Free
Gavin DeGraw · 2009
37 min · 9 tracks · blue-eyed soul
A soulful blend of introspective lyrics and rich melodies that capture the essence of personal freedom and emotional exploration.
Top tracks — play these first
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Free — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of liberation with an uplifting chorus and anthemic energy that invites listeners to embrace their individuality.
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Indian Summer Start here — This opening track sets a reflective tone with its warm instrumentation and evocative lyrics about fleeting moments, showcasing DeGraw's ability to paint vivid imagery.
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Stay — A poignant ballad that highlights DeGraw's vocal range and emotional depth, exploring themes of longing and desire through heartfelt storytelling.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks standout moments that elevate it above its peers.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks maintain a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a more upbeat rhythm.
- Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that build emotional intensity, particularly in the choruses.
- The album closes with a ballad that shifts to a slower tempo, providing a reflective conclusion.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing for reflective moments
- heartfelt melodies for personal introspection
- consistent flow throughout the album
- uplifting themes of resilience
- suitable for quiet afternoons
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer instant gratification music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album marked a significant commercial achievement and solidified DeGraw's presence.
- Themes
- fleeting moments· personal liberation· introspective storytelling
- Career context
- Released on March 31, 2009, 'Free' is Gavin DeGraw's third studio album, following his successful album 'Chariot' in 2003 and its re-release in 2004. At this point in his career, DeGraw was solidifying his sound within the blue-eyed soul genre while seeking to expand his lyrical themes beyond romantic struggles.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Legend· Ryan Tedder· Marc Broussard
Tracklist
- 1 Indian Summer Start here 4:43
- 2 Free 3:56
- 3 Stay 3:33
- 4 Mountains to Move 5:46
- 5 Glass 3:53
- 6 Lover Be Strong 4:29
- 7 Dancing Shoes 3:46
- 8 Waterfall 4:41
- 9 Why Do the Men Stray 3:05
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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