PETER GABRIEL 1 [AKA: CAR]

Peter Gabriel solo career is not really a progressive rock music, but as this excellent site says is a Crossover prog. In my opinion the musical quality of Peter Gabriel music, is good but not excellent. In fact none of the Genesis members could reach through their solo career the same level that they reach with the band, in the seventies or in the eighties or in the nineties. Peter Gabriel is not the exception, and I think that into the progressive rock world he is a bit overrated. Peter Gabriel I (Car) is in my opinion his best work, in terms of a studio album. (Plays Live carry his work to the highest level). Here we have a combination of a powerfull sound, some bombastic moments, and of course the superb and unique voice of Peter. The album has to some instrumental parts (not as long as I would like), something that his following albums lacks.

The best tracks are for me:

Moribund the Burgermeister: Great keyboards work, bombastic and powerfull.

Down the dolce vita: The other bombastic moment. What a voice! With the contribution of the London Symphonic Orchesta, and a superb guitar riff in the middle.

Here comes the flood: A powerful non conventional ballad, with a great chorus and a superb electric solo by Robert Fripp.

Modern love: Another powerful track based in a hard guitar riff in wich Peter shines with his voice.

The rest ar good too, but not so much. We have Solsbury hill, a high quality pop song which sounds much better in the live versions, specially in the Plays Live album. The same happens with Humdrum.

Four stars