White Ladder

Breakthrough fourth album from this Manchester born singer songwriter includes the hit singles 'Babylon' and 'Please forgive me' as well as 'This year's love' and other tunes for the film of the same name . The album was originally released on the singer's own IHT label after he was dropped by both Hut and EMI and initially made most impact in Ireland where his success eventually brought him to the attention of East West. 'White Ladder' was promptly re-issued and repromoted to international success.

Q (1/01, p.92)
- Included in Q's "50 Best Albums of 2000".

Rolling Stone (10/12/00, p.89)
- 3 stars out of 5 - "...Sleek modern folk....Gray proves that great songs sometimes require quiet acts of irreverence."

Q (8/00, p.118)
- 4 stars out of 5 - "...A triumph of songcraft, with a huge emotive tug following from the spare acoustic textures. Gray's crusty, Dylan-esque voice shines throughout..."

Entertainment Weekly (1/19/01, p.85)
- "...A restorative for those hungry for intimacy....an heir to Van Morrison..." - Rating: B

Mojo (7/00, p.124)
- "...Mega-platinum in Ireland....Dominated by understated acoustic strumming and his warbling tenor, opener 'Please Forgive Me' is a dead ringer for mid-'70s Dylan..."

NME (7/15/00, p.34)
- 6 out of 10 - "...Given the decent songwriting showcased here, you suspect it couldn't have happened to a nicer bloke..."

CMJ (5/00, p.24)
- "...A stately, sophisticated album...Gray combines gentle guitar hooks and effusive string washes with warm, fluent beats on memorable songs....[A] magnificent accomplishment..."