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I'm a sort of -pick and choose- Peter Gabriel fan. I am in no way familiar with his entire body of work, and most of the stuff I know of his I know from radio play. I stumbled onto this album due to his rendition of My Body is a Cage, and incredible song originally by Arcade Fire. It has quickly become more popular than the original, of which is still my favorite song by Arcade Fire. Though originally obstinate to receive this new much more somber version, over time, as it grew in popularity and play in various videos and TV programs, I ended up deciding I liked it and should invest in the originating album - Scratch My Back; without further investigating the track list.
I am very happy with this purchase. My personal opinion on music covers is pragmatic; if it's not just the same song sung by another artist giving little modified value, than I'm for it. I don't canonize music, I take it graciously in various combinations and styles like various preparations of rice or steak. Mr Gabriel definitely brings a different style and flavor to these songs. They are immediately familiar to many, and thus endearing. They are also have a new style, which is engaging or at least interesting. In the end, he's met my expectations for good cover music, and ultimately exceeds with adding his unique feel.
I realize many will see that this is not the Peter Gabriel they know and love. It's not an entire genre shift, such as if he'd jump to country, rap, or smooth jazz (though the later is closer), but it's clearly a different direction. I'm used to this, being a long time fan of Sting, and Iggy Pop, both who've put out albums of substantial deviation from their roots, one in particular never seemed to find his way back (and arguably has left orbit to places far far away), so for me, I'm happy for some experimentation beyond their known style. Some might feel the need to punish these trespasses with harsher criticism as a sort of negative reinforcement, and perhaps that works. For me, I will prefer something over a tired rehash or nothing at all.
You will only know if you will appreciate this album when you hear it; and there are plenty of places to try this before you buy this. I recommend that for most people. If, however, you see a few songs in the tracklist that you are familiar with and curious about, I really don't think you'd go wrong grabbing this album. It is mellow, it's been great background dinner or work music for me, at the least. At the moment, I'm about to go dig it out of my music collection and see if I still appreciate it as much as I say in this review.
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