Peter Gabriel 3

Fine--not his best.

It's certainly something

Sapevo che non poteva deludermi dopo So

idk jst not my vibe.

I got 2 Peter Gabriel albums this week. Kinda getting sick of it by now. I guess this is ok. Just not my cup of tea. I preferred the "Car" album better.

Oh yeah! First time with this one and it’s fantastic. Wonderfully produced, great musical performances, and innovative expansive sounds that elevate the experience. It’s truly different and I want more of it. Don’t sleep on Peter Gabriel’s solo career.

This is the third Peter Gabriel album that I got from this list. At this point, I know that his music is not meant for me. This is an 80's pop album, and you can really tell, specially beacuse of the sound of the drums. If you like this movement, then this is a great album thanks to the nice production and the experimentation. But for me, I didn't get any type of reward. At least it wasn't boring.

I definitely dig this more than the debut. The more new wave influences work much better for him. 3.5/5

Beside one very good song very average. Good albums are Us and So.

It got much better once I realized it wasn't necessarily supposed to be in German. Really talented song writer.

Enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Intruder was a strong start but not necessarily in my wheelhouse. As the album progressed there are some lovely production techniques and the songwriting is good. Not sure I'll revisit but who knows

This album really makes me wonder why the debut album was very mid would even be included on this list when an album like this is on here as well. This was a very enjoyable album, catchy, easy to listen to!

I tried listening to this when I was much younger and was out off by how impenetrable I found it then, I only really remember liking Intruder and I Don't Remember (which is actually a banger, ironically I had forgotten that). I like it a lot more now, the resemblance to Berlin era Bowie endeared it to me a lot I like the range of the album. There's a huge gulf between the sinister paranoia of Intruder to the groovy I Don't Remember, as well as the Afrobeat style of tracks like No Self Control. The whole thing has a lot of atmosphere, it feels quite eery throughout I had forgotten Robert Fripp played guitar on this until I Don't Remember when it immediately came to mind, it sounds exactly like his playing on Scary Monsters & Super Creeps. I had no idea Tony Levin was playing Chapman Stick on I Don't Remember either, little wonder why the bassline is so memorable There's a couple songs I'm not that keen on (mostly Family Snapshot) which is keeping me from giving a 5 but still a very good album overall Highlights: I Don't Remember, Intruder, Not One Of Us

This album definitely shows a transition from the much proggier Genesis stuff and also from Car, and starts to sound more like So. A good album, Games Without Frontiers is a great tune, and the whole thing hangs together well.

Pretty mediocre, if a little (only a little) ahead of its time -- this sounds a little more like a late-1980s album. "Biko" is a highlight at the end.

First time listening to this album, was only familiar with his later hit songs. Was mostly enjoyable, interesting rhythms and sounds.

Forward-thinking, proggy rock-ish music. Ambitious, mercurial, and full of texture. Maybe a little obtuse, but I'll still revisit.

A slog. Didn’t care for this at all. Could be the first or the tenth Gabriel on the list so far. Who knows.

I don't think I'd ever heard anything on this album. I'm more inclined to the Sledgehammer Peter Gabriel of my youth but this was pretty good.

One of the first albums i bought! Peter Gabriel's Melt (3) is an amazing album. Backed by his buddies, including Phil Collins and Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel has created an album of so many moods. From the truly scary Intruder ( gotta love that whistle at the end) to the yearning of Family Snapshot and rounding off the album with the anthemic Biko, this album never fails I still have the vinyl and listen to it regularly!

Prog

3.75

Mr. G still being Mr. G. Weird and ethereal.

Not bad but SO was immediately more interesting

This was another one of those albums that was good and I like Peter Gabriel quite a bit but it was mostly just a filler album, nothing too crazy or memorable but decent!

This is pretty good, Biko and Games Without Frontiers absolute classics. trivia facts: both Paul Weller and Kate Bush appear on this album.

I'm sure I apply a Sunday morning boost to albums when I have the time to sit and do nothing but listen to them on headphones while having a lovely lie-in. I also have a lot of time and respect for Peter Gabriel, so this one is onto a winner already. He's got just the right level of experimentation for my taste, it's unusual and interesting without being overly strange for the sake of it. The songwriting is also on point when you're able to listen to it properly; Gabriel is poetic in his storytelling about violence, isolation, mental struggles and apartheid, and the instrumental arrangements are often fascinating. I will be coming back to this for further listens and I'm always interested to hear more of Gabriel's work. He reminds me a lot of Bowie in his eccentric genius and artistic bravery.

i liked the first half more than the latter but it was still good, 3.5

Started strong but dropped off a bit.

Original, creative, unlike a vast number if albums on the list. I wouldn't buy it or even listen again but he deserves st least a 4

1. intruder - 1.5 2. control - 1 3. ztart - 0 4. remember - 1.5 5. family - 1.5 6. uuire - 1 7. gamez - 1 8. uz - 1 9. life - 1 10. biko - 1.5

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this album. It’s incredibly entertaining and groovy. Yet again, another album I had never listened to before! Almost five stars, first few songs lowered one star, because there is no option to lower only half a star.

I own this LP and once upon a time listend to it a lot. It's a bit more complicated pop record with a sinister undertow. And a handful of songs that I really like. I know this album was experimental for it's time, especially in sound, but that has not bearing in my scoring. I like Mr. Gabriel, especially pre-90's music, while "Us" is not a bad album either.

This is Peter Gabriel at his best, particularly rhythmically, and the entire album has a somewhat darker atmosphere compared to some of his other work. Absolute classic and one of my favourite albums of all time.

Three consecutive self-titled albums? Really, Peter Gabriel? Anyway, just like the other album by his I rated, it's solid British Rock music. Nothing too special, but not bad either. Favorite Song: "Biko"

I've never liked Peter Gabriel, neither liked him... This was a weird album...

