On An Island Review

Release Date: Mar 7, 2006
Label: Sony
Genres: Album Rock, Prog-Rock/Art Rock, Blues-Rock
Number Of Tracks: 10
Musically, On An Island is mostly a laid-back, utterly elegant English record. It has the feel of taking place between twilight and dawn.

Sound:	9.8
Lyrics:	9.3
Impression:	9.8
Overall rating:	9.6
Users rating:	9.2
Comments:	64

overall: 8.7

Featured review by: crewdanny, on april 01, 2006

Sound: The guitar work is exactly what you might want/expect from David Gilmour. Though a bit less thought-provoking then his work with Pink Floyd, Gilmour does toss in quite a few solos with his signature tone and phrasing. He has a wonderful sense of time and depth. This work is similar to work found on The Division Bell, a bit lighter than early Pink Floyd. The solos near the ends of "Castellorizon" and "On An Island" are beautiful, while "Take A Breath" is refreshingly reverberatingly excellent throughout. All in all, this album is a collection of very different guitar (there are other instruments too: sax, keys, strings, etc) sounds that would fit an hour long drive very well. The songs are well developed with a bit of the grinding, heavy bass in the background. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics are generally intro and/or retrospective. Gilmour sings of love, his children, days spent at the beach, and nights under the stars. He does toss a dallop of the classic Pink Floyd elusive lyrical delight on top of the mix, in songs like "Smile" and "A Pocket Full Of Stones." However simple the topics might be, Gilmour's wording and structural choices send this album right on par with late Pink Floyd work. Gilmour's vocals themselves are sharp as ever. // 8

Impression: This really is a great album. A definite must-have for a hungry Pink Floyd fan. I don't have to sell Gilmour's guitar technique to any of you, and this work is right there with earlier work. All the songs are good at least, while a nice handful are superb. Again, the guitar work is worth the $13. // 9

overall: 10

Reviewed by: davidgilmourfan, on may 20, 2006

Sound: Well, all I can about this album is, incredible. David Gilmour is doing what he does best. The guitar parts are calming, and ethereal. David uses a full orchestra, and help from friends as he made this amazing album. Such songs like "Where We Start", "On An Island" and "Red Sky At Night" still have the Pink Floyd sound, whereas "Smile" and "A Pocketful Of Stones" have a splendid David Gilmour touch. He really does a great job in arranging and creating this album. With the help of his wife, Polly Samson, he puts together the lyrics and most musical peices. He uses his faithful Fender Stratocaster (Fender Stratocaster "The Black Strat" - black 1970 alder body with black pickguard, Fender V-shaped '57 reissue maple neck, Fender pickups and shortened tremolo arm.), his Gibson Les Paul Gold Top, 1956 model with Gibson P-90 "slim/soapbar" pickups and Bigsby tremolo system, a Cümbüs guitar, Fender and Gibson lap steels and a Weissenborn acoustic slide guitar. That's basically what you'd expect from David, as he expands his musicianship to lots of different instruments. He plays bass, guitar, percussion, saxophone and piano on different tracks. The solos that David plays on this album are amazing, very nice and he doesn't rush them. Great album! // 10

Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics are very important in this album. Each song has something to say, even though some are instrumental. He splits the writting with his wife, Polly, and they suit each song perfectly. "A Pocketful of Stones" has to be the most emotional and tear-wrenching song of them all. They flow well and are very touching. After coming out of Pink Floyd were Roger wrote most of the lyrics David does a great job. (but David also did a good job on MLOR and The Division Bell). Nice work David. // 10

Impression: Well, there's not much more to say except, phenomenal! I hope David keeps good music going! If you like Pink Floyd, or that style of music, then check out this album! // 10

overall: 9.7

Reviewed by: Let it Happen, on june 23, 2006

Sound: David Gilmour's new album should be in everyone's collection, especially if one is a Pink Floyd fan. The album sounds very much like another Pink Floyd album. This of course makes perfect sense, since Gilmour played such a huge role in shaping Pink Floyd's sound in the first place. The guitar work is what I bought the cd for, and I was not dissapointed. Gilmour's fender strat does wonders, and his tone is simply delicious. This album was recorded entirely at Gilmour's home studio on his own lake. The album reflects the same, as it is very peaceful. The album has a very big sound to it, especially the vocals. Most of the vocals are doubled with a touch of reverb, keeping that classic Pink Floyd style. There's nothing to complain about as far as the sound of the record goes. The cd sounds quite impressive. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics are quite peaceful, which reflects the music perfectly. The lyrics are rather deep in some ways, but beautifully simple in other parts. Gilmour's lyrics aren't about searching for answers or about getting something off his chest, but they instead reflect a fairly settled mind. Gilmour's vocal ability is quite good, as he probably could have fronted Pink Floyd himself. He emulates the voice of Pink Floyd's own Roger Waters very well. // 9

