PETER GABRIEL 1 [AKA: CAR]

The solo album that Genesis fans were dying to hear. Did it reach the expectations? maybe, maybe not. This is a quite strong release. Luckily, it does not sound like a Genesis clone and shows elements that will appear in his future solo albums: he has not yet found his sound, so this album is quite diverse. On the other hand, this is far from a masterpiece and to the disappointment of prog diehards, it is not very progressive and does not have deep epics.

The opener reminds of Lamb Lies material, with theatrical music, different vocalizations (different characters) and humor. However, the album really smokes when Solsbury Hills starts. This commercial success has a natural sounding 7/4 theme and excellent vocal melodies. Modern Love is a standard hard rock number which doesn't leave a big impression. Excuse Me is amusing if you pay attention to the lyrics, but it is quite uncomfortable to listen to this silly barbershop quartet. The next two tracks are solid: Humdrum is a prog-related grandiose ballad with powerful vocals while Slowburn is a guitar-led rocker. Waiting for the Big One is a surprising tune, with a lounge-like blues tone, but so much more.

The last two tracks bring a great closure to the album. Down the Dolce Vita is a theatrical progressive rock song with bombastic choruses featuring an orchestra, some dramatic instrumental moments, and unusually upbeat verses. Here Comes the Flood is a ballad that alternates between laid back piano verses with big, symphonic, anthemic refrains. I think it is much better than the acoustic versions he does live nowadays.