NO soy muy fan

With *So*, *3* (aka *Melt*) is probably the other mandatory Peter Gabriel album to own if you can enjoy art-pop with unabashedly commercial ambitions -- here the best of both worlds, really. It took Gabriel a little bit of time to reach this balance, and he would lose it again in the future. Debut album *Car*, with its remnants of prog influences not totally digested, aged quite poorly (apart from hit single "Solsbury Hill" and maybe closer "Here Comes The Flood") ; there are very few highlights in the quite inert, often cheesy or ineffectively shrill transitory LP *Scratch* ; and if *Security*, sandwiched between *Melt* and *So* starts off great, it still harbors a second side that returns to the somewhat tepid territories of *Car* and *Scratch*. No, *Melt* is the true keeper here -- maybe even more interesting than *So*, because of its darker moods. "Intruder", ominous, unpredictable and unnerving, is a perfect opener to set up those dark tones. The sound of that hypnotic drum pattern also does wonder. It's interesting that Gabriel asked his drummers in the studio (including former bandmate and new Genesis singer Phil Collins) not to use any cymbals, leading producer to patent the infamous "gated" sound for percussion (which will lead us to the most horrible musical moments of the eighties). That "gated" sound is fortunately not "over the top" yet, and is even quite effective to dynamize the songs -- it's a lesson that Phil Collins himself put to good use in his own hit song "In The Air Tonight", once again a composition where said sound is pertinent at least. But I digress here... To return to *Melt*, second song "No Self Control" uses marimbas to great effects, indeed recalling Bowie's experiments for his Berlin trilogy. Proper third cut "I Don't Remember" (after interlude "Start") is a catchy single with post-punk and new wave overtones foretelling Gabriel's future charts hits. Robert Fripp's relatively dissonant guitar solo is also another nod to Bowie, as well as to the contemporary iteration of his own act King Crimson. The two songs that follow, the great "Family Snapshot" and the admittedly less stellar but still pretty good "And Through The Wire" see Gabriel investing Bruce Springsteen's turf, suite surprisingly (with yet again some abrasive punk overtones, courtesy of Paul Weller's guitar). "Games Without Frontier" is yet another memorable hit, this one with highly topical lyrics about the scourge that war is. The ironically naive vocal hook performed by Kate Bush adds a layer of sarcasm to the song that is very welcome here. The overlong and grating *Not One Of Us* aged badly, however (you can't hit the mark every time I guess). "Lead A Normal Life" is another OK interlude, and we're already at the end of the LP, with the undeniably iconic and, again, highly topical "Biko", which not only sees Gabriel singing from the right side of history, but also offers a hell of a tribute song, epic yet also dignified, to the titular figure who bravely fought Apartheid in South Africa. That mix of long saturated guitar chords, bagpipes in the background, and elated vocals (both in the lead and in the background) is perfect for a protest song such as this one. So yeah, minus one dud and two interludes, those are either nice tracks or absolutely essential ones (four or five for the latter by my count). Hence why I think there is room left for this record in my own list of 1001 albums you must listen to before you die. 3.5/5 for the purposes of this list of essential albums, rounded up to 4 8.5/10 for more general purposes. Number of albums left to review: the 80-ish extra LPs listed on this app, included because different past editions of the book have mentioned albums that have since been dropped in subsequent editions. Number of albums I'll keep in my own list: half, approximately Number of albums I *might* keep: a small quarter, approximately (including this one) Number of albums I won't keep: a large quarter

I like Genesis but somehow I dislike Peter Gabriel's solo music. I have watched the recording of one or two of his concerts and yes, they are good. But his music alone, I don't really like it that much.

This is an amazing album beginning to end.

This is my favourite Gabriel album (although I may have said that about So.) The first listen through is electric.

The Invention of Art-Pop: a play in one act. Artist: I don’t feel like going to all the trouble of making a good record. That’s too much work! Producer: It’s cool baby. Just make an okay record but make it a little weird and pretentious. It won’t sell as well as a good record, but the kids who want to think that they’re smart will buy it, so the sales will be decent. Artist: Hooray! *grabs bongo drums and/or didgeridoo* Scene.

“Intruder” intro is very off putting, leaves you on edge the whole song, very interesting song to lead off an album. “No self control” has very dark tones, but mixed with a xylophone is very interesting. The percussion is engaging. “Start” switches the vibes swiftly with is a welcome change as it’s much smoother on the ears. “I don’t remember” is a bit more upbeat than the first few songs, but retains a few of the strange background noises. The chorus is catchy. “Family snapshot” is a much slower and more emotional song, very different from the songs preceding it, his voice is smoother here. It picks up and is a very enjoyable song. “And through the wire” has a good electric guitar and feels like a proper rock song, also cowbell. I like the backing singers in “games without frontiers”. “Not one of us” is very catchy and the chorus is solid, percussion during the bridge goes hard.

Not sure I really loved this; seemed a bit too experimental for my taste. I wanted to like it more but none of the content jumped at me. Seems a bit overrated based on the other reviews left by others here. 5/10.

Peter Gabriel, Genesis and Phil Collins ... their good stuff is impeccable, brilliant, classic and everlasting ... and their bad stuff is ... incredibly disappointing just. like. this. album. But I really do like the cover art.

I guess that cover art warned us that Peter Gabriel was going for unsettling. But the melting creepiness really only lasted for two songs. Three, if you consider a short instrumental sax solo titled “Start” at track three to be unsettling. It all felt pretty Gabriel-y after that.

On the cusp of a transition to a new decade, Gabriel wanted to make an album for the 80s. It did not start well. It took until I Don’t Remember (track 4) to get interesting and again to Not One Of Us (track 8) for a song I could get into. The only other song I like is the last, Biko, which is my favorite. As far as kick starting the 80s, I rail on 80s pop all the time, so it’s not like this is out of step with the decade.

Peter fucking Gabriel. This would be his best album. His true breakout album. What a legend!

love peter gabriel, love genesis. this is just killer, experimental fun. crazy that he can make songs about these dark topics so catchy

I liked it there were a few songs that i listened to twice!

If you're willing to go along with the journey Mr. Gabriel wants to take you on, you'll probably enjoy what he has to offer. I was continuously hesitant to go there, but continuously surprised in each track.

I'm coming to realize that I don't care much for Peter Gabriel unless his voice is washed out by a wall of prog rock sound behind him.

Other than Games Without Frontiers, I didn't much care for this. I suppose at least it mostly held my interest.

Alright album, nothing terrible but nothing overly memorable either. I enjoyed it but am unlikely to revisit it.

Sometimes it's hard for something so influential to be impactful if you come to it late. This isn't one of those records.

This album by Peter Gabriel sounds way ahead of it's time. It dabbles in art rock, experimental, and post punk which definitely captured my attention. I can imagine hearing these songs live in the early 80s was pretty wild.

Proggy as fuckkkk baybayyyy, brilliant stuff, more like this please

This was better and more interesting than I’d expected given, ya know, sledgehammer. An interesting piece of rock history.

I’m still not a Peter Gabriel fan but this was okay. No Self Control sounded like a Nokia Ringtone in the background lol

1/10. Basic and extremely dated. Wouldn’t listen to this ever again😭

4 - Haunting. Note cultural significance

Cool.

It’s not terrible, but most of this feels like he’s more interested in incorporating “new” sounds rather than making a song with any kind of feeling or fun.

i had heard this once before and didn’t think much of it, not sure what the hell was wrong w me then. phenomenal album.

intruder- up to devious activities. 7 no self control- 6 start- 5 i don't remember- so true. 7 or 8 family snap shot- 5 and through the wire- 5 or 6 games without frontiers- 4 or 5 not one of us- they not like us. 5 lead a normal life- 5 biko- 4

Peters typical ethereal pop/rock

This album was a bit weird for me; I love Peter Gabriel from childhood, so I thought I’d be positively inclined toward this album. The big hit “Games without Frontiers” is not my favorite of his songs. I liked some of the other songs in this album-overall a bit weird/discordant (the sax was not my jam on this particular disc), but appreciated the experimental nature of it. It was hard to pay attention to.

What a genius!

Not my cup of tea today.

This and 4 are his peak. So much so that the live album just after is my favourite Peter Gabriel record even if it does miss all the signature production sounds.

Solo por Biko ya merece la pena, pero sumando No self control y I don't remember ya se pone interesante. Hay que escucharlo.

I like it better than I expected. I don't like all songs, but there's a couple of great ones on this album. Favorite song: no self control.