Impression: This album compares well with pretty much any Pink Floyd album, both in style and in quality. However, this album is more sedate than any Pink Floyd album, and it leaves out any social commentary. The songs that will instantly stand out to any listener are the title track (On an Island), "The Blue," and "Where We Start." These songs resemble the best of any Pink Floyd song and have very nice guitar work as well. The thing that I love most on the album is the guitar work. It has such a sense of feel to it. Gilmour plays with a lot of feel for a white guy. The solo's are slow and full of feeling, and they compliment the songs perfectly. There's really nothing to hate about this album, unless you hate great guitar work. As for the stolen/lost question, the answer is yes, I would most definitely buy it again. The guitar work was worth the 13 bucks. // 10

overall: 10

Reviewed by: apples&oranges, on april 06, 2006

Sound: On an Island is amazing. This album is one of rocks greatest albums ever in my opinion even though it has not been out that long. It is very mellow and peaceful. The guitar solos dave gives are straight out of Meddle and Obscured By Clouds Days. I think this is a kind of 'concept' album in a way that "Dark Side Of The Moon" was. It is about living on an island (the UK is an island), the 'sea', family and life. Wonderful tunes on each song plus a saxophone solo by dave on "Red Sky At Night." Phenominal music. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: 01. Castellorizon - no lyrics but a wonderful song throughout.
02. On An Island - great harmonies by Graham Nash and David Crosby along with the best vocal performance I've heard by dave since High Hopes.
03. The Blue - I think this is a very relaxing song. The vocals make me drift away like I am actually on the sea. I think this song is closely related to "Marooned" with the lyric 'still marooned' because to be (still) marooned, you must have been 'marooned' before.
04. Take A Breath - is a very 'obscured by cloudish' song. The intro "Take a breath, take a deep breath now" makes me feel weird inside. Awesome track.
05. Red Sky At Night - no lyrics except the shouts you can make out in the background.
06. This Heaven - very bluesy and classic. Great song and wonderful music to go with the lyrics.
07. Then I Close My Eyes - the best instrumental that I have ever heard. Enough said about this track.
08. Smile - this reminds me of a Paul McCartney solo song. Very cool because of the few instruments used on it.
09. A Pocketful Of Stones - a 'story' song. I think it is about a man dying and going to heaven. I love how the piano leads the song and the lyrics follow along with it.
10. Where We Start - my favorite track off this album. I love the lyrics. He is talking about time alone with his family on a trip in the woods I think. Cool song that is a 'standout' track on here. // 10

Impression: This album sounds just like Pink Floyd in their prime. If it said "Pink Floyd" instead of "David Gilmour" on the cover, you would not know the difference. Should be a favorite for album of the year. My favorite album that is Pink Floyd related. Tops Dark Side Of The Moon in my opinion. Great, great album. It does not get much better than this. // 10

Comments

[Junesongtrigger]

I love this album. Buy it.

[RJSadler1982]

Tops Dark Side Of The Moon?! Roger Waters solo albums are much better than Dave Gilmours (and the Floyd's after he left).

[Gong]

This album is great. It is David's way of showing the point of no return to the Pink Floyd, bringing his own style and ideas.
Roger always sounded like the Pink Floyd after he left, but David is realy trying to do it on his own.

[8butler9]

This Album is Class. but not as good as Pink Floyd as a team, you cant have a pink floyd without Rick Wright and Nick Mason, as you would find Rick Sings on a lot of songs like ECHOES, any way Dave gilmour 1 of the greatest guitarist ever and Rogers Song writing Just to me makes the best band in the world.

Shine On "SYD BARRETT" You Crazy Diamond

[Reven]

If you enjoyed the more easy-listening parts of Pink Floyd's music (such as Echoes, Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Comfortably Numb, Great Gig in the Sky -- songs mostly from near the end of Roger Water's time in Floyd and into when Gilmour fronted the band) then you will likely enjoy this. You really get a sense of the album's title when you listen.

I like how it also spans many genres. Listening through the first four you enjoy the classic Floyd signature, then all of a sudden (but in no way bad) you hit a jazzy-blues song in 'This Heaven'. Then towards the end of the album you start seeing more happy stuff similar to The Division Bell, and a sound never before heard from Gilmour.

This is well worth the money, and you can listen to it anywhere.

