UP

It took me almost two freezing weeks from the day I bought this album at a record store in Washington D.C. to finally had a chance to listen to it. A very long time in waiting, indeed. This happened due to the fact that I didn't bring any CD player when I visited the USA more than two years ago.

It wasn't (as in Bob Marley's song) a waiting in vain. First time spinned the CD: I was appalled at the uncompromisingly darkness keyboard sound brought by track number one "Darkness", and yet I was so appeased as there was parts with slow tempos and soothing melodies. This impression has always emerged every time I listen to it.

But darkness is not the only theme, as "Darkness" is also just the beginning of this incredibly, dense album. There are grief, meditation and almost anything people got when they delve deeper into their life and their mind, including hopes. This album grows stronger with every attempt to listen to it. Each listen reveals new moments and wider ground to anticipate what may come at the next attempt.

A decade after the last album ("Us"), Gabriel still has its uncompromising magic as a songwriter. And with contributing performances from friends and colleagues, including the great Toni Levin, this magic effortlessly transformed so many melodies to become powerful songs such as "Growing Up", "Sky Blue" and "Signal to Noise".

This album definitely is not to be missed.