David Gilmour Luck and Strange album review

Check out my review of David Gilmour's new album Luck and Strange!
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[@qinghai1]

He said it’s his best work SINCE DSOTM. He didn’t say it was better than DSOTM.

[@glennbrock6560]

I truly believe when he made that comment, he was mostly referring to the collaborative effort that darkside was and the experience he had creating this music similarly and with a purpose he was in on.

[@ziggyzipgun]

@@qinghai1 And he has often said that DSotM isn't his favorite Floyd album anyway.

[@Noitpure]

Considering the utter garbage being released today as ‘music’ I feel that Luck and Strange is a sweet blessing. I honestly enjoy the whole album immensely. It’s familiar yet fresh sounding all at once. David’s voice sounds strong, the songs are well crafted and memorable and the band is top notch. And as always, David’s guitar playing is expressive, thoughtful, and dripping with melodies.

[@MasterstroKe0]

Single spark is beautiful. That gentle solo, love it.

[@lukephillips6571]

The Scattered solo is terrific, it is reminiscent of Near the End with the transition from acoustic to electric. A lot of Gilmour’s playing on this album is aimless noodling, but he gets a bolt of inspiration on Scattered and delivers a spine tingling beauty.

[@JaydenMereles3]

Best song of his concert! Spectacular!

[@StingrayMk1]

It's beautiful. Such a grower. Thank you, David.

[@jokerswildmusic4882]

I like your talking points when referring to “A Single Spark”. I don’t get why people only want songs from David Gilmour that sound like Pink Floyd or his previous work. He branched out to a unique style for this and some of the other tunes and they’re absolutely great. I cringe when I hear people say the album doesn’t sound enough like Pink Floyd.

[@StephenGallacher]

@@jokerswildmusic4882 a lot of people made similar comments about Brian May's 2nd full solo album in the late 90s, it either didn't sound enough like Queen; ok it's a solo album, or it was too much like Queen; well, he is the dude from Queen, so it's gonna creep in. To me OAI was a bit more Floyd like, but as the successive albums have come along, he's moved away from that a bit, and that's ok. The only person I can think of who made the transition from band to solo was Mark Knopfler, and the last Straits album was really a bit more like an MK solo album, so the seeds were planted...

[@ItaiIfrach]

A single spark ? the best track for me on the album and maybe on the last 30+ years of David

[@michaeldbouck]

I agree for the most part. Biggest thing I'm getting out of this album is "finality" - I don't want to say this is his swan song but it wouldn't surprise any of us if it is. And it would be a good one.

[@crapmalls]

@@michaeldbouck the endless noodle

[@CedricsSpecialLP]

As a 23-year-old super fan of David, I am really happy that I got to experience an album by my favorite musician on release day. I absolutely love this album. To me every note is beautiful and all of the guitar solos are superb. My favorite song is probably Scattered, but I also love Luck and Strange. To me, there isn't a bad song on this album. The only song I haven't gotten into is Dark and Velvet Nights, but I wouldn't skip it when listening to the record as a whole. I can understand what you said about the guitar solos, how they don't have a clear structure like the ones on Time or Comfortably Numb, but to me, the note choices still make perfect sense, and the solos feel like an integral part of every song. While I do think that Polly writes good lyrics, I have to agree that some of them don't really work in the context of the songs, as they are a bit wordy. Overall this album proved two things for me again. 1 David doesn't need Roger and can perfectly work on his own. 2 David is more than just the guitarist and singer of Pink Floyd. He is one of the greatest musicians of all time.

[@stevenclark1973]

Agree with he's one of the best guitarists of all time. I love him, but when you compare this to Rogers last solo album for me they are worlds apart.

[@kirtb9784]

I like it, I’m not sure though it moves me in a way I’ll be listening five years from now. 1978 solo was amazing and so is much of Floyd’s catalogue. I go back to individual songs often, and I wonder what songs from this record I’ll still want to hear down the road. Thing is, I cannot know that til then. Fortunate to say my first ever concert with Gilmour is at the Hollywood Bowl. Probably the last, sadly.

[@grantross2609]

you're spot on wifh the album cover !

[@markmatthew9022]

I agree.. I just don’t get it

[@RudiOhnesorge]

I agree with you 99%, I would even go one step further: as much as I understand davids motivation regarding working with his wife I dislike her influence on his music which is too obvious

[@Iliaspap80]

I absolutely agree, especially for the lyrics. That being said, given the age, the effort and the emotional aspect of this album, I would say it keeps on growing by listening to it. I also agree for the songs like Rattle That Lock and Dark and Velvet Nights, it's not what I would expect from DG. Scattered has very nice guitar part but again, none stands outs that much. In RTL there was one: In Any Tongue. But I am happy that still listening to new stuff from DG.

[@kwinsc9273]

In Any Tongue live was tremendously powerful...the whole atmosphere and the animation. Powerful is the word to have experienced it in person.

