Solsbury Hill itself is a magical place with deep meaning for the British. Legends say it is the site of King Arthur's greatest victory and it has the remains of an Iron age Hill fort and was inhabited since prehistoric times.
This song is an allegory related to his feelings about leaving the progressive rock band Genesis in 1975. I was fortunate to see one of Gabriel's last concerts with Genesis in April 1975.
Other great Peter Gabriel songs are "Family Snapshot", "Red Rain", "Games Without Frontiers", "Biko", "In Your Eyes", "Lay Your Hands on Me", "I Have The Touch", and "I Don't Remember".
Plus, there's a vocal cameo of sorts by Kate Bush on this one! She is singing "Jeux sans frontières," in the song, which is "game without frontiers" in French.
I’d never heard that, but it makes perfect sense. In my own mind, I always took this song to be a different take on the life of Christ - which may seem odd given that I’m not a terribly religious person. Glad to hear the real story behind the song!
It was really. Well after , he got away with 'The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway', which was his theatrical opus of the Genesis world, but it'a 'bout sunk his ship in a working manner with the band. It's okay to get restless and move on. And it's okay when will wants to take you home.
One of my favourite songs of all time. Anyone who has gone through a spiritual transformation can interpret the imagery as mystical. "Eagle flew out of the night", "came in close I heard a voice", "turning water into wine". For me anyway.
This song would stop me in my tracks. Every time I hear it, I remember being moved by it when it came out, when I was a teenager. I have a vivid memory of shopping for clothes at The Bay in Ottawa, Canada, it played in the store and I abruptly stopped what I was doing, to listen. A very simple memory but again I'll never forget being moved by this.
This was 70s Peter Gabreil I all ways he was a 80s star NOOOOOPE LOL The 70s were before the 80s , This song came out in 1977 And he had other 70s songs Also
“Solsbury Hill” is one of my favorite Peter Gabriel songs and I’m so glad you both got to listen to it. I heard it just earlier today. Talk about coincidence. There’s a great live version of this song where he is riding a bike on stage. If you two listen to another one of his songs, please make it “Shock the Monkey.”
Peter Gabriel recommendations: - In Your Eyes (Secret World Live) - Don't Give Up (with Kate Bush) - Steam - Lay Your Hands On Me - Secret World (Growing Up Live) - Wallflower - Games Without Frontiers - Here Comes The Flood - Big Time - Red Rain - Mercy Street - Sky Blue (Growing Up Live)
The song is about the trepidation, anxiousness and, finally, elation that he feels as he readies to leave his band, Genesis: "Open doors would soon be shut," "So I went from day to day, Though my life was in a rut," and "I was feeling part of the scenery, I walked right out of the machinery." He's ready to go: "Watched by empty silhouettes ... I will show another me." Then, when he makes the announcement: "Today I don't need a replacement / I'll tell them what the smile on my face meant / My heart going "Boom-boom-boom." Among Gabriel's finest.
Absolutely best commentary about the song. Obviously you have your tickets for the upcoming tour. If you’ve never seen The Musical Box it’s a must for any Gabriel era Genesis fans. They are not a cover band. They actually recreate the concerts from the 70’s. Gabriel and Collins officially licensed them and gave them all original video and instruments.
And Genesis had their farewell to Peter on A Trick of the Tail's Los Endos (that fading at the end of Supper's Ready). And Phil drummed for Peter several times (though, would you say NO to Phil Collins drumming on your album?!)
Peter Gabriel is wonderful. My favorite of his is “Biko” a song about Steve Biko, an anti-apartheid activist who was beaten to death by South African (then governed by the white minority) State Security Officers in 1977. Biko was 30 years old when he was killed. He became one of the most important political martyrs of the anti-apartheid movement. Well worth a listen.
@@vespoint I love everything that comes out from Play For Change. I discovered them when they teamed up with *Robbie Robertson* (and *Ringo Starr* ) to do their version of **The Weight** by *The Band*
He is a showman . I would love to go to one of his shows . He has such a wide collection of songs and what is happening with the scenery on stage is part of it . One of my favourites is we Do What We're Told where the stage is in darkness apart from 4 or 5 sets of spot lights on tall stands being wheeled around . easier to see than describe !
