MODERN LOVE

-- First review for this single -- PETER GABRIEL's debut could be considered slightly over-produced. It also has a feel that the former Genesis vocalist wanted to show off how many kinds of song styles he could deal with: barbershop harmonies ('Excuse Me'), blues ('Waiting for the Big One'), balladry, etc. The album is at its poppiest on 'Modern Love'. Sure, 'Solsbury Hill' was the hit and to-be evergreen in his discography, but it's much more sophisticated than in-your- face catchy and chorus-repetitive 'Modern Love'. Hardly any PG fan values this song very highly. It was also turned into a stupid music video in which Gabriel, dressed awkwardly, is moving nervously on an escalator: in Gabriel's music video compilation "Play" it's revealingly added as a bonus, not on the main selection.

'Slowburn' also represents the rockier and more energetic side of the debut album, and is definitely one of the songs that are in my opinion over-produced, ie. way too much muscle in the sound. But I like the delicate moment ("Shooting down...") and the powerful electric guitar solo after it.

2½ stars rounded down.