[@majd.z]

You eloquently explained what I also feel. Great video. It’s interesting seeing in the comments that loads of people seem to be feeling the same way.

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thank you!

[@valgray]

Hey Bjorn, you pretty much described my overall feeling of the album as I would put it. Although the more I play it, the more it grows on me, and also as a statement as one of one rock’s elders it has relevance. While dwelling on being in the twilight years of life might be depressing for some, it’d be nice to see Jagger do it even once on the latest Stones album, but it’s never going to happen. Also, even if I find Polly’s lyrics rather irritating at times too, simply because it feels like throwing someone a poem and telling them to write a cohesive song about it (a position I’ve been in myself), I get the sense that they both discuss David’s feelings for the song very thoroughly and that her words and his thoughts are very symbiotic. That said, give me Fat Old Sun anyday! Overall though, it is quite an amazing artistic statement for anyone to make at nearly 80. And Scattered is simply sublime. PS I’m putting together a playlist “best of” of David’s 5 solo albums, and I challenge anyone after hearing it to tell me he’s an average songwriter without Roger. Although, clearly infinitely better WITH Roger. But that fine example of Yin and Yang ended many decades ago. Peace and keep up the good work mate!

[@fourtom4]

I love the Luck and Strange-Jam, but the other tracks ... hm ...

[@christian-van-e]

I am a big Gilmour and big Knopfler fan. Happy to see that Gilmour still has (some) dynamics, where Knopfler's last albums were very sleepy, boring, middle of the road. We can notice both men getting old(er), which is part of life.

[@alessandrotommasi9941]

I think you hit the nail on the head with the lyrics. I was listening to them, and they're not bad in terms of imagery and message, but it's true, it's as if David is reciting them, they're not too musical; and I'm not talking about melody, it's just that they sound a little contrived in a song. High hopes was also fairly abstract and removed, but then the music to them was very lyrical and ethereal, it fit them beautifully in that case.

[@m_r__r_o_b_o_t]

My favourite track was Between Two Points. The vocal and lyrics honestly felt like breath of fresh air.

[@ak700]

You are largely spot on. The only difference to my own assessment is that i really like Luck and Strange song. The chorus has grown a lot on me via repetitive listens to the point that it has become a top favorite (together with Scattered of course, which I think its going to be a banger live). I managed to secure a ticket for this Saturday in Brighton for the rehearsal show.

[@gilmourishofficial]

The title track is absolutely one of the better and a grower I just don't think it's a fitting opener. Enjoy the show! Lucky you!

[@davysaltcoats]

i loved the fact he he was having fun ,watched alot of the rehearsal videos and interviews he was enjoying himself the album i listen to once and probably won`t again like the last 2 ,and i totally agree with him writing his own lyrics i wish he would....hope he has a blast on tour

[@kjek1]

“Too much repeating licks” Also agree with this, that was my biggest take away from the first listen. Was that they were too samey. I’m also not crazy about Polly’s lyrics, she’s a decent lyricist but they aren’t musical lyrics and are pretty cliche a lot of the time too.

[@miquelangel5883]

About Vincent Van Gogh: "too much repeating yellows". About U2: "too much repeating delays". About Eagles: "too much repeating armonized voices". About Vivaldi: "too much repeating strings". About Genesis (and I mean Genesis, with G from Gabriel, not Enesis without G from Gabriel): too much theatricality . In arts, music specially, there's something called-named "signatures". If you Gilmourish and co, don't know about that, you better shut up.

[@chrishealton3830]

I can’t believe dude just put out a song with Ice-T, and he sounded more inspired on that than a lot of this album. Scattered is a gem, though. And I love Romany’s voice.

[@rotaero]

In the video 'Luck and Strange Tour Rehearsal (Live)' available on david's official channel, we can read in 'ABOUT LUCK AND STRANGE' David say: “Polly and I have been writing together for over thirty years and the Von Trapped live streams showed the great blend of Romany's voice and harp-playing and that led us into a feeling of discarding some of the past that I'd felt bound to and that I could throw those rules out and do whatever I felt like doing, and that has been such a joy.” Well, I noticed that David has a need (that I don't understand) to stay away from the past and Floyd stuff! He must have his reasons and we have to respect them. But as a big fan I have to agree with you, David could try to give more of himself. Overall I found this new album to be the same or even worse than Rattle That Lock. I hope the next one comes close to On An Island (at least).

[@michal151994]

Thank you for the review, I’ve been waiting for this video! First of all, David didn’t say that the new album is as good as Dark Side of the Moon, but that it’s the best since then, after which he somewhat backtracked and said it’s the best in living memory. I think that wasn't necessary as many people had very high expectations, expecting the album to sound similar to their favorite Pink Floyd albums. I agree with you regarding the lyrics. Too little rhythm, too little conciseness and grace in these lines full of difficult words. I like the lyrics of Scattered the most, and they are mainly written by David and his son Charlie. I really like his playing on this album. Indeed, maybe there aren’t many captivating melodies here, but there’s a lot of passion and emotion in his playing that I missed on the last album, and the solos from Single Spark and Scattered are becoming some of my (many but still) favorites in his career. It’s my favorite or second favorite (after On an Island) of his solo albums. I’m going to three concerts, and I can’t wait!