Lyrics: [Verse 1] Climbing up on Solsbury Hill I could see the city light Wind was blowing, time stood still Eagle flew out of the night He was something to observe Came in close, I heard a voice Standing stretching every nerve Had to listen, had no choice [Chorus 1] I did not believe the information I just had to trust imagination My heart going boom boom boom "Son," he said "Grab your things, I've come to take you home" [Verse 2] To keep in silence I resigned My friends would think I was a nut Turning water into wine Open doors would soon be shut So I went from day to day Though my life was in a rut 'Til I thought of what I'd say Which connection I should cut [Chorus 2] I was feeling part of the scenery I walked right out of the machinery My heart going boom boom boom "Hey," he said "Grab your things, I've come to take you home" Ay, back home [Verse 3] When illusion spin her net I'm never where I want to be And liberty she pirouette When I think that I am free Watched by empty silhouettes Who close their eyes but still can see No one taught them etiquette I will show another me [Chorus 3] Today I don't need a replacement I'll tell them what the smile on my face meant My heart going boom boom boom "Hey" I said "You can keep my things, they've come to take me home"
@@bretthardin9239 The song has been interpreted as a song about someone dying by some - it was used in the movie Big Fish at the end when the father dies.
@@bretthardin9239 When asked, Peter just explained it as a song about his break with Genesis. He didn't say much more than that so people kind of applied their own meanings to the song.
You really MUST listen to his duet with Kate Bush “Don’t Give Up” (official video)! Also checkout “In Your Eyes” - the live version from the Secret World tour.
@@toddmathers5075 To me, this song strikes me as being about him (or someone he's writing about) learning about Christianity and Jesus. I'm definitely NOT posting this as some kind of evangelical missive. But some of the phrases sound, to me, like someone starting that journey. "Turning water into wine." "My friends would think I was a nut.". "Which connections I should cut.". "Open doors will soon be shut."
@@flickernoise777 Wrong hill and wrong place. The songs title is Solsbury Hill, which is a real place, just outside of the city of Bath in Somerset. He lives, and has his recording studio just down the road.
Peter Gabriel would often visit Solsbury Hill for inspiration. In this song, he contemplates leaving Genesis and breaking out as a solo artist and the conflict he faced with the consequences of "feeling part of the machinery" of Genesis.
Thanks for the explanation. It seems to me Genesis was never the same after he left. Genesis became increasingly commercial - making music that does not stand the test of time. In the meantime, Peter Gabriel became better and better. I have a sense Fleetwood Mac had the same “machinery” character. Great interview with Bob Welch saying he never felt like he belonged and could be easily replaced.
The entire "Secret World Live" video/album is worth doing. The live version of this (IMO) is even better! Please do "In Your Eyes" (Secret World Live version)! You will not be disappointed, Peter is a true musical legend!
I would like to 2nd that. And the live version of "In Your Eyes" from the Secret World tour is a must see for anyone. It's so fun & perfect. They would absolutely love it.
Peter Gabriel was one of the founding members of the imaginative group Genesis. Early Genesis, with Gabriel, is unlike anything you’ve done so far…it is progressive rock at its finest. Some true masterpieces of the rock genre. One of those masterpieces is “Firth of fifth”. I hope you get around to it, it will take you places believe you me.
