UP

I couldn't bring myself to give this less than 4 stars, despite a few weaker tracks. I like Peter Gabriel because he is so open minded. When the rest of the (prog) world seems obsessed with the sound of Genesis and classic, 70's prog, the least 70's sounding member of the prog community was a founding member of that sound .

On 'Up', Peter Gabriel touches genres, like Hip Hop and Techno, that no other 70's musicians dare even to look at. But at least Gabriel knows what 'progressive' really means. It means moving forward and keep innovating, and he certainly does that. Actually this album is a splattering of experimental drum rhythms, world-music, groove, tension building, songs that take time to develop and have climaxes, and very importantly characteristically emotionally rich vocals. Most of these songs transcend usual genre classification, although 'Growing up' is a catchy piece of progressive techno, 'Sky Blue' is progressive gospel. These are both highlights of the album.

Other interesting songs include the groovy 'I grieve' and the hip-hoppy 'Barry Williams Show' which actually sounds a bit like ZZ Top. But my favourite on all the album is the dark, dramatic 'Signal to Noise'. I mean what an innovative guy, dramatic middle Eastern vocals, haunting, horror-movie style strings, dramatic drumming, suspense and originality! Such an original song, and so effective. It'll leave you sweating!

Unfortunately there are weaker tracks, notably the barely audible 'The Drop' and 'My head sounds like that' but the high points kind of make up for it. Peter Gabriel is constantly striving for originality and on 'Up' he leaves the 70's-imitating kids of today far behind.