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thank you! Enjoy the shows!

[@Sminghi]

Totally agree about the repetition of the licks, e.g.: in Scattered even if I like It very much because of the growing in the sequenze from clasic guitar-tube driver-muff. Also in Scattered there's an easy version of the descending scale of confortably numb and in the muff solo a part also as the sound of the Wish you were here intro solo..for sure David has his own way to move on the freatboard and this album in not an exception. I think Guitar tone Is the most relevant part of the album, in my opinion

[@dr.pendyke4887]

I had my first listen last night, my wife and I had a 1 hour drive and took advantage of that to listen straight through. We were both very impressed. Mostly, I was impressed with how different it is. Impressive to reinvent yourself at the age of 78.

[@hafstrat]

Excellent balanced review Bjorn. I agree especially about the noodling and the over wordy lyrics. Cliches and melodramatic. The guitar tones are great and scattered is the only proper track here.

[@silviolutti1522]

I agree with what you say. Maybe a little less about the lyrics. In my opinion a text becomes "musical" if around the words there is the right music and able to match the beauty of the words. And in this album there are songs that musically are absolutely not up to the level of the David Gilmour that we all love and know. But then comes the turn of songs like Scattered and everything becomes magically wonderful. Anyway I think that in the previous album, songs like Face of Stone and Any Tongue are really very beautiful. Don't you like those two songs either?

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thanks!

[@dwaynejessome1728]

Thanks for a very honest review. I have to say I like Luck and Strange as the second track. This is a great album, flat out. I'm grateful to still be getting beautiful art from Mr. Gilmour after all these years. It ranks third in my mind behind the Self Titled and what I feel to be his greatest solo work - On an Island

[@low3603]

I pretty much agree with your summary Bjorn. It does get better with each listen. My favourites are Scattered and Single Spark, but I do like Dark and Velvet Nights too. I also really liked Rattle That Lock, some really great guitar work in that album. His playing in this album is a bit forced to my ears!

[@Dan-r3u2f]

Nice review Bjorn, For me this would be my second favorite solo album by David. I agree his best was his first. Luck and Strange flows very well & at 43 minutes (minus the bonus tracks) is the perfect length. The lyrics are also very relatable. The guitar tone and solos are what Dave does & he does it well on this release. For me there are no low points with a few high points such as 'Scattered'. it's just a nice mellow album to relax and enjoy. I'm glad he stuck with what he does best & didn't veer off the path too much.

[@gregevans9770]

Brilliant honest review, as you say he must be proud of his daughter such a beautiful voice, but I don't think you can even begin to compare this with DSOTM, still it's a lovely album

[@andrewmacardle9872]

It's definitely a grower. The production is something David should be very proud of. I'm guessing David feels more attached to this album as a piece of work unlike any other since DSOTM. It's an album where he has nothing to prove.😊

[@clivemccabe9075]

Firstly B, a very good review. I think very fair regarding the lyrics maybe a bit harsh on the solo's. Sadly I missed out on the tickets but hopefully we can see him in the near future and another album!

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thanks!

Completely agree with your review. Congrats!

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thanks!

[@kwinsc9273]

I've only listened to the album on Dolby Atmos Blu-ray and it is simply a spectacular, wonderfully full and rich experience. I like the song Luck and Strange a lot, but i believe it suffers from being recorded 17 years prior but i love the added synth that runs and fades in the background. The song does not sound as big as the others...I was unsure of Between Two Points when it was released as a single but it works in the middle of the album with a terrific solo. I will add this Steve Gadd was terrific choice for this music! If you don't get moving at the end of Piper and Dark Velvet Night, you'd better check your pulse....I hope you crank it up and enjoy as much as I have!

[@yarrokon]

I feel that his comment of better than dark side, almost feels like a comment of a collaborative view, number of quality of musicians, musicians that sparked creativity from him. But I LOVE his tone on this Album. They did a H U G E production in making it almost sounding LIVE for me.

[@gilmourtheory]

Hi Bjorn. I’m getting deeply into this album for a week now and I’m really feeling these colorless vibes, very rough and intimate music. I totally agree about the lyrics, playing and production. The thing that I really don’t like is the mixing, which is pretty chaotic in songs like Dark and Velvet nights. Too many guitars noodling at once, not clear bass line and noisy drums. The drums and bass are not very enjoyable to listen to, in my opionion. I love the way it grows and when you get to the end, with that Big Muff, your soul probably leaves the body. Amazing and moving feeling.

[@r.rubezahl432]

@Bjorn: Exactly! As always. Edit: The one I really like: "A Single Spark".

