PETER GABRIEL 3 [AKA: MELT]

A creative step forward for Gabriel sees him experimenting with darker tones and increased use of the new decade's technology, giving the listener lots of unique songs filled with his usual outstanding vocals and fine instrumental work from his guest artists. Tony Levin delivers some groovy stick work, while Fripp cranks out his usual eccentric cacophony of noise and guitar work on several songs.

The real attraction are the songs themselves though, some of which are better crafted and more imaginative than on his excellent debut; unfortunately, a little bit of '80's pop cheese sticks its ugly head out and knocks the overall quality down a notch or two. This however, is not nearly enough to prevent me from recommending "Melt" to most anyone though, especially since it contains myriad styles and sounds to please a large base of listeners.

Songwriting: 3 Instrumental Performances: 3 Lyrics/Vocals: 3 Style/Emotion/Replay: 3