I came across David Gray after his second album, "Flesh" was released, though I would have to say this first record is the one to start with. "Shine," "Gathering Dust," and "Birds Without Wings" are all incredible, slow building, expansive folk songs that speak to a wide audience. Without the proselytizing and awful slick production of some bigger name folkies out there, and a voice that is at once youthful and weary, the sound of this recording matches the songwriting, which is extraordinary. Especially considering this is his first release, David Gray has incredible talent. These songs still hold me in their thrall- not something to just put on, but something to really listen to, and feel. "Wisdom" kicks out the jams a little more, looking forward to the bigger electric sound he favored on "Sell, Sell, Sell." I love this record, and there will always be a big spot in my heart for David Gray.

White Ladder got me hooked. A Century Ends has made me a fan for life.

I've avoided addressing the obvious comparison between David Gray and Van Morrison, but I feel like I have no choice after listening to "A Century Ends". Van Morrison's influence on David Gray is apparant. (You only have to hear "Say Hello, Wave Goodbye" from "White Ladder" to realize that.) But it's the artistic quality and raw soulfulness of the two singer/songwriters that's really inspiring. This album has the mystical brilliance of Van Morrison's classic "Astral Weeks" but with a more modern-day edge to it. While Morrison relied more on complex (and gorgeous) orchestrations for "Astral Weeks," Gray relies more on biting and sometimes witty lyrics. They both have the raw, soulful quality to their voice that can make you cry (if you're so inclined). The comparison between the two is evident on every track, however. From the "..and look, and look.." on "Shine" to the "Nah, nah, nah" chorus on "Gathering Dust," it's as if we're hearing a brilliant sequel to Astral Weeks--thirty years later.

Each song is unique, and to listen to the entire cd from start to finish, is to truly experience the gift that Gray has given us. Some of my favorites are:

Shine: Mystic and hauntingly beautiful. This is a heartbreaking song about love ending, but it's optimistic, rather than of self-indulgent.

Debauchery: The classic Irish pub song done in a fun-loving, roll in the grass, romantic way. You can't help but smile when you hear this.

Gathering Dust: I can't say enough about how gorgeous this song is. From the deceptively simple lyrics ("I got no reason but that I must/ maybe I feel like I've been gathering dust"), to the carefully-orchestrated music, to the pain in Gray's voice with every word he sings, this song is stunning.

Lead Me Upstairs: Another poetic truth set to music ("she brought me to her side/ she asked me for the truth one time and all I did was lied")

Living Room: With a chorus like this ("if life's just a living room/ then I'm in the hall and I'm glad") you really can't go wrong. I think this especially hits home for those who are still trying to find their "thing."

If you want a heavy rocking cd with killer hooks and repetitive lyrics, DO NOT buy this cd. If you want a carefully crafted, outstanding cd of music, in which every one of the songs floats effortlessly into the next, this is definitely for you.

(As a side note, I would urge Van Morrison fans to pick this album up as well. Gray never imitates Van, but rather pays quite a tribute to his influence with every song he sings. It's worth a listen.)

My favourite all-time musician. A true genius. Here's a track by track review of his superb debut album. Buy this. You will NOT be disappointed.

Shine-
Incredible song. One of the most magnificent compositions of recent times. There is a great authenticity about this song. It is raw and emotion soaked. Very uplifting. Soaring. Easily one of his best songs.
A Century Ends-
A standard folk-rock stormer. A protest song of sorts, in the vein of Dylan. Positively defiant.
Debauchery-
This is a very beautiful song. Quite erotic. Nice storytelling lyrics. Life affirming.
Let The Truth Sting-
My least favourite song on the album is many people's favourite. This is Gray at his lyrical best. Another protest song. Image upon beautiful image.
Gathering Dust-
My favourite song ever. Beautiful. The na na na's are incredible. Mind blowing.
Wisdom-
This song gets the adrenaline going. A real rocker. Uplifting.
Lead Me Upstairs-
Beautiful, simplistic song. Nice saxophone.
Living Room-
A nice folk ditty about life and love. Lovely.
Birds Without Wings-
Extremely powerful protest song. This IS the new Dylan. Incredible lyrics and music.
It's All Over-
Defiant finale. Another rocker. Incredible end to an incredible album.

If you (like me) were attracted to David Gray through White Ladder, you most likely became interested in finding some of his other music. Luckily, "A Century Ends" doesn't disappoint, and even rivals the electronica-folk-pop sound of Ladder. Gray's style is similar to Van Morrison and 60's/70's Dylan--he uses acoustic and electric guitars, along with piano and organ to rock out with a folky edge. The album's opener, "Shine" is a gorgeous breakup ballad in open tuning. Throughout, the album provides solid rockers with VERY poetic, beautiful, and meaningful lyrics. The title track rocks, and contains some great societal commentary, as does "Let the Truth Sting." Throughout, Gray sings with a youthfull passion sometimes less evident on his later works. "Gathering Dust" and "Birds Without Wings" are sublime ballads with very smart lyrics and excellent imagery. Gray's arrangements are all of similar style, but the album's overall cohesion is very strong and even. This record is recommended for a deep, emotional ride that will appeal to fans of Springsteen, Dylan and Van Morrison, and hopefully expand the horizons of fans of "White Ladder." Check it out!

My favorite David Gray albums are this one and "Lost Songs." One of the reasons for this is the straightforward starkness of the material and arrangements on these two collections.

One of the superb qualities of "A Century Ends" is its mixture of sparse acoustic tunes with forceful rockers such as the title track, its lesser twin "Wisdom," "Let the Truth Sting" and "It's All Over." Dovetailed among the tracks named by other listeners, these are critical to the total feel of the album.

Other listeners here compare Gray to Van Morrison and I can understand why, but there's none of Morrison's irritating (to me) jazz posturings. So, if you are not too fond of Van Morrison, do not let this comparison put you off. I find Gray's lyrical articulation and musical decisions to be suggestive of the best work of Gene Clark as much as Morrison's.

I love the way everyone on here quotes their favorite lines. I have mine too, from "Let the Truth Sting:" "and I'm thinking about the bullet in the TV screen, the dollar in the clenched fist, and if we're searching for peace how come we still believe in hatred as the catalyst?" Brilliant stuff.

This first album was relatively low budget, in my opinion a good thing. The sound is relatively shrill and dry, the arrangements biting and economical (but much more electric than on "Lost Songs"). There is more substance here to bring you back over and over again after the relatively facile sound of "White Ladder" has worn out its welcome. Enjoy.