PETER GABRIEL 3 [AKA: MELT]

I see this album as the one where Peter's studio technique caught up with his adventurous creativity. The sound is a quantum leap from the flatter tones of his first two solo offerings and it makes for an incredible listening experience. The true highlights are "Biko" (brilliant and timeless), "I Don't Remember" (Tony Levin's stick work is incredible and the rhythm is undeniable), "Games Without Frontiers" (a bonafide classic song) and "Family Snapshot" (an understated masterpiece). The other songs are excellent, as well. Mr. Gabriel was finding the narrow balance between originality and mass acceptance this go- round and the result is an album that has not become hopelessly passe'. In essence, the man just can't make a bad album.