On An Island
by David Gilmour
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Mar 7, 2006
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 81 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 63 out of 81
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 81
  3. Negative: 8 out of 81

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  1. paulw
    Mar 14, 2006
    10
    I have waited so long for this album,David Gilmour has not lost any of his magic,a top chill out Album.Cant wait for the next one,well done David.
  2. RobertoF
    Mar 28, 2006
    9
    Great album! Greats voice and guitar! Mr. Gilmour the Best!
  3. RonR
    Mar 9, 2006
    8
    Classic D.G.,a little slow at times but grows on you after a few listens. Nice to here him back and with a few friends that hav'ent been heard from for a few years.Don't stay away so long next time!
  4. ludacrissl
    Mar 9, 2006
    10
    you cant give less than 10 ITS DAVID GILMOUR
  5. BitBurn
    Mar 9, 2006
    9
    Does it sound like Floyd? Well, of course. So, is that surprising? Not at all and quite welcomed to say the least! It is a very beautiful album, very enjoyable and very well crafted. Don't expect any big surprises; the man has nothing to prove here. Gilmour is a legend and we should all just appreciate that.
  6. gigii
    Apr 19, 2006
    10
    a fine album
  7. GabrielC
    Jun 24, 2006
    10
    I am proud this was released in 2006. Good God people! How could anyone give this a score less than a seven? there is aso much tlaent here. Gilmour gets asistance form Graham Nash and David Crosby. The harmonies are impossible for any of these wannabe rockers of today. Hearing this on the radio gives me great joy! NO it isn't a floyd record but it's a great record unto itself! I am proud this was released in 2006. Good God people! How could anyone give this a score less than a seven? there is aso much tlaent here. Gilmour gets asistance form Graham Nash and David Crosby. The harmonies are impossible for any of these wannabe rockers of today. Hearing this on the radio gives me great joy! NO it isn't a floyd record but it's a great record unto itself! What is this I hear about uninspired? Good lord people check oyur airwaves! What songs are "inspired" lately! MOst of what we hear today is garbage. this is some of the most relevant releases of this year!… Expand
  8. DarrenM
    Mar 11, 2006
    7
    You're gonna love some of the tracks like Castellorizon, On An Island, The Blue and Smile, but let's get "metaphysical," ...most others seem underwritten, lack lyrical thought and seemed deeply steeped in perhap's Gilmour's mortality. Mood is awfully slow and methodical without much bite. Still worth adding to the collection. Prefer Gilmour's self titled 1978 You're gonna love some of the tracks like Castellorizon, On An Island, The Blue and Smile, but let's get "metaphysical," ...most others seem underwritten, lack lyrical thought and seemed deeply steeped in perhap's Gilmour's mortality. Mood is awfully slow and methodical without much bite. Still worth adding to the collection. Prefer Gilmour's self titled 1978 album first with the more "pop sensible "About Face" a close second. Just can't get enough of that haunting "Echo-ing" guitar. Worth adding to the collection.… Expand
  9. EricL
    Mar 10, 2006
    8
    Take a Breath is a brutal song, and brings down the overall rating... otherwise, there are some real keepers. The CD hasn't left my player since the 7th!
  10. AnneMarieD
    Mar 24, 2006
    10
    Absolutely love this album.
  11. JoeMomma
    Mar 28, 2006
    10
    Kevin M and RH clearly don't know what they are talking about. Pink Floyd is obviously greater than the sum of its parts but David Gilmour and Roger Waters have both released quality solo records.
