David Gilmour Latest Album Review
David Guilmor has released his latest solo album “Luck and Strange” on September 6, 2024. And somehow I missed it. I guess it just slipped my mind. I only stumbled upon one of the songs when randomly scrolling through YouTube feed.
Here I should note that Pink Floyd is one of my all-time favorite bands. So, the fact that I forgot about the release of this album still shocks me. But now here I am, re-listening “Luck and Strange” for about 10th time. And some of the songs I heard at least twice as much.
So I thought of writing the album review. But as the track “Luck and Strange (original Barn Jam)” plays in my headset, I realize that I’m not gonna do a typical review. You know the usual ones – where the author describes each song, and tries to rate them, and then gives the overall grade to the album. No… this is a very personal album that will either become one of you favorites, or you’ll just skip it. As far as the album review, all you need to know is this:
“Luck and Strange” is 100% worth listening. At least twice. While some songs will stand out right away. Others have this hidden magical quality of growing on you. In a very paced, calming way. The whole album is intertwined with soothing, slow, introspective feeling. One could say it’s modern music for old souls.
So instead of doing a stereotypical review, I’ll just share a few of my thoughts. Because what this album does – it makes you think and feel. And if you find my points interesting, maybe you might want to check out this album by Mr. Guilmor. Who by the way, happens to be one of the finest musicians of our time.
Who Might Like This Album
Obviously I can’t speak for others. And theoretically anyone can love this album. Yet, something tells me this release will come mostly unnoticed by the younger generation. And it’s not only because of the music genre. Or the lack of promotion. It’s because of the pace and the essence of this music. It’s just not something we see often these days. The albums plays in its own charming rhythm, that almost feels like it contradicts our everyday life full of worries and rushing busy hours.
I’m sure Pink Floyd fans would be delighted to check it out though. Will they like it? I believe many will. The album has too much of older Pink Floyd in it. And that music is timeless, so this one should hit the target audience as well.
What about other music fans who are not necessarily familiar with Pink Floyd? I think enough people who listen to it, will enjoy the experience. It’s a sincere, thoughtful, carefully composed and masterfully performed music. It’s quite different from mass produced tunes, so it does sound fresh.
The Best Thing About “Luck and Strange”
The greatest think about this album is that it definitely has its identity. It’s a collection of songs that fit together perfectly. They all have a common vibe, and a similar emotional color going through them. The opening track “Black Cat” does a wonderful job of setting this even mood from the start. Those guitar sounds are just exceptional.
Speaking of guitar. The guitar work by the great David Gilmour is something you must hear and experience. If not from this album – then from his other songs in Pink Floyd. Gilmour’s ability to mesmerize audience with guitar is one of the things that you might not realize you need in your life, until you hear it. He is one of the very best guitarist ever. I don’t think anyone else can achieve that much with so little. It’s like every note is huge and never wasted.
TOP 3 Songs Of The Album
The album has more than three great songs, obviously. It’s not like I selected the only 3 that are good among mediocre ones. Don’t worry, if you do happen to check this whole album, you will have plenty of pleasant moments.
These are the best 3 songs in my book:
- “Scattered“
- “Between Two Points” (with Romany Gilmour)
- “Luck and Strange” (original Barn Jam)
Each has already found a place in my playlist. And each can be easily enjoyed on repeat. Other tracks occasionally challenge these these trio though, so it’s not written in stone. If you want to listen to them right now, here they are:
Conclusion
David Gilmour said about Luck and Strange that this is his best work since 1973’s The Dark Side of the Moon. It very well may be so. I guess it depends on where you are in your life when you hear it. At what moment this album catches you.
Maybe you’re in a different space right now. Maybe you are looking for something more upbeat, heavy, lighter, funky etc. If so, I advise you to come back to this album later on. In a month, in a year… some time in future. But be sure to check it again. Because it has something that can resonate with all of us. It just has to be that right moment.