[@jW-ts9oe]

Couldn’t agree more : Very good production (the best in his all solo albums in my opinion) Nice flow Overused guitar licks Nice tones Very aged voice (with some very painful high pitch …) Some poor lyrics (in terms of words for music) But I had the very nice feeling of hearing the record of a duo (Polly and David) and it is very pleasant to feel that they are in a happy place

[@disastrousrobots]

Between two points is a beautiful poignant track

[@russellc2371]

Saw his show last night. Then I watched this review. I agree with your views on the lyrics and the album overall, including the cover art.

[@orengazala]

Hey man, really great review though I don't agree at all that David isn't in the level of creating solos such as comfortably numb, sorrow and on the turning away I truly believe that Scattered is the best thing he's done since comfortably numb, the buildup in the song that leads to 3 solos the build each other, the tone is at its' best and the playing and message delivering is awesome.

[@gilmourishofficial]

I didn't say that he's not on that level anymore. Obviously, he's playing those solos live and deliver each time. I was talking about where he's at as a musician. He's not writing songs like Numb, Sorrow etc anymore because musically and personally he's in a different place. Much like you can't expect McCartney or Richards to wright EXACTLY like they did in the 60s. We as fans will always want our heroes to meet our expectations but they're artists and artists develop and change. That's the nature of being an artist. So, again, I'm not saying that Gilmour's not capable of playing a good solo. I'm saying that it's different.

[@earlfairbanks6360]

Good review. I like the album the more I listen to it.

[@anup_pinkfloydian]

Best line from this video "Irritated & pissed off as much as I like it " lol 😂

[@DrJPMcLaughlin]

This is a beautiful album-cover art notwithstanding. It’s not been in high rotation for me, but only rotation for a few days. The first time I heard The Piper’s Call I played it three times in a row! Sorry everyone else-if you released something new in the past week I haven’t heard it!

[@StephenGallacher]

I agree with a lot of what you've said; the album is growing on me with each listen, but yes, some of the lyrics feel a bit clunky and don't quite let the melodies flow. Romany's contribhtion is beautiful, and I enjoy a lot of David's playing, even if we aren't getting something akin to c-numb or turning away. The lack of solos may be down to the new co-producer who wasn't a huge Floyd fan and wasn't overly differential to David or his history. I'm enjoying it, and I think I'll enjoy it more with each listen, and while it's imperfect I think it's something David and Polly can be proud of.

[@bobaddonizio9476]

An open question, I am truly curious. Would we be as critical of the lyrics if Polly was not the author. Food for thought. With that said, this album is emotional and thought provoking. Being 67 it goes to my heart and soul. A smile to a point in time the world will not see again. Music that lives on. Thank you David.

[@gilmourishofficial]

For me that's beside the point. I just don't like her lyrics. David has written some perfectly fine lyrics in the past but I think he lacks selfconfidence in that area and I would love to see him write more. But, that's just my opinion.

[@sydysydy]

This is the most accurate review, everything you said. This album has way too many words, many non-musical words, spoken instead of sung. The cringe of the wordy ultra high notes he sings in the song Luck and Strange is unnerving, and the music appears to be a section of Dogs mixed with Great White's House of Broke Love. The solos/licks on this album are very Division Bell. (I kept thinking is this Marooned? Great Day for Freedom? What do You want From me?) Yes, Scattered is the best solo on here. It has the (exquisite) Near the End solo trick of an acoustic guitar becoming electric, then a different electric. The sliding dyads with the orchestra at the end is the sublime album highlight. I extremely agree that all the solos are still noodlish and not the strictly composed perfected emotional sections we all wish he would do. The lyrics are too poem driven and full of wispy platitudes. No new ground whatsoever, but nothing as absolutely career-endingly dreadful as Take a Breath. The best lyrics (and vocals) here are on the (gorgeous) cover song. Sad to see his tour will have the cliche's from Pink Floyd true fans don't need. A David tour should be ALL David: Childhood's End (instead of Time), Murder (instead of Wish you Were here), Near The End (because it's great), No Way Out of Here (instead of Comfy Numb), Short and Sweet (instead of Run Like Hell) - who would complain? It would be his best concert ever.

[@FaithCrisisSurvivor]

This album destroyed me emotionally. Perhaps it’s because my father passed in May. But hearing David, and avowed atheist, seem to write his own elegy as he sees his mortality’s end approaching was so, so poignant. My favorite track is “Between Two Points” because it captures so perfectly the questions that many have about addressing the heavens in this secularizing world. As far as David’s playing goes, I find it comforting and familiar. Grandpa evoking his swashbuckling adventures of yesteryear around the fire while clearly not being in swashbuckling mode any longer. Reflective Gilmour is sublime and melodic and thoughtful. I agree that the lyrics aren’t standard rock or pop lyrics. Too many too-many-syllabled words for that. But the lyrics are beautiful in their own way. For me, the emotional force of this album makes it David’s best. Only “A Boat Lies Waiting” reaches the same emotional level from RtL and nothing quite approaches it on OaI. “Near the End” is the only other thing in David’s catalogue that, for me, is as emotionally charged. As an aside, you’re the second reviewer I’ve seen sing the praises of Gilmour’s first solo album and that album was always only very average to me. Of his five solo albums, it’s the one I listen to least. Thanks for the beautiful review! I’m grateful to get more David Gilmour music! Also, I’m seeing him at the Hollywood Bowl. Can’t wait!

