Peter Gabriel

So

What Else Would You Expect?

Review Score:

(10/10)
There is a fan website called "The Church of Peter Gabriel", a rather tongue-in-cheek venture claiming Gabriel as a diety. His prodigious career, spanning over 20 years from its start with Genesis (forgive the unseeming pun...), to his innovative solo work and various side projects concerning human rights, visual art and performances, to his devoted following and, well, the sheer magnitude of his work...maybe that website isn't too far off with its claims.

This album was created in 1986, and as is typical with Gabriel, was a hallmark of the times as well as a surpassant. It is rostered with some of the finest musicians such as bassist extraoridinare Tony Levin, Stewart Copeland of Police fame, etheral songstress Kate Bush and funky art singer Laurie Anderson, superb percussionist Manu Katche, and guitarist David Rhodes. L. Shankar, a premier violinist with unmatched expressive style, also makes his appearance. The album was a stepping point for many of his newer fans, and also a forward stage of evolution for his theatrical style.

The album is famous for it's breakthrough hits, Red Rain and Big Time. The video for Big Time set a precedent when it first appeared, garnering award after award for its mind-blowing animation. Sledgehammer, another hit, was a take-off on British motown style. That Voice Again, an absolute gem, is about the sometimes off again-on again nature of relationships, a familiar theme of Gabriel's. The song itself showcases Tony Levin's impeccable and understated bass playing, and Manu Katche's flawless percussion.

In Your Eyes, another song to become a hit, is one of the most joyful love songs created, as many who have played it at their wedding can attest. Senegaly vocalist Youssou N'dour, an artist in his own right, lends his distinctive vocals to this popular song.

Gabriel is known for his wonderful and image provoking lyrics. Mercy Street, a haunting and dreamlike ballad contains the following: "Looking down on empty streets, all she can see are the dreams all made solid are the dreams made real. All of the buildings, all of those cars were once just a dream in somebody's head. She pictures the broken glass, she pictures the steam, she pictures a soul with no leak at the seam...". This song remains one of my favorites not only for the poetic lyrics, but because they ring a strong personal note for me.

Other songs include We Do What We're Told, an eerie song about the obedience experiments conducted by Stanley Milgram in the 60's. The last song, a quirky duet with Laurie Anderson, is vintage Gabriel in all of his experimental glory, and recalls the music of his earlier years.

Fans of Gabriels' music already have this album firmly ensconced within their collections. If you appreciate popular music that defies labels or genres, I advise you to give this one a try. Gabriel is an artist of vast scope and vision coupled with formidable talent who dares to take risks artistically and musically. He's an artist in the truest sense of the word, and also a man who deserves respect not only for his musical productions, but his other accomplishments as well. His is a music rare...in depth of expression and virtuosity. As he gets older one can only expect him to get still better.

Also try Shaking the Tree: 16 Golden Greats, and US. For the more adventurous, delve into Gabriel's earlier work such as Peter Gabriel I, II and III, and Security. Don't miss his live taped performance Secret World Live...a stupendous production featuring Paula Cole and other guest artists.

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