David Gray - A New Day At Midnight (2002)

"A New Day At Midnight" is the sixth studio album by British singer-songwriter David Gray, released on 28 October 2002.

"White Ladder" went double platinum in America and earned Gray a Grammy nod for Best New Artist. Expectations for a follow-up were naturally high, and Gray wasted no time making another album. "A New Day at Midnight", intermittently recorded between his spring 2001 tour and early fall, marks his sixth. He sticks with simple acoustics and subtle string arrangements; however, "A New Day at Midnight" doesn't possess the heavy heart of "White Ladder". Perhaps Gray wasn't going for that, but fans were looking for an emotional disposition. The structure on this particular record is much more loose and carefree. What an impressive move for Gray, for he created something from his heart and mind without concerning himself or what was expected of him. The piano-driven "Meet Me on the Other Side" highlights personal reflections with grace. "Be Mine" is lyrically sweeter, but the winter chill of "December" ironically finds a peace of mind. The twinkling "Last Boat to America" offers classic White Ladder optimism, so Gray's intent in making the lush and desirable more apparent is real. Gray's definitely more introspective this time around, but he's less digital.

The album is dedicated to David Gray's father, Peter, who died of cancer in 2001 at the height of Gray's popularity. A song entitled "A New Day at Midnight," written about the birth of his first daughter, Ivy, was written during the album's recording sessions but was not included on the album.

"A New Day at Midnight" produced two singles: "The Other Side" in December 2002, and "Be Mine" in April 2003. "Dead in the Water" was released as a promo-only single in November 2002.

 

01.  "Dead in the Water"   (Gray)  - 3:07

02.  "Caroline"   (Gray)  - 3:39

03.  "Long Distance Call"  (Gray)  - 3:42

04.  "Freedom"   (Gray)  - 6:48

05.  "Kangaroo"   (Gray)  - 3:32

06.  "Last Boat to America"  (Gray)  - 4:50

07.  "Real Love"   (Gray, McClune)  - 4:40

08.  "Knowhere"   (Gray, Malone)  - 3:55

09.  "December"   (Gray)  - 3:35

10.  "Be Mine"   (Gray, McClune)  - 4:24

11.  "Easy Way to Cry"   (Gray)  - 3:53

12.  "The Other Side"   (Gray)  - 4:31

13.  "Lorelei" (Bonus Track)  (Gray)  - 3:20

Released:  28 October 2002

Genre:  Folk Rock

Length:  50:41

Label:  ATO/East West Records

Producer:  David Gray, Iestyn Polson, Craig McClune

Personnel

David Gray - all instrumentation

Craig McClune - all instrumentation

Tony Shanaghan - backing vocals on "Caroline" and "Kangaroo"

Rob Malone - bass

Tim Bradshaw - piano, steel guitar, drone

B.J. Cole - pedal steel on "Caroline"