Grace review

The State News: September 14, 1994

Written and submitted by Chris Solari 

  In one of the most anticipated full-length debuts of the year, singer/songwriter Jeff Buckley comes out with a bang.

  After his live, four-song EP "Live at Sin-é" hit the streets last March, Buckley, son of folk-legend Tim Buckley, began to gain more critical success. He received rave reviews from Rolling Stone and Spin.

  Buckley put studio versions of two songs from "Live at Sin-é" on "Grace." But this tim, he puts a talented band behind his powerful guitar playing ability, making the lead track "Mojo Pin," and track nine, "Eternal Life," (both appeared on Live) a more complete reality than the man-and-guitar versions on the debut.

  The height of the release is "Last Goodbye," a powerful song that shows off a fabulous bass line, some tremendous riffs, and Buckley's powerful vocal magic.

  It's a touching song-actually giving the roller-coaster emotional feeling of saying farewell to a departing loved one.

  "Lilac Wine" is another strong  song, focusing primarily on Buckley's vocals and lyrics. It is a slow, quiet number that let's Buckley and his message take center stage.

  But the studio version of "Eternal Life" packs the biggest punch on the release. A hard-driving electric guitar opens the track, and rips apart the mellow feeling of the other songs-showing just how deep Buckley's music can go.

  "Grace" shows that Buckley can take many forms, and he can truly shine from behind his father's shadow.