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thanks! Enjoy the show!

[@shemsuhornephilim7702]

Good for you Bjorne for having the balls enough to be straight up and give your honest opinion, I noticed the lyrical thing as Far back as division bell and it bothered me ,so since then I've been less interested in his stuff except the instrumentals ,and of course your not gonna surpass DSOM ,you know something entirely off topic but I always thought raise my rent was such a great song and excuse for David to stretch out but he's never used it for some reason. Anyhow thsnks for your work Bjorne and meticulous research!

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thanks for your kind words!

[@stevenclark1973]

Great review. I share a lot of these opinions. For me, it's not memorable. I've only listed a couple of times but only 2 songs made me focus.. "Between two points" and "Scattered". Although Scattered is a nice track the build up is very Floyd at the same time it isn't... close to the same sounds but not the same space. Really didn't like the middle section but the outtro was interesting but can't say I can even now remember a lick that has wanted me to listen again - it just sounded like he was going for it a bit more on this track. His playing isn't the same granted, wouldn't expect it to be. It's a bit more fumbled to me. There's less space. Production is excellent. Love the sound of the drums on the album. As a whole, it's nowhere near 'On an Island' for me. For me, it's better than Rattle that Lock, but not by much. Not gripped by the lyrics at all. I wished Polly would have left them to him. Would have been so much more interested if these were his words. Not sure I'll give it many more listens to be honest, which is kind of sad. All opinions at the end of the day.

[@giorgio7501]

Good honest review, Bjorn. I also agree that Gilmour tends to underestimate his own lyric-writing skills; he wrote very good songs in the past also as a solo artist (think of Murder for example). Having said that I don't mind Polly Samson's lyrics; the words seem to fit more with the mood of this late Gilmour. Anyway, it's funny how old Pink Floyd members keep saying 'this is the best record since the Dark Side of the Moon'! I bet Waters said that too when he released Radio Kaos.

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thanks! We’ll they want to create headlines and sell albums…

[@Zootallures100]

I find it a beautiful work. Very enjoyable even for jamming besides. Looking forward Rome the 29th

[@sebastienlopes7959]

I think this album is more minimalist than others in order to leave a strong impact on the theme and emotion. Despite this, we find Dave's playing and even Floydian touches with the keyboards. The guitar sound is more raw than his previous albums and leaves room for his playing and the song. Scattered is awesome!! Dave said he would get back to work quickly on the next album, I'm curious to see if he will complete this one and if we'll see some Jam with Rick again 👍

[@MusicFed]

For me the best track of the album is between two points and that’s a bit odd, given it’s a cover. The solo in a single spark is extremely good. Tells a story, has a beginning mid point and an end. Sings is a really good song although the chorus doesn’t convince me at all so the song remains half way in some way. The title track is excellent as it’s piper’s call with its intricate sonics (love those ominous tremolo swells) but the album seems more of an effort to put together thoughts and ideas from different years rather than a proper thought out concept. Nothing wrong with that but I still much prefer island to this album. Gilmour’s playing is on point. His tone as good as ever and the production is fantastic. One to be revisited over and over

[@DavidDyte1969]

Agreed on the cover art. And what's with the font? Bad clone of comic sans?

[@barbarad.3273]

I’ve been asking myself…is that man on the cover, Roger? Sure looks like him.

[@CL_Audio_Tuning]

Thank you for the great content as always Bjorn! As a child of the 80's and growing up buying records when it counted, i had one rule for selecting what to buy, if there were at least 3 songs on the record that sounded great to me this was a sure fire sign that the record would definitely be great! I have to admit that its definitely not what we're probably hoping it to be, but then again artists will always surprise you and David does not disappoint! The real shame is that his tour for it wont have more locations, or dates that i could enjoy seeing it, but what can you do, the album feels like his barn jams but still its appealing to the ear. And i definitely think the track Scattered will probably take the price as the epic live solo if he wants it to be and does work out an extended version. 😎 In a nutshell the album has a barn jams feel for sure, which definitely is appealing in a way. Keep up the great work sir!

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thank you!

