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From the shock tactic opening killer 'Darkness', you can be sure that you have trespassed in Gabriel's World. Before you are allowed to go free, you'll have to reside for a while and focus on the surroundings, eloquently delivered, by your most expressive host.First track, 'Darkness', is going to mug your soul. It's a rare Gabriel track, one that is instantly in there, never to be forgotten. As other tracks are left to grow on you, this opener has already taken root.It's been a painful wait for this album and it's obvious that based on the recognisable Gabriel touch, a whole decade of further influences have been shaped and moulded.'Growing Up' has a more retro feel, an old style comfortably waiting to be heard. 'Sky Blue' is also very reminiscent of his early work, hints of 'So', and a very welcome feeling it gives too.'No Way Out' is barely a departure, nothing scarily unfamiliar, just mellow and mixed. Uncertain of it's identity of era, it's one of the more worthwhile tracks.'I Grieve' is a typically heartfelt affair, slightly overshadowed by the next track, 'The Barry Williams Show', the more up-beat, down-morals number punctuated by Tony Levin's unmistakable Bass.'My Head Sounds Like That' gets the nerves back together and brings you down in a similar, rather spooky, vein to 'The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway' of old. While 'More Than This' gives back some sense of reality, 'Signal To Noise' will just pitch you right back. Teasing you with the regular normality at the start, this finishes off as something close to epic.And relax. The last track, 'The Drop', will ease you back with a slightly more improved perception of the world.Typically, Gabriel brings together some outstanding musicians from the globe and, at long bloody last, gives us another worthy work of art.Slightly more sinister perhaps, or just my own paranoia, on the sleeve notes it is written: "...and to Martin - we will miss you."

This is a breathtaking album. It feels like a culmination of all the threads that Gabriel has been working all these years. If you're expecting a continuation of the ethnic sounds of "Us" or the accessibilty of "So" you're in for a big surprise. This is a multi-layered album, both musically and emotionally, with Peter covering some familiar ground of the human condition, and everything from Islamic sounds to strings to a serious techno/metal bit (Darkness.) It's not an album that grips at first, but it intrigues, captures your ear then blows you away. If you are familiar with Peter's past work, you'll hear elements of everything here, but this is a new, darkly rich and evocative avenue. He is in possibly his best voice ever, and the production gives plenty of space to appreciate his inimitable vocal. Stand-out tracks for me are "Growing Up" which sticks in your head and jumps out on you at unexpected moments, and "Signal to Noise" which displays such a breadth of inspiration yet ties it all together in a coherent piece of sheer beauty, with probably the best vocals on the album. Get this album with the expectation of the unexpected, and you won't be disappointed.

A Peter Gabriel modern masterpiece. Get it and play it loud.

A good signing off by Peter Gabriel if he's not going to make any more brand new studio albums (I say that since in 2013 Gabriel will re-release the So album and tour with it again). The Barry Williams Show is one of the standout tracks but as always with Gabriel it's a whole-album ride and it grows on you and hangs together well.

This is a beautiful album from Peter. When I first listened to it I wasn't sure if it was up there with his best work,but after a few listens I think It's one of his finest.The mood is very introspective,but Gabriel's beautiful voice and fine lyrics are a joy to behold. My favourite track is "Sky Blue " with the Blind boys of Alabama showing a lot of vision on backing vocalsIt's good to see Peter still being creative with so many of the artists of his era still performing their greatest hits package.I fell in love with that voice when I bought the "Trespass" album and have been a fan ever since !

Another great Peter Gabriel product, parts of which I had only heard on live albums before. Recommended to al lovers of Gabriel/Genesis.

As usal another great release of PG. A very good CD.

An excellent collection of songs. Fantastic production deserving many listens that reveal the deep layering of sounds. Has remained a favourite for some time now and showcases the excellent song writing talents of Mr Gabriel.