Customer Reviews

Us

5 star:		(75)
4 star:		(24)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Desires, relationships, communication, the struggle of being imperfect humans in an imperfect world...Grace, and what it means to love and live in this world. All of these things echo throughout this collection of songs. "US" is one of my favorite recordings. It has a depth that few others in my collection have ever even come close to matching.

The music varies greatly in sound and style; with all of it working to great effect:

The pulsing rhythms of the percussion on "Love to be Loved" flow as a gentle undercurrent working in combination with very understated keyboards. The way the instrumental music on this song serves as a canvass for Gabriel's whisper-like vocals is pure genius. The song itself is about cutting loose the habitual need for human love. It is a musically gentle yet emotionally searing exposition on the pain caused when a relationship dies.

The "Blood of Eden" contains some of the most beautiful lyrics ever written in English (just my not-so-humble opinion). It speaks of the human habit of constantly starting to love, to seek union, without taking stock of our true selves and our true motives. It speaks of coming to the realization of who one really is with beautiful language: "I caught sight of my reflection, I caught it in the window; I saw the darkness in my heart. I saw the signs of my undoing. They had been there from the start." It speaks of our wanting union. The song begins by focusing on the union of women and men. Upon deeper reflection the song moves on to speak of a deeper need for union than the marital framework provides: "I can hear the distant thunder of a million unheard souls, of a million unheard souls-watch each one reach for creature comfort for the filling of their holes." One should look at this particular song in the context of the main theme of this album: relationships. In the context of the language of these songs and the theme of relationships, it is notable that the way in which the "Blood of Eden" speaks of the desire of union between people is much the same as it (and a few of the other songs) later comes to phrase the desire of union with something higher-namely: God. The desire for union with God is wholly natural. It is what we were created for. It is the only way can truly be fulfilled. However, when we begin to put God-like expectations on our relationships with others, we are bound to fail. It is desire of this kind of union, that of one person to another with expectations that only God can fulfill, that is at the root of much of the pain expressed in this album-and if we are honest-our own lives.

"Washing of the Water" is a song that I can relate to in a very deep way. It is possibly my favorite track on the disc. For those who have found themselves adrift in the seeming nothingness of this life, this song speaks eloquently of how hard it is to finally find freedom in that very sense of what can only be termed as "adrift-ness". The very river we are drowning in can lift us up when we pass through the roar and ceaseless motion of our daily lives. Having done this one may enter into the silence; where we are able to hear that still, small voice. It is then, and only then, in that total surrender to our loving Father's will, that we grasp the direction and purpose of this life. In this peace, in this truth we are finally at rest and capable of not only laying aside our pain, but upon further consideration of it, to realize that it too is joy.

"Secret World", the final track, serves as a retrospective summation of the theme of relationships that permeates the entire recording. The summation is not a statement but a question that each of us who has ever experienced the death of a relationship would do well to ponder over: "in all the places we were hiding love, what was it we were thinking of?"

The other tracks of the album are wonderful as well. "Kiss That Frog" is endearingly humorous. "Come Talk To Me" heroically kicks off the album and contains some great lyrics. "Steam" is a typical Peter Gabriel expression (dare I say celebration) of lust. "Only Us" is a powerful statement of self-awareness and the journey back to the land we once called home. "Digging in the Dirt" combines the beauty and rage encountered when we make that self-discovery. "Fourteen Black Paintings" is a truly beautiful musical/spoken word piece about the temporal reality of humanity.

This album confronts the listener about the challenges inherent in being human. It is one of my favorite albums. It leads one to cry out for grace-and that cry, when answered, leads us to fulfillment. I give this disc my highest recommendation.

When "Us" was released in 1992, it immediately became a steady staple in my musical diet. It was the perfect musical acompaniment to a rocky relationship I was wrestling with. The album stayed in heavy rotation for two years, until most of my collection was stolen during a drug addict break-in.

I wasn't aware of this 2002 remaster release until last month, when I was perusing Amazon for those few remaining CDs that I haven't managed to replace yet.

Replete with subtle, complex musical arrangements and intensely humane lyrics, "Us" is Peter Gabriel's best, most complete album. "So" is a close second, but there are a few tracks on "So" that seem like mere filler. Not so on "Us." Every track seems purposefully crafted and included, with the possible exception of "Fourteen Black Paintings" (not a bad song at all, just sounds more like it belongs on a movie soundtrack). I suppose you could also argue that the two mainstream pop-esque songs, "Steam" (which I always thought was similar to -- but much better than -- "Big Time") and "Kiss That Frog," don't quite harmonize with the overall emotional tenor of "Us," but I won't quibble with greatness. "Come Talk to Me" is a compelling opening and invitation, followed immediately by the beautiful and moving "Love to be Loved" and "Blood of Eden." And you can't find more musical honesty and integrity than showcased in "Washing of the Water" and "Digging in the Dirt."

