A beginning...
03/04/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"An interesting and rather compelling collection. Surely not the definitive tribute to Gabriel's music, but a very capable start. It would be exciting to hear a more diverse gathering of musicians formed to create a tribute album rather than simply having one group do the entire thing, as this album does with the American Rock Orchestra, but nevertheless it is a fascinating work and a must for any hardcore Gabriel fan.Highlights:Biko: An upbeat rendering of this classic utilizing the Los Angeles African Choir to sing out the lyrics. A tight piece all around (I think the distortion tone for the guitar is more suitable for the song than what is on the original version).Prelude-Jeux Sans Frontieres/Games Without Frontiers: The "Prelude" is a wonderful haunting intro to this version of the song which is quite well done.Red Rain: Alfreda Gerald presents a low-key, nearly rap-like style for the verses while soaring for the chorus.Guitar credited to a Pat Buchanan (at least he's keeping busy).[Low]lights:The two versions of "Don't Give Up." Neither one of them really captivating (except possibly the outro of the first version).Felicia Sorensen's voice is a little too whispy to really handle some of the vocal bits, but a good singer otherwise and someone you could imagine Gabriel working with (i.e. kinda kooky like Toni Childs, Paula Cole, Joy Askew, Stella Katsoudas, etc.)."Here Comes the Flood"....eh."
An average tribute
Daniel Hare Jr. | Granville, Oh United States | 10/21/2001
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Peter Gabriel is one of the most influential artists of our time, yet it seems like the rest of the world has yet to recognize this fact. This album is a nice tribute in thought or effort, yet it still misses the boat in many ways. Some of the tracks seem too commercial to the point that I am surprised that Peter even allowed this album to be produced. Aside from a couple of tracks, this album is basically designed to be listened to in a doctor's office or on an elevator.This is an album that can be listened to once or twice at best. Other than that, the only time you will hear it is when you are in a waiting room."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1