But where to get more of that "classic" Floyd sound? Right here, folks.

Released in 1978, between Animals and The Wall, David Gilmour's first solo album is the only Floyd solo effort I've heard that captures the magic of their glory years.

Standout tracks include There's No Way Out of Here, Cry From the Street, Raise My Rent, and No Way. There's not really a bad track on the disc, though.

It's what you might think a Gilmour album would sound like: lyrics aren't as deep as PF, keyboards are shoved aside for heavy guitar soloing, and impeccably recorded and mixed.

Well worth picking up.


A Diamond in the Rough   September 19, 2000
21 out of 22 found this review helpful

This album proves David Gilmour's mastery of the guitar and vocals. It is a far cry from Waters's solo work, which sacrifices musical quality for lyrical complexity and flashy effects. Gilmour's solo album, however, has just the right amount of subtlety and charm to be considered a serious musical album. Even though it dosn't revolve around a specific concept like 'The Wall' or 'Animals', 'David Gilmour' shows remarkable cohesiveness. This album is strongly reminiscient of 'Wish You Were Here' in the way it is put together. Every track has importance, and they're all very good. The soothing but magnetic 'Mihalis' opens the album, and 'I can't Breathe Anymore' closes the piece with a guitar power trip. The instrumentals are great, and every song shows it could stand on its own. 'David Gilmour' shows immense replay value and wonderful texture. If you think Roger Waters was the only genius of Pink Floyd, think again.


Great Music from a Great Guy!   March 10, 2000
12 out of 13 found this review helpful

The relaxed, easy-going sound to album opener "Mihalis" sets the tone for the rest of David Gilmour's first solo album. Despite being away from Pink Floyd - or perhaps because of his work with Pink Floyd - there's a familiarity to these nine songs that prove Gilmour's immense worth to that band. From the grainy, almost boring cover shot for the album to the album's overall mellow sound, Gilmour seemed to be trying for an undramatic shot at countering his main band's bloatedness. The lack of hype makes this album all the more attractive. There's no spiraling, out-of-control madness or references to WWII; it's just straight forward cozy guitar instrumentals and good songs. On "No Way" - the album's best song - Gilmour's lyrics demonstrate his headstrong manner of never giving up, both within and outside of Pink Floyd. Other great riffers include "Cry from the Streets" and "It's Deafinitely," a more up-tempo instrumental with lightly warped guitars at the beginning. "I Can't Breathe Anymore" reveals a trapped and claustrophobic David Gilmour, a guy who had to get away and be his own musician for at least one album. There's no doubt this is a highly personal album, both musically and lyrically. The sound and production is astounding even today, Gilmour's voice is as smooth as ever, and his signature guitar playing carries the album much farther than any of Roger Water's solo efforts have ever done him. All in all, a supreme effort from one of my favorite musicians ever.