Sounds like a really bad David Bowie impression.

Good opportunity to listen to some Peter Gabriel, which I'm embarrassed to say I haven't listened to him much other than "In Your Eyes." Opening track has sort of dark vibe complete somehow with those little plucky finger marimbas (idk what they're actually called). "Family Snapshot" really reminds me of Bruce Springsteen for some reason? Maybe the driving guitar and the saxophone. Honestly with three songs left in my listening, there's not much that stands out to me on this album. Maybe the last three songs will change my mind? Although he could not anticipate it, "Lead a Normal Life" at first sounded like that factory setting iphone ringtone...ha. I was looking forward to "Biko" and thought maybe that could be a highlight of the album for me because I love a good "movement" song. But I found it honestly a little boring. I feel kind of like an asshole being so "meh" about it but what are you gonna do, like everything?

Very good album

Better than Melt. Early PG will do....

Also nostalgic, games without frontiers is an enjoyable listen

Two Peter Gabriel albums in 5 days has given me more time to think about Peter Gabriel than I ever thought I would have. I will redact my statement from 5 days ago about appreciating Peter Gabriel. I appreciate two of his songs, the rest is more 80s nonsense.

xylophone!

Yes and No. Its very Peter Gabriel. Lots of sax and keyboard and wailing soft sounds. Which can be enjoyable and put you in a state of lull. But it can also be just a bit much. My rating would be 2.5 but will have to round down because I don't think I ever need to listen to this album again.

This album seemed to be a great example of PG transitions from Prog to a more pop sound. Surprised by the solidness. 3/5

Otra portada genial , otra vez Hipgnosis, para un disco igualmente maravilloso. La producción de Lillywhite tuvo una profunda y evidente influencia posterior. Infinidad de bandas y canciones tomaron sus efectos de batería. Phill Collins, Kate Bush, Paul Weller, Robert Fripp, Rhodes... la lista de aportaciones es importante. El cierre con Biko, glorioso. Los 80 no podían empezar mejor... y aun quedarían So y otros buenos discos más. Pero antes el batacazo de la gira WOMAD y su 4 entrega.

A few decent ideas here that I found interesting, but nothing that I plan on returning for

Experimental, affecting, accessible, political and filled with bangers all at the same time! Gabriel is a genius and this is among his best

Cool 😎😎 Ich bin ein großer Fan 🪭 von den dubious Glockenspiel und Xylophon

After the first two tracks this album has the feel of a concept album of an unstable man, hell, maybe it was. Peter Gabriel isn’t shy on Melt, letting his weird ambitions shine thru and it works wonders for him. Post punk, artsy, Phil Collins on drums and Kate Bush even shows up for a couple tracks. I could have sworn Brian Eno was floating around in the background letting off some weird yelps but I suppose that was wishful thinking. This is an interesting extremely cool album. 4 stars

Liked

A really good listen. Several of the tracks I was able to hear his development as a songwriter. There were some real standouts. I really like Peter Gabriel. This was a good addition to the list.

A journey

I guess I just love the hits

Peak Peter Gabriel. Dour Eno-esque electronica before he embraced annoying 80s sounds.

This one started weird and overall I didn't like the start but was excited to see a different Peter Gabriel from our previous album. But then it got into it and was so 80's but so different that I couldn't help but enjoy it. Something about it is super dark and edgy, but also has that 80;s bop to it that makes it seem light hearted and easy to get into. I Don't Remember and Not One of Us were my favorites. I really enjoyed how he meshed different sounds and genres to make something unique and yet fit so well in the time.

Jeux sans frontières? Is he not singing "She's so popluar"? Damn. My life has been a lie. I like this album. I like it more with each listen. I think it's creative & edgy. Intruder is creepy, dark, and wild. Love the beat and how herky jerky the melody is. I especially liked I Don't Remember & Games Without Frontiers. But I don't dislike any of the songs. It's a pretty solid album for me.

Peter is always interesting even if some of his experiments don’t hit hard enough. This album starts off sluggish with “Intruder” and the unnecessary “Start”, but then those songs morph into some really great 80’s bangers like “No Self Control”, “I Don’t Remember” and “Not One Of Us”. “Family Snapshot” sounds like the full version of a random dramatic sitcom theme song from a 1980 parallel universe. “Biko” seems like an attempt at making his magnum opus. That would actually be “In Your Eyes”, but this epic, brooding song is admirable and still an A for effort. Onward from there it’s all art rock, Peter style. Good and weird, but not best of on any list. I truly respect Peter for always reaching for something bigger than can be put into words. He is a true artist.

I really liked this. There’s something beautifully raw in the first half or so of the album and what seems like a lot of complicated emotions in a complicated relationship. Enjoyed the politically themed songs too, and the song compositions were all cool and unique. Favorites were Family Snapshot, And Through the Wire, and Games Without Frontiers.

Great!

Wanted to like it but mostly meh for me. 3.1

not my favourite music but excellent story telling/ abililty to create a tone with music

This is the best Peter Gabriel on the list until now and I was lucky to get his albums almost in order since it's easy to spot his evolution as a solo artist. I'll not become a fan because of this album, but I'm sure I'll enjoy it more when I get some of its songs within my recommendations.

I can see where this was influential but not for me

A fine album. Some unique sounds/instruments but nothing that blows you away. Nothing you want to skip either though. 5.75/10 (2.875/5)

3.5/5

expected less, but i that‘s why i am playing this game. great album for a lazy sunday…

Not a huge fan of this sort of self-absorbed early 80s stuff which takes itself too seriously

I thought it was going to be weirder, but it was alright. I'm not all that familiar with Peter Gabriel beyond his couple of hits and one Genesis album. It was interesting. I will give it another spin (or click).

Nobody needed or wanted Peter Gabriel 1. That there are two (or more) sequels is truly horrifying

Each song sounds very different and the whole album seems fresh even after 40 years. Favorite track: Games without frontiers other picks: i don't remember, intruder, family snapshot

You nailed it with the 80s synth. Some songs are almost a parody of themselves. You said saved by the bell, I’m hearing Seinfeld. 😄 Through the Wire has some kickass cowbell though.

I really wanted to like this more than I did. But please make sure “Lead a Normal Life” is the music for the closing credits of my eventual biopic.

At 46 y.o, i'm tired of pretending i like stuff because i "have to." PG is one of those artists I just never got into even though people say its genius. To hell with what Patrick Bateman said in American Psycho.

Had never listened to this all the way through, some interesting parts but didn't grab me. Should give it another chance though

Unnnffffffffffffffff

Not a fan.

i have a lot of peter gabriel haters in my life for whatever reason and i’d just like to say from the bottom of my heart FUCK those people this is great

some cool production

Relistened to this on seperate days. Improves on subsequent listen. Really glad I gave it another shot. Intruder - 4/5 Ditto No Self Control - 4/5 I Don't Remember - 4/5 Family Snapshot - 2/5 And Through the Wire - 3/5 Games Without Frontiers - 4/5 Not one of us - 3/5 Biko - 4/5

Solid album. A few really strong big hits.

Peter does rock hard I guess! I had low expectations and this exceeded them by far.

