Peter Gabriel is a legendary musician and songwriter who has been active in the music industry for over four decades. With a career spanning multiple genres and styles, Gabriel has left an indelible mark on the music world with his distinctive voice, innovative songwriting, and theatrical live performances. From his early days as the lead singer of Genesis to his highly successful solo career, Gabriel has produced an incredible body of work that has earned him numerous accolades and a dedicated fan base.
In this article, we will be taking a look at the 10 best Peter Gabriel songs of all time. These songs showcase Gabriel’s versatility as an artist, his unique lyrical perspective, and his ability to create music that is both timeless and deeply resonant. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to Gabriel’s music, this list is sure to highlight some of his most unforgettable songs and provide a window into the mind of one of rock music’s most innovative and enduring figures.
1. “Solsbury Hill”
Peter Gabriel’s “Solsbury Hill” is a powerful and uplifting song that speaks to the human desire for growth and self-discovery. Released in 1977 as Gabriel’s debut single, the song’s upbeat tempo and soaring vocals make it an instant classic. The lyrics are poetic and enigmatic, telling the story of a man who climbs a hill, perhaps as a metaphor for personal growth and change.
The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “climbing up on Solsbury Hill,” is both catchy and empowering. Gabriel’s passionate delivery and the song’s infectious melody make it impossible not to feel inspired by the message of the song. “Solsbury Hill” has become a beloved classic and a staple of Gabriel’s live shows, a testament to its enduring popularity and timeless appeal.
Whether you’re facing a personal challenge or simply looking for inspiration, this song is sure to lift your spirits and remind you of the power of perseverance and self-discovery.
2. “Sledgehammer”
Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” is a funky and innovative song that was released in 1986. The track is famous for its use of groundbreaking stop-motion animation in the music video, which won several awards and remains a classic to this day. The song’s groovy beat and catchy melody are driven by a horn section, percussion, and Gabriel’s soulful vocals.
The lyrics are playful and provocative, with Gabriel singing about his desire for a lover who is strong enough to break down his walls. The chorus is infectious, with Gabriel repeating the phrase “I want to be your sledgehammer” over and over. The song’s instrumentation and production are complex and layered, with a wide range of sounds and textures that create a rich and immersive listening experience. “Sledgehammer” is a standout track from Gabriel’s career and remains a beloved classic of 80s pop.
Whether you’re dancing along to the funky beat or admiring the innovative visuals of the music video, this song is sure to get you moving and grooving.
3. “In Your Eyes”
Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” is a beautiful and romantic song that was released in 1986. The track features a gentle guitar riff and a simple, yet effective, drum beat that serves as the foundation for Gabriel’s soaring vocals. The lyrics are poetic and heartfelt, with Gabriel singing about his deep and abiding love for his partner. The chorus is particularly memorable, with Gabriel repeating the phrase “in your eyes” as a way of expressing the depth of his emotional connection.
The song’s production is minimalistic, with Gabriel’s voice and the guitar taking center stage, but the sparse arrangement allows the emotion of the lyrics to shine through. “In Your Eyes” is a timeless classic that has become synonymous with romance and passion. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years and remains a staple of love-themed playlists around the world.
Whether you’re a die-hard Gabriel fan or simply appreciate a good love song, “In Your Eyes” is sure to tug at your heartstrings and leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
4. “Shock the Monkey”
Peter Gabriel’s “Shock the Monkey” is a haunting and experimental song that was released in 1982. The track is driven by a menacing synthesizer riff and a pounding drum beat that create a sense of tension and unease. The lyrics are cryptic and surreal, with Gabriel singing about the power dynamics between humans and animals and the potential for violence and cruelty. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “shock the monkey,” is both eerie and compelling.
The song’s production is complex and layered, with a wide range of sounds and textures that create an otherworldly listening experience. “Shock the Monkey” is a departure from the more straightforward pop songs that Gabriel had released earlier in his career, and it represents a bold and experimental phase in his artistry. The song has become a cult classic and remains a favorite among Gabriel’s fans for its unique sound and thought-provoking lyrics.
Whether you’re drawn to its dark and brooding atmosphere or its commentary on the human condition, “Shock the Monkey” is sure to leave a lasting impression.
5. “Red Rain”
Peter Gabriel’s “Red Rain” is a haunting and atmospheric song that was released in 1986. The track is built around a moody synthesizer riff and a driving drum beat that creates a sense of urgency and tension. Gabriel’s vocals are passionate and raw, conveying a deep emotional intensity that matches the song’s powerful lyrics. The song’s title and imagery are evocative and surreal, with Gabriel singing about a metaphorical red rain that represents the pain and suffering of the world.
