PETER GABRIEL 3 [AKA: MELT]

I have to agree with Finnforest when he says that this record along with Gabriel's first two studio albums are underwhelming. Wow 1980 was such a good year for me and the song "Games Without Frontiers" was all over the radio here in Canada at that time. I still love that tune. In fact Gabriel has released a few songs that i'm a big fan of.The problem for me is that the rest of his music does little for me. And this his most popular album is no exception. Lots of great guest appearances on this one as well. It's interesting to hear the BRAND X combo of Phil Collins and Morris Pert on the first two tracks.

"Intruder" opens with drums as experimental sounds join in. Reserved vocals around a minute. Percussion follows. Whistling comes in late to end it. "No Self Control" is vocal and percussion led early. It kicks in after 1 1/2 minutes then the opening soundscape returns to end it. "Start" is a short piece with synths and sax. "I Don't Remember" has Levin with his Stick along with Fripp on his guitar. A catchy tune. "Family Snapshot" opens with piano and reserved vocals. It builds then kicks in before 2 minutes.Sax too. A calm before 3 1/2 minutes to end it.

"And Through The Wire" picks up quickly.The guitar, vocals and drums standout. A real toe tapper. "Games Without Frontiers" sounds like it was stuck on this album from another recording session. I mean it sounds nothing like the other tracks. Kate Bush adds some backing vocals here.Easily my favourite track. "Not One Of Us" has some prominant bass and guitar on it. Fripp guests here.This one's catchy and it turns more intense late. "Lead A Normal Life" opens with some light instrumental music before the reserved vocals arrive after 1 1/2 minutes.The vocals are brief as it turns instrumental again to end it. Cool song. "Biko"is a powerful song that opens and closes with African singing. A top 3 track for sure.

A good album but I don't seem to enjoy it nearly as much as most do. Underwhelmed.