Foundling" is not a b-sides album. What "Foundling" has become is a collection of reinterpreted tracks from David Gray's extensive songwriting history that he felt the world finally needed to hear. He recently decided to get back into the studio and give many of these songs new life, some songs having been born right out of soundcheck jams. Other songs he felt just needed a little love via some vocals and piano. The blues of the title track and the jazz elements of "We Could Fall In Love Again Tonight" show off the album's twist from Gray's signature folk style. Although, the album is heavy on Gray standards, it features a lot less commercial friendly tracks than usual, making for an interesting mix that is straight from his soul. The oldest song of the album is a reworking of "A New Day At Midnight" which is actually where the name of David's critically acclaimed 2002 album came from. The song didn't make it to that album but finds itself right at home here. The first single from this album is "A Moment Changes Everything" actually strangely comes from the bonus disc. The fact that the last track on the bonus disc is the first single shows the lack of commercialism of the entire album, with is one of the more appealing qualities of this collection of music. David Gray has come a long way since "White Ladder" but one this has remained true: his unmatched songwriting and delivery is as perfect now as it was then.
When David Gray fist made waves on American soil with is album "White Ladder" he was compared to everyone under the sun in the singer/songwriter world, when in fact he was a quite unique musician. So many years later, David Gray has returned to that same form with his latest release "Draw The Line," quite possibly his best album since "White Ladder." Although this latest doesn't have the same ambiance as songs like "Babylon" and doesn't feature subdued syncopated percussion, it does have the same lyrical mastery. The lead single "Fugitive" is definitely his best since "Babylon" and "Please Forgive Me" graced the airwaves. It's got the same feel and energy of both songs, with a updated style that can compete with even the brightest new young talent. "Stella The Artist" and the title track are also phenomenal, and the entire album as a whole is an excellent listen from start to finish. David Gray has proven that you don't have to make outstanding album every time, but if you make a few great ones at strategic times, you will have staying power in such a tough industry.