[@oskargiovanelli2776]

In the beginning, listening to the new album (online), I found it quite boring, but when I got the album on Vinyl I listened to it again. Then again on Bluray and it grew on me. I absolutely agree with your review. I really like this album. It is somehow haunting and keeping me want to go back to it again, maybe searching for something? I don't know... It's not his best, but it's beautiful. I like Pollys lyrics more than I did on the previous albums, but also for me sometimes they don't fit the music. I least like Dark and Velvet Nights, as it reminds me too much of "Today" on the Rattle that Lock Album, which for me to date is his worst album. But actually it is better than "Today". I love Pipers Call, Luck and Strange, Between two points, Scattered. A Single Spark somehow seems split in two: first part with new interesting production, moody vocals, very Peter Gabriel Style - then second part reminds me of the Solo of "A great day for freedom". it's interesting, keeps growing. Then "Sings" somehow very cheesy, reminds me of German "Schlager" in the Refrain, but somehow pleasing... I can't explain... the keyboardsolo in the end is very nice. In the end I would say: Great Album but not his best.

[@jcameron2937]

good stuff Bjorn!

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thanks!

[@jp7963]

Its grown on me too. On first listen I liked it, thought it was a vast improvement on Rattle That Lock which I (like many) didn't care for too much. I also like the "briefer" running time. The "let's pack a 78 min CD chock-a-block full" fashion trend seems to have thankfully waned away so Luck and Strange certainly does not outstay its welcome. But its been on heavy rotation, especially in the car, these last few days and every track has seeped beneath my skin and I think its a wonderful collection of work. My only gripe is far too many of the songs follow the 'Another Brick In The Wall Part 2 formula' of verse/chorus/verse/chorus/outro guitar solo and that could maybe have been mixed up a bit. But that really is nit-picking!

[@markmatthew9022]

The low points -The album cover and the some of the lyrics Overall enjoyed the album thoroughly It grows with each listen

[@kirtb9784]

Adding: dark and velvet sounds good on the rehearsal video. As does his solo on Romany’s song. I think live this album might really shine. One observation that I think no one but me will have e connected … there’s a song by Kings of Leon called Time in Disguise, from 2021 record, shares sound with Single Spark.

[@fredyair1]

I really like the album, DSOTM quality? No, of course not, but if it was any other regular, non Pink Floyd member album it would be considered a great album. Is it prog? No so much. And yes I'll be going to see the tour in Los Angeles. Saw him with the Rattle that Lock tour there too.

[@kjek1]

Yaaaay, someone else who liked a single spark! I love that track. I agree with a lot of what you say, it’s a good album, it’s nowhere near the Floyd stuff, but it’s a nice record and it grows on you. Scattered is fantastic, a single spark is really nice, black cat is good, pipers call Is very good. Luck and strange and the rest are just okay for me.

[@VivezMarcos]

A Single Spark and Scattered🤯🛸

[@Adutchmaningermany]

Describes his life. When all you do is walk your dogs and enjoy the peace and quiet this is what happens… Roger has the lyrical magic, David has the musical answer. Shame that the egos fucked up the enigma…

[@HugoRJ]

Sorry, but Roger has much more music than DG too. I will say Pink Floyd sound doesn't exist without Gilmour guitars and Wright Keyboards

[@Adutchmaningermany]

@@HugoRJ yes ok, Roger‘s music has more weight. Chord progressions, changes etc. Not so straight forward. Not that that‘s always a bad thing.

[@glennbrock6560]

Are you THE Bjorn Rjis of Airbag, if so; I'm a huge fan.

[@gilmourishofficial]

Yes, that's me. Thanks for your support!

[@mdnghtrdio]

The production alone, is amazing including the rehearsal for the tour ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥🤘🤘

[@patrickian8843]

I got my copy a few days ago and, I really enjoyed it. I’m listening to it in the CD format though a Black Ice (Jolida) fusion dac, Parasound Halo a-21 amp, parasound c-1 pre, Thiel cs-3.6 speakers. I had the “they’re right here” feeling that reminds me of Mapleshade production cd’s. It’s definitely different than what David’s done in the past and, many people probably won’t like it. I’m still allowing it to grow on me but, as far as it being as good as Dark Side of the Moon, not even remotely. That was (imho) a once in a lifetime album and, Luck and Strange simply doesn’t measure up. The takeaway for me is that it’s definitely different but, it was hard for me to listen to the guitar noodling…almost like he was playing to a backing track. I’ve listened to him for years and, most of his music has reached out and immediately grabbed me by the heart…sadly, this did not. Hopefully, it’ll “grow on me”.

[@FLASHAHOLIC_TV]

Epic album, it makes you sad that Gilmour hasn't made more music.

[@ziggyzipgun]

This album shows that he never stops making music, he just doesn't bother to release it because people always want it to sound like Pink Floyd.

[@FLASHAHOLIC_TV]

@ziggyzipgun Unlike Steve Hackett who releases music from every genre he's into and revisits old music! He's kinda the anti-Gilmour.

[@TheMrBennito]

I like David best when he covers Syd songs, like Dominoes. His aged voice really fits to his acoustic guitar play.

