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and it is jeff buckley - this is, by far, my favorite album of all time - there's nothing more passionate and beautiful.while we're talking favorites, just bought the book Live Like a Fruit Fly on amazon and if you like non cheezy spiritual books, this is the Grace of books.
What a beautiful collection of songs Jeff left for us. His voice is beautiful and surreal, and every one of these songs is laden with depth and emotion. His rendition of Hallelujah brings tears to my eyes. Thank you, Jeff, and RIP.
His style and range are truly unique. I struggle to find words to express how this CD moved me. Hallelujah does not sound like a performance at all -more like a spontaneous outpouring of his own pain. There is no one else like him.Has anyone else noticed the irony that "Lover, You Should've Come Over" has a lyric about shoes filling up with water. I've read that he drowned when he was swimming in his shoes.
GRACE is not perfect, but it is wonderful in its own special way.An aside to fellow fans of Cohen's "Hallelujah": If you know of a version that is on par with Buckley's incredible interpretation (or just intriguing in its own way, drop me a line. And there are wonderful songs here, like "So Real" where the move from gentle to forceful is much more organic than on "Grace," or my favorite Cohen interpretation ever "Hallelujah" where Buckley takes a simply wonderful song and makes it something unforgettable.
It's transcendent in its beauty and range. The first thing that hit me is the voice.
But regardless of these flaws, that voice keeps drawing my back in for multiple listenings of songs that might normally find a quiet place on the shelf. Even long wandering notes can hold me transfixed, amazed at the sheer wonder of it.
As time goes on and the content starts to seep in, I begin to find myself dissatisfied with the songs themselves, like "Mojo Pin's" shift from soft melody to jarring loudness, a technique that can be dramatic but here just falls flat or "Grace's" harmonies that just don't hold up against Buckley's solo voice and music that sounds almost like early ELP with Greg Lake strumming away amidst a lot of other distractions. Buckley's talent cannot be denied and the idea that this was just the beginning is tragic.
I`ve heard a number of different takes, but Buckley's remains, by far, my favorite.
"Grace" is an absolute masterpiece: each of the 10 songs is flawless. Those are the words I would use to describe Jeff Buckley's music. Ethereal, haunting, beautiful, grace-infused.almost spiritual. I've worn out 2 copies of this CD and now have purchased my 3rd copy.The ONLY negative thing I have to say about Buckley is that his star burned out way too soon due to his untimely death. I still remember the very first time I heard Jeff Buckley. I literally stopped in my tracks because I was so transfixed by his voice and his music. this one perfect diamond is all we'll ever have (other than the unfinished "sketches" which came later, and varioius live EP's, etc).Do yourself a favor and purchase a copy of "Grace". You'll be transported.
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