PETER GABRIEL 2 [AKA: SCRATCH]

"Peter Gabriel" is the 2nd eponymously titled album release by UK artist Peter Gabriel. Ever the provocateur/innovator Gabriel decided not to give his first four albums any album titles, although some people refer to this second album as "Scratch" because of the album cover (and an angry looking cover artwork that is). The album was released through Charisma Records in June 1978. Robert Fripp (King Crimson) was brought in to produce the album, and Fripp also plays some guitar and provides other effects to the music. The album also features sessions performances by artists like Tony Levin, Larry Fast and Jerry Marotta.

While the 1977 debut album didn´t feature many elements which would remind you of Gabriel´s years with Genesis, this album features more melody and a few more nods towards something which could have been included on "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (1974)", had it been put through a more progressive oriented treatment. "Indigo", "On the Air" (nice Queen influence on the chorus) and particularly "White Shadow" point in that direction (the latter probably THE highlight of the album for those hoping to hear anything resembling progressive rock), without however being full blown progressive rock. Gabriel have obviously tried to distance himself from that sound on most of the material though, and some of the material on the album therefore have more in common with an act like Roxy Music. "Perspective" is the best example of that influence.

Fripp has created a good quality sound production which suits the material well. The use of synths/keyboards work really well throughout the album combined with the more organic sounding drums, bass, and guitars. Upon conclusion this sophomore solo album by Peter Gabriel is a solid effort and overall a good quality release. There are a couple of tracks, which aren´t as remarkable as the highlights of the album (D.I.Y. is for example not that interesting a track), but there´s nothing here which isn´t at least of a decent quality. A 3 - 3.5 star (65%) rating is deserved.