When Peter left Genesis he moved to a simpler life in the countryside (outside Bath near Solsbury Hill) like many other artists in the 70s. Many of them grew kale and cabbage as it give rich haverst and are healthy. In Solsbury Hill video cabbage, with a bit of humour, is representing this change of lifestyle - leaving the intense touring with Genesis, focusing on family and mother earth. Also in the Sledgehammer video Peter is holding cabbages before turning into a fruit cage. 🙂
Great pick! Top 5 favorite song of mine. The 3rd verse is nearly unmatched in it's artistry 🔥 When illusion spin her net I'm never where I wanna be And liberty, she pirouette When I think that I am free Watched by empty silhouettes Who close their eyes but still can see No one taught them etiquette I will show another me Today I don't need a replacement I'll tell them what the smile on my face meant My heart going "Boom-boom-boom" "Hey", I said "You can keep my things, they've come to take me home"
Folks are mentioning the "secret world live" filmed concert. It is phenomenal. There is a note he hits in his "blood of eden" performance that can only be described as a primal scream. Maybe you guys could sometimes do concert films on your movie channel!
Try “In Your Eyes” from the Secret World Tour live album….what a masterpiece. His live tour videos are epic!!! The female singer with him (Paula Cole) is incredible.
So, so, SO glad you got back to Peter. "Solsbury Hill" was actually his first hit, after leaving Genesis (in 1977). He is a master entertainer, worthy of a deep dive. "In Your Eyes" (esp. the live version) is phenomenal, as is the live version of "Secret World". I also recommend his duet with Kate Bush, "Don't Give Up", which is as uplifting a song as you'll find. "Digging in the Dirt", "I Have the Touch", "Steam", "Big Time"... so many great songs to choose from!! And speaking of artists/bands you've only done one time.... PLEASE give Radiohead another try. Jay, you did "Creep" in your very first week, and didn't like it. But you've come so far since then, and they are WORTHY of another chance. "Fake Plastic Trees", "Karma Police", "There There".... they are amazing.
Also... Erasure is a great band you should do. They even did a cover of "Solsbury Hill". Among Erasure's best songs, a great introduction to them, would be "Stop!", "Oh L'Amour", or "Blue Savannah."
@@gus9482 I did. You're right. Good catch. Though "Monkey" was not on "So". It was on his self-titled Album, "Peter Gabriel", the same album that contained "I Have the Touch" (which has one of the most intense drum tracks I've ever heard).
I feel like you have to see Peter live. My big suggestion would be "In Your Eyes," from Secret World and "Shaking the Tree." Like a lot of the story tellers from our time, the very best way to get the experience is to listen or watch it all in order. the Secret World Concert and then I think it is called Growing up, are pure magic. I think the videos, although interesting are kind of distracting to his music. Go Live all the way. If you can find it, Kiss that Frog is such a fun song.
Peter is awesome. Always interesting with his rhythms and the moods he creates. I recommend “Don’t Give Up” with Kate Bush, “In Your Eyes”, “Rhythm of the Heat”, “Shock the Monkey”, and “San Jacinto”.
“Biko” from his solo stuff, and “Carpet Crawlers” from his Genesis days are worth a listen. Mr Gabriel is a talented dude. Thanks for your channel, keep up the good work x
When I was growing up I listened to a group called GENESIS. Peter was just but one member of this super group. I always thought that all music would be this good. Peter is AWESOME.
This is one of my most cherished songs (which I play myself on the guitar). If I had to give up all my music except for ten songs this would be one of them. The back story (in 1977) was Peter Gabriel wanted to leave Genesis for a solo career but it was a big risk and shot in the dark. He walked up Solsbury Hill (in Somerset in the UK) and saw an eagle. It was a spiritual experience for him. He felt the eagle was telling him to take a chance and follow his heart (and leave Genesis). He did and "Solsbury Hill" was one of his first solo compositions. The song brings back strong emotions and means a lot to me personally. Thank you so much for reviewing it.
Think about how incredible Genesis was! Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel and Mike Rutherford, who went on to start Mike and the Mechanics, who also had some great songs. I saw Genesis live a looooong time ago, and remember thinking "damn these guys are really good" lol
Yes!!!! I highly recommend the live versions of In Your Eyes and Come Talk To Me from the Secret World live tour. The video are on youtube and I don't think they'd get taken down as I have seen them on other channels. Those live performances are so special, in my opinion better than the studio versions. He is so good live, just like his former bandmate Phil Collins. I know you enjoyed In The Air Tonight live. You'll definitely like In Your Eyes and Come Talk To Me live. Again from the Secret World Live tour
This is about him leaving Genesis, a super group. Going solo when everyone said he was nuts. Lines like "feeling like part of the machinery" was him saying I'm out of here to make my own way.