The remastered version superbly highlights the many acoustic nuances that were so painstakingly crafted by Gabriel. Can't recommend it highly enough -- just make sure to treat yourself to excellent speakers or headphones that can really showcase everything going on here. Then sit back and sail away. Wrestling with heartache never felt so good.

Actually 4 1/2 stars. After releasing 1986's excellent "So," Peter Gabriel took six years to complete a new album. The result is "Us," which is an exploration of love and relationships. Gabriel continues his interest in world beats, incorporating African and Middle Eastern sounds into many of the album's songs. To be honest, the album's impact isn't immediately obvious--the true genius lies in the subtle, cascading melodies and gentle rolling rhythms that are gradually discovered. Tracks like "Come to Talk to Me, "Love to Be Loved" and the gorgeous "Secret World" percolate rather than explode, gradually building to a release. The lyrics are great in the typical Gabriel fashion, and his vocals are perhaps the best of his career. If you like Peter Gabriel and are willing to invest a little bit of time to get to know the music, "Us" is a richly rewarding record.

If you are considering purchasing this album, WHATEVER you do, read beyond the first review (if it is still the review by Rob Stewart). This is an absolutely brilliant recording and is essential listening for anyone seeking deep, emotional, thought provoking music crafted using atypical instrumentation and rhythms. It is more difficult to convey pain and loss convincingly to others on a musical instrument than any other emotion. In truth, very few people are truly even able to do so. And furthermore, the more instruments used when trying to express this very ancient and basic emotion, the more the emotion itself becomes buried. With "Us", Gabriel has created something so personal that it feels like you're reading a letter to his ex-wife that you've accidentally found among his possessions---except, you're hearing it instead of reading it. It would be difficult for a non-musician to understand how hard it is to make someone else feel exactly like you do using a musical instrument. Here, Gabriel manages to express the kind of grief one typically hears in blues or gospels. It is remarkable how many exotic instruments grace this recording, and yet the entire affair is one giant perfect symbiotic swirl of beauty, grace, pain and guilt. One can hear the desperation in Gabriel's very voice as well as in the vibrato of most of the instruments. In short, to accomplish an aural/musical plea for forgiveness so effectively is a stunning accomplishment, regardless of whether you regard it as "better" or "worse" than his last recording.
It goes without saying that Gabriel's body of work has been highly influential, and as an artist, he is truly peerless---look up Real World Records or WOMAD on the internet---Gabriel doesn't sit on his laurels like some others ("Sir" Geldof).
This is required listening.

if you live in the usa and have no health insurance to go to a therapist and talk about how screwed up your life and relationships are--then buy this album.

this CD is better for my psyche then 10 sessions with my therapist, and i wish i was kidding.

anyway, peter gabriel does good.

Being a big fan of Peter Gabriel anyways, I picked this up for the hit "Steam" and was overjoyed with the product. His musical diversity throughout the album is incredible but takes a minute to adjust to, honestly. Once you realize what the content is about, however (throughout the breakup of his marriage of his wife Jill) you begin to piece together what's going on in the head of a brilliant musician. This album, to me, is more than just a montage of songs, it's a culmination of the "why's" and "where did we go wrong?"'s of any long term relationship, intermingled with the frustration that everyone goes through....just voiced through song. The songs "Come Talk To Me" and "Secret World" showing just how distraught he was with trying to work through the entire ordeal.. I STRONGLY reccommend this CD, not only if you're just a Peter Gabriel fan, but if you need a great understanding that there are good guys out there CD.

isn't it what everyone wanted though? a personal album that connect with us. "US", i think is one of the biggest highlights of Gabriel's career. not only did it break new lyrical standings, it broke all the barriors in his music. it's no secret that this album is very different in every song. a return of "Biko" with bag-pipes in "come talk to me". "Love to be loved" identifies with everyone's desire for affection. personally my favourite track on the album. "blood of eden" which watches a duet between the hopeless and devoted, which takes a while to grow on you. then there's "steam". i don't understand why no one likes this song. i like it more than "sledgehammer" 'cos this one is little bit more rockier. you usually can't dance to Gabriel's music but you can to "steam". musically "only us" is very interesting. but the lyrics don't impress me very much. but then it makes up for it with "washing of the water". another favourite of mine but take my advice listen to the live version. it's monumental. "digging in the dirt" can also identify with our hatred towards others and there doings. "fourteen black paintings" is peter's "zaar" with some lyrics. "kiss that frog" is fun, but the live version tends to make you move alittle bit more. and then there's one of the greatest Peter tracks to end the album..."secret world" shows to lovers' worlds falling apart but the love still stands because they've got another world they can run to. i strongly suggest this album. but after you buy this one, you MUST buy "Secret World Live". one of the greatest live albums of all time...

