Gregory Darling - That'll Be The Day

by Malcolm Carter

published: 28 / 5 / 2006

Label: Select Label
Format: CDS

Impressively melodic new single from Gregory Darling, who has co-written songs with Julian Lennon and has also been a member of his touring band

Review

Nothing to do with the Buddy Holly song of the same name the title track of this two song sampler from Gregory Darling’s forthcoming album, ‘Shell’, shows that the album might well be worth keeping an ear open for. Darling has been part of Julian Lennon’s touring band and has also written with him. Lennon also sings a duet with Darling, ‘New Dream’ on the album. But Darling hardly needs the famous name-dropping that accompanies the press release as with this single he proves over the two songs that he is more than capable of attracting attention with his own talents. Both ‘That’ll Be The Day’ and ‘Medication’ are excellent pop songs. A Billy Joel crossed with Christopher Rainbow comes readily to mind, especially in the harmonies in the chorus of the title song. Produced by Bob Rose at Air Studios in London these songs have quality stamped all over them. From the strings darting in and out of ‘That’ll Be The Day’ to the catchy chorus of ‘Medication’, which just possibly could have a stronger melody than the song getting top billing, Darling produces songs that sound like they were made to be blasting out of radios everywhere. While obviously influenced by the melodic pop that was so popular in the early 70's it’s refreshing to stumble across an artist that at least is taking his inspiration from that era rather than the one preceding it and making such a fine sound in the process.