  12. MarkT
    Mar 28, 2006
    7
    This is a decent album. I'll take anything I can get from Dave these days. The tracks "On an Island" and "Where We Start" are the standouts to me. If I have one complaint it's that the album is too soft. It starts out with some promise of having some of that slow & heavy Dave Gilmour brand to it, but it tapers off after the start of the album. This album also proves that Dave This is a decent album. I'll take anything I can get from Dave these days. The tracks "On an Island" and "Where We Start" are the standouts to me. If I have one complaint it's that the album is too soft. It starts out with some promise of having some of that slow & heavy Dave Gilmour brand to it, but it tapers off after the start of the album. This album also proves that Dave still has the voice and the guitar licks to pump out a few more albums (Hopefully Pink Floyd). I know the songs I mentioned earlier will be part of my personal summer soundtrack.… Expand
  13. SalmanN
    Mar 9, 2006
    10
    This album pushes you to take off your Pink Floyd hat and put on a David Gilmour hat. You must not think of this as an experimental album, nor should you call it a commercial project. It truly fits as a "music played to one's own self" album. I think that the music is very thematic, i think it is upbeat in its mood, and i like the ascendancy he takes with the guitar work time to This album pushes you to take off your Pink Floyd hat and put on a David Gilmour hat. You must not think of this as an experimental album, nor should you call it a commercial project. It truly fits as a "music played to one's own self" album. I think that the music is very thematic, i think it is upbeat in its mood, and i like the ascendancy he takes with the guitar work time to time. The music is great and leaves you On an Island by the time you are done with it.… Expand
  14. PaulD
    Mar 9, 2006
    9
    David Gilmour is the greatest guitarist of all time and will be remembered as one of hard rocks finest. He also has a soft spot for slow melody and ambience. For those Floyd fans that are looking for a nostalgic record, "On An Island" will offer only 50% that, but the other 50% is fantastic. The songs that have the most Floyd vibe are "Castellorizon," the title track, "Then I Close My David Gilmour is the greatest guitarist of all time and will be remembered as one of hard rocks finest. He also has a soft spot for slow melody and ambience. For those Floyd fans that are looking for a nostalgic record, "On An Island" will offer only 50% that, but the other 50% is fantastic. The songs that have the most Floyd vibe are "Castellorizon," the title track, "Then I Close My Eyes," "A Pocketful Of Stones," and "Where We Start" (reminiscent of "The Wall," "Meddle," "Atom Heart Mother," "Division Bell" and "Obscured by Clouds" respectively.) The other half of the album still has his distinct sound but cannot be categorized by the later. "On An Island" is well worth the 22 year wait (or 12 year or 35 year, depending on how you look at it.) We can only wish other rock legends would age this well.… Expand
  15. steves
    Mar 9, 2006
    10
    Much better than alot of 60 year old hang ons from the 60's and 70's rock era. To bad waters did not work together with gimour on it as perhaps floyd as then we trully would have the younger generation scratching their heads
  16. AlS
    Apr 3, 2006
    10
    I think this album is great. Its a real romantic Pink Floydish memory jerking sonic daydream. I really love it and the cd packaging is quite nice. cant wait for these guys to hook up with Roger Waters again!!! "tare down the wall" -soniclove
  17. ramina
    Apr 9, 2006
    10
    i love it
  18. bradpitt
    Apr 9, 2006
    10
    nice work
  19. JoeA
    May 6, 2006
    9
    I'd give this album a 9, cause I think that although the lyrics may not be absolutely amazing, the sonic quality of the album and music writing is absolutely incredible. Gilmour is certainly on form, and although there are Floyd trademarks placed everywhere on this record he manages to make himself stand out as a solo artist. Brilliance.
  20. klassv
    Jun 4, 2006
    8
    the best solo work by ex-PF member.
  21. TOL
    Jun 5, 2006
    7
    I was scared to listen to this album- could anything do justice to Floyd? Evidently, yes. Just. David has produced an album of lullaby lyrics coupled with soaring trademark guitar- a veritable feast of lush 'sleepy' music. But without the frankly psychotic Roger Waters there is no edge and no apparent passion to his music. Some tracks stand out (on an island, smile, when i close I was scared to listen to this album- could anything do justice to Floyd? Evidently, yes. Just. David has produced an album of lullaby lyrics coupled with soaring trademark guitar- a veritable feast of lush 'sleepy' music. But without the frankly psychotic Roger Waters there is no edge and no apparent passion to his music. Some tracks stand out (on an island, smile, when i close my eyes) but others seem lacklustre and not befitting of such a legend. Why a seven rating then? Gilmour could play guitar on any song and immediately triple its credibility is the simple answer.… Expand
  22. budb
    Mar 10, 2006
    10
    gilmour at his best. pure genius. his guitar licks are better than ever
  23. TheClydedog
    Mar 13, 2006
    8
    It keeps getting bettter with each play. I had high hopes for a Floyd sound stage. But he's 60 and I'm 50, I guess we all slow down. Jumping the silver bird to LA to catch both shows, to hell with slowing down. Shine ON David, keep them coming sooner.
  24. BobB
    Mar 15, 2006
    7
    I heard the title track first on the radio, and got excited... it's a beautiful song, lovely lyrics and melody, and the guitar playing is very Gilmour. Then, I heard the rest of the CD when I bought it, and found myself scratching my head. As others on here wrote, I agree - most of the songs just don't seem to know where they're going, they just meander around in a I heard the title track first on the radio, and got excited... it's a beautiful song, lovely lyrics and melody, and the guitar playing is very Gilmour. Then, I heard the rest of the CD when I bought it, and found myself scratching my head. As others on here wrote, I agree - most of the songs just don't seem to know where they're going, they just meander around in a soothing, peaceful way, without really saying much to anyone... each in their own little world.… Expand
  25. AndrewS
    Mar 16, 2006
    9
    Gilmour's "On an Island" tends to stay at the gentler side of Floyd style compositions, but does a good job doing so. Gilmour does a great job of making his guitar speak in its melodic lines, and fans of Floyd's more "ballad" style work should enjoy this release.
  26. [Anonymous]
    Mar 22, 2006
    8
    Classic Gilmour guitar work with some superb songs. It's great to have him still making music of this caliber.
  27. JD
    Mar 23, 2006
    9
    A very good album. No, protesting fans, it isn't Floyd, but that's not Gilmour's goal. The whole album is extremely mellow and polished, but also at times, emotional and heart-breaking. "Smile" is simply a beautiful composition. A lot of the songs do seem meandering, but skillfully so, or at least, backed with incredible guitar parts... more than can be said of most A very good album. No, protesting fans, it isn't Floyd, but that's not Gilmour's goal. The whole album is extremely mellow and polished, but also at times, emotional and heart-breaking. "Smile" is simply a beautiful composition. A lot of the songs do seem meandering, but skillfully so, or at least, backed with incredible guitar parts... more than can be said of most artists. Personally, I loved this album.… Expand
  28. AdrienneNotapplicable
    Mar 24, 2006
    8
    I found it to be lovely. Chill out, everyone.
  29. NathanC
    Mar 29, 2006
    9
    Dave's still got it. That's all there is to say. His guitar is slow and very Comfortably Numb. Still crunchy when it needs to be, but overall relaxed. I don't know why anyone complains...it's entitled The Island, not Death Thrash. Many songs remind you of older Pink FLoyd, yeah, but they're more cleanly produced, lower tempo and less reckless in this album. If you Dave's still got it. That's all there is to say. His guitar is slow and very Comfortably Numb. Still crunchy when it needs to be, but overall relaxed. I don't know why anyone complains...it's entitled The Island, not Death Thrash. Many songs remind you of older Pink FLoyd, yeah, but they're more cleanly produced, lower tempo and less reckless in this album. If you like Dave's voice and guitar (and who doesn't!?) you won't be saddened. Sit in a comfy chair, relax, close your eyes, and you're off to LaLa land with this one.… Expand
  30. TylerT
    Mar 8, 2006
    8
    Kinda slow in parts, but i enjoy it. We'll see how it grows on me.
  31. JavierC
    Mar 9, 2006
    8
    Simply beautiful
  32. Guabiraba
    Feb 23, 2007
    9
    It´s a quite enjoyable album. There´s no reason to make so tough critcs about this release. Gilmour´s voice are sounding heavenly and many of the compositions remind Floyd from Meddle, and even Gilmour´s solo effort in 78. The production is exrtremely top notch, and, altough sounding a little bit too slow and "new-age", On an Island must be ranked amongst the best It´s a quite enjoyable album. There´s no reason to make so tough critcs about this release. Gilmour´s voice are sounding heavenly and many of the compositions remind Floyd from Meddle, and even Gilmour´s solo effort in 78. The production is exrtremely top notch, and, altough sounding a little bit too slow and "new-age", On an Island must be ranked amongst the best solo releases from an supergroup member of 2006. An ideal album for a sunday morning, for a tea in the evening or just a astonishing production for tasteful-guitar-addicteds. Get it.… Expand
  33. RemoR.
    Feb 23, 2007
    10
    From the beggining to the end, a masterpiece. Twenty years after his last solo album, Mr. Gilmour keeps his "touch of God" in every track of this release. Produced in cooperation with Manzanera and acompannied by many excellent players, including Mr. Wright, Wyatt, Newark and Pratt, On an Island is a jewel in the poor evil ways of instrumental-spacey-driven-contemporary-rock. Who cares From the beggining to the end, a masterpiece. Twenty years after his last solo album, Mr. Gilmour keeps his "touch of God" in every track of this release. Produced in cooperation with Manzanera and acompannied by many excellent players, including Mr. Wright, Wyatt, Newark and Pratt, On an Island is a jewel in the poor evil ways of instrumental-spacey-driven-contemporary-rock. Who cares about slow "tempos" and acoustic-moody melodies? Gilmour´s voice, guitar and spirit is quite strong here. note: Nash & Crosby contributed marvelously in the title track, and, to tell the truth, it´s really impressive to see Gilmour soloing extremely inspired almost 40 years after his artistic born in PInk Floyd.… Expand
  34. PeterO
    Mar 18, 2006
    10
    Some people just don't understand...Who you think will enter the legend: Ashlee Simpson or David Gilmour?...duh!
  35. gregor
    Mar 22, 2006
    8
    a really, really nice album.
  36. Bill
    Mar 27, 2006
    7
    Gilmour has set the bar high in the past with his solo efforts and even higher with the Floyd. By that standard this offering fails, but rated in the grand scheme of things, it's a good piece of music. Notible is "The Blue" with it's unique slide solo and "us and them" feel (minus the "them") I would have liked more instrumental work like "Raise my rent" or "Terminal Frost", but Gilmour has set the bar high in the past with his solo efforts and even higher with the Floyd. By that standard this offering fails, but rated in the grand scheme of things, it's a good piece of music. Notible is "The Blue" with it's unique slide solo and "us and them" feel (minus the "them") I would have liked more instrumental work like "Raise my rent" or "Terminal Frost", but I do enjoy this CD anyway. I'll listen to Roger when I want to get riled up, and David when I want to relax. I guess that means this is no longer rock and roll, but something else.… Expand
  37. GeorgeM
    May 15, 2006
    9
    David proves he has nothing to prove. No monkeys riding on HIS back. Now if the fans would just grow up!
  38. LennyB.
    Aug 16, 2007
    9
    I am a big David Gilmour fan and the slbum is excelent. His giuitar play is one of a kind.

Awards & Rankings

54
#54 Most Discussed Album of 2006
80
#80 Most Shared Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Billboard
    80
    To be sure, the majority of "Island" could be Pink Floyd in all but name only.
    Read full review
  2. musicOMH.com
    70
    Could be the soundtrack to a blissed-out tropical holiday.
    Read full review
  3. Rolling Stone
    40
    Gilmour sounds like his own man here, but you wish he had someone--anyone--to push him beyond these new adventures in tedium. [9 Mar 2006, p.92]
See all critic reviews »