In recent years there has been a Jeff Buckley renaissance, you have most likely been hearing his name ushered more than ever. The late musical legend has gained a mass cult following due to his songs blowing up on social media and young fans wondering why he left us all too soon.
Amy Berg took it upon herself to make a documentary delving into the life and career of Buckley and to accompany this, an album was released on all streaming services honouring Buckley. It contains songs used in the documentary and deep cut live performances that have once before never been available on streaming.
Buckley was an American singer-songwriter, his only studio album ‘Grace’ is a legendary classic, and as of 2025 Buckley has amounted over 10 million monthly listeners on Spotify. A number that would surely make his eyes widen and water had he have been here to see it.
Upon its original release, sales of ‘Grace’ were unhurried, garnering very little radio play. In spite of this the album progressively went gold in France, Australia and the US over a 8 year span. Arguably he’s now more famous than ever, his music continues to touch hearts all across the globe.
Unfortunately, on the evening of May 29, 1997, Buckley innocently decided to go for a swim in the Wolf River Harbor of Mississippi river. The last sighting of him was that of roadie, Keith Foti. Buckley had been swept underwater and after extensive overnight rescue efforts his body was found caught in branches in the Wolf River. His autopsy confirmed no signals of drug or alcohol use, and his death was ruled as an accidental drowning.
Taken far too soon, it is important to let Buckley’s wondrous music live on and this is exactly what Berg is doing. The documentary was first premiered at the sundance film festival to a full crowd of emotional onlookers including his mother and former band mates.
Buckley’s spellbinding lyricism and meditative voice will continue to live on in the hearts of many, if anything this documentary has reignited the love that many individuals formed for him throughout the life of his short-lived musical venture.
A posthumous album has been released on streaming service, ‘Jeff Buckley: It’s Never Over – Songs From The Film’, appeared on listeners devices on December 4. The new take on the beloved authoritative record, ‘Grace’, holds unheard live performances, alternate takes on once lost original songs, and film scored interludes.
Posthumous releases are often a risky move and those behind them must tread lightly , however this is an undoubtedly beautiful celebration of Buckley’s music and life. There is no overproduction, inappropriate mixes or unasked for duets. It is simply strengthening the emotional hold that Buckley’s songs embody.
For longtime fans this is an honorary gift, reminding them exactly why they fell in love with him in the first place. For modern day newcomers this album demonstrates exactly the widespread talent that Buckley was notorious for. The official UK release for the documentary is February 13 2026.
