PETER GABRIEL 4 [AKA: MASK, AKA: SECURITY]

Peter Gabriel's fourth solo album, disposably titled "Security," is a masterwork of the highest order. It defies simple classification: It is not pop; it is not rock. It is art, a sensational marriage of adventurous artistry and engrossing songcraft, with Gabriel's richest soundscapes and most intricate polyrhythms to date fusing to form his most focused effort (at that time). Every song is an evocative, dark-hued, dramatic triumph, with both propulsive art-rockers (the smash "Shock The Monkey," "Kiss Of Life") and sweeping, viscerally affecting mood pieces ("The Rhythm Of The Heat," "The Family And The Fishing Net," "Lay Your Hands On Me") coming to life in Gabriel's tribal-educated rhythms and stark, seductive arrangements.

Words cannot do justice to the scope and power of this record (if they could, there'd be no need for music at all) -- It must be heard. For some pop-oriented listeners, "Security" may well be too emotionally and artistically intense, but for any fan of art in music, it is a staggering, massively compelling work of genius that commands repeated listens.

Like all ten of the deluxe remasters in the recent Peter Gabriel reissue series, "Security" 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 percussion elements and bass tones, for instance, have a significantly enhanced impact. Furthermore, the package features evocative artwork and lyrics. 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 yet discovered this brilliant disc, this new remaster is the best way yet to get the full experience.