David Gilmour – Luck And Strange
In the autumn of his career, David Gilmour, the guitar virtuoso who helped shape the soundscape of Pink Floyd, has once again proven that his musical relevance remains undiminished. With “Luck And Strange,” Gilmour’s fifth solo album, the 78-year-old Brit offers an intimate and reflective work that wraps itself around the listener like a warm blanket.
Nearly a decade after “Rattle That Lock,” Gilmour returns with an album that reflects deep introspection. While his former bandmate Roger Waters still takes to the barricades, Gilmour opts for a more subdued approach. These contrasts, once the fuel for Pink Floyd’s masterpieces, now manifest themselves in separate artistic paths.
“Luck And Strange” is steeped in the blues, a genre in which Gilmour feels completely at home. The track “A Single Spark” is exemplary of the album: Gilmour’s signature guitar sound floats effortlessly over a bed of strings and a subtly driving rhythm section. It’s a song that is instantly recognizable as a Gilmour composition, yet it feels fresh and timeless.
One of the album’s highlights is undoubtedly “Between Two Points,” a cover of a track from the debut album of the Montgolfier Brothers. A duet with his daughter Romany, the song gains an extra layer of emotional depth. It’s a choice that reflects Gilmour’s desire to make this album not only a musical legacy but also a personal one.
The presence of longtime companion Richard Wright on the title track “Luck And Strange” is a bittersweet moment. Recorded in 2007, a year before Wright’s passing, the song captures the magic of the classic Pink Floyd lineup. It’s a gift to the fans but also a reminder of what has been lost. For this album, Gilmour collaborated with a close circle of family and friends, including his wife Polly Samson as lyricist and trusted bassist Guy Pratt. This familial atmosphere translates into the music, which feels warm and inviting.
While “Luck And Strange” is not a groundbreaking masterpiece—Gilmour has delivered plenty of those in his career—it is a highly refined and mature album. The production, as we’ve come to expect from Gilmour, is flawless. Charlie Andrew, the album’s co-producer, known for his work with London Grammar and Alt-J, manages to make the familiar sound fresh and modern. Every instrument has its place in the mix, with Gilmour’s guitar shining at the center.
Thematically, the album explores life’s big questions: impermanence, identity, and the search for meaning in a changing world. These are subjects that have preoccupied Gilmour throughout his career, but now, with time, they carry an added weight.
“Luck And Strange” is not an album that demands attention. It unfolds slowly, revealing new layers with each listen. It’s a record that invites contemplation, perfect for long evenings with a good glass of wine and a comfortable chair.
With this album, David Gilmour proves that even after a career spanning more than five decades, he is still capable of creating music that resonates and endures. “Luck And Strange” may not be a revolutionary work, but it is one that speaks to mastery and musical wisdom. It earns a solid 8 out of 10—a worthy chapter in the impressive oeuvre of one of the most influential guitarists and songwriters of our time. (8/10) (Sony Music)
