Gavin DeGraw
by Gavin DeGraw
  • Record Label: J
  • Release Date: May 6, 2008
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Rolling Stone
    50
    It's perfect mood music for teen girls and the sensitive guys who want to hold their purses.
  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.

Awards & Rankings

75
#75 Most Shared Album of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 24 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 24
  3. Negative: 5 out of 24
  1. 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.… Full Review »
  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… Full Review »
  3. JohnD
    Sep 6, 2008
    5
    Gavin DeGraw is the closest thing to taking a Jonas Brother and trying to teach him to be Stevie Wonder off of a handful of piano lessons. Gavin DeGraw is the closest thing to taking a Jonas Brother and trying to teach him to be Stevie Wonder off of a handful of piano lessons. His new album is not bad at all. I'd like to see him try something complicated with his playing ability. Everyone knows he can do that male Mariah Carey bs with his voice already. Let's see him write a song like Angry Young Man from Billy Joel or Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding from Elton John. Then, I'll be impressed. So far, his piano playing is limited to playing one chord every 4 beats like every other typical pop piano player. His songwriting themes seem to be mainly love songs too much. He's good at it, but there's only so many times you can hear a song about a girl without asking "is that it? What else"? If he used some of his wit and sneakily got on as an opener for Coldplay, I think he would win over a bigger audience. Also, he needs to be marketed more. For as many girls scream for the guy, he appears to be undermarketed. How many times have you seen a person wearing a Gavin t shirt?… Full Review »
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