Discovering someone else has that same cherished record is like finding a kindred spirit in a sea of strangers. Suddenly, you’re not just two people, but two souls connected by the same album. Jeff Buckley’s Grace is that album album— an ethereal, once-in-a-generation masterpiece that still has the ability to bond strangers into friends and lovers by the very nature of having it in both your collections. Released in 1994, it was overlooked at first but grew to be one of the most beloved records of all time. With Buckley’s soaring vocals, poetic lyricism, and breathtaking arrangements, Grace remains a touchstone for musicians and music lovers alike.
1. The Title Track Was Inspired by a Heartbreaking Goodbye
The haunting, celestial title track of Grace has a deeply personal origin. Buckley wrote the song after saying an emotional farewell to his girlfriend at an airport before moving to New York City. The sweeping, melancholic sound of the track perfectly encapsulates the feeling of longing and letting go. Every soaring note in Buckley’s vocal performance feels like a desperate attempt to hold onto something fleeting—making it one of his most powerful compositions.
2. “Hallelujah” Was Almost Left Off the Album
Buckley’s iconic rendition of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah is now considered one of the greatest covers of all time, but it almost didn’t make it onto Grace. Originally, Buckley recorded over 20 takes of the song, meticulously crafting the final version from different recordings. Columbia Records wasn’t convinced of its commercial potential, but Buckley insisted on including it. Years later, the song would go on to introduce him to an entirely new generation of listeners, proving his instincts were spot on.
3. A Last-Minute Song Change Upset Columbia Executives
In the final stages of recording Grace, Buckley had a dilemma—he had two songs competing for a spot on the album: Forget Her and So Real. The label saw Forget Her as a hit, but Buckley felt it was too commercial and ultimately decided to go with So Real instead. His decision left executives frustrated, but Buckley believed So Real was a better artistic fit. Looking back, it’s hard to argue with his choice—its eerie, dreamlike sound became one of the album’s standout moments.
4. Jeff Buckley Wasn’t Happy with Studio Recording
Buckley was known for his improvisational brilliance in live performances, and he struggled with the structured nature of studio recording. He likened it to “sound painting” and found it nerve-wracking because every recorded take was permanent. While he worked tirelessly on his vocal performances and guitar arrangements, he felt confined by the recording process. This tension may explain why his live recordings, such as Live at Sin-é, feel even more raw and transcendent than his studio work.
5. The Album Cover Was a Pure Accident
The now-iconic cover of Grace wasn’t staged—it was a candid moment. Photographer Merri Cyr captured Buckley mid-listen during a playback session of Dream Brother, his eyes closed, completely lost in the music. He was wearing a sequined jacket he had picked up from a thrift store, which added to the photo’s mystique. Columbia executives initially rejected the image, saying Buckley looked too much like a lounge singer. But Buckley insisted, and the photo went on to become one of the most memorable album covers of the ‘90s.
Like the best art and friends, Grace has only become more powerful over time. Whether you’re rediscovering it or listening for the first time, these stories make the album even more of an emotional experience. Buckley poured his soul into every note, and that spirit continues to reach new fans decades later. So put on Grace, close your eyes, and let it take you somewhere transcendent—because that’s exactly what Jeff Buckley intended.