The chorus is memorable and poignant, with Gabriel pleading for an end to the violence and injustice that plagues society. The song’s production is complex and layered, with a wide range of sounds and textures that create a rich and immersive listening experience. “Red Rain” is a standout track from Gabriel’s career and has become a fan favorite for its combination of musical and lyrical depth.
Whether you’re captivated by its haunting melodies or moved by its powerful message, “Red Rain” is a song that will stay with you long after the music has ended.
6. “Don’t Give Up” feat. Kate Bush”
Peter Gabriel’s “Don’t Give Up” is a moving and inspirational song that features the stunning vocals of Kate Bush. Released in 1986, the track is built around a simple piano melody and a sparse arrangement that allows the emotion of the lyrics to shine through. Gabriel’s vocals are passionate and empathetic, singing from the perspective of someone who is struggling with hardship and discouragement. Bush’s vocals are delicate and haunting, providing a comforting and encouraging counterpoint to Gabriel’s despair.
The chorus is memorable and uplifting, with Gabriel and Bush singing in unison about the importance of perseverance and hope in the face of adversity. The song’s production is minimalistic, but its impact is profound, conveying a message of empathy, compassion, and resilience. “Don’t Give Up” has become an enduring classic, with its message of hope and perseverance resonating with listeners around the world.
Whether you’re feeling lost or discouraged, or simply in need of a reminder to keep going, this song is sure to inspire and uplift you.
7. “Games Without Frontiers”
Peter Gabriel’s “Games Without Frontiers” is a dark and satirical song that was released in 1980. The track is driven by a catchy drum beat and a distinctive synthesizer riff that creates a sense of urgency and unease. Gabriel’s vocals are playful and ironic, singing about the absurdity of political conflict and the ways in which it can be manipulated for personal gain. The song’s chorus is memorable and catchy, with Gabriel and a group of children singing the phrase “Jeux sans frontieres,” which translates to “games without frontiers” in French.
The song’s production is complex and layered, featuring a wide range of sounds and textures that create an otherworldly listening experience. “Games Without Frontiers” is a standout track from Gabriel’s early career and has become a fan favorite for its combination of political commentary and infectious melodies.
Whether you’re drawn to its satirical edge or its infectious rhythms, this song is sure to captivate and engage you.
8. “Big Time”
Peter Gabriel’s “Big Time” is a catchy and upbeat song that was released in 1986. The track is driven by a pulsing bass line and a playful synth melody that creates a sense of energy and excitement. Gabriel’s vocals are confident and self-assured, singing about the trappings of fame and success and the temptations that come with them. The song’s chorus is memorable and anthemic, with Gabriel belting out the phrase “big time” over and over again.
The song’s production is polished and sophisticated, featuring a wide range of instruments and textures that create a rich and dynamic listening experience. “Big Time” is a departure from the more introspective and experimental songs that Gabriel was known for at the time, but it showcases his versatility as an artist and his ability to create music that is both catchy and thought-provoking.
Whether you’re in the mood for a fun and upbeat tune or simply want to sing along to a memorable chorus, “Big Time” is sure to deliver.
9. “Biko”
Peter Gabriel’s “Biko” is a powerful and emotional tribute to the late anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko. Released in 1980, the track is built around a haunting melody and a sparse arrangement that puts the focus squarely on Gabriel’s vocals and the song’s poignant lyrics. Gabriel’s vocals are soulful and impassioned, singing about the struggle for justice and the tragic death of Biko at the hands of South African authorities.
The chorus is a rallying cry for change, with Gabriel repeating the phrase “The man is dead” over and over again, driving home the sense of loss and injustice that pervades the song. The song’s production is minimalistic but deeply evocative, featuring sparse instrumentation that emphasizes the emotional weight of the lyrics. “Biko” is a standout track from Gabriel’s early solo career and has become a powerful symbol of resistance and social justice.
Whether you’re drawn to its haunting melody or its message of solidarity and hope, “Biko” is a song that is sure to move and inspire you.
10. “Here Comes the Flood”
Peter Gabriel’s “Here Comes the Flood” is a haunting and melancholic song that was originally released in 1977. The track is built around a simple piano melody and Gabriel’s plaintive vocals, which are full of raw emotion and vulnerability. The lyrics are poetic and evocative, singing about a flood that is coming to wash away the old and make way for the new. The chorus is haunting and memorable, with Gabriel’s voice soaring to new heights as he sings about the inevitability of change.
The song’s production is minimalistic and stripped-down, with the focus squarely on Gabriel’s vocals and the stark beauty of the piano melody. “Here Comes the Flood” is a song that speaks to the human experience of loss and change, and its emotional resonance has made it a favorite among Gabriel’s fans.
Whether you’re in the mood for a melancholic ballad or simply want to be swept away by Gabriel’s raw talent, “Here Comes the Flood” is a song that is sure to touch your heart.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
