Although he didn’t come to prominence in the US until the early 2000s, British singer / songwriter David Gray had already released several critically acclaimed albums in the UK before he finally connected with American audiences in 2000 with the album WHITE LADDER. His catalog already included his debut album, A CENTURY ENDS, which was released in 1993 and made the Top 30 in Ireland. The album was followed a year later by FRESH, which earned more kudos from the critics and expanded his audience even further. His 1996 album, SELL, SELL, SELL, hit the Top 40 in Ireland, but nothing prepared him – or anyone else – for the success of his next album. But the road to success for that album didn’t come as quickly as you’d think…

Originally released on his own label in November 1998, WHITE LADDER was well received by fans but did not chart. Thankfully, the story didn’t end there, and more than a year later, singer / songwriter Dave Matthews’ ATO Records reissued the album in April 2000, which brought it to the attention of a much wider audience. However, it took four more months before the album caught enough steam and by August, the album hit #1  in the UK and sailed into the Top 40 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart. Powered by the hit single “Babylon,” the album was an enormous success and David Gray became one of the most popular artists of the early 2000s. His next studio album, A NEW DAY AT MIDNIGHT (2002), was also a commercial success as were later albums such as LIFE IN SLOW MOTION (2005), DRAW THE LINE (2009), FOUNDLING (2010), and MUTINEERS (2014).

Now, at the tail end of 2023, David Gray looks back at the success of his internationally successful fourth album with the release of WHITE LADDER LIVE, a two LP collection of concert performances captured while on tour to celebrate the 20th Anniversary release of his career-defining album. Backed by the original WHITE LADDER band, this set features live versions of the entire album including the singles “This Year’s Love,” “Please Forgive Me, “Sail Away,” “Say Hello, Wave Goodbye” (a cover of the Soft Cell track),and, of course, “Babylon.” In addition to live renditions of all the original album’s tracks, you’ll also find yet another Soft Cell cover (“Tainted Love”) and two David Bowie covers: “Life On Mars” and “Oh! You Pretty Things.” For longtime fans, WHITE LADDER LIVE is a reminder of David Gray’s many talents. It could also serve as a gateway release for the uninitiated. Either way, anytime is a good time to experience David Gray.

DAVID GRAY

WHITE LADDER LIVE (2LP set)

Available NOW!