Review Summary: ‘Grace’ is the most poetic, intense, emotional and beautiful album I have heard. Buckley’s is truly a phenomenal guitarist, he has an amazing voice, but most importantly is an extremely gifted song writer. ‘Grace’ is beautiful.
To many 1994 is seen as the greatest year in music since the mid 1970’s, to some the great musical year of all time. Grunge was still the flavour of the day as Nirvana, Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pilots and Pearl Jam all released albums whilst other classics such Weezer’s Blue Album and Offspring’s Smash hit the airwaves. None of those albums have had the effect on the musical world that Jeff Buckley’s 1994 debut ‘Grace’ has. From it’s release, ‘Grace’ has been admired and revered by fans and musicians alike, it is held in the highest regard by Thom Yorke, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant and the great Bob Dylan, and to this day is regarded as a classic, a musical masterpiece.
Jeff Buckley was born on 17 November, 1966, in Anaheim, California. The son of musician Tim Buckley, Jeff played guitar from a very young age. He was blessed with one of the most amazing voices ever heard, his 4 octave range is almost unheard of, and was in no way a slouch with a pick in hand. In 1990 he moved to New York to pursue his musical career. In mid 1992, he began playing in a local café called Sin-é, where he played wide variety of cover songs from artists such as Leonard Cohen, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, and Led Zeppelin, whilst continuing to develop original material. In late 1993, Buckley assembled a band comprised of Michael Tighe (guitar), Matt Johnson (drums) and Mick Grondahl (bass) and the production of ‘Grace’ soon began.
Whilst sales were not outstanding, its affect could not be seen simply through sales turnover. The album inspired many millions and eventually sold well worldwide and was listed at no. 303 in Rolling Stone’s 500 greatest albums of all time list. Sadly, Jeff drowned in 1997 before completing his follow up album, although ‘Sketches for My Sweetheart the Drunk’ was later released, leaving ‘Grace’ as his stand alone contribution to the musical world.
This is Grace
Mojo Pin – The album begins with Jeff holding long notes while he softly picks at his guitars strings. He begins to sing in a very soft voice as the music softly plays behind him. The first verse gives an early indication of his lyrical proficiency as he sings about being tortured by a lost love and the need to numb his pain. The song gradually builds towards it’s conclusion with the pace and volume definitely increasing along the way. Jeff’s voices changes dramatically from his soft voice and you can really hear the pain he’s screaming out. Great opener. 5/5
Grace – The title track brings a much more upbeat sound to the album. It opens with a very catchy riff before Jeff comes in once again singing in a very somber way. His voice once again flows through the first half of the track before exploding into life as he sings “Wait in the fire…” over and over. A song about death, mortality and acceptance that grows on you with every listen. The drums are especially good on this one. 5/5
Last Goodbye – Buckley is such a fantastic lyricist and this song, as with the 3 previous, proves what he is capable of. Obviously this song is about the ending of a relationship, but by the end of the song he seems to have resolved it within himself and thanks her for her time. Another catchy pop tune with the bass and string sections carrying it through the middle section. 4.5/5
Lilac Wine – A personal favourite, Lilac Wine takes the listener on a journey. A very soft and beautiful song about regret and loss and moving forward. There is something about it that cannot be explained. The simple riff and lack of complexity, plus Jeff trembling voice, sets a very sad atmosphere, one where the emotion is easily felt. 4.5/5
So Real – Often seen as a weaker track as it took the place of the much loved ‘Forget Her’, but this is far from the case. With its crazy freak out towards the end of the track and the crescendo that it gradually builds to, means this ‘So Real’ definitely holds it’s own. This track sees a change in the album, moving away from the easy listening pop tunes to more complex, dark atmosphere. 4.5/5
Hallelujah – Easily the most recognisable track from the album and the one everyone talks about. It does have an amazing sound and an amazing feel and Jeff’s guitar playing has never sounded finer. Obviously his voice is sublime and that accompanied by his guitar makes this track a definite standout and one of the greatest covers of all time. 5/5
Lover, You Should Have Come Over – Probably the best song on this album although not my favourite. Jeff’s lyrics are unbelievable on this track, delivering one of the deepest and emotional tracks I can recall. Singing of loss, a reoccurring theme throughout this album, the longing in his voice and sadness of the music create a greatly intense atmosphere.
It's never over, my kingdom for a kiss upon her shoulder
It's never over, all my riches for her smiles when I slept so soft against her
It's never over, all my blood for the sweetness of her laughter
It's never over, she's the tear that hangs inside my soul forever
Wow just wow. Amazing lyrics, amazing voice, heartfelt emotion. Brilliant. 5/5
Corpus Christi Carol – The final cover track on the album and in my opinion it is the weakest. Jeff’s voice is amazing but unlike the rest of the album I do not hear him feeling the song. He does not seem to connect nearly as well as he has previously and will with the final 2 songs. 3/5
Eternal Life – My favourite track from the album. Jeff and the band bring a much more rock sound with this song then has been heard on previous tracks with its heavily distorted riff and fast pace and it sounds fantastic.
"This is a song about...it’s an angry song. Life's too short and too complicated for people behind desks and people behind masks to be ruining other people's lives, initiating force against other people's lives on the basis of their income, their color, their class, their religious beliefs, their whatever..."
Jeff Buckley
I think he sums it up best. A real angry, almost violent song. ‘Eternal Life’ confronts living unlike any other track on this recording. It’s ferocious and unforgiving. There’s no time for ***ing around because we are all gonna die way too soon. Get on with it and forget all the bull***. Love it. 5/5
Dream Brother – This song is written about Jeff’s father and the prospect of another child being left fatherless. He almost seems to beg for that father to stay. This would definitely have been an emotional song for him to write. Begging for the child not to be ignored, not to be forgotten as he was. Once again the music, guitar and drums mostly, create an intense atmosphere that sucks you in. A fantastic way to end a wonderful album. 5/5
‘Grace’ is the most poetic, intense, emotional and beautiful album I have heard. It is so sad that he was not able to complete another. I can only begin to imagine what might have transpired. This album is perfect in every form of the word. Buckley’s is truly a phenomenal guitarist, he has an amazing voice, but most importantly is an extremely gifted song writer. His lyrics are amazing from start to finish, no question, and the way that he places the music and his voice around them creates an atmosphere that cannot fade. ‘Grace’ is beautiful, if only we could have had more.
Jeff Buckley - Grace
5/5: A Classic
