Fully appreciating a compact disc the instant I remove the plastic shrink-wrap is tough. Normally I have to listen to the CD over and over again before I realize, "hey-this is pretty good."

David Gray's newest album White Ladder happens to be just another of those CDs. There is no hot single to lure me in. There is no sold out tour to entice me. When I started to listen to the CD, I did not know what to think.

After several listening experiences, taking up much more time than I imagined, it's safe to say that I enjoy the album.

White Ladder is far from my all-time favorite. I probably would not even pay full price for it in stores. I would however consider buying it on sale.

I am not saying that this CD isn't going to grow on me. I am expecting it to do just that. My favorite albums are in fact ones that I hated at first but then thought, "hey-this is pretty good."

IHT Records, Gray's own independent label, previously released White Ladder in Ireland in 1999.

His rock style is not unlike Dave Matthews, but at the same time, Gray offers enough originality to make his style of singing refreshingly different.

As I listened to the first track, "Please Forgive Me," it seemed a bit annoying. In spite of this, it did offer a catchy tune. When the tune got into my head I had to hear it again.

So I did.

I liked other songs from the start. "Nightblindness" is one of Gray's most well written and performed songs.

The tempo is slower than most of the other songs and makes use of great lyrics and rhythm.

Gray sings about his fear of never being able to offer everything in the world to the woman he loves. He develops the words nicely saying the following:

what we gonna do when the money runs out/I wish that there was something left to say.

Another good song is the title track of the album. It has a steady beat, which allows you to easily become involved with the music.

The track also features well-performed voice and instrumental solos. David Gray has a great style, good enough to keep me entertained and wanting more.

Only one part about his singing kept me in constant perplexity. Gray's voice is high pitched and sometimes forced. After hearing it a couple times, I decided it closely resembled that of Macy Gray. In the end my ears were happy even though White Ladder is not the music industry's greatest achievement.

Still, after you listen for a bit you can't help but think, "hey-this is pretty good."