PETER GABRIEL 3 [AKA: MELT]

Peter Gabriel released his third solo album, also called "Peter Gabriel," in 1980. And with that third nod to eponymity, he finally hit his stride as a solo artist. Album "3" (sometimes called "Melting Face" due to the cover art) is the first truly great PG platter, a much more coherent set, with substantially improved, consistently intriguing songwriting and compelling instrumental arrangements. Throughout, the tunes are both artistically resonant and memorably melodic; highlight cuts include the energetically off-kilter rockers "No Self Control" and "I Don't Remember," the heartbreakingly poignant ballad "Family Snapshot," the percussive, politically charged "Biko," and the unforgettable, superbly artsy prog-pop hit "Games Without Frontiers."

Like all ten of the deluxe remasters in the recent Peter Gabriel reissue series, "PG3" is disappointingly without bonus tracks and substantial liner note essays. The improved sonics are truly excellent, however, and the nuanced performances of Gabriel's band sound rich and clear; subtle vocal harmonies and bass tones, for instance, have a significantly enhanced impact. Furthermore, the package features evocative artwork and, more importantly, lyrics. (For those who didn't know: They're singing "Jeux sans frontieres" -- French for "Games without frontiers"). Such improvements in sonics and packaging may not make it worthwhile for casual fans to upgrade their old CD copy, but for fans of artsy pop who haven't discovered this timeless masterwork --it still packs a powerful punch, even twenty years later-- this new remaster is the best way yet to get the full experience.