David Gray – Dear Life

David Gray is somewhat of a pop-rock music veteran, his name commonly associated with a few select songs but his repertoire spanning emotional and musical breadth, worldwide bestsellers and a career of over three decades. He marks a triumphant return with Dear Life, remarkably the British artist’s 13^th studio album. Much like the mirror-adorned album cover art suggests, Gray enters this musical chapter in the melancholic mood to reflect; introspective themes include everything from relationships and heartbreak to reality and what it means to be human. 

It’s an hour-long demonstration of experienced storytelling and new depths of lyrical thoughtfulness from the get-go. After the Harvest’s extensively rhyming verses and Plus & Minus’ tale of contrasts (featuring lush harmonies with collaborator Talia Rae) immediately signal tp the listener to pay closer attention to the poetic construction. The lyrics themselves carry poignant weight, and it might be easy to overlook them through the melodies otherwise. 

Dear Life is wrapped up in Gray’s familiar sound of sweeping soft pop-folk-rock, safely returning to signature gentle acoustics and shimmering keys but with some new electronic soundscapes and ventures. It fortunately never feels like a copy-paste formula of what has worked before. There’s even some enchanting woodwind texture on Leave Talking, a seven-minute track that is further proof that this is an established artist never too complacent for experimenting. Fighting Talk, written about trying to live in the moment, is a lighter, bluesy bop, featuring harmonies from his own daughter Florence, whilst Singing for the Pharaoh is a more synth-driven lo-fi composition.  

There are simpler tracks too, delivering maximum impact through minimalism such as I Saw Love and Sunlight on Water, a beautiful piano ballad packed with what the singer does best: raw emotion and underrated husky but soulful vocals. Quietly contemplative That Day Must Surely Come perhaps encapsulates the spirit of the entire record best, with stripped-back acoustics and an acceptance of mortality. It’s a carefully weighted juxtaposition of light melody and darker theme, which is a bold musical direction in itself. 

Dear Life is an album that probably deserves several listens just to grasp the intricate differences between each mellow song, as well as the lyrical craftsmanship. For example, even the title can be interpreted as both a “Dear Life” love letter and a “holding on for dear life” message (as sung in Leave Talking). The record ends on an intentionally meditative instrumental, challenging the listener to continue reflecting beyond the last note. It breathes new energy into the singer’s impressive career, full of life and ready for the 2025 Past & Present world tour ahead. 

Bev Lung
Image: Robin Grierson

Dear Life is released on 17^th January 2025. For further information or to order the album visit David Gray’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Plus & Minus here: