Gavin DeGraw
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Gavin DeGraw Image
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 24 Ratings

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  • Summary: The sophomore studio album for the artist best known for the theme song from the TV series "One Tree Hill."

Top Track

We Belong Together
We belong together like the open seas and shores wedded by the planet force we've all been spoken for (VERSE 1:) The hammer may strike, be dead on... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Billboard
    80
    On his sophomore album--the follow-up to 2003's slow-building platinum smash "Chariot"--Gavin DeGraw deftly weaves together rock, pop and soul influences without letting the seams show.
  2. Boston Globe
    70
    While there is a darker sensibility thanks to a larger quotient of guitars than pianos this time out, there are also fewer immediate standouts.
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    For every tune like 'In Love With a Girl,' which summons the addictive melodies and rich, discordant chords of "Chariot," there's a self-indulgent snoozer such as 'Medicate the Kids.' [9 May 2008, p.63]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. The New York Times
    60
    He makes a concerted effort to fill out and roughen up his sound, enlisting the modern-rock producer Howard Benson and an accompanying coterie of seasoned studio musicians. The results don’t suggest reinvention so much as a slight twist.
  5. Hot Press
    50
    Certain artists are blessed with the ability to say something poignant and meaningful with their music. On the evidence of this eopnymous record, Gavin DeGraw is not one of them.
  6. Rolling Stone
    50
    It's perfect mood music for teen girls and the sensitive guys who want to hold their purses.
  7. AllMusic
    50
    Gavin DeGraw won't change things, either, as it pretty much offers more of the same as "Chariot," polishing up the sound, turning it into something bigger and slicker, but not changing his vaguely rootsy, vaguely soulful pop a whit.

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. ErikM.
    May 12, 2008
    10
    Gavin's mix of soul, pop and rock is a perfect blend in his sophomore album. Although it is very similar to his first album, Gavin is Gavin's mix of soul, pop and rock is a perfect blend in his sophomore album. Although it is very similar to his first album, Gavin is sure to release another stripped album which will impress more and more people still to come.… Expand
  2. ashleif
    Apr 1, 2009
    10
    Gavin Degraw is a phenomenal vocalist who effortlessly glides through his lyrical genius. He should be praised for soulful voice on top of Gavin Degraw is a phenomenal vocalist who effortlessly glides through his lyrical genius. He should be praised for soulful voice on top of his elton john styled compositions… Expand
  4. gregs.
    Jun 10, 2008
    10
    It truly is a great album. He deserves everything he gets. Coming from nowhere to somewhere.
  5. jonathanm
    Jun 10, 2008
    10
    This was fantastic. Gavin's talent runs all through it.
  6. MonicaS
    Jul 26, 2008
    10
    Finally a genuine artist amongst all the "plastic"...great voice, and great songs. Even his covers of Marvin Gaye and Phil Collins (not on Finally a genuine artist amongst all the "plastic"...great voice, and great songs. Even his covers of Marvin Gaye and Phil Collins (not on the album, can find them online) are amazing...this guy is truly talented and down-to-earth. A gem amongst the pigeons.… Expand
  7. AdrianC
    Jul 19, 2009
    8
    Gavin does have talent. Major talent, in my opinion. This CD may only show that in sprinkles but when Gavin really tries he's an Gavin does have talent. Major talent, in my opinion. This CD may only show that in sprinkles but when Gavin really tries he's an excellent songwriter. The problem I have with this album is the choruses are all anthem-ic and it wears on you after a while (except for the ballads/slow songs). In Love With A Girl, Relative and Let It Go are the highlights. This is probably his worst album but 8/10 is far from a bad score. It's just that Free was a little better and Chariot was by far his pinnacle.… Expand
  8. JoanS.
    May 10, 2008
    0
    Worst Album of the year! This Guy Can't Sing, can't write, he's awful, in everything. These days, everybody is Worst Album of the year! This Guy Can't Sing, can't write, he's awful, in everything. These days, everybody is "singer/songwriter", but just a few of them brings to us, new stuff, something fresh & great. Not This Guy, he's only another No Talented person, with a record Deal. Hey You, Male version of Ashlee Simpson, It won't be long for this album received Mixed Reviews. Sure, Some people will love it, but i hate it, I heard this thing 2 times, and i really hate it, nothing works, even his "hit" In Love With A Girl sucks. I Can't wait for the great singers bring them new material, because this sucks.… Expand

See all 9 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

75
#75 Most Shared Album of 2008

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