"Back in the day" when Peter was lead singer for Genesis (and Phil Collins was backup), and I was new as a Genesis listener, I had a ton of trouble telling them apart; they sounded so much alike, believe it or not :)
Collins sang all the high vocal harmony parts. "Seconds Out" was a double live album, recorded after Gabriel's departure. Collins fronted the band (singing right well) and played drums on a few songs and shared or played along with Bill Bruford and Chester Thompson on others. It's really a stunning performance and I suggest Los Endos/Dance on a Volcano as an example.
This is a work of art, a beautiful masterpiece of Mr. Peter Gabriel. We are talking about an other level... I hope you don't take another 10 months to hear "In your eyes". Thank you so much. Regards from Chile.
To really hear the power of Peter Gabriel's voice, listen to "San Jacinto", "Here Comes the Flood" (1986 studio version, or the 2003 Live Milano tour version.), and his duet with Kate Bush "Don't Give Up". Also good songs of his: "Red Rain", "Mercy Street"
Peter Gabriel’s creativity placed him way out in the cutting edge at the time and he often came across as weird or strange. He wasn’t one of my favorite performers personally, but this song and it’s spiritual tone is simply beautiful. This one song would have established him as great even if he never did anything else. His muse was definitely with him the day he wrote this.
I think you need to check out the studio version of "In Your Eyes"(1986) and then re-visit him at a later date with the "Secret World-LIVE" performance. They are both very different and I think you would really appreciate the live version more if you are actually familiar with the song. "Big Time" and "Steam" are a couple of other radio/MTV hits.
Another one with whom you can’t really go wrong. For my part, I’d recommend “Big Time”, “The Book of Love”, “In Your Eyes” and “Shock The Monkey” just to name a few. 👍🏻
@@DEWDLES Was first introduced to it in the Scrubs series finale (I don’t count Season 9 😝) and was taken completely off guard when I found out who sang it. 😲😲😲
My favorite from Mr. Gabriel. When he was a baby my nephew would dance to the opening of this song. He just graduated high school, man I'm old! Please check out "Red Rain", "Steam", "Shock the Monkey", and "In your Eyes".
"Games Without Frontiers" "San Jacinto" "Biko" "I Go Swimming" "I have the Touch" "I Don't Remember" "Family Snapshot" "No Self Control" Plus many more... Great job...again!!
This is my favorite Peter Gabriel song. It’s about him making the decision to leave Genesis. My next favorite is In Your Eyes and then Don’t Give Up with Kate Bush. He’s so stinkin’ talented. ❤️
My favorite Peter Gabriel song. Reminds me of when I left where I was living to move back to FL. My life was in a rut and I walked out of the machinery that was my old job. I gave away over half of my belongings and left for the place that had always felt like home.
I was never big on "Sledgehammer" but I've always loved this song. Gabriel is a singer I forget about for long stretches, then I hear one of his best tunes and find myself wondering why I don't own one of his albums. Might be something I go looking for this weekend. Thank you for another great reaction. Again, I'd love for you two to react to Marvin Gaye, if you're not opposed to it for any particular reason. "Heard it Through the Grapevine", "Mercy Mercy Me", "Take This Heart of Mine", "Wholy Holy", "Suny", "Let's Get it On"... Just for a start. He was an outstanding vocalist and there seems to be a dearth of reactions to him.
My favorite Peter Gabriel song! I absolutely love the live Secret World tour version, along with In Your Eyes! You could watch the concert video for your movie nights. So good! The only concert video my husband and I ever purchased.
