Chariot

by

Gavin DeGraw

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Gavin DeGraw's "Chariot" is easily my favorite debut album from recent memory. I've been impressed by both John Mayer and Jason Mraz in the not-too-distant past, but DeGraw really blew me away. I can't remember the last time I became so addicted to a CD. I listen to it close to once a day.

Highlights include the perfect and infectious radio single "Follow Through" (you've heard it and you liked it, even if you don't realize it) and "I Don't Want To Be" (the theme song of The WB's new show, One Tree Hill). "Just Friends" is a heartbreaking and amazing song that really delves into human weakness; Gavin's love cheats on him and yet he's still willing to forgive her, under a single, sad condition. The true standout (and my personal favorite) is "Belief," an awesome showcase of Gavin's talent -- soulful vocals, powerful lyrics, and a beautiful and dramatic arrangement that gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. Every song on the album is relatable to real life. This is one of those "soundtrack of your life" discs.

DeGraw will be something huge, and rightfully so. I predict a lot of Grammy buzz, and perhaps a win for Best New Artist next year. He's much more talented and original than the great Norah Jones. Buy this disc now and tell your friends - become a Gavin groupie before you're just another fan on the bandwagon.

I caught the title track while tooling around on-line one day and liked what I heard. So, I decided to pick up the whole album. It's not a record I immediately fell in love with. This one's taking awhile, but it's definitely starting to grow on me. Degraw's strength lies in the delivery and craftmanship of his songs. His lyrics leave a little to be desired (it's not the first time I've heard "Your love fits me like a glove" and it certainly won't be the last!). The sticker on the CD cover is a little misleading. I can kind of hear the Billy Joel reference, but I don't understand where they think he sounds like Van Morrison. I think his music can be easily compared to A.J. Croce. "Chariot" is worth checking out. A good first effort for an artist who's easily on his way. Like his lyrics say, "Oh, this is the start of something good. Don't you agree?" Yes, I do.