[A7X_hyperfan]

BOOOOORING!

[A7X_hyperfan]

There's a problem with being too laid back, and that is no one will be interested in the music. I have nothing against Pink Floyd or any of it'a members, I just feel that music shouldn't be about being laid back. Music should keep you interested, not make you want to fall asleep.

[prsfloyd]

^with a username like that you have no credibility talking about Pink Floyd or DG matters. Goodbye now

[wangmaster]

David Gilmour sucks ass

[..NEM..]

you suck wang

[ellsvill2006]

wangmaster wrote:

David Gilmour sucks ass

I hope you die. really painfully.

[A7X_hyperfan]

prsfloyd wrote:

^with a username like that you have no credibility talking about Pink Floyd or DG matters. Goodbye now

So what? I listen to a lot of different music. Just because I like Avenged Sevenfold and Atreyu doesn't mean I can't like Pink Floyd or Stevie Ray Vaughn. With a mind like your's you have no credibility talking about MY musical tastes. Goodby now.

[schecters1]

Although it is a good album i think it is a bit too laid back. Nothing against the chilled out style but i would have preferred some songs to have been a bit more lively. overall though it is a very good album. Dave Gilmour's guitar playing is most definitely still up to scratch!

[wangmaster]

no offence but shouldn't these guys give up? they had their day. I saw Dave and the rest at Live 8 and their getting old... ...really old.

[ash_hetfield666]

wangmaster wrote:

no offence but shouldn't these guys give up? they had their day. I saw Dave and the rest at Live 8 and their getting old... ...really old.

Getting old doesnt mean giving up things u love now does it?

[.:LoCo:.]

A7X_hyperfan :
BOOOOORING!

wangmaster :
David Gilmour sucks ass

^^uhh....yeah you two obvisously have no taste in music what so ever! you probably like blonk 182 the bum boys band

[Ledbetter13]

wangmaster wrote:

no offence but shouldn't these guys give up? they had their day. I saw Dave and the rest at Live 8 and their getting old... ...really old.

if pink floyd were in wheelchairs they'd still kick any new bands ass

[meyer914]

An album worth buying, but when compared to the great pink floyd albums, it doesn't add up.

[raftonmike]

RJSadler1982 wrote:

Tops Dark Side Of The Moon?! Roger Waters solo albums are much better than Dave Gilmours (and the Floyd's after he left).

Better go back to Musical Appreciation School my friend as by making statements like that you obviously have no clue

[Deff Kidd]

Wangmaster telling david gilmour to give up would be like telling a hot babe never to flash another guy. It's something that just dosent happen.

[raftonmike]

A7X_hyperfan wrote:

BOOOOORING!

yes you are

[Deff Kidd]

And saying that they would still kick the living sh*t out of any new band is the thruth as well. New bands are just a bunch of posers runing around like a bunch of pricks. For example sum41, Fall Out Boy, Etc

[ChaosZeppelin21]

This is a great album. I'm going to go see him in Chicago next Thursday. I just hope he is going to play Comfortably Numb.

[raftonmike]

ChaosZeppelin21 wrote:

This is a great album. I'm going to go see him in Chicago next Thursday. I just hope he is going to play Comfortably Numb.

Yes he does in his encore

[wangmaster]

That may be but there comes a time in any and every rock legends life where U say enough is enough m8, I mean come on hes good and all but you've got to draw the line somewhere!

[wangmaster]

oh yeah, and blank 182 make me what to stick my finger through my eye into my brain... ...and swirl it around!!!! man they piss me off bad. Im up for floyd classics like "Money"!

[RJSadler1982]

raftonmike wrote:

RJSadler1982 wrote:

Tops Dark Side Of The Moon?! Roger Waters solo albums are much better than Dave Gilmours (and the Floyd's after he left).
Better go back to Musical Appreciation School my friend as by making statements like that you obviously have no clue

I was referring to the reviewer who said that Gilmour's album tops Dark Side Of The Moon, because that's obviosuly rubbish. Dark Side is a timeless classic whereas this new Gilmour album is pretty routing stuff.

As for Waters' solo stuff, yeah definitely its better than Gilmour's, at leats he actually writes the songs himself, Gilmour has to get his wife to write all the lyrics for him. Whilst Waters may not be the best singer at least he sings the songs like he means them, probably because he's singing HIS lyrics.

[RJSadler1982]

routine even

[cap'nkirk]

A7X_hyperfan wrote:

There's a problem with being too laid back, and that is no one will be interested in the music. I have nothing against Pink Floyd or any of it'a members, I just feel that music shouldn't be about being laid back. Music should keep you interested, not make you want to fall asleep.