Such a perfect pick... my favorite song by him. Thank you for reacting to this song. Edit: Other songs by him... "Biko" "Mercy Street" "Red Rain" "Games Without Frontiers" "Shock the Monkey" "Big Time"
Peter was the lead singer and a founding member of Genesis. He left the band in 1975 and dropped out of the music industry for awhile. A couple years later he recorded some more music and this was his first hit as a solo artist. Peter and Genesis would become more successful apart than together. Check out "Games Without Frontiers", "Shock The Monkey", "Big Time" and "In Your Eyes". He also did a duet with Kate Bush called "Don't Give Up". You guys will love it.
"Don't Give Up" with Kate Bush is an incredibly moving song.
Yes! Very uplifting song! Love how their vocals work on that song.
Hauntingly beautiful
Absolutely. That is one of my top 3 Peter Gabriel songs. The call and answer style is perfect for the hopelessness and hope of the lyrics.
I saw him do a live version with Tracy Chapman in L.A. that was soul exploding!
Saved many from suicide.
Solsbury Hill itself is a magical place with deep meaning for the British. Legends say it is the site of King Arthur's greatest victory and it has the remains of an Iron age Hill fort and was inhabited since prehistoric times.
This song is an allegory related to his feelings about leaving the progressive rock band Genesis in 1975.
I was fortunate to see one of Gabriel's last concerts with Genesis in April 1975.
Lamb Lies Down On Broadway - great music.
Other great Peter Gabriel songs are "Family Snapshot", "Red Rain", "Games Without Frontiers", "Biko", "In Your Eyes", "Lay Your Hands on Me", "I Have The Touch", and "I Don't Remember".
I 2nd "Red Rain" and "In Your Eyes", the live version!
I was going to suggest that last one, but I forgot what it was called!
😂
Biko. His best song for me!
These are good suggestions.
If you had listed Mercy Street your list would have been perfect.
Peter Gabriel with some other amazing musicians performing "In Your Eyes" at Secret World live is just too good to miss.
Great performance.
One of my favorite songs of all time, so emotional. I had my ex propose to me to this song!! 💜
Yes! But don’t sleep on the version from Growing Up Live with Sevara Nazarkhan on backing vocals. Her voice gives me chills.
"Shock the Monkey" was another hit of his. Also, he was in the band Genesis before going solo.
Games Without Frontiers is a must listen one of his best
In German! Gives me goosebumps
YES!
That’d be a fun one just to see what “jeux sans frontières “ sounds like to them.
Plus, there's a vocal cameo of sorts by Kate Bush on this one! She is singing "Jeux sans frontières," in the song, which is "game without frontiers" in French.
Agree but I think "Biko" edges it out.
"Solsbury Hill" was autobiographical. It was Gabriel explaining to his fans, why he left Genesis.
That's exactly what I've always heard he was not doing what he wanted to do when he was a part of Genesis
I’d never heard that, but it makes perfect sense. In my own mind, I always took this song to be a different take on the life of Christ - which may seem odd given that I’m not a terribly religious person. Glad to hear the real story behind the song!
It was really. Well after , he got away with 'The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway', which was his theatrical opus of the Genesis world, but it'a 'bout sunk his ship in a working manner with the band. It's okay to get restless and move on. And it's okay when will wants to take you home.
When illusion spin her net
I’m never where I want to be
And Liberty, she pirouette
When I think that I am free
Another vote for “in your eyes, live secret world tour”. Incredible version of a great and moving song.
I must second this suggestion. BEAUTIFUL song and the Secret World Live version is the best one. Its long... But definitely worth it.
Absolutely required!
Love that version as well!
Absolutely. Amazing live performance
Highly requested!
One of my favourite songs of all time. Anyone who has gone through a spiritual transformation can interpret the imagery as mystical. "Eagle flew out of the night", "came in close I heard a voice", "turning water into wine". For me anyway.
"Had to listen, had no choice" and, of course, "You can keep my things, they've come to take me home"!
They say that he had a Spiritual experience, which is hard to otherwise explain. We know exactly where he is coming from, and going...
