Peter Gabriel

Us

Gabriel at his best

Review Score:

(10/10)
I'll admit it, I'm a fan of all of Peter Gabriel's work. From Genesis to his solo work, I feel that Gabriel is one of the greatest artists of the rock and roll era. His music is very distinctive, his lyrics often heart-wrenching and very, very human. All of Peter's albums have their merits. SO was, of course, his big commercial smash - and it was a great album. Security was wonderful, with San Jacinto being one fo the greatest songs PG has written. PG3 was revolutionary in its use of samples and textures. Despite these great successes I don't feel that any of these albums is the equal of US. US is an exploration of relationships with the focus on it falling apart. It is akin to Dylan's Blood on the Tracks, Springsteen's Tunnel of Love, and U2's Achtung Baby in theme (and if you don't own all four of these albums, they are highly recommended). All the great artists seem to put out "personal pain" records that reach startling heights - Gabriel is no different.
There are many who discount US as an album. I've done that myself in the past. It's easy to get so caught up in the "big" songs of an artist that you forget they're not always his best. When I compile a list of my favorite songs by PG I find that many of them come from this album. Come Talk to Me, Only Us, Blood of Eden, Washing of the Water, Steam, Digging in the Dirt, Kiss that Frog, Love to be Loved (a bit repetitive, but very true), and the unrivaled Secret World. There is a song for every emotion here. Gabriel deals with the rough points of love and relationships throughout the record, although comic moments can also be found. It's actually the more light-hearted moments that make this record great. A lot of people want to dump all over Steam, but it's a song that really helps balance out the record. It also happens to fit perfectly right next to Blood of Eden because it brings the more sexual aspect of relationships into focus. Kiss That Frog also provides a bit of levity, but an enormous amount of insight can be found in the song. All of the songs seem to indicate responsibility for the failure of the relationship rests upon both parties, and unfortunately Secret World doesn't leave the listener with much hope, but I see it more as a warning. Be wary of building your relationships around fantasized ideals. Both people are human and never will be perfect in this lifetime ..., but they must realize this and talk to work things out together. Give this album a listen, you may learn a lot from it. Also pick up the other albums mentioned, together they provide a wealth of insight into marriage that can't be found anywhere else. Now we just must anxiously await for UP, Mr. Gabriel's next album. ...

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