In this week’s #TBT, I am providing you with a record of an artist who always polarized general audience. In my humble opinion, If you are not provoking polarization, you are not an artist. When someone listents to Peter Gabriel’s music, two scenarios are possible: they either enter the state of trance, or they find it extremely dull and they never want to listen to him again. But, who indulges in exploring the discography of this extravagant artist will find it difficult to let him go. The reason for it is Peter’s mastery in combining genres: from avant-guarde and electronic to etno and pop. Whatever he made sounded dark, mystic and seductive.
His every single was welcomed with wonder and doubt, and then it would collect accolades. Although he never cared about mainstream, he couldn’t find a way to run away from it. Solsbury Hill, a duet with Kate Bush, Don’t Give Up, Games Without Frontiers, Shock The Monkey, Sledgehammer. These are all hits that turned the former Genesis singer into one of the most appreciated artists in the world. He was always one step ahead of everyone else.
Everyone who had a problem with above mentioned works of Peter Gabriel will finally find peace with this collection from 2003. Double album Hit contains all the best songs, from the first, self-titled album to the album Up from 2002. It is worth the mention that Peter Gabriel personally selected which songs will find the place in this anthology. The first CD is comprised of all his hit singles. Alongside previously mentioned, there is an overly-political Biko, a song dissecting the murder of the guy who fought apartheid, then previously unreleased Burn You Up, Burn You Down, then Steam, etc.
The second CD witnessed a selection of the best songs that were never released as singles. For example, there is D.I.Y. from the record Peter Gabriel 2, then No Self Control from Peter Gabriel 3 and remixes of The Tower That Ate People and I Have The Touch. You can also find live recording of Downside Up and the song Lovetown from Philadelphia soundtrack.
Although those who are experts in Peter Gabriel found some minor flaws on Hit collection, I believe this was a compilation that satisfied everyone’s needs and expectations. I am particularly refering to the first CD here. If you never listened to Peter Gabriel, here is your chance to meet one of the best music artists that have ever lived. It is my honor to introduce you.
