One of Best Undiscovered Albums, Chariot by Gavin DeGraw
Posted: Wednesday, July 12, 2006
by Misan
If you are a lover of real music with real lyrics, (this is non commercial stuff!), then you will love this.
Gavin DeGraw was born on the 4th of February, 1977, he grew up in South Fallsburg, New York, United States. He is a prison guard's son which he sings about in 'I Don't Want To Be' and his mother was a detox specialist.
It is fair to say, Gavin has not broken out here in the UK or even achieved full stardom in the US, still he is very close to it. In 2005, Gavin's 'I Don't Want To Be' (which is the title theme to the televison show, One Tree Hill) was part of the nominations by the Billboard Music Award for Top Soundtrack Single of the Year. His songs have also been used by contestants in both Season four and Season five of America Idol.
Okay I know we all like to stick to what we know but you just need to get this album. Gavin DeGraw releases one excellent track after the other...and when you get to 'Belief', just the lyrics of the song will get you intoxicated with Gavin's talent.
If you like Maroon 5, Coldplay, or The Calling then you are definitely going to love this guy, he is a one man band. He is a songwriter, singer, guitarist and pianist. His music is a mixture of pop and rock...yes, he has it all in there and in a very good mesh too!
The tracks:
1. FOLLOW THROUGH - Just as the song starts, 'Oh this is the start of something beautiful, don't you agree', well this album and track are truely just that! I particularly like this one for the tune, lyrics and the way the song is sang.
2. CHARIOT - Very upbeat track, this was released as a single and is the title track. It is one you will be singing along to, I love this song, it is very uplighting, 'O Chariot, give me your strength'. I like the piano behind.
3. JUST FRIENDS - This track is so descriptive and thought provoking that you see the story in action. It is about a lover who's seen his girlfriend in the arms of someone else but is still willing to take her back, 'I'll forgive you, if you say that I'm the one'. You get in touch with the character and feel sorry for him, it is a sad and beautiiful song.
4. (NICE TO MEET YOU) ANYWAY - After the previous song a more upbeat and happy song was needed and this track did just that. As the title implies, he meets someone but is so inlove and says, 'you're amazing, I'm attracted...but I just found someone special, if you knew me, nice to meet you anyway', nice lyrics.
5. CHEMICAL PARTY - If you enjoy more of rock, then this is the track for you, there is also a hint of country music in this track. Gavin mixes tradition with modern and creates something different and nice.
6. BELIEF - My personal favourite, I think this track has the best lyrics in the album and also the best tune. It is simply beautiful and very poetic 'belief makes things real, things like you, you and me', it almost brings a tear to my eyes each time I hear it and I put it on loud to enjoy it. It is sang with so much passion. You'll have this on repeat.
7. CRUSH - I love this song, I like the instrumentals and wish I have taken my time to learn to play something.
8. I DON'T WANT TO BE - I think this track is great mainly because of what Gavin is saying. 'I'm surrounded by imposters everywhere I turn', I like this as Gavin sees the world as I do, a lot of poeple become something they are not and forgetting where they came from, for me this song expresses content with who you are. This song is the title theme for the television show, One Tree Hill.
9. MEANING - Every album needs to have one feel good track and this is Chariot's. He sings about love in the world and it's importance, sweet melodies.
10. MORE THAN ANYONE - If you are a sucker for love songs, this album has them lined up, this is another one of my favourite tracks, an easy listening number, it is a sad but very sweet melody, I think this is my second favourite song, not that I am a sucker for love songs.
11. OVER - RATED - Gavin slowly prepares us for the end and unfortunately I HATE saying goodbye to something so good, at this point I put the whole album on repeat, it is a very good album so I can't help it.
12. GET LOST: 'I want to get lost with you, I want to forget where I came from...', The final love song that ends this fantastic album and I might add, a good track to draw the curtains with.
I do not know this guy and so I am not getting any commission on this. I am simply one of those people that like to share good news. I was handed his album as a form of promo and I still can't help falling in love with his talent each time I hear him sing and being thankful I was at the right place and the right time.
Gavin DeGraw should have tried breaking into the UK market, he would have been really appreciated here. Even though you might not have heard of him, I think you should take a leap and get this album. Okay not everyone likes to leap but at least give it a try. You can listen to his album 'Chariot' at www.gavindegraw.co.uk.
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