Gabriel, Peter: I/O (Bright Side Mix)

Peter Gabriel is without a doubt one of my favorite vocalists, his richly textured voice has always resonated with me since his Genesis days. It’s hard to believe this is his first album of new material in 20 years, I/O is sonically stunning, sparse yet full, all the instruments are placed just so, you hear everything so clearly. The album comes in three different mixes; “The Bright-Side Mix� created by Spike Stent, and a “Dark-Side Mix� by Tchad Blacke. A third mix called “In-Side Mix� uses Dolby Atmos which I don’t have, so I decided to focus on “Bright-Side Mix� for this review.

“Playing for Time� is the track that got to me, it is a masterwork featuring Gabriel’s vocal prowess, tender one moment, and powerful the next. I am sure the song is up for interpretation, but it has a special meaning for me at this time. The title track “I/O� is such an earworm, what a terrific song with an uplifting chorus. I love how there is so much space in this track, truly a combination of song craft and top-notch production. I/O is an album you need to be in the right mood for, it is often brooding, and ethereal, but the music finds its mark. “Road to Joy�, “Panopticom�, and “Olive Tree� should please fans who are more apt to enjoy Gabriel’s poppier side, think “Sledgehammer� to get the vibe. “So Much� is as powerful as you can get with such a sparse arrangement. The song has a familiarity to it, and I am surprised at how the mellow tracks are the ones drawing me in, “Love Can Heal� washes over you like a meditation. “And Still� was written about the passing of his mother, and will pull at your heartstrings, a poignant piece of music with a beautiful string arrangement. The closing “Live and Let Live� provides an uplifting feel to close the album. The songs embed themselves the more you listen, always the mark of an excellent album. It’s as if Peter is talking to us, teaching us life lessons, and helping us through our difficult times. Will this be Gabriel’s last album? At 73 years old, it is certainly a question fans will have in the back of their minds, but it also shows that there is plenty of creativity left in Mr. Gabriel.

Track List:
1. Panopticom
2. The Court
3. Playing for Time
4. I/O
5. Four Kinds of Horses
6. Road To Joy
7. So Much
8. Olive Tree
9. Love Can Heal
10. This is Home
11. And Still
12. Live and Let Live

Added: December 10th 2023
Reviewer: Eric Porter
Score:
Related Link: Artist Website
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Language: english

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