This didn’t do too much for me. I liked “So” better. 3/5 Highlights: Biko

Interesting 80's sound effects, haunting Peter Gabriel lyrics. AN excellent introduction to his work.

Quite the journey this album takes you on. Wild soundscapes throughout. Lots of weird noises and interesting compositions. I enjoyed listening to it a lot, but I’m not sure if I necessarily love it. This is one of those albums I wish I could revisit and potentially change my rating, but for now it’s a solid 3.

Good. But not my cup of tea

I wasn't sure what to make of this and I gave it a couple of listens. I think it's not really for me. I like the prog / interesting elements. And it's got lots of cool musicians on it like Robert Fripp, Tony Levin and Kate Bush. I found it interesting reading on Wikipedia about how Peter Gabriel "banned cymbals" and they game up with the "gated room sound". But, and this is something I say often about albums I don't take to, I don't like his voice, unfortunately. And also, I know it's all meant to be prog and exciting, but I get this horrible 80s / Robert Palmer / Phil Collins vibe that just gives me the ick. Sorry. I like some of the marimba though.

Not sure what I feel about this one…

It was ok

hadn't listened to this back to front but i was very familiar with biko and games without frontiers beforehand very solid album, maybe not my favourite out of his self titled trilogy though always love that gated reverb drum sound best song: biko worst song: n/a

The things I could tell you about Peter. Would really change the perception of Sledgehammer if you knew what it was really about. But Houmous & Chutney aren’t here to out people like that. We believe in Karma! Time will tell! 3.1

This wasn't my thing it started so weird, picked up a bit then just found myself getting distracted

Ik vind dit een stuk interessanter dan het eerdere Peter Gabriel album waar we ons door hebben moeten worstelen. Interessante muzikale stukken(Games without frontiers met zn synths op het einde???) En de zang is voor mn gevoel beter dan ik op het eerdere album heb gehoord! De baslijnen zijn moddervet, de zang is sterk en instrumentaal vind ik het gewoon echt een prettig album om te luisteren. Het druipt echt van de jaren 80 vibes en ik kan dat best wel hebben even. Het doet sterk denken aan eerder Genesis werk, maar klinkt fris door de innovatie met de synths en elektronica die ook gebruikt wordt. Leuk en vermakelijk album dat precies lang genoeg duurt! FAVO: I Don't remember, And through the wire, Games without frontiers, Not one of us, Biko

A way more experimental than "So." I wish I would've given So five stars. Sorry terrible review. I like "lead a normal life, intruder, i don't remember and family snapshot.

More interesting than I thought it would be

80s Post-punk, new wave, art rock. Certainly creative. He found his sound. The more straightforward songs are great, but some are a bit too weird.

This was really cool. The decision not to use cymbals is really interesting and inspired a lot of creativity in composition and recording. I really enjoyed this, though it dragged a little at the end.

This was pretty good! I grew up listening to Peter Gabriel but I only recognized one of the songs on this album which made it interesting. I liked the easy listening elements mixed in with more of the experimental and dark elements.

This was a really fun album! I love the unique instruments and off beats of a lot of the music. The social, geopolitical lyrics were also really cool. "Biko" gave me chills. This kind of feels like British David Byrne, but with an emphasis on geopolitical, environmental and social issues. He’s like if Sting would have been in Talking Heads instead of The Police. Really smart and varied album. I listened to it twice back to back because I enjoyed it so much.

Mr Gabriel, I did not much care for this

An incredible, creeping, unmatched album of sounds that can concretely be described as "music". Peter Gabriel's solo efforts have always been somewhat haunted by his Genisis work, but Melt feels like the first that is distinctly, undoubtedly, Peter Gabriel. Melt is concerned less with complex and fruitful songwriting, and moreso focused on texture, mood, creating imagery of scenes from Gabriel's mind. I feel like a voyeur when I listen to this album, peaking into Peter Gabriel's psyche and understanding his conceptualizations of sound. Throughout Melt, there seems to be no lapse in quality, as every song conjures Gabriel's best in every way. I adore Melt. Also worth noting that there isn't a single cymbal throughout the album.

Ok. Favourite tracks are Biko and Games Without Frontiers 3/5

80’s

Great Gabriel

An experimental, fascinating album. Sounds really raw and loved it.

the drums do go hard as hell. i found myself bopping along to quite a bit of this so i can’t say i hated it. maybe peter gabriel was never truly bad, he was just a victim of 1980s production conventions… fav tracks: lead a normal life

This was fine. I didn’t mind having it on but probably wouldn’t reach for it. I liked it better than the other Peter Gabriel album we had so far because it was less corny and didn’t have that shmaltzy 80s gloss over it.

Still some glorious moments

I've heard this is considered the father of the 80s sound with those gated snares, and I can respect that. There's also more tracks I'm willing to return to than Car, so I'd consider this a step up for Mr. Gabriel. I still prefer his Genesis stuff I think, but this is still great.

Not my favorite PG album. I think he is discovering what ultimately makes him dominate the 80s. But it’s not quite there yet. 2.5

Peter Gabriel is an artist I was interested in exploring his discography. He always sounded like a unique artist and I liked the songs I heard from him previously (Solsbury Hill, Sledgehammer, nothing surprising). This was a very unique album to get through, and I mean that in a good way. It’s an arty take on 80’s pop music with many catchy tracks, most tackling political themes in creative ways. Family Snapshot was my personal favorite. I love how the song for its majority increases slightly in intensity, but suddenly softens near the ends. It was probably one of the bigger emotional whiplashes I heard in a song. Considering its background of being based on the memoir of a would-be political assassin who admitted he was looking for attention, it was perhaps the most intense track on the album. That doesn’t subtract from the other hits on the album that hit that activist itch, such as Biko and Games Without Frontiers. Peter Gabriel 3 is a well put together experiment of an album; not too abstract to drive away, but not too safe for commercial appeal. I hope if any of the other Peter Gabriels make this list, they sound at least as good as this. Favorite track: Family Snapshot Other hits: I Don’t Remember, Lead A Normal Life, Biko, Games Without Frontiers, Intruder

I am a bit torn about this album. I have strong memories about it. I remember my dad putting on the CD and listening to Games without frontiers/Biko very loudly. I loved it, still do. Most other songs from the album were a bit of a let down to be honest.

Gabriel has a great, distinctive voice and it works well on this album. Definitely a solo and not a group album as there is no "feel" for the whole and it seems at times it is oberly production-driven. I knew there was something missing and it wasn't until I read-up a little that I realised it was the "design decision" by Gabriel to ban the use of cymbals! A blanket ban on anything is counter-productive and I think you find that here, where some of the tracks could benefit. Overall an interesting and absorbing album with my favourite tracks being 'Family Photograph', 'Games without Frontiers' (a classic of all time), 'Not One of Us' and 'Biko'.

3 - Didn't feel much, kinda wanted it to be less experimental

First half was a bit of a slow burn for me but from "And Through the Wire" I really quite liked every song. 3.9/5 3.9/5

Enjoyed certain tracks but there was nothing for me to grab on to.

