Chariot, Gavin DeGraw’s J Records debut, introduces the world to a vital, magnetic young artist whose abundant talent and charisma are already well known to New York clubgoers. The 11-song collection is a remarkably accomplished and compelling first effort, offering the same combination of raw emotion and eloquent songcraft that originally drew hometown fans to the 26-year-old singer/songwriter/pianist/guitarist’s live shows.

In a remarkably short time, DeGraw’s effortlessly intimate, emotionally intense live performances have made him the toast of Manhattan’s downtown music scene, building public anticipation for the release of his first studio album.

Chariot doesn’t disappoint. On such emotionally forthright, melodically arresting originals as “Just Friends,” “Crush” and “Follow Through,” DeGraw writes lyrics that muse on life and love with a hard-won insight that belies his age. And he sings his songs in a gently raspy, effortlessly emotive voice that carries a level of emotional depth that’s remarkable for one so young, conveying the elation of love and the pain of heartbreak with equal assurance.