White Ladder was self-financed and self-recorded in David Gray’s London flat. Considering the album went triple platinum, earned a Grammy nomination, and remains to this day the 28th highest selling album in the United Kingdom, it’s an incredible accomplishment.
That intimate approach to the writing and recording process can be felt in every corner of the entirety of White Ladder. In fact, if you close your eyes and turn on the album you’ll find yourself immediately transported to an empty room, acoustic guitar in hand, staring out a window to the streets below while rain softly beats against the window pane.
Gray’s gorgeous arrangements and seamless blend of folk music combined with electronica feels like such a natural fit it’s honestly a little surprising it hasn’t been replicated more. What I think I appreciate most about this entire record is how cohesive it all feels– so many records nowadays haphazardly different themes and styles, which is fine, but there’s something to be said for the clear focus Gray had during those months he spent recording in his London flat.
This record has a concise vision that grabs you with the first note and never lets go.
Standout Songs: “Babylon”, “Please Forgive Me”, “This Year’s Love”