PEAK

Peter Gabriel what the hell is this? Why is it so dark and spooky in places? I feel like Cronenberg commissioned this for a movie he never made. I cant figure it out, its like trying to be pretentious and mainstream at the same time, every time I get into a song for a bit it turns around on me. Not One of Us is okay.

I mean… this album felt pretty up it’s own ass. It sets the tone of the 80s being a really shitty industrial time for some music. I enjoyed the last couple songs but overall it wasn’t very good. Family Snapshot wtf was that song?!?

I really like Peter Gabriel. I never really listened to this one aside from Games Without Frontiers. I feel like this is a solid 4/5 for sure. Really dig I Don’t Remember. Tony Levin on the Stick. No Self Control also is a hell of a tune. Gonna bump this one up to 9/10

2.7 1x catch up on 10/28

Classic PG album to which I listened endlessly in the 80s. I am not sure to what extent I would appreciate it now if this was a new album for me, but obviously going for 5 stars here.

Peter Gabriel's work never really worked for me, and this is no exception. Three stars, just about.

Quite experimental with the gated reverb and all. Well, there are several nice moments, e.g. Games without frontiers, but overall it's not enough.

Peter Gabriel is one of those artists who turned out to be so much different than what I thought he was growing up. I just thought that he made fun pop music with cool videos. His work runs much deeper than that, which is on full display here. This isn't his funnest album, since it's very serious overall, but the music and vocals are excellent. Phil Collins always gets a great sound out of his drums, and it really fits the mood of the album 4/5

This is a very smoothly produced rock/pop album from Peter Gabriel and a stellar cast of musician side-kicks. It's not my kind of thing - in 1980 I was listening to a range of post-punk and alternative music albums. The album is really smoothly and well produced. Too much so for my tastes. Top tracks for me are Games Without Frontiers and Biko.

A bridge between his more exploratory early work and more commercial success in the early MTV era. Inconsistent but compelling.

Seemed a little patchy and inconsistent, but overall I enjoyed it.

3 - I'm excited to relisten to this one in the future. It feels like an album that will benefit from a second go. I did quite like some of the songs, though I think there was a bit of a lull somewhere in the album. But yeah, it's good.

Probably Gabriel’s best, this is just very impressive and covers so much ground. It’s dark and atmospheric in places but groovy and full of massive hooks in others, and it all flows together remarkably well for such a diverse project. Games Without Frontiers is an odd choice for the lead single and is probably my least favourite on the album, but it’s still a great ride from start to finish

Very good album. Was familiar with a few of the songs which were all great (especially Biko - that's an all-timer) but the rest was nearly as good. Didn't realize this was the first use of "gated reverb" so it's historical as well.

Its ok pop rock. Peter Gabriel was better in Genesis.

I thought this was okay

Tää oli aika poppista verrattuna progeaikoihin. Kyllä tää silti mulle toimi! 3/5

Vähän epätasainen, mut riittävän kiinnostava kolmoseen, kuten levyn nimen perusteella sopiikin.

Every now and again, you see some art or listen to an artist and suddenly see 'genius'. I always knew Peter Gabriel was really good, but he wasn't someone I would particularly follow or seek to listen to. This album made me hear his genius. Maybe not Bowie level genius, or Jackson, or Hendrix level but certainly up there amongst the most gifted.

Yeah it was alright

Sometimes an album deserves more than just a cursory listen, and continues to get better over time. Sometimes you listen to half of the album and then turn it off. Guess which this is.

Not as good as Peter Gabriel 1, which is also on this list. Some interesting and mildly progressive sounds here, particularly with drumming and synths, but anticipating 80s as a musical decade isn't exactly something to boast about unless you're seriously ahead of your time. Biko is the star track here primarily because its sound strays away from that of earlier songs into something intense, exciting, and (probably) revolutionary. 3/5 Key tracks: Biko, Games Without Frontiers, Intruders

I respect Gabriel’s penchant for experimentation and unconventional leanings, while still maintains a few moments of accessibility (only when he really wants to). This is a dark sounding and diverse record, which seems to pull influences from many places but is completely its own thing. It lives in its own space. It’s unsettling at many times, creepy, unpleasant, but also can be captivating.. Though the songs were interesting, I didn’t really love or even like all of them. Cool ideas and execution, but it only partially lands for me. Peter Gabriel seems cooler and weirder than I ever knew and makes really interesting music, but it’s also music that I don’t strongly connect with immediately but could with time.

This was very good to revisit. The last time I heard this album was a few years ago and I was surprised by how much I remembered. Also, a reminder of the interesting intersection between progressive rock, glam, and post punk. Melt covers a lot of strange ground and manages to feel very consistent with much "Lamb" weirdness.

Better than I expected and the appearances by Phil Collins and Kate Bush were appreciated. Possible highlights: Intruder, No Self Control, I Don't Remember, Games, Not One of Us.

A very unique album

Great mid-album threefer with And Through The Wire, Games Without Frontiers, and Not One Of Us. But it’s the politics of Family Snapshot, Games Without Frontiers, and Biko that get PG3 on the 1001 list. Well, that and it’s just a good, innovative album. Not listening again, but it’s still a solid (4.0*s)

I like PG's sound a lot but this album didn't grab me. About half of the songs are good and half of them are completely unmemorable. I'm not here for the politics but that's likely why it's on the list. I didn't know Kate Bush did backing vocals on a few or that Hipgnosis did the cover art but both make sense and are a good addition. Will round up to 2.25.

Pete likes to get weird and write some abstract shit but I'm just not that into this phase in his career. It's kinda boring. The political stance he takes may be why this album gets on the list? "Game without Frontiers" is a decent track but little else grabbed me. I'm looking forward to his later work that should make the list...1.65.

I've always enjoyed Peter Gabriel's voice and sound so I was excited to delve into this earlier album and I was not disappointed. It's got a good mix of diverse sounds that mostly work. Nothing spectacular, but a pretty good album overall. I expect PG will show up again on this list and I will be glad to give any of his other albums a listen. 3.06 stars

From the opening drum hit, I knew I would hate this album. That I would disregard it as 80s trash. Then, by the end of the first song, I was intrigued. After the second, I was hooked. Such an amazing album that finally made me excited again for this challenge. This is why I do it, to find these albums that I would’ve disregarded that then become instant favorites. It’s the best album of the challenge so far, and the first one that is threatening a perfect 10/10. It’s likely closer to a 9, but I’m so excited I’m gonna give it my first 5 stars.

I really dug So and was excited to listen to this one. It was not nearly as good. It’s an okay album but not one I’d return to anytime soon.

the turning point where he stops being the guy from genesis and starts making Peter Gabriel music

TIL Games Without Frontiers starts with the repeating line, “Jeux Sans Frontieres” and not “She’s So Popular”. So that’s cool.

I know this artist. I know some of his songs. Do not know if they are off this album. Haven't heard any of these tracks so far. It's cool.

La producción de los 80 no ha envejecido de lo más bien para mi gusto, pero el resto del disco está muy, muy bien.

Ok

Ez nem tudott megfogni valahogy. Számomra egyszerre elég avantgárd és jellegtelen (ami fura kombó). Nem tudtam kapcsolódni hozzá semmilyen szinten.

HOGYAN indult a Genesisből ez az arc, hát ez tök izgalmas!!!