Well, I agree that music should be interesting, but laid back doesn't mean boring. I find a lot of Metal to be boring. Atreyu to me isn't very interesting, nor have newer Slayer albums. Don't confuse speed or shredding with talent or groudbreaking song writing. Being loud doesn't mean your better than anyone.

[4string-tsurigi]

this sounds like a good album to get.i should get it sometime.

also, everyone stop bickering.

[zeppelin_2112]

A7X_hyperfan wrote:

There's a problem with being too laid back, and that is no one will be interested in the music. I have nothing against Pink Floyd or any of it'a members, I just feel that music shouldn't be about being laid back. Music should keep you interested, not make you want to fall asleep.

My favourite thing to do is fall asleep listening to the album Dark Side of the moon, it gives u the crazyest dreams! lol. By the way not all music has to be loud and untalented.

[Conky420]

^ lol it creeps me out on the laugh in the dark

[zeppelin_2112]

TIME acually woke me up at the begging with all the clocks!

[ledsabbath7]

I get to actually see david play this live all the way through in two weeks in oakland along with some classic floyd as well. I think this songs will come across 10 times better live than on the albumn. Not to say i don't like the albumn but there just need to be a few more stronger upbeat songs. but I'd give it a 9.4/10

[mercedesisbenz]

this is quite possibly,in my opinion, the best album yo come out in the last 10 years, and possibly for another 10 years.

[mercedesisbenz]

A7X_hyperfan wrote:

There's a problem with being too laid back, and that is no one will be interested in the music. I have nothing against Pink Floyd or any of it'a members, I just feel that music shouldn't be about being laid back. Music should keep you interested, not make you want to fall asleep.

You've basically just admitted to having the attention span of a gerbil. Good job.

[Maj_Tom]

4string-tsurigi wrote:

this sounds like a good album to get.i should get it sometime.

also, everyone stop bickering.

Thanks, and whoever just came here to say David Gilmore sucks ass, why bother?

[Maj_Tom]

Oh ya and about the dark side of the moon thing, he said in his opinion, not like it was set in stone.

[zoomzoom]

wangmaster wrote:

David Gilmour sucks ass

GO F#%K YOURSELF WANGMASTER
ps. you probably like suck your own wang for all we know

[deslni01]

A7X_hyperfan wrote:

There's a problem with being too laid back, and that is no one will be interested in the music. I have nothing against Pink Floyd or any of it'a members, I just feel that music shouldn't be about being laid back. Music should keep you interested, not make you want to fall asleep.

...You are an idiot. Then there has to be a problem with being to "emo", too "punk", too "hard core", too ANYTHING.

As previously stated, you are an idiot.

::sigh:: I get sick of seeing kids who suffer from their mothers who drank while they were pregnant.

[rattlehead999]

wangmaster wrote:

David Gilmour sucks ass

wangmaster wrote:

oh yeah, and blank 182 make me what to stick my finger through my eye into my brain... ...and swirl it around!!!! man they piss me off bad. Im up for floyd classics like "Money"!

um no offense but how bout you make up your mind mr wangmaster.

[tcr_viper]

So much better than Roger Waters solo work!!

Go David!

[rattlehead999]

A7X_hyperfan wrote:

There's a problem with being too laid back, and that is no one will be interested in the music. I have nothing against Pink Floyd or any of it'a members, I just feel that music shouldn't be about being laid back. Music should keep you interested, not make you want to fall asleep.

you cant say what music should be, you can say how you like your music. theres music that gets you pumped, theres music that calms you down. There is no problem with being too laid back, there is only a problem with you not seeing the big picture.

[zoomzoom]

A7X_hyperfan wrote:

There's a problem with being too laid back, and that is no one will be interested in the music. I have nothing against Pink Floyd or any of it'a members, I just feel that music shouldn't be about being laid back. Music should keep you interested, not make you want to fall asleep.

dude...wtf are you talking about. MUSIC IS ANYTHIN MAN. Music is like a gift from the heavens and it can be anything you believe in, and its good to have a WIDE intrest in music. your like my baby cousin who never tries new food. jeez you and wangmaster are pissin me off >:|

[fendergibson]

'Not all music has to be loud and untalented.'
-zepplin 2212

Wise words, wise words.
David Gilmour has got to be THE MAN at all of them amazing solos, and if you listen to Dark Side Of The Moon and go to sleep, it gives you dreams like you got shot with 5 different types of serious drugs. This one has almost the same effect.

