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54 of 57 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gimour chills out, 22 Jul 2006
It's far too easy these days, with aging rock stars, to say they have nothing to prove anymore. However, if it applies to anyone, it applies to David Gilmour, who, as with the rest of Pink Floyd, has well and truly placed himself in the rock and roll hall of fame after Live 8. The charity concert last year brought their music to a wider audience, and everyone from teenagers to those who remember Syd Barrett in the band, were once again listening to their records and buying their CDs.
So, its well timed then, that just as the hype has died down, Gilmour releases another solo album, his third, although in truth its not much different to 1994's Pink Floyd release The Division Bell, in which Gilmour, Mason and Wright teamed to create an album that showed it could be done without Waters. Where as Roger Waters' ambitious opera Ca Ira, won't cement his place in modern classical music (he'd say he had nothing left to prove in the rock world), and didn't have the punters rushing forward, Gilmour's On An Island should appeal to any Floyd fan.
Despite Roger waters' egoistic remarks on his own part in the band, Gilmour's new album shows just what he brought to Pink Floyd. On the album he showcases just what he's good at- guitar solos that can move you to tears, lyrics that are heartfelt, and music that is timeless. There's more than a hint of Pink Floyd circa Obscured By Clouds and Meddle, again highlighting that Gilmour was a driving force in the band. Stylistically it closely represents The Division Bell, which is not to say it's a poor imitation. Gilmour's songs have a sad truth to them, an older, wiser Gilmour is singing here, but happily not referring to I-pods or mobile phones, like many older musicians feel they have to, to make themselves fit in to the modern music scene.
All in all, this is a strong release from David Gilmour, he captures the `Island' feel, making this a great one for the summer. His playing is as good as it has ever been, he even plays the saxophone on one track. Here is a man who is happy with his lot in live and is creating music he loves.
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24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Smile!, 20 Mar 2006
I have been a Pink Floyd fan for a few years now (5 years if you must know) but I am rather ashamed to admit that this is my first David Gilmour album that I have purchased. I bought Roger Waters solo albums first then “Broken China” by Richard Wright. To be honest I am glad that I have waited. My first Gilmour album that I have purchased is truly fantastic!There is little to say other than that this album is wonderful. It is controlled, measured and wonderfully relaxing to listen to, and is also deep. The music is melancholy and yet lovingly endearing. There are subtle hints to Gilmour’s past musical triumphs. In the opening track, “Castellorizon” there are a few minutes that remind us of the psychedelic doodling that Gilmour excelled at on the Floyd album “A Saucerful of Secrets”. Of course it isn’t heavy, just lilting and enjoyable to listen to. The only track that I was unsure of was “Take A Breath” but after a second listen it has grown. The entire album is wonderful. It is calm, reflective and everything that makes a wonderful album. I could quite easily listen to this album everyday. If you are expecting Floyd than you are a fool: you will get hints of Floyd via some of the guitar work but this is Gilmour doing his solo work: and thank goodness. We have the Floyd albums; we don’t need any one member doing a solo album trying to do a pale imitation of the group they were once in. Floyd was a collective work of all members. Also don’t come to this album expecting Waters! Waters is concerned with mainly political issues, which he finely demonstrated with his last album “Amused to Death”. Gilmour is treating us to one thing that we tend to forget when coming to Floyd member’s music: ourselves! This is a personal album for Gilmour and yet as an 18 year old I can easily tap into its personal emotion. There is nothing I can say other than buy this album. You will not be disappointed. The music ranges from rock to jazz and blues in a coherent manor, with perhaps a hint of folk. Excel it its lilting and yet emotional music. Enjoy!
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28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant, 21 Mar 2006
I got this album a couple days ago and I was not disapointed with it. I was watching a late night programme on Channel 4 about the making of the album. Gilmour seemed to put a lot into this record and I think he and all the talented artists who offered their skills to produce 'On an Island' deserve credit. The two highlights of the album for me are the title track, 'On an Island' and 'Take a Breath'. Other highlights include 'The Blue' and 'Smile'. The Pink Floyd sound is still heard in a lot of Gilmour's excellent guitar playing and harmony vocals. However it is wrong to compare this album with previous Floyd material. Its a great album to chill out too also! Get it
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