Heard this before but I must've been only half paying attention, because this is fantastic. Art-pop/rock that keeps your attention while still being interesting and unusual.

Strong PG album. His voice is cold but the production/rhythms make this very relistenable.

https://youtu.be/ijoeNHFF07M the fight breaks at 3:16 Ultraje a Rigor >>>>> Peter Gabriel

Having never listened to Peter Gabriel, I've definitely become a fan. Unique sounds, great singing. The differentiation between each track yet having a fully cohesive album makes this a pleasure to listen to. It's fun, interesting, and textured.

Ok

Years and years ago, on a whim. I bought this and the one where, on the cover, he’s sitting in a car. LPs. (This was in the tape/CD transition era, long before we began to call them ‘Vinyl’. I didn’t own a record player. Anyway, always been a bit odd to me that I have repeatedly listened to all of Gabriel’s post Sledgehammer albums, and and very familiar with a small selection of his earlier work through 16 Golden Greats, (or is it 12?), but never gone to explore his earlier work. That’s the thing about subscription streaming. Everything is available, but we (I) don’t do enough to explore my curiosity. Just graze through what is brought to my attention in an apathetic haze of instant gratification. Infinite Jest is real and we are living it out, maybe? Anyway. I like this. I don’t have any real reference for it, other than Steve Lilywhite’s past and future work.

+3

Awesome

Peter Gabriel rassemble ce qu'il aime (synthétiseurs, rythmes et chants africains) et produit des albums idiosyncratiques portés par sa voix particulières. Ici, il est moins accessible que sur So, mais sur la voie.

Quite a boring listen personally, no matter how innovative it is.

best

Mid

4.25

Not my taste, it's experimental but not in a good way. Not a single standout song, but it's bad enough to be 1.

Peter Gabriel was released from Genesis because of this erratic behaviors and avante guard musical leanings. This first four solo albums were an example of what happens when you let his artistry go unchecked. It wasn’t a bad album but I’m not sure how much I liked it. Games Without Frontiers is a 1980s staple. Songs like Biko can definitely hear the Lilywhite production so familiar from U2 around the same time. Not One of Us was a pretty good song that seemed very Bowie. If do find it ironic that Phil Collin’s was accused of being “too commercial” as the singer of Genesis after Gabriel but when you hold the B-Sides of this album and PG’s So… side by side with Genesis Invisible Touch, they would trade songs across albums without effecting the album integrity of either. Rock rivalries are dumb (….but admittedly fun).

I could see this one might grow on me but this is a solidly meh album with one killer track, "Games Without Frontiers". Hopefully you learned that it is French lyrics and not "She's so popular". But that does kinda sounds cool too if you hear it that way instead.

Games is a pretty good song, but the rest of the album is kind of meh.

I do like Peter Gabriel a lot, and I liked this one a lot. But not as much as like So or some others. Good stuff though.

Nah. I didn’t need to hear this one before I die. I mean, it’s fine, but I wouldn’t be like “Awwww, man!” when, in the afterlife, I listen to every album I’ve never heard.

I liked 1986 "Sledgehammer"

This is the reason I don’t like 80s music. This is the corniness that drives me away and makes me dislike 80s music in such a blanketed fashion. It’s not bad enough for a 1, but it’s close.

Kan respektere hvad det prøver på, men sangene rammer bare ikke og jeg synes hans stemme + produktionenen på albummet bliver irriterende i længden. Det ligger nok på 2,5/5 for mig.

4/5

'Start' almost felt like a Kenny G album piece. 'Family Snapshot' sounds more like an easy listening ballad. Then other pieces just strange mix of styles. Melt probably is a better label for the album.

This list has produced a lot of strange albums that sound bad, but this is the first album I've heard that sounds good.

Brilliant start to finish. Nothing more needs be said. 5

Only like his singles, all the other his ar i don't dig at all, including this album

Really good album. Not my favorite by any means, but I definitely enjoyed it and will be listening to it again. This album reminded me of an artist that I haven’t paid attention to for a while. I forget about him often, but some reason, I’m just glad to live in a world where he exists. He was always a little outside of the rest of the music world and wasn’t afraid to make stuff that wasn’t quite the norm. Yet it was still great.

Yeah still not understanding how this guy works. Love some of his singles out there but he goes down some weird avenues with his music.

I never realised before starting this review journey how much I’d enjoy Peter Gabriel’s music. I find that I much prefer his era of Genesis, and his solo albums are also really fun. As soon as this album finished today, I immediately went back to press play to hear it again. The album felt short, but it is 46 minutes which is very much within the usual timeframe of an album. I guess that just goes to show how much I enjoyed it. It’s more easy listening than some of his proggier stuff, but that’s nice sometimes.

Onko hän todella viisas? En tiedä miksi, mutta olen onneton kaikessa Paulie America Jonah. Ja Gabriel, sinulla oli kaksi hyvää albumia ennen sitä? nimi? A Lin O:n rantoja kutsutaan hyväksi, tuoreeksi tai premium-kastikkeeksi. Simanescu: Julkaisin juuri albumin, albumi, jonka halusin, oli poliisi kaikessa, menin lippujen kanssa. He rakastavat minua. Vaatii Maundyn. TOISTAKAA. Onko hän todella viisas? En tiedä miksi, mutta olen onneton kaikessa Paulie America Jonah. Ja Gabriel, sinulla oli kaksi hyvää albumia ennen sitä? nimi? A Lin O:n rantoja kutsutaan hyväksi, tuoreeksi tai premium-kastikkeeksi. Simanescu: Julkaisin juuri albumin, albumi, jonka halusin, oli poliisi kaikessa, menin lippujen kanssa. He rakastavat minua. Vaatii Maundyn. no self control

While I fully know what Peter Gabriel created with Genesis, somehow I didn't realize how experimental his solo material could be. I suppose I'm so used to his big hits that I don't think how creative he was with his non-singles. I loved it! The unnerving start to the album ("Intruder"); the playful xylophone (?) used often; the pleasant, almost instrumental "Lead A Normal Life"; the beat in "Games Without Frontiers"; the occasional saxophone; the bop that is "I Don't Remember"; all of it was wonderful. As a lovely bonus, Phil Collins is on the drums for a few songs and Kate Bush provided some backing vocals! How delightful.

Damn, this album sucked me right in. I am moderately familiar with Peter Gabriel, including a song or two on this album, but I really didn't know he did anything like this. The art-rock and post-punk vibes present here were immediately reminiscent of Bowie, but with a very obvious Peter Gabriel twist. And this is my own opinion, but this album absolutely reads like proto-industrial; it has all the makings and sounds of that genre. This album came in at around a 3.5 for me, so rounding it up due to the uniqueness of it all!

'When Peter Gabriel gets it right, he really gets it right. For example 'The lamb...' is Genesis' masterwork. He has an amazing ability to put pictures and complex emotions into song. On this album, he covers war, political assassination and imprisonment. Not just as protest songs, but as miniture sociological and psychological studies 'Family snapshot' deserves an Oscar - an amazing film-in-music. 'Biko' is another masterpiece. 'Games without frontiers' is wonderfully evocative. Admittedly there are a couple of duff tracks (Not one of us, Lead a normal life, etc) overall this is great and worthy of 4.5 stars.

