David Gilmour’s “Luck and Strange” – A Reflective Masterpiece
There’s been quite a buzz around this album, with many fans sharing mixed opinions. Some have labeled it disappointing or even boring, and a few people in our Facebook group have echoed those sentiments. But for me, this album stands among the best Gilmour has ever created.
David Gilmour himself has described Luck and Strange as his best work since Dark Side of the Moon. While some may find that statement bold, I think it’s entirely justified. This album offers a deeply emotional and introspective experience, reflecting on life, time, and relationships. It’s not just a collection of songs—it’s a personal journey that resonates on many levels. The lyrical contributions of Polly Samson are especially crucial to this, and they deserve recognition for their depth and honesty.
One thing that struck me immediately was Gilmour’s reflective mindset throughout the album. At nearly 80 years old, Gilmour is at a point where there is more time behind him than ahead. The lyrics mirror this understanding of life, death, and legacy. He touches on themes that all of us will grapple with one day, such as family, aging, and the passing of time.
His daughter, Romany Gilmour, also lends her voice to some tracks, which adds a touching, familial connection to the album. When Gilmour sings about his children and grandchildren, there’s a poignancy in his words that speaks to anyone who has ever reflected on their own legacy and relationships.
For younger listeners, the album might seem a bit distant. But trust me, no matter how old you are now, you’ll one day understand the emotions that Gilmour expresses here. It’s universal, and his honesty is both courageous and moving.
Musically, Luck and Strange is superb. Gilmour’s guitar work is as emotional as ever, and there’s even a haunting connection to Pink Floyd with the inclusion of Richard Wright’s keyboard work on a couple of tracks. You can feel the weight of that legacy in Gilmour’s playing—he’s opening his heart in ways that feel deeply personal.
The album’s title track, “Luck and Strange,” captures the essence of Gilmour’s reflective mood. The lyrics explore life’s fleeting nature and the inevitability of moving forward even as we wish for time to stand still. “It was a fine time to be born, de-mob happy Street, free milk for us all…” evokes the optimism of the post-war years, contrasting with the uncertainty of today’s world.
Another standout track is “Dark and Velvet Nights,” where Gilmour poignantly reflects on love and loss. The lyric, “Will I hold your hand or will you be left holding mine… between this breath and then there’s this airlock of time,” is a moving meditation on the inevitability of parting from loved ones. For anyone who has ever faced the reality of saying goodbye, this song will resonate on a deep emotional level.
The interplay between Polly Samson’s lyrics and Gilmour’s guitar playing creates a magical connection. The way they complement each other speaks to a bond that goes beyond mere collaboration—it’s as if their hearts and minds are in perfect sync. Gilmour’s guitar is weeping through his playing, adding layers of meaning to every note.
Tracks like “Sings” and “The Piper’s Call” explore themes of family, love, and nostalgia. They capture the essence of wanting to hold onto those fleeting moments with the people we cherish most. The album’s quieter, reflective moments are some of its most powerful, drawing you in with their vulnerability and depth.
Let me know your thoughts on the album. I know opinions vary, but this one really spoke to me.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
