PETER GABRIEL 2 [AKA: SCRATCH]

How could a Gabriel solo project with Marotta, Levin and Fripp go so wrong? Peter Gabriel II is a disappointing album bookended by two of his best. The first was an interesting excursion through various styles to showcase his vocal talents. The third was the album that defined his sound and may have been the best thing he ever put on vinyl. So what do we have on II? The first two songs are very good and very sophisticated. On The Air is a straight rocker, while DIY is a bit more eclectic. Most of the rest of the album is just bland, though (except for Indigo, which hearkens back to what PG was doing on Humdrum.) A Wonderful Day in a One Way World and Home Sweet Home are both guilty pleasures of mine, but I would characterize them as eccentric rather than good. The rest of the album is frankly boring, with little or nothing that challenges the listener.

So I have to say this is a two star album. Only get it after you have heard all of Gabriel's GOOD albums.