Forget the amazon reviewer above who labels this one "So-lite":
"Us" is a much deeper, heavier album than "So" on so many levels, that reveals new textures with repeated listens. Songs like "Come Talk To Me", "Blood Of Eden" and "Only Us" are absolutely haunting in their ethereal beauty, aided by guest vocalist Sinead O'Connor and a typically innovative production that combined the pop sound of "So" with the transcendent world-music atmospherics of "Passion". The instrumental break in "Come Talk To Me" is one of the most breathtaking in his entire career, while the chorus to "Blood Of Eden" sounds as if it were composed centuries ago. Although the critics may have been disappointed, Gabriel fans both hardcore and casual consider it one of his very best, for being one of his most heartfelt and personally introspective works.

Other highlights include the abrasive single "Digging In The Dirt" (with a vocal as frightening as that in "Shock The Monkey"), the "Passion"-like meditation "Fourteen Black Paintings" and the exuberant "Secret World", which closes the work on a hopeful note and became a stage favorite. The only weaker moments, in fact, are those which try a bit too hard to echo "So"--ie. "Steam" and "Kiss That Frog"--although even these feature clever wordplay and catchy choruses, and act as a necessary breather in the midst of the slower pace and heavy psychoanalysis of the rest of the album.

"Us" is Gabriel at his absolute best, second perhaps only to "Security" in his pantheon of solo works. The pace may be much slower than most of his other albums but this creates a sustained mood that is nonetheless never boring. It is an album many have identified with (especially those who have been through a breakup), and it cuts right through the soul with a fierce beauty. It is also probably the most effective combination of world-music and pop ever produced, although its followup "Up" is also superb and highly recommended. Compared to "Us", "So" is Gabriel-lite!

From the moment the CD began I had goosebumps. It showed an incredible range of emotion and creativity.

True story: It was actually given to me by a friend who worked at a radio station. It was a promotional copy and he had not listened to it before giving it to me.

After hearing the first track, he slapped his forehead, Homer Simpson style.

It is astonishing to me that Amazon selected the fairly negative review by Rob Stewart as their editorial choice for this record..."Us" is surely in Gabriel's top 4. After "3/melt" and "Security," "Us" may be a tie for 3rd with his pop masterpiece "So," though it depends on mood; "Us" feels a bit more experimental than the brilliant pop of "So."

As with most of Gabriel's studio records, it's a concept record, and the concept here is relationships. The songs chronicle the breakdown of a relationship, namely Gabriel's marriage and divorce, and the subsequent emotional and psychological journey he experiences. It begins with Come Talk to Me, written about his daughter's struggle with her parents' marital breakdown. Then there is a contiguous narrative set of songs about the frustrations, longings, complexities, passion and pain of relationships in general, and male-female in particular(Love to Be Loved, Blood of Eden, Only Us, and Steam--this last one may or may not have to do with sex as often suggested, but Gabriel himself said it was about a relationship between someone projecting a cultured, educated persona and the guy who had the frustration of knowing what she really was like). Then there is the need to eventually let go of all the baggage and be renewed (Washing of the Water). That leads nicely into what I think is an ingenious metaphor for therapy, which Gabriel was going through at the time(the stunning Digging in the Dirt, which Gabriel said was about dealing with our violent impulses). Then there is the upbeat romp about finding new love when you're "past your prime" and feeling old n' ugly, and hoping she'll see you're a good guy (Kiss that Frog); and a beautiful epic summary reflection on the tragedy that is a failed marriage (Secret World). There's also the trademark Gabriel socio-political reflection, this one a brooding worldbeat meditation on the possibility of change(14 Black Paintings).

Musically, it is not incorrect to compare the sound of the record with "So," as some have done here, but it's not quite as accessible as "So." Although, Gabriel nicely melded his accessible "pop" sound with his more experimental spirit here. The arrangements are all solid; the sheer consistency of one good song after another throughout the record causes it to rise the top of his other work. Secret World and Digging in the Dirt are simply two of the best songs of his career (along with runner-up gems like the poignant, Gospel-inspired meditation Washing of the Water). Some of Tony Levin's cleverest bass work with Gabriel is on this record, along with some of Gabriel's most clever instrumental arrangements, and some of his most insightful and touching lyrics. Personally, it may be my favorite in his catalog. I could only give it 4 stars because "3/Melt" and "Security" get 5.