Nice to hear, did he do it alone?

The first half was horrible unless from start. The second half had few strong songs but his voice was pretty annoying and destroyed the joy from everything else.

That's not my taste in musik. But ok.

Definitely a strong 4. New to me, apart from Games Without Frontiers and Biko, both of which I already really liked. I love Peter Gabriel's creativity and willingness to go into darker places in such a thoughtful way (this is so much more me than shouty rap). I bet he'd write great novels.

I remembered I Don’t Remember after not hearing for over 40 years, which was ironic. Loved Games Without Frontiers, Biko and Intruder, but could take or leave the rest. Good to hear the whole thing for the first time, though.

Dit album zit halverwege Gabriel's prog rock roots en zijn bestemming als art pop connaisseur. En waar een vergelijking met artsy collega Kate Bush nooit ver weg is, was zij ook tijdens dit album mijn referentiekader. Conclusie is dat haar werk mij vaak wat meer prikkelt dan de algehele tendens op deze plaat. Waar Peter Gabriel iets meer het prog-rockerige (mijn nemesis) loslaat, en wat meer new wave/synth sounds omarmt, merk ik dat de muziek me beter ligt. Het openingsnummer is moody art pop, met goth tinten, en zet een sfeer neer die eigenlijk op het rest van het album absent is. Pas op de tweede helft van het album weet hij weer m'n aandacht terug te pakken met de effectie powerpop van 'And Through The Wire' en het speelse 'Games Without Frontiers'. Het laatste statement wordt gemaakt met 'Biko', wat de luisteraar toch enigszins met een opgeheven hoofd laat vertrekken. Het is best aardig, maar zoals dat vaak gaat met experimentele pop-albums is het een plaat die van hot naar her gaat. Hits and misses. 6,5/10 Highlights: Intruder And Through The Wire Games Without Frontiers

Op zich prima, en niet slecht. Maar de plaat heeft niet de kwaliteit van genre- en tijdgenoten. Weinig spanning of verrassende momenten. Biko unieke afsluiter. 5,5/10 Highlights Family snapshot Biko

First listen Saved 2/10 Top track: No Self Control

Interesting sound. Prog rock like

Sounded very fresh, was surprised it was 44 years old.

Super interesting percussion on the first couple of tracks. No Self Control is a big track, difficult to describe. The synths do a lot of work. I Don't Remember has really cool bass and it builds to a melodic chorus. Family Snapshot is a power ballad with pounding drums in the second half. Games Without Frontiers is more understated but the vocals, percussion and synths continue to be excellent. Lead a Normal Life is built around quiet keyboard melodies. Biko is stranger with tribal sounding drums and bagpipes. This stuff feels ahead of its time. I just can't decide if I really like it or not. It makes me want to listen again though.

Experimental Peter Gabriel is a guarantee of fun. Very good album, great voice, legend.

its a thump but its a dream but its a madness

A lot of weird sounds (not a good album to drive with) and nothing extremely standout. Not a huge favorite but interesting enough to not hate it.

Peter Gabriel's third solo album, is a groundbreaking work that pushes the boundaries of art rock and explores darker, more experimental themes. The album is marked by its innovative use of production techniques, particularly the absence of cymbals in the drumming, which creates a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere. Songs like Intruder and No Self Control delve into psychological unrest and paranoia, with Gabriel's haunting vocals adding to the intensity. Games Without Frontiers offers a sharp critique of global politics, blending catchy melodies with unsettling undertones. The album's centerpiece, Biko, is a powerful anti-apartheid anthem that combines personal grief with a universal call for justice. Gabriel's willingness to embrace unconventional sounds and complex subjects makes Melt a daring and influential album. Its fusion of world music influences, electronic experimentation, and introspective lyrics sets it apart as one of Gabriel's most significant works. Melt is a bold statement of artistic intent, cementing Gabriel's reputation as a visionary in the world of music. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 3 STAND OUT TRACK - Biko

4/5

its ok

Nifty industrial experimental pop, with some exotic touches and fantastic vocals. Great stuff.

Kinda background noise didnt even register.

I didn't expect to like this but was pleasantly surprised. Of its time, but interesting and enjoyable nonetheless.with some great tracks

Never a good sign when it takes a month and give attempts to get through an album. There's nothing wrong with this album and I quite like Games Without Frontiers, but it's mostly so dull I just feel like listening to something else.

I don't know why I'm always surprised that I enjoy Peter Gabriel's albums more than I expect to!

Actually starts at "Start". Two tracks as foreplay. Overall very good.

It’s very interesting album. From review on RYM I found out that you should listen this album from song “Start”. Who knows who it might help.

01) Intruder - 8,5 02) No Self Control - 8,5 03) Start - 7,5 04) I Don't Remember - 9,0 05) Family Snapshot - 8,0 06) And Through the Wire - 8,0 07) Games Without Frontiers - 10,0 08) Not One of Us - 7,5 09) Lead a Normal Life - 8,0 10) Biko - 9,5 TOTAL: 8,45 (85/100)

Peter Gabriel’s third solo album opens with the fantastically out-there opener, “Intruder”, which is a song that unfortunately promises a lot that isn’t quite met. I think overall this album is better than Gabriel’s subsequent self-titled release, but at least that album found itself fully committing to the experimental sound that this song (as well as several others on here) went for. If there wasn’t so much basic ‘80s rock dispersed between the more original songs, this thing would be a whole lot better. As it stands tho, it’s good

This is definitely an acquired taste, and it's the type of art that is harder to appreciate. It's possible that this sounds really bad and is actually bad music. However, I think the production actually sounds really good, in its own weird way, that is. It's not too weird for me, and the underlying artistry shines through. It's experimental music that should exist, in my opinion.

Doesn't really feel essential imo. You notice some more world-music esque production and percussion on here, especially on the final track. I like it but it's not overly memorable.

Interesting how he made an English and a German version of the album. Personally I liked the German one better. 3 dictionaries out of 5 Interessant, dass er eine englische und eine deutsche Version des Albums gemacht hat. Mir persönlich hat die deutsche besser gefallen. 3 Wörterbücher von 5

A fine album, quite imaginative but not much to keep me locked into it. 4/10

Pretty good

Read that he was the singer of Genesis, which makes complete sense since this sounds very much like Phil Collins - only worse. Found some half decent songs in 'I Don't Remember' and 'Games Without Frontiers', the latter which whistle tune might have been sampled in Mange Schimdt's 'Giftig' song. Overall I didn't like this record very much. It felt a bit pretentious, which you can get away with that if the music is really good, otherwise not.

Listened to it and nothing stuck out. Listened to again and started to like some parts of it. Having a very hard time reviewing it. There are cool parts like "Intruder", "I don't remember" and "Games without frontiers" and every time i listen to it I find new interesting bits (must've listened to it 4 times by now). It's different and varied which makes it a fun listen. Maybe this album is more than the sum of it parts. Still not sure if it will stand the test of time but I keep coming back to it. Giving it a weak 4 for now.

It was fine, probably not one I’d revisit though.

