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Rating:
THE REVIEW
I don't think it's worth analyzing each song of the album one by one. It would result in a tedious and uneventful listening guide: the first song goes like this, the second song starts over there to then develop in another way, etc.
A reflection on the album as a whole seems more interesting to me. About a year after its release and after a considerable number of listens, I feel I can affirm that the work as a whole is good. Extremely well-crafted (it couldn't have been otherwise) and rich in interesting ideas, even if not always very original.
Many of you will agree that "The Division Bell" (the last work by Floyd as a trio) wasn't much. For longtime fans like myself, some tracks from TDB are decidedly lacking, and there's a pervasive sense throughout the album of rehashing already heard ideas. A separate discussion should be had for "High Hopes," in my opinion, one of the best tracks of the post-Waters era (along with "Yet Another Movie," from the previous album).
"On An Island" instead, while retracing certain paths previously explored by Pink Floyd, comes across as much more Floydian than TDB ever was.
With remarkable skill (experience?), David Gilmour once again manages to surprise and move. His guitar (impeccable as always) does not disappoint. But I must say that a good part of the musical compositions are not bad at all.
It's clear that it doesn't reach the heights achieved by PF. On the other hand, those of you who have had the chance to listen to some of the solo albums (see, for example, the excellent "Amused To Death" by Waters or the decent "Broken China" by Wright) will have realized that the strength of PF lay in the sum of the parts. Each of them still has something (or a lot) to say musically, but the result, however commendable, will never match the works of the quartet as a whole.
That said, Gilmour's album deserves to be listened to and re-listened to several times both by those who are approaching this artist for the first time and by those who, like myself, love and have loved the music of PF.
Overall, therefore, a good album, mature and measured. The over-sixty DG still has some good tricks up his sleeve. I believe he will surprise us again.
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Summary by Bot
David Gilmour's On an Island is a well-crafted and emotionally resonant solo album that revisits the Floydian sound with maturity and finesse. While it may not reach Pink Floyd's legendary heights, the album stands out for its skillful guitar work and thoughtful compositions. It offers a stronger, more cohesive musical statement than The Division Bell, appealing to longtime fans and newcomers alike. Overall, it's a rewarding listening experience worth several plays.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
David Gilmour
David Gilmour is an English singer, songwriter and guitarist, best known for his work with Pink Floyd and for a solo career often evaluated in relation to the band’s legacy.19 Reviews
Other reviews
By Torre Ste
The anticipation is truly high, but Gilmour seems used to it and delivers an album filled with compositions of the highest quality.
It is obvious that a Gilmour without Waters (and vice versa) is not able to compose a better work than the entire discography of one of the most important groups in music history.
By Vinsex
Pink Floyd is greater than the sum of its parts, and 'the voice and the guitar' represents just a limb of that fabulous creature.
An self-commemorative album, which has disappointed me quite a bit, but which I hope (though I doubt it) to re-evaluate over time.
By tiziocaio1
The intro entrusted to "Castellorizon" is in full Pink Floyd style, a worthy opening to show us that things are serious.
Again "Then I Close my Eyes" recommended during makeout sessions.
By Ginger Drummer
Class is like fine wine, the older it gets, the more crystalline it becomes.
A wonderful, intense, emotional album, a true pearl of rare beauty and craftsmanship packaged by that genius sir David Gilmour.
By iside
The first track starts slow, slow, feels a bit like an old Pink Floyd hit, slips away without leaving a trace.
Hell, it sounds like an old Pink Floyd song.