[stratocarious]

This album has some of the most brilliant guitar work I have ever heard. The entire production is as perfect as you can possible get. How ANYBODY who claims to appreciate any kind of music cannot love this album totally baffles me.

[crewdanny]

it's too bad that an international community of musicians can't put aside their egos and not argue and call each other names on a forum about the art they love. robert plant once said that for all of the love and peace that everyone was singing about in the 70's, there really wasn't much of either around. often, social movements start with or are fueled by art. take a moment to think about how you portray yourselves (not everyone) before you dive into an album review. i'll take clever, violent responses to parallel some lack of clarity in what i have written. have a nice day.

[Run Duke]

pppp

[Run Duke]

This men,M.David Gilmour is able to create wonderful pieces of musical art beeing inspired by simple things in life like a walk with his wife and so on....He doesn't have nothing to prove, what he does ,he does it with his heart and soul.

[A7X_hyperfan]

mercedesisbenz wrote:

You've basically just admitted to having the attention span of a gerbil. Good job.

So what if I do?

[A7X_hyperfan]

rattlehead999 wrote:

you cant say what music should be, you can say how you like your music. theres music that gets you pumped, theres music that calms you down. There is no problem with being too laid back, there is only a problem with you not seeing the big picture.

You're right. I should've put "I think" in there somewhere. Apologies.

[zoomzoom]

crewdanny wrote:

it's too bad that an international community of musicians can't put aside their egos and not argue and call each other names on a forum about the art they love. robert plant once said that for all of the love and peace that everyone was singing about in the 70's, there really wasn't much of either around. often, social movements start with or are fueled by art. take a moment to think about how you portray yourselves (not everyone) before you dive into an album review. i'll take clever, violent responses to parallel some lack of clarity in what i have written. have a nice day.

props to ya bro

[Kalakala]

Agreed. Good post CD.

As far as this album goes, I remember thinking the same thing as I did when I heard Gilmour's first solo album back in '78...whoa! Sounds like a new Pink Floyd album!

Parts to make a whole...both Gilmour's and Water's work (as good as it is) are diminished somewhat without the collaboration of each other. In the end, it's what makes Pink Floyd the monument it is.

Nevertheless, this is a very, very good offering by Gilmour. Absolutely wonderful stuff. Highly recommended!

[james_led_floyd]

yeahhhhh good CD

[davidgilmourfan]

This is a very nice album! I am a major David Gilmour fan and I am very pleased with this album! Keep 'em coming Dave!

[Crash91]

Superb album, okay maybe he is better wiv pink floyd, but it is a brilliant solo album by him.

[SGDiablo]

On an islnad, is an incredible album with fantastic guitar work and songwriting, sure his wife wrote some of the lyrics but she didn't write any of the melodies or the solos. All in all this was probably the most underrated album of the year and possibly the decade and definitly deserves a look. HOwever i do not believe this album will convert fans of punk or metal that did not like floyd in the first place.

[SGDiablo]

island*

[pinkfloyd77]

this album is okay...but i prefer the Roger Waters solo albums better.

[TheGuitaristMan]

I am so excited for this album an am hoping to recieve it for Christmas. It is very mellow and dark with great guitar and songwriting. I am a huge Pink floyd fan and this seems like all the guys got back together with Dave singing. Someone said before that they should retire, but I think they should keep making music because that is what they ove doing. Great CD. (RIP Syd we miss you)

[KillerBastard]

Wow a lot of you people are nuts, those who say this album is too laid back or boring, are *******s!!! not everything has to be loud meaningless sounds, gilmour is a master, a gifted guitar player and knows about art and music, thats the way you play the guitar, not that ****ing nu-rock garbage, dont listen to any bad reviews, go get this album, its just an amazing work of art, Roger waters could only dream with an album like this, can roger put out an album like this by himself??? doubt it!

[breathereprise]

david gilmour is one of the most inspiring guitarists of the psychedelic rock age, or any age for that matter, his hard hitting, heart touching progressions inspire both a sense of sadness and oddly enough, hope into the minds of his listeners with his new album "on an island" not to mention he puts on a kick ass show, rock on dave.

[Cartwheel]

After hearing some tracks from On an Island on the radio a few times, I went ahead and got it. I wasn't disapointed with it, but you can't really compare it to DSotM. I'm always a bit sad to see a big falling-out between former friends, whether Lennon/McCartney or Rogers/Gilmour or...the list goes on. It's just an unfortunate thing that does happen in life, sometimes. There was a "synergy". The whole was more than the total sum of the members. Same went for Zep.

[I am the Drake]

I really like this album. It's very relaxing.