Has some good moments and some very annoying ones as well.

A 3 for 3. Meh

One for the hardcore pg heads.

Fkn gott stöff. Vottur að post-pönki.

Although I love Phil Collins, it was Peter the creative experimental force in Genesis. Once I listened to this album back in the day, I understood why he left in persuit of making different new original music and not go the safe way of commercial pop rocl like Genesis did and later Phil Collins. I think Phil is a better songwriter and he relies on his lyrics but Peter is more about the sound and music so his arrangements are more unique and difficult. He didnt follow the commercial success formula and went for the musician title. Well earned Overall a great album very conceptual and experimental yet you can still feel the genesis and Phil Collins influence linger in the music.

Now we're talking! I love PG, and his third album spawned classic tracks that have been on the radio and in movies for 40 years. "Games Without Frontiers" is catchy, makes you think as you listen to the words, and is the cornerstone of his greatest hits. I literally know every word. The urgency, vocal gymnastics and hook of "I Don't Remember" is an instant earworm. "Biko", the final track on the album, is a moving tribute that sparked actual change in Apartheid South Africa, it stands as a incredible protest song that encapsulates a troubled time in recent history. "Intruder" is creepy and has you looking over your shoulder, both "And Through The Wire" and "Family Snapshot" are textbook Gabriel and super catchy. Solid album, amazing songs, cutting edge production for the time, worthy of the Top 1001.

Far better than anything Genesis did. Well crafted and mature album. Excellent musicianship and compelling songwriting.

it was good, i had heard games without frontiers and that's a catchy tune! bike was great and i had forgotten about intruder - that primus cover that i heard when i was in junior high is dope!

Tense drama and raw percussion gives way to lyrical creativity and finally to an easy finish.

An ambitious record all these years later

I think I always thought what a weird dude but his voice is different…weird I hear I ozzy ozzbourne in his voice in this album. Listening to this I’m not sure I would have become a fan without hearing his hits. I think it still feels like what a weird dude. Not my favorite album but really like it at the same time.

It’s never good when the best song is the single.

Pretty cool. A little grating at times, but overall a worthy listen.

Not a bad album. Just not particularly exciting

Games Without Frontiers is one of my favorite Peter Gabriel songs, and I knew Intruder, No Self Control and Biko, but I’ve never listened to this whole album before today. Family Snapshot was a standout favorite, and you can hear the evolution from Solsbury Hill and the seeds of later, more contemplative Gabriel in songs like Red Rain and Don’t Give Up. Unsurprisingly, I’m a big fan. Early post-Genesis Peter Gabriel still has more progressive/art rock sound and sensibilities. I’m a huge Robert Fripp fan (yay, King Crimson!!) and also with Steve Lillywhite producing and Kate Bush’s backing vocals. Oh, Phil Collins is here too, but playing drums like he should. 4.5⭐️

Listened to this while playing Roll Player solo. I won with my best score yet! This album was unexpectedly great. I loved the general sound of the album. Great use of instrumentation...totally enjoyed the album sequencing. Biko is such a wonderful outro.

I was a lot more receptive to this than his first two records on this list, maybe I can dig more the transition in to the 1980s. But this still isn't great but it's fine.

Middle of the road prog

2.5

I melted into my chair on this one. Sets a mood effectively that brought me to a smoke filled room with coke dusted on every surface

Decent PG.

Really like a couple of these tracks, really dislike a few.

Good album. Enjoyed it.

ah

3-4

Ok - it's very 80s and like industrial? It was - something? Sounded experimental and weird and at first I was not very interested. There were some good tunes and a lot of interesting moments on the album. Definately some prog rock moments, a lot of new wave, etc... What was most interesting what when I realized this came out in 1980. Same year as London Calling. This must have sounded absolutely weird as hell to people in 1980. The drum sounds, the gated reverb, the synths - I first assumed this was like late 80s. Clearly this was very influential in taking a lot of weird german music and infusing it with pop sensibilities, song structures, and lyrics. Like - all the elements that defined 80s and new wave are on this album - just presented in a weird but well executed way. So - it was cool - I probably won't listen to it again, and it wasn't breathtaking on a first listen, but it was good and succeeded at what it was trying to do - I think. Solid 3 stars for me, and cool to read about.

I knew the popular track: Games Without Frontiers. I didn't know anything else. I like Gabriel's voice and some of the instrumentation, but none of the other tracks really hooked me.

Interesting at times, but rarely great. When will saxophone solos come back into fashion? 2026?

Was mostly familiar with Peter Gabriel's bigger hits from later in the 80s, & was intrigued by the post-punk, proto-New Wave description of this album. But this ended up sounding super dissonant with overwrought vocals & out of place saxophones. Do not want.

A lot of really cool beats and styles. I'm a fan.

This slaps. "In the Air Tonight" wishes it was as creepy as "Intruder". "Games Without Frontiers" = love hearing the British children's names of the '80s.

It was quite enjoyable - I had never heard much from Peter Gabriel outside his biggest hits. He’s very playful and takes us around the world

Peter Gabriel - 3. I've nearly really been into his work, and this album did not speak to me, with the exception of Games without frontiers. However he has carved out a unique style and it does have it's merits 3/5 #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie 00

Guess I'm a Peter Gabriel fan

this is the only peter gabriel album ive heard in the past and i think its really solid. i really dig the atmosphere and whatnot but i wish he pushed things to be a bit more experimental. theres a lot of memorable stuff on here even without that though. strong 7/10

This album cover is great. Peter Gabriel is one of those dudes I know nothing about despite knowing how important and influential he is. I only knew Games Without Frontiers and I Don’t Remember. This sure is Peter Gabriel. I don’t know what it is, I know this is good and he’s talented but it just never resonates with me. Maybe it’s too low tempo? I dunno.

What an album. So odd and sinister sounding at times, yet flows neatly into catchy rock tracks. Love the lyrics/storytelling too, couple of weaker tracks but the overall product just can't be lower than a 5

One of my favourite albums of all time. I’d say of the Quadrilogy of Peter Gabriel Albums (Car, Scratch, Melt and Security), this is the top dog.

Another cool Gabriel album! Hadn't heard it before, but through Dad I have heard Games Without Frontiers quite a bit. The funny piece is that I had no idea Kate Bush is the female voice on that song or that she is speaking French (I think). Back then lyrics didn't come up on your screen so easily. Reading through how he made this album really enhanced listening to it, though it didn't give me any more songs beyond GWF. I did like Bilko but this album felt more like an experiment which I give him credit for (and Phil on the drums!)

Certainly wouldn't have been my first choice for a Peter Gabriel album (that title belongs to So, which BETTER be on here), but I really enjoyed this nonetheless. Peter Gabriel is awesome, his music always reminds me of dad (who loved to play his songs for us and show us music videos when we were kids). "Games Without Frontiers" is the one song on here I knew, but a lot of other cuts that I'll be keeping too. Hell yeah, here's to hoping we get So as well. Favorite tracks: Games Without Frontiers, No Self Control, I Don't Remember, And Through the Wire, Biko. Album art: AHHH HE'S MELTING! Not a bad shot, not super interesting either but it'll do. 4/5