Grace Review: A Voice Like No Other
9/10 — Jeff Buckley - Grace (1994)
Pros
- Buckley's extraordinary voice
- 'Hallelujah' and 'Last Goodbye'
- Emotional depth
Cons
- Overblown at times
- Heavy mood
Grace was Buckley’s debut, and the only album he completed before his death in 1997. It contains his famous take on Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’.
What works
Buckley’s voice is astonishing, ranging from a whisper to a scream, and ‘Last Goodbye’, ‘Lover, You Should’ve Come Over’ and the title track are stirring. His interpretations of ‘Hallelujah’ and ‘Corpus Christi Carol’ are stunning.
Where it falters
The production is sometimes overblown, and the mood can be heavy.
Verdict
A powerful, haunting debut and a rare talent.
