No. 86, Jeff Buckley, Grace

On this week's episode, we look at our second "Lister's Choice" and a record that we were for the most part sadly unaware of: the 1994 studio debut by Jeff Buckley - Grace.

Jeff Buckley's career was brief, but brilliant. The son a famed singer/songwriter Tim Buckley, he worked as a session guy before making people really take notice at a New York tribute concert in his dad's honor. Jeff unfortunately followed in his father's footsteps by dying too young, with a brilliant career ahead of him. His lone studio recording, Grace, showcases his songwriting, his guitar playing, and his unbelievably rich voice and heartbreaking falsetto. The songs drift and float with the aid of Buckley's remarkable band and lush production. Released during the height of the country's obsession with Grunge,  even though  it  famously contains the quintessential version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah, Grace was sadly underappreciated upon its release. Thankfully it has gained well-deserved accolades in subsequent years. 

We lost this artist way too soon, but he did leave behind an album that is not only considered by many to be one of the best albums released in 1990s, but also one with timeless staying power.