Life In Slow Motion

U.K. singer/songwriter David Gray belongs to that fraternity of performers for whom, regardless of however the trendy winds blow, the concept of a well-crafted, emotionally intimate song comes first. Life in Slow Motion highlights Gray's kindhearted, well-articulated vocal tones (at times recalling Pete Yorn and sometimes early '70s Elton John) and engaging, reflective songs via polished but warm and uncluttered production (featuring strummed guitars, moody keyboards, and brushed drums). Life in Slow Motion is one of those particularly comforting albums perfect for those solitary overcast, rainy, or snowy days when going outside is the last thing on your mind. ~ Mark Keresman|

Life in Slow Motion is an appropriate name for David Gray's sixth album. It's languid and deliberate -- not that this is a bad place for Gray to be, or that it's even a big change of pace for him. As the years passed, he's trimmed away the faster tempos from his music, leaving behind an even-keeled, meditative, soft reflective folk-pop that brought him a hit in 2000 with "Babylon" from his fourth album, White Ladder. Life in Slow Motion isn't too far removed from that album, although it does lack the then-fashionable vague electronica underpinnings. In their place is a mildly lush but not elaborate production that's tasteful and classy, and Gray's songwriting is well mannered and well intentioned. If Gray didn't have a slight rasp to his voice, this music would simply wash over you, since it's a calm, clean album ideal for either background music at work or late-night introspection. Thankfully, the bit of grit in his voice is enough to ground the music. Life in Slow Motion is especially low-key and quiet compared to Gray's other albums, requiring close listening to catch the subtleties in either the lyrics or the music. That means it's a rewarding listen mainly for the faithful who have the time, patience, and inclination to dig into this. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine