US

Not only is Us a fantastic follow-up to Peter Gabriel's well regarded So, it's one of Gabriel's best albums period. Us slinks and rocks and drifts through its nearly hour-long running time with pure class. Gabriel's compositions are wonderfully realized and varied, from the big art-pop hits like "Steam" or "Digging in the Dirt," to thoughtful and emotive ballads like "Blood of Eden," and even to the abstract and highly interpretive moments that fill the space between. This is a great album, one that richly rewards the listener with lush music that lifts, tickles, provokes, and rouses. While I don't think that there were moments in Us that quite reach the emotional heights of So, it feels more consistent, varied, and experimental. This is Gabriel showing us his highly refined skills as singer, songwriter, and entertainer; the guy knows his stuff, crafting songs that are approachable enough for the masses but interesting enough for we prog-heads... that's a rare thing, and one that should be relished with many listens. Be sure to check out the diverse instrumentation, and especially the thick bass grooves laid down by the masterful Tony Levin, and the dense keyboards of Brian Eno. Highly recommended.

Songwriting: 5 - Instrumental Performances: 4 - Lyrics/Vocals: 4 - Style/Emotion/Replay: 4