As sad as it may seem usually following the untimely death of a musician, they're music profile rises whether their music is worthy of this status or not. Jeff Buckley is certainly an artist who deserves every piece of credit he gets. I have no doubt in saying that his one and only complete studio album, Grace, would be held in such high regards as it is today if he were still around. As for leaving something behind, this is the way I would like to do it. The CD is not contained by any time period or genre, it shows the diversity as an artist that Buckley had to offer.

Jeff was the song of folk musician Tim Buckley, although he grew up with his mother. His first release was an EP called Live at Sin-E which contained four songs. This is often forgotten as many mistake Grace as his first work. Grace was released in 1994. As I said before Grace does not fit into any era, after all '94', this was still in the time of 'grunge' and the year that the world would be reeling from the death of Kurt Cobain. In 97 Buckley drowned, while he was working on the follow up to Grace. It was an awful blow to the music world as it had lost one of its youngest heroes and a painful reminder that not all musicians die from 'drug related causes'.

The CD couldn't start off better than with the dreamy start of Mojo Pin. Its during this song that you'll begin to realise what a unique voice he possessed. The lyrics paint a nice picture, as most his songs do. The title track Grace is very melodic, with a bit quicker pace than Mojo Pin. The climax in Grace gives you a glimpse that yes Buckley can rock but this will become more evident later on. Next up is the song that he is probably best known for, Last Goodbye. Which is understandable as this song really has got it all; that unmistakable intro that could let you pick it out of a thousand others, a strong bass line and great lyrics delivered perfectly. This song really touches you.
This is our last goodbye
I hate to feel the love between us die
But it's over
Just hear this and then I'll go
You gave me more to live for
More than you'll ever know

Lilac Wine is the first of 3 covers. Although, the song is very enjoyable it doesn't really flow on from the roll the first three had gathered. But all can be forgiven with So Real. You can't help but sing along to the chorus. However, the guitar to amp work in the middle is probably misplaced.

Just past the halfway mark you meet cover number two, Hallelujah. Buckley delivers it perfectly you could be fooled into thinking it was his own. His voice is particularly haunting here. Lover, You Should've Come Over has a very different intro from the rest of the songs. But its just beautiful all round, a stand out. Corpus Christi Carol is the final cover and if I had to pick the weakest song on the album, this would be it. Although, it does re-affirm how confidently he can change between his own songs and others.

Eternal Life,what can I say? This song proves Buckley can rock and do it well. Very different from the song before it. Its a stand out with the thick guitars. This is basically what happens when you get him angry. The lyrics are more direct and angry but just as good.
Theres no time for hatred, only questions
Where is love? Where is happiness? What is life?
Where is peace?

The CD finishes with Dream Brother which slows things back down. Its kind of a mystical, wandering song, very cool and confirms what he is about.

It may take a few listens to get the feel for each individual song, but after the first time I listened to it right through I was in a state of awe. But as a whole, this is a great CD, very unique.

Recommended: Yes