Luck and Strange represents David Gilmour's fifth solo record and his third release in the 21st century. He is evidently aware of the privilege afforded to him; he has composed some of rock music's most memorable pieces, performed on some of its most prominent stages, and been bestowed with the honour of becoming a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. He could have chosen to maintain the status quo for the duration of his career. Instead, he has continued to undertake tours, engage in numerous collaborative endeavours, advocate for a multitude of just causes, and donate the proceeds from the sale of his property and musical instruments to charitable organisations. If he wishes to produce a single album per decade, he is entitled to do so. Appearing nine years after 2015's Rattle That Lock, Luck and Strange brings together a supporting cast that is both novel and recognisable, as well as familial. To produce the album, he sought to bring a more contemporary presence to the project, enlisting the services of Charlie Andrew (Alt-J) to augment the contributions of veteran players such as Guy Pratt (bass) and Steve Gadd (drums). Furthermore, his daughter, Romany Gilmour, a singer and harpist, plays a significant role on the album, even taking the lead on the standout track, "Between Two Points," a cover of the 1999 dream pop song by the Montgolfier Brothers. As is the case with all of his records since the 1990s, Gilmour's wife, Polly Samson, serves as both lyricist and direct collaborator. The prevailing mood of Luck and Strange is contemplative, though not excessively melancholic. The album features compositions that are richly imagined and explore a range of themes, including uncertain futures, nostalgia, marriage, and a generation's halcyon days. The title track, which is built around a pre-existing 2007 jam with late Floyd keyboardist Richard Wright, exemplifies this exploration of a bygone era. The arrangements, which frequently incorporate orchestral and choral elements, evince a greater sense of freshness and agility than in his previous work, thereby balancing out some of the album's introspection. Furthermore, the youthful presence of Romany's (and his son Gabriel's) vocals is beneficial, contributing to the collaborative atmosphere. Nevertheless, it is clear that this is a Gilmour album, characterised by the refined, poetic guitar playing and introspective vocals that are his hallmark.
