A Century Ends is the debut studio album by musician David Gray, released on 12 April 1993. Following the success of Gray's fourth album White Ladder, which sparked an interest in his back catalogue, A Century Ends was re-released in July 2001.[1] Three singles were released from the album: "Birds Without Wings," "Shine" and "Wisdom."

A Century Ends
Studio album by
Released12 April 1993
RecordedJune–October 1992
GenreFolk rock
Length47:24
LabelHut/Virgin (UK)
Caroline (US)[1]
ProducerDave Anderson[2]
David Gray chronology
A Century Ends
(1993)
Flesh
(1994)
Singles from A Century Ends
  1. "Birds Without Wings"
    Released: 16 November 1992
  2. "Shine"
    Released: 29 March 1993
  3. "Wisdom"
    Released: 14 June 1993
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[3]
The New Rolling Stone Album Guide[4]

Critical reception

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Trouser Press wrote that "Gray sings with equal parts sensitivity and vitality, emotional attributes that underscore the Van Morrison qualities of his tenor ... Excellent."[5]

Track listing

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All tracks are written by David Gray.

No.TitleLength
1."Shine"4:33
2."A Century Ends"5:08
3."Debauchery"3:27
4."Let the Truth Sting"5:30
5."Gathering Dust"6:43
6."Wisdom"4:15
7."Lead Me Upstairs"4:54
8."Living Room"3:44
9."Birds Without Wings"4:50
10."It's All Over"6:50

Credits

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Musicians

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  • David Gray – vocals, guitar
  • Neil MacColl – guitar, mandolin, backing vocals
  • Dave Anderson – piano, Wurlitzer electric piano, organ
  • Mark Smith – bass
  • Steve Sidelnyk – drums, percussion
  • Mike Smith – saxophone

Production

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  • Produced by Dave Anderson
  • Recorded by Jim Abbiss
  • Mixed by Dave Anderson
  • Photography by Robin Lewis Grierson

References

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  1. ^ a b "David Gray: A Century Ends / The EPs 92-94 / Flesh". PopMatters. 9 July 2001.
  2. ^ Heatley, Michael (11 November 2009). David Gray: A Biography. Omnibus Press. ISBN 9780857120526.
  3. ^ Allmusic review
  4. ^ Brackett, Nathan; Hoard, Christian David (1 October 2004). The New Rolling Stone Album Guide. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 9780743201698.
  5. ^ "David Gray". Trouser Press. Retrieved 1 October 2020.