Gavin DeGraw | Gavin DeGraw | Gavin Shines on Sophomore Effort

Gavin DeGraw | Gavin DeGraw | It's grown on me and is now rooted in my life...

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Gavin DeGraw

	Gavin DeGraw Gavin DeGraw Rca, 2008 average customer review:based on 48 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Gavin Shines on Sophomore Effort

After the release of Gavin DeGraw's 2003 debut album "Chariot," DeGraw burst onto the scene with several radio hits, perhaps none bigger than "I Don't Wanna Be" (a song that has been covered on American Idol countless times, as well as being the theme song for the popular CW show "One Tree Hill). While most artists try to capitalize on the success of their debut album by following it up quickly with another set, DeGraw took the road less traveled, focusing on the further promotion of his debut album (which he would also repackage with a disc of raw acoustic performances, titled "Chariot Stripped") through radio appearances and endless touring. After three years of non stop touring to promote the album, DeGraw took a well deserved break from the road to record this self titled offering. The result is a soulful blend of harmonic proportions mixed in with a solid assortment of ballads. The ablum plays out as such:

1. In Love With A Girl - 9/10
Perhaps the most catchy tune on the disc, DeGraw starts off the album with this uptempo Pop-Rock anthem that incorporates a rocking guitar riff with fast paced vocal arrangements.

2. Next To Me (Wait A Minute Sister) - 7/10
A solid uptempo tune that fits right in with DeGraw's previous works on "Chariot."

3. Cheated On Me - 7/10
Gavin slows the tempo down on this number as the mood of the song takes on an eerie undertone with searing guitar riffs and emotional lyrics.

4. I Have You To Thank - 10/10
One of Gavin's best tunes to date. Picking up the pace once again, this song discusses how it feels to find the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. With solid lyrics and a bridge that builds to a resounding climax, DeGraw is at his best on this number.

5. Cop Stop - 9/10
An uptempo piano driven number that is both cleverly written and catchy.

6. Young Love - 10/10
The best song on the album. DeGraw is once again at his finest with this ballad that is chalk full of emotionally charged lyrics and beautifully done arrangements.

"Young love is sacrifice, young love is tough, young love is innocence, young love is us"..."Your eyes tell the lies, of the lines that you said. Now that I love you, whoa I wish we never met. Why wait? Woman I'm taking risks here that no one dares. And you're scared, scared of the bottom, afraid of the steps."

7. Medicate the Kids - 6/10
This song reminds me of Chariot's "Chemical Party," another tune that I didn't particularly care for. Feel free to skip over this one.

8. Relative - 7/10
A solid tune with a harder edge to it than typical Gavin.

9. She Holds A Key - 9/10
Gavin has yet to write a poorly done ballad, and this song is no exception. A solid piano arrangement and softly moving melodies make this a definite song to download.

10. Untamed - 7/10
A decent uptempo tune.

11. Let It Go - 8/10
A solid slow moving ballad that has a bit of a nostalgic vibe to it during the chorus.

12. We Belong Together - 8/10
An amped up version of Gavin's tune from the "Tristan & Isolde" soundtrack. For those who like the raw sound of the acoustic guitar driven original, you may not enjoy this version as much. For others who like a more produced rocking sound, this version will eclipse the original for you.

Overall, Gavin DeGraw has proven without a shadow of a doubt that the five year layoff did not affect his abilities to write solid, catchy tunes. He shines brightest on his heartfelt ballads, while also scoring big on the uptempo pop/rock style of all the singles he has released. As long as his next album is as solid as this self titled offering, I don't think his fans will mind waiting another five years to hear it, but here's to hoping that Gavin doesn't make us wait quite that long next time.

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It's grown on me and is now rooted in my life...

I can't say that I loved "Chariot" when I first heard it but I liked it. With a little encouragement from a dear friend I eased into the album and fell in love with his style and talent.

When we heard that release #2 was coming out neither of us could wait to get it and I truely love this album more than the first. Gavin said he wanted this album to have more of a rock feeling to it than the first but the styles of the songs vary enough that it keeps the experience fresh. I can listen to the album and find myself singing along and it over before I know it because I am enjoying it that much. I'd have to say that my favorites are "In Love With a Girl", "She Holds a Key", "Medicate the Kids", and "We belong Together." He definitely put a lot of soul into this album and it's just great to see that come out in young talent.

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"My hands start shakin and my heart starts quakin..."

If I could declare one artist my favorite, Gavin would be the one. He is by far the most talented artist I've ever come across. The man can sing, play the crap out of the piano and guitar, and I have to say, he is seriously a musical genius when it comes to writing music and lyrics. Every single song on here is pure gold. From the rock and roll feel of the "In Love With A Girl" telling the story of someone who loves you know matter what to the powerfully, soulful "Cheated On Me"...each songs story can be felt through the music, the perfection that is Gavin's voice and the amazingly poetic lyrics that touch you and move your soul. If you thought "Chariot" was top notch, Gavin certainly knocks it out of the park times ten with "Gavin DeGraw"

If you were pondering whether or not to purchase this cd, go with yes, you won't be regret it :)

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Soundtrack to my Summer

I find it a little disconcerting that the majority of the complaints about this album center on the fact that it is not a carbon copy of Chariot. I love Chariot just as much as anyone else so much so that I one point I had one copy in the house and one in the car so I wouldn't be without it. This album isn't Chariot but I don't think that it is handicapped by that. It's different and wonderful in its own ways. The melodies, in true Gavin style, are bright, unique and, for me at least, really memorable. I find myself frequently humming or singing pieces of all the songs. I will admit, however, that it took a few listens for me to get used to the slightly different sound. The music on this album is for the most part really light and fun but it does have some very poignant moments as well. I saw Gavin live about two weeks ago and the new material was amazing and I really don't think that it was overshadowed by the songs that he performed from Chariot. Some have said that this album lacks soul. I guess that is a personal opinion but personally, I think that every note this guy sings comes straight from the soul because he is incapable of creating music from anywhere else.

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