David Gilmour - 'Smile' (EMI) Released 05/06/06

Taken from his new self-absorbed, emphatically overblown long-player ‘On An Island’, which has rightfully received a critical mauling from the non-retrogressive music press, new single ‘Smile’ is one of its fleeting highlights. A simple tune centring on Gilmour’s hushed vocals and understated guitars, it’s a poignant and affecting tune that gently draws you in. Proof that if Gilmour didn’t fruitlessly try to recreate former glories with pompous, dated and never-ending guitar solos, he may well still strike a chord with modern music lovers.