Zack: Grace is a true alternative album. I can’t explain the technicality behind that statement because it isn’t the instrumentation, or the pacing, or the subject matter of the lyrics, or anything like that that defines why this album is such a perfect example of alternative rock. It just has the feel of alternative music is and what is should be. There is a subtle beauty to the music, most notably in the song Hallelujah, a cover of the Leonard Cohen classic. Buckley truly does that song justice, a rare feat considering how poor some of the versions I’ve heard sound when compared to the original. It’s difficult to pick out a high point for this album because it remains at an extraordinary level of excellence throughout, but I believe that Grace peaks in the song Lover, You Should’ve Come Over. That song is absolutely brilliant. It is 95% depressing, but that somehow just makes the 5% of hope even more magnificent. Truly, it is a masterpiece that fits into the largest masterpiece that is the album, Grace.
Favorite Tracks: Lover, You Should’ve Come Over; Hallelujah; Dream Brother
Emily: Jeff Buckley's music is simply beautiful. Everything about it, from the arrangements to the guitar to Buckley's voice, creates a sound of quiet, subtle grace. His guitar interludes throughout the album add dimension and weight to the tender vocals and dark themes. The guitar creates the mood for each song, whether it is the harder sound of Eternal Life or the gentle beauty of Hallelujah. The latter song is one of my favorites, not just from this album, but of all time. Its perfection is in its subtlety. Buckley elicits complex, powerful emotion with just a guitar and his voice. It is sad, it is bittersweet, it is nostalgic, and it is beautiful - just like the brilliance that is Grace.
Favorite Tracks: Hallelujah; Last Goodbye; Mojo Pin
No comments:
Post a Comment