[@darrenmcsorley3726]

All I can say is, 2 thumbs down, I do realize he has moved on from his earlier style of playing, not sure if this is an age thing, or he has redeveloped a more subtle tone to his guitar playing. I just don't hear any unique melody and creativeness like his earlier tones. His 1978 solo album in my opinion even trumps some of his Floyd era. Listen to Raise my rent, such an awesome highly creative solo. I have never heard him play anything like that since those days. This new album, hopefully will grow on me but it didn't take to me like On an Island did, and certainly nothing like 1978 version. All and all I m happy he is proud of his daughter, for her efforts in this album, very Kate Bush style, and in a way he is passing the torch to his family. He is still the best.

[@leadsforthelord89]

I agree with almost everything you said. I do enjoy Dark and Velvet the most though. I disagree with David saying this is his best work since Dark Side. This album isn't even in the same league as Dark Side of the Moon, nor Wish You Were Here, Animals, or The Wall. Just my opinion

[@toresolli8865]

This is an album that leaves a lot to be reconsidered. The title track wasn´t the song we had all hoped for. Save for "The Piper´s Call", there´s something underwhelming about it all.

[@normanchesshire4593]

He didn’t say it was better than dark side of the moon, he said it is his best work since then, not quite the same thing.

[@jamescronkhite4064]

I really want to see him but as of yet no Canadian dates have been announced I just received my copy of the album last week I have only been able to listen to a few songs so far But I intend on listening to it a few times before I can make any comments

[@dustinjenkins8215]

The cover is a reference to the learning to fly music video right?

[@joejones7674]

Bjorn, how do you feel about the album now? When it came out i wasnt overly impressed but its grown on me and i actually really enjoy it now. Thanks

[@gilmourishofficial]

I think it holds up very well. Listen to it regularly, which is a good sign I guess. My favourites are Between Two Points, A Single Spark and Scattered.

[@silviolutti1522]

I agree with what you say. Maybe a little less about the lyrics. In my opinion a text becomes "musical" if around the words there is the right music and able to match the beauty of the words. And in this album there are songs that musically are absolutely not up to the level of the David Gilmour that we all love and know. But then comes the turn of songs like Scattered and everything becomes magically wonderful. Anyway I think that in the previous album, songs like Face of stones and In any Tongue are really very beautiful. Don't you like those two songs either?

[@CorkDave1]

Good review, well rounded and balanced. I would agree that he has done nothing which comes close to his first solo album and this I would in a forth place. The solo sound a bit lazy and more lick oriented than driven by melody. I also agree that some of the lyrics are musically clumsy and don’t sit well in some songs. Overall it is very enjoyable as an album and seems to have been a cathartic process for David Gilmour judging by his comments online. The most satisfactory thing is he is still producing music and the album made No.1

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thanks!

[@northcon5]

Totally agree with your takes on this album... it definitely grows on you but all your critiques would be mine as well. DSOTM was lightning in a bottle - this one is a good album but definitely not that.

[@sarahtwineth6921]

I do love the album. Its definitely grown on me with repeat listens too. I think the songs, the music, the production and of course the guitar playing is sublime. My only gripe is the lyrics. They seem too "forced" almost. Like they're trying too hard. I'm sure too Polly Samson is an excellent author and excels at writing books but she's not a song lyric natural "wordsmith" unlike the likes of (c'mon its the obvious one!) Roger Waters et al. At times its like she desperately wants to be one (Hey I'm NOT knocking people trying their best to express their art) especially the clunky, almost cringey, wordplay on The Piper's Call that David seems to almost wince as he sings them in the video. But let me finish on a positive: This is still a damn fine album and the music is just exquisite.

[@colhad9505]

i am agree with you. these last years, his best song from far is Hey Hey rise up ,the song for Ukraine. It s full of guitar, full of emotional vibes. This album is nice for David himself but not for his fans. At his age he can make an album just for him and his family,and not for us. its ok. He gave us so much during all these last decades.

[@jaylloyd7246]

You are perfectly right! Exactly what I would say !!! I am biggest fan forever ! BUT ! May grow on me ! Maybe! Thanks

[@sundance8744]

Just from my point of view: RTL album I listen just once for 2-3 yrs. , guess, this one 2x a year in the near future. DG 1978 remains no.1. Btw, DSOTM perhaps every month, make me musically cool & happy. 😊

[@MudFlanagan]

Good honest review Bjorn. Agree with comments about the lyrics. Some don't seem to fit. However the guitar playing is super. The last track is the best and the cover with his daughter is exquisite. Would you recommend the CD version or vinyl? Many thanks. John

[@gilmourishofficial]

Thanks! I recommend listening to the vinyl. For me it hightened the experience as the songs seemed to flow better.

[@edouardmercure3203]

"Yes, I have ghosts" should have ended the album!

