Robbie Greig – Common Ground (Album Review)

With Common Ground, his 12th studio album, Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Robbie Greig solidifies his place as a versatile and consistent voice in the Australian music scene. A recipient of multiple industry awards, Greig brings his signature fusion of acoustic rock, blues, troubadour-folk, and jazz to bear on a record that is both nostalgic and refreshingly original.

From the first strum of Strange Weather, Greig invites us to a sun-soaked coastline, weaving in laid-back, almost reggae-influenced guitar lines and lyrical images of love found in shared simplicity. It’s a song that feels as natural on the beach as bare feet in the sand; relaxing, warm, and full of earthly affection.

The album then shifts gently to That Photograph, a tune so steeped in 70s charm that you’d be forgiven for thinking it was uncovered from a dusty vinyl crate. Nature-based imagery once again surfaces, grounding the track in a timeless warmth, complete with smooth vocals that evoke the likes of early Paul Simon or America. It’s another slice of sonic sunshine.

But Common Ground doesn’t coast on cheeriness alone. Like Dominoes introduces a more cynical current, describing a cascade of misfortunes with metaphorical finesse. Greig’s Dylan-esque delivery, along with creative use of clapping and subtle sound effects, makes this one of the most musically daring and lyrically rich tracks on the album.

By the time we reach The Kerala Tango, the emotional landscape has darkened, ushering in a moodier, more sensual atmosphere. The nature references persist, now tinged with eroticism, while layered backing vocals elevate the song’s sense of intimacy. It’s the kind of track that begs for a cocktail and a slow sunset.

While It’s All Good doesn’t quite reach the lyrical or melodic heights of its neighbours, it’s still a pleasant entry in the album’s sequence, which is a testament to the overall strength of the record that even its weakest moment remains listenable and enjoyable.

Moonlight Serenade marks a return to optimism, framed through a more nocturnal jazz lens. With its mellow swing and romantic tones, it captures the magic of twilight with impressive elegance. This transition into night continues beautifully in Little Boat, a hushed, ocean-swept ballad made for quiet companionship beneath the stars. The inclusion of ocean sounds at the end of the track is a master stroke, anchoring the listener fully in the album’s immersive setting.

Finally, Must Be Bedtime acts as the perfect closer; a slow, lullaby-like wind down that feels like the natural conclusion to the emotional and sonic journey. With its elongated intro and gentle delivery, the track lulls the album, and the listener, into a state of peaceful rest.

Common Ground plays like a day in the life of someone seeking connection, warmth, and meaning. It begins in full sunlight and ends in moonlit reflection, tracing the arc of intimacy with grace and craft. It’s a record that shows off Greig’s range, his melodic intuition, lyrical sharpness, and deep reverence for classic songwriting, all while sounding undeniably his own.

Rating/Excellent  – A beautifully cohesive album that blends heart, intellect, and sonic diversity. Whether you’re watching the tide roll in or the moon rise above it, Common Ground has a song to carry you there.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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