UP

Unsatisfied with the taste of modern music, Peter Gabriel set out on a pilgrimage to alter the elements of today's music to his liking, and bend the style of any genre he likes to his will. And this pilgrimage is named Up.

Combining elements of World Music, Blues, Progressive Rock, Classical, and even ambient-like electronic music, Gabriel delicately creates a touching, personal album of epic proportions. Near-catastrophic aggressive moments balance the serene, and strangely otherworldly atmospheres that this journey takes you on. World and ethnic influences make small appearances, but their impact is surprisingly effective. Lyrics that any human can feel, and relate to, not only live up to Gabriel's very, very high standards, but offer a bit of a variation from previous lyrics he's penned.

This album could not have been made in Gabriel's early career. Not only because of the electronic devices used to produce the sounds, not because of the excellent production and crystal-clear sound quality, or because of artistic limits that he may have had in Genesis. The sole reason I say this is because this music requires a huge amount of maturity, and understanding of human nature to produce. I often overlook later works by older artist, which is something I'm ashamed of. I can't bring myself to get a new Yes album or a new Jethro Tull album - but Gabriel has not only remained steadily artistic in his entire career, but he has actually improved since his early solo work.

It's very gripping and jumps around on the volume scale, with incredibly beautiful singing and textures. Memorable and recognizable melodies and riffs run amok. Again, lyrics are extremely sympathetic, and all effects and/or electronic sounds fit perfectly with the album as a whole (and individually, too!). Ethnic percussion, passionate vocals, and eerie moods seal the deal. The addition of the stellar Blind Boys of Alabama just put it over the top. In the end, there's no doubt that this album is a masterpiece, and an absolutely moving and touching experience, at that. The bond this album makes with the listener won't easily be broken.