter/musician trying to avoid the sophomore jinx with his new self-titled release out this week. His 2003 album, “Chariot” was virtually a masterpiece, easily one of the most impressive debut records I have heard in a long time. In 2004, he reissued “Chariot” with a bonus CD of the tunes performed in unplugged form, with only one take on the vocals. It is nothing short of amazing, and showcases the pure talent of this guy.
I have waited patiently for 4 years, eagerly anticipating new material from Gavin DeGraw. I was disappointed it took so long, but happy to report that it was well worth the wait. This CD is fantastic – Gavin DeGraw has hit the ball out of the park for the second time in a row. Now I just hope radio doesn't do him a gross injustice and leave him relegated to one-hit wonder status with 2004’s smash, “I Don't Want to Be”.
Gavin has not tweaked his formula too much with this new record, which is fine…why alter something that is just about perfect? He pumps out track after track of smoldering, soulful rock with a tinge of blues, interspersed with some breathtaking ballads. One of the best genuine rock vocalists of our day, he sounds even more confident than he did on the last record. The lyrical themes largely continue to explore interpersonal relationships, but he does venture out to make some important political statements. For example, how many artists do you know today write a song about the exploitation of children by the pharmaceutical industry (“Medicate the Kids”)?
What I liked most is that Gavin takes the notes and chord progressions into areas that I would not have predicted, and yet still manages to make it melodic – very skillful. Some of the slower songs are not as engaging as his ballads on “Chariot”, but he’s improved on the more upbeat songs. The only other criticism is that the production is overdone on some of the songs, and some listeners are going to complain too many of these tunes sound like clones. Yes, the resulting CD sounds lavish and bold, but does so at the expense of covering up DeGraw’s voice.
iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11
Gavin DeGraw on MySpace. Official Site.
Check out the video for the first single, “In Love with a Girl”
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