David Gilmour ‘Luck and Strange’ album review: Full of the sounds you need

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As a seasoned gamer who has navigated through countless musical journeys and time warps, I must say that David Gilmour’s latest album, “Luck And Strange,” is a testament to his timeless artistry. It’s not just about the initial listen; it’s about the journey each track takes you on, much like traversing an intricate dungeon or exploring a vast virtual world.

David Gilmour’s fresh album should be enjoyed gradually rather than hastily consumed, as his music, similar to Pink Floyd’s, is deserving of careful listening. While initial opinions matter and first impressions do have significance, repeated listens are often necessary to truly appreciate the nuances of new music. Therefore, I’ve chosen to wait before expressing my thoughts on his latest release, wanting to ensure a thoughtful and considered perspective.

Gilmour’s latest album, titled “Luck And Strange“, had been widely anticipated this summer, with its release set for September 6th. In the lead-up to its debut, fans were given early glimpses of several tracks. These included “The Piper’s Call”, “Between Two Points”, and “Dark And Velvet Nights”, which were shared across Gilmour’s social media platforms, YouTube channels, and as standalone singles. A brief taste of the album’s instrumental opener, “Black Cat”, was also provided. Moreover, Gilmour tantalized us with the revelation that an electric piano featured on the album, a recording made years ago by the late Rick Wright.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve been eagerly awaiting this moment for over nine years since the release of Rattle and Lock in 2015. David Gilmour hinted that his latest album, Luck and Strange, would surpass even his masterpiece from 1973 – The Dark Side of the Moon. Now that it’s finally out, I can’t help but wonder: Does Luck and Strange live up to his claim?

David Gilmour – Luck and Strange review

This album showcases classic Gilmour tones and Pink Floyd influences, but it’s not just a repeat of what came before. There’s a newness and uniqueness to it as well. Furthermore, he ropes in his family members for the project – his daughter Romany, son Charlie, and wife Polly Samson. In short, if you’re a fan of Gilmour’s music or Pink Floyd, you’ll be quite satisfied with this release.

Some critiques have delved into overly poetic descriptions that seem excessive. To maintain clarity while exploring each track, let’s keep our analysis straightforward. Here’s a brief overview of the entire album, presented as three sentences for each song, following its original CD release format.

“Black Cat” – Short and easy going instrumental. Slides us into the album. Sets the tone nicely.

The track ‘Luck and Strange’ exudes a bluesy ambiance, with Richard Wright skillfully playing the electric piano to reinforce this mood. The piece gradually escalates, culminating in an impressive finale that features powerful guitar riffs blending harmoniously with Wright’s keyboard melodies.

“The Piper’s Call” – This tune gradually gains intensity from a peaceful acoustic beginning. It’s hard to believe that Gilmour originally composed it using a ukulele, yet it does incorporate this instrument as well. The solos lean towards blues, there’s some slide guitar involved, and the climax is a powerful finale.

Titled “One Spark Ignites“, this composition begins in a tranquil, introspective manner. Gilmour gracefully concludes it with an extended, melodious guitar solo. Though more subdued and gentle than some of his other works, it still bears the distinctive imprint of Gilmour’s style.

This piece, titled ‘A Brief Moment,’ serves as another instrumental interlude in the album. Its title in Latin, ‘Vita Brevis,’ reflects the overall theme of the album, emphasizing the brevity of life.

“Between Two Points” – Features daughter Romany on lead vocals, great work from her. It’s a rare cover song from Gilmour, original by The Montgolfier Brothers.  But you’d still recognize the classic Gilmour hand on it despite those differences. 

“Night’s Velvet Pulse” – Introducing a faster tempo and a rawer vibe, the song is propelled by a heavy, rugged guitar rhythm. It seems to have gained popularity over time, with repeated listens helping it resonate more deeply.

As a music enthusiast, I find myself drawn to the smooth, melodious tunes that this artist creates. They have a way of standing out among others with their gentle, contemplative voice and unique sound. It’s a refreshing change in a sea of loud and fast-paced music.

This track is quite unique and intriguing. It features a sequence of cascading piano and orchestral tones, interspersed with moments that hint at Pink Floyd’s style. The finale is a magnificent, triumphant solo by Gilmour on the guitar.

Bonus tracks on CD and other versions

“Indeed, Romany Gilmour Returns with a Duet and Harp Performance from 2020 – Her harmonious vocals with her father’s create a touching atmosphere. The acoustic guitar setting provides an elegant backdrop, subtly infusing the track with a gentle folk flavor.”

“The Unexpected Charm of Fortune” – Originally released in 2007, this version showcases Wright on electric piano. A longer, approximately 14-minute rendition that incorporates the vibe of late-night modern jazz in certain segments. Remarkably impressive and currently ranked as my top favorite track.

Gilmour’s new album delivers what’s needed and more

Gilmour discussed the demanding tasks presented by producer Charlie Andrew during the album creation process. Essentially, Andrew wasn’t overly familiar with Gilmour’s previous work and raised doubts about several aspects, such as the subtle guitar solos that close songs. To add a new dimension, Andrew incorporated more musicians with jazz backgrounds and arranger Will Gardner at times. Surprisingly, this approach proved effective in shaping the final product. For more insights into the album’s production process, check out the video below.

Gilmour skillfully strikes a balance on the album “Luck And Strange,” blending his intricate nuances and guitar virtuosity with a harmonious blend of softer melodies, intense sounds, and fresh techniques. Occasionally there are quieter moments, yet they seem to complement many impressive high points. There’s nothing here that you wouldn’t want to listen to.

Is “Luck and Strange” his most impressive work since “DSOTM”? That remains to be seen, as it’s still early days and the piece has room to grow and evolve with multiple performances. It shows great promise and could certainly become a fan favorite in time. “Wish You Were Here” set a high bar with its iconic tracks like “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” and “Have A Cigar,” but so far, “Luck and Strange” is very close to matching that level – it’s almost there, but not quite yet, at least for now.

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2024-09-09 16:30