Peter Gabriel

So

a modern day John Donne

Review Score:

(8/10)
Peter Gabriel's album "So" has achieved classic status in some quarters. It has a few songs that are definitely great, some that are good, and one that I don't really care for. One thing is certain-this man has a whole lot of talent. Few people can write songs that seethe with humanity but at the same time are capable of casting their vision upon something greater. An historic example of this talent that springs to mind is the poet John Donne. Peter Gabriel is also a member of this club.

There are three songs that I consider as being "great"on this disc: "That Voice Again," "In Your Eyes," and "Mercy Street."

"That Voice Again" echoes Romans 7:15 where Paul says: "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." The song is about the struggle within all human relations, the divisions that so dominate our interactions with others and sometimes our own inner selves.

"In Your Eyes" speaks of the place where we find our wholeness as beings. Thomas Merton called what Gabriel sings about as "The Hidden Ground of Love," most folks just call him Jesus. Either way, this song uses some stirring language--filled with allusions and visual imagery--to describe reaching out to the light, heat, and completeness found in this divine center.

My favorite song on the disc is "Mercy Street." Wow...what can I really say other than that this song is an almost perfect thing of beauty. Gabriel's vocals are amazing, the music is introspective, the lyrics help you to share in the journey Gabriel is on.

Like Donne, Gabriel writes some songs that I can only describe as "masterpieces of desire" (sometimes lust). "Sledgehammer" is a prime example of Gabriel's talent in this area.

"Big Time," "Don't Give Up," and to some extent "We Do What We're Told" offer critiques of societies and cultures that have become cynical and abusive.

"Red Rain" (a pretty decent song in its own right) serves as a good opener to the disc. It draws the listener down into themselves and, at the same time, into the music--allowing for careful focus and free thought.

The only song I really don't care for is "This is the Picture." It is just kind of weird, and compared to the other songs, it is weak.

Gabriel worked with some pretty heavy hitters on "So." It is co-produced by Gabriel and Daniel Lanois (who produced some of U2's greatest albums). David Rhodes (from the Police), Kate Bush, and Youssou N'dour all make appearances here.

If you want some great music, look no farther than "So." I highly recommend this disc.

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