Jeff Buckley - Grace(Legacy Edition)

Tue 26th Apr, 2005 in Music Reviews

Grace is featured in many ‘greatest albums ever’ lists and Jeff Buckley is frequently name checked by artists such as Chris Martin, PJ Harvey and Matt Bellamy of Muse. Originally released in 1994 and then repackaged with a bonus disc and DVD in 2004 as the Legacy edition, listening to Jeff Buckley’s voice ten years on is a sad reminder of the singer songwriter’s undeniable talent and tragic death.

Mojo Pin begins with Buckley wailing to a lost love.

“Still feel your hair black ribbons of coal
touch my skin to keep me whole”

Mojo Pin was a frequent crowd favourite at many of Buckley’s live performances, as seen on the Live At Chicago DVD. The audience remained mesmerised as Buckley’s voice reached the high notes at the end, his vocals over powering his faithful band.

Buckley’s lyrics have often been overlooked, shadowed by his falsetto that influenced many contemporary artists. His talent as a simple and poetic lyricist is constantly showcased through Grace. Last Goodbye is a simple love song, filled with emotions and second thoughts. Mick Grondahl’s snaking bass line is perhaps one of the more widely recognisable bass parts in rock and roll history.

Every track here displays Buckley’s wide array of influences and musical directions. His cover of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah was said to have been recorded from over twenty outtakes and this rendition is both moving and spine tingling.

It is important to remember that this was his debut album and only one can wonder what could have been if Buckley’s life was not cut tragically short. Ten years after Grace was released, a Legacy Edition was released to commemorate the masterpiece that is Grace.

Packed with a DVD of video clips and the making of Grace footage, this is a rare treat for both old and new fans of Buckley. A second disc includes rare covers and extended songs. However, the highlight is the deeply emotive Forget Her. This song was recorded in the Bearsville, Woodstock studio during the Grace Sessions and was meant to be included here but was swapped instead for So Real because the song was too personal for Buckley to release.