US

God, I love charity shops so much. Because it's the only place were you can get a random association of cheesy 90's pop, the odd classical c.d, abused copies of singles that were released 5 years ago, and the odd gem from a legend. This album being one of them.

Ironically I also purchased the new issue of the Classic Rock bi monthly magazine, Prog, with Peter Gabriel on the front cover, in all his spectacular glory.

Before listening, I did have some stereotypical premonitions about this album (having listened to Fish's Field Of Crows expecting it to sound good, but slightly disappointed). Usually with solo albums from guys from classic prog bands aren't that good, but to be honest, we are talking about Peter Gabriel here.

This album is a great album, I enjoyed it, the songs were memorable, and Peter's voice has never aged or shown any weakness.

This album also saw some appearances from music's finest, including Brain Eno, Sinead O'Connor, William Orbit, Tony Levin, John Paul Jones, Peter Hamill, Daniel Lanois and probably more that I have never even heard from.

This album also gets a lot of criticism for having an electronica vibe to it, but to be honest, Peter could beat the crap out of a computer for all I care, it'd still sound great.

1. Come Talk To Me - Has a very Mike & The Mechanics meets Paul Simon vibe to it. Sinead's vocals also are very good. Some great lyrics.

2. Love To Be Loved - Sounds like No Man & Massive Attack. There is also a We Can't Dance vibe to it (ironically they were released around the same time.)

3. Blood Of Eden - Peter's voice never fails to amaze me, even with age it's still far better than the rest. A very laid back song with a beautiful chorus. Amazing lyrics, as usual.

4. Steam - Probably my favourite song from the album. Sounds like an upbeat Phil Collins song. The chorus is amazing and the high note sends shivers up and down me. This also is very Sledgehammer, cheesy and effective. There is also a Michael Jackson vibe to it, being 6 minutes but staying within the pop ethos and staying catchy, memorable and interesting throughout.

5. Only Us - I love the ambient back beat to the song. This song also has a great chorus.

6. Washing Of The Water - Basically the ballad of the album. Great song, short and effective.

7. Digging In The Dirt - Another upbeat song with a great chorus. Basically.

8. 14 Black Paintings - The more experimental and arty side of Peter. I love how African culture and prog can mix so well.

9. Kiss That Frog - The intro is so very 90's. Chessey but amazing and effective.

10. Secret World - Has an 80's Rush vibe to it. Sounds like a laid back Jane's Addiction song.

CONCLUSION: Never underestimate the power of Peter Gabriel, or the power of charity shops (Heart Foundation, if you want to know).