SO

Sometimes an artist continues to progress through their career until they achieve what is as close as they can come to perfection and that is what Peter did on this album. He had gotten the attention of the global Average Joe with the groundbreaking "Shock the Monkey" in 1983, setting up the world for an acceptance of this incredible collection of songs. From the mesmerizing and powerful "Red Rain" to the intriguing "We Do What We're Told" he carries us on his back through a maze of wonderful musical discoveries without ever pandering to the lowest common denominator. "Sledgehammer" redefined pop music and how it was presented to the masses via MTV. It's effect cannot be overstated. "Don't Give Up" may be the most unusual neo-waltz ever written and its message is timeless in its subdued optimism. But it is the exquisite "In Your Eyes" that established a new standard of personal love song that emphasized the spiritual over the emotional attachment a man can have for a woman. It expresses the essence of adoration. "Mercy Street" is uncanny in its hypnotic rhythm as it carries you along in a dreamlike trance. And "Big Time" is so perfect in its sarcastic satire of modern values that many people simply missed the irony while dancing along to its infectious dance beat. And that's okay with me. This album, along with the marvelous US that was to follow, made Peter Gabriel a household name and temporarily saved humanity from the endless scourge of big-hair bands and power ballads that were characterizing the musical abyss that was the mid-to-late 80s. Just because it was universally embraced doesn' t mean it isn't progressive rock at its finest and every fan of the genre should have a copy in their collection. It is sublime greatness.