[@marcostrobel5003]

I agree with you: unmusical choices of words, lack of melodies and I really miss more angry solos. David please stop with this mild-overdriven tone and step on a Rat again! But It's a good job and I really like the voice of Romany in "Between Two Points"

[@JohnnyTuc]

you stated what i said in another video review, it does get boring and i actually said the lyrics look like they've been taken off a book or 2...! and the production is good the sounds are good but i feel they are distant from the lyrics...all the video reviews ive seen ive said i think the reviewers are being too kind because its david gilmour...the album is not exciting...dark and velvet is boring...its strained....maybe i expect more of a pink floyd sound and i cant away from that...if dark side of the moon which is the BEST album ever i rate a 10.....then Luck and Strange ( very strange title) is a 3...

[@rotaero]

David Says: "Romany's voice and harp-playing and that led us into a feeling of discarding some of the past that I'd felt bound to and that I could throw those rules out and do whatever I felt like doing, and that has been such a joy.” - Well, I noticed that David has a need (that I don't understand) to stay away from the past and Floyd stuff! He must have his reasons and we have to respect them. But as a big fan I have to agree with you, David could try to give more of himself. Overall I found this new album to be the same or even worse than Rattle That Lock. I hope the next one comes close to On An Island (at least).

[@isitreallyisitreally1756]

Love his tone , his music , his playing , but lyrically it's pretty much his missus , so a bit flowery , 5th form poetry , writing as a pros writer not a musical lyricist , not my thing , really missing Waters acerbic wit / grit / anger so much . Shattered is indeed stand out track and one ill listen too over again, the rest is okay well recorded and played , fine for a long car journey , but nowhere near Darkside , BUT great sound bite for the media / fans to chew on though Dave 🤣. I'm thinking most / not all , things that have RW connections is pretty much done for DG , fair enough , it's over . I'm sure the new concert tour will sell out , not for me , but some of these tracks will be when people go to the loo / get a drink and come back ready for some proper Floyd ... as you say , very pleased for the DG family project and hope he's happy . On another tack , if you want some Floydian music to try , have a listen to The Delicate Giants new album The Fabric of Everything , on all good / evil streaming services 😄👍

[@chrissguitarshow206]

His guitar solo's have changed so much he sounds more like a blues musician than he did let's say on momentary lapsewhich was more stadium sounding.

[@billy1015BG]

Hello Bjorn, do you have any info what treble bleed option David has? Keep up the videos!

[@gilmourishofficial]

No.... sorry.

[@billy1015BG]

@@gilmourishofficial Thank you anyways!

[@SN.LurkinG]

Yea I thought there were noodling on certain songs for sure, especially Dark and Velvet Night, as the third single release I must say I’m very disappointed. I honestly do miss the old Floyd lyrics that Roger Waters brought to the table. That said I’ll be seeing him London for the first time! Beyond excited

[@ziggyzipgun]

Gilmour has very broad and eclectic musical tastes, and I'm glad that we're hearing more of that than the typical blues influences that are more apparent on Floyd albums. People that are into stuff like Kiss or Black Sabbath might not get it, but it's not for them.

[@gilmourishofficial]

Well, I'm probably a bigger Kiss and Sabbath fan than I am of Floyd, always have been, so there you have it! No reason why you can't love both Floyd and hard rock :)

[@goodbyepolarbears172]

It's very strange that you should make that particular observation since elsewhere in this comments section I read a totally opposite one: that David was sounding more like an elderly bluesman here than he had ever done previously. Just goes to show how subjective and personal our responses are to stimuli.

[@ziggyzipgun]

There's definitely a more predictable running order that he could've settled on, and that's how I listened to it the first hundred times, but I'm glad he switched it up. A more Floydian flow would slip by too quickly.

[@erikskaarns9848]

Thanks Bjørn. I dont mind the lyrics, for sure not getting pissed:) anyways… Scattered, Between two points and Black Cat would be my pick, a single spark also ok. Then there are stuff I instantly skip Dark velvet nights I hate… Vocal ok I think, seeing some live recordings of Scattered I was positively surpriced. Then again I saw PF at ValleHovin in 89 or thereabout, and his vocal was bad. I think it has improved since the eighties at least. Guitarsound refreshing, more raw but still him…

[@ukpipeandcigar]

Not a fan of this as an album, but it’s better than Rattle. Scattered is a bit boring but has a good solo, but I think there is one exceptional track namely Between two points- because of the feel of the solo and his daughter’s beautiful voice. But it is another’s composition !

[@toresolli8865]

-Totally agree with your "controversial" bit. People get short-changed by all this soft noodling. They come for soaring solos. Instead they get backing stuff at walking pace all the songs through. I think "Scattered" has a very retirement feel to it. If that is what you call emotional, there´s too much of it.

[@gilmourishofficial]

I'm not referring to any specific song or guitar bit but rather the whole experience. For me, listening to the album and hearing David talking about, makes me emotional but as I said, it might just be where I'm at now in my own life.