This song would stop me in my tracks. Every time I hear it, I remember being moved by it when it came out, when I was a teenager. I have a vivid memory of shopping for clothes at The Bay in Ottawa, Canada, it played in the store and I abruptly stopped what I was doing, to listen. A very simple memory but again I'll never forget being moved by this.
Every Peter Gabriel song is unique. Try 'Shock The Monkey' - one of his greatest, and a real banger!
Yes, that's a great one and an exciting song! That would be a great pick.
This was 70s Peter Gabreil I all ways he was a 80s star NOOOOOPE LOL The 70s were before the 80s , This song came out in 1977 And he had other 70s songs Also
“Solsbury Hill” is one of my favorite Peter Gabriel songs and I’m so glad you both got to listen to it. I heard it just earlier today. Talk about coincidence. There’s a great live version of this song where he is riding a bike on stage. If you two listen to another one of his songs, please make it “Shock the Monkey.”
The live version is one of those rare instances where it is better than the studio version. Rare.
Not sure they are ready for Shock The Monkey yet
Peter Gabriel recommendations:
- In Your Eyes (Secret World Live)
- Don't Give Up (with Kate Bush)
- Steam
- Lay Your Hands On Me
- Secret World (Growing Up Live)
- Wallflower
- Games Without Frontiers
- Here Comes The Flood
- Big Time
- Red Rain
- Mercy Street
- Sky Blue (Growing Up Live)
No Shock the Monkey??
"Son," he said, "grab your things, I've come to take you home."
Choked up. Every time.
Whew!! I thought I was the only one.
The song is about the trepidation, anxiousness and, finally, elation that he feels as he readies to leave his band, Genesis: "Open doors would soon be shut," "So I went from day to day, Though my life was in a rut," and "I was feeling part of the scenery, I walked right out of the machinery." He's ready to go: "Watched by empty silhouettes ... I will show another me." Then, when he makes the announcement: "Today I don't need a replacement / I'll tell them what the smile on my face meant / My heart going "Boom-boom-boom." Among Gabriel's finest.
Absolutely best commentary about the song. Obviously you have your tickets for the upcoming tour. If you’ve never seen The Musical Box it’s a must for any Gabriel era Genesis fans. They are not a cover band. They actually recreate the concerts from the 70’s. Gabriel and Collins officially licensed them and gave them all original video and instruments.
And Genesis had their farewell to Peter on A Trick of the Tail's Los Endos (that fading at the end of Supper's Ready). And Phil drummed for Peter several times (though, would you say NO to Phil Collins drumming on your album?!)
"Grab your things I've come to take you home". That speaks to me in SO many ways.
You're not alone, brother...
Definitely " shock the monkey" one of best songs. Peter Gabriel 🎷🕴🤙
Peter Gabriel is wonderful. My favorite of his is “Biko” a song about Steve Biko, an anti-apartheid activist who was beaten to death by South African (then governed by the white minority) State Security Officers in 1977. Biko was 30 years old when he was killed. He became one of the most important political martyrs of the anti-apartheid movement. Well worth a listen.
Have you seen his recent remake? It’s fantastic. ua-cam.com/video/jWNEr4eHL18/v-deo.html
incorportaing some of the sounds of africa, early world music pioneer.
@@vespoint I love everything that comes out from Play For Change.
I discovered them when they teamed up with *Robbie Robertson* (and *Ringo Starr* ) to do their version of **The Weight** by *The Band*
Amen!
Rest In Peace Steven Biko🙏💟☮️
“I was feeling part of the scenery, I walked right out of the machinery”. He sometimes rides a bike on stage during this song.
He does 🥰
He is a showman . I would love to go to one of his shows . He has such a wide collection of songs and what is happening with the scenery on stage is part of it . One of my favourites is we Do What We're Told where the stage is in darkness apart from 4 or 5 sets of spot lights on tall stands being wheeled around . easier to see than describe !
@@scooby1992 I don’t know that song, will check it out!
@@laurakali6522 there is a clip on UA-cam I think .
@@scooby1992 thx!
Peter Gabriel is a master in blending musical cultures and words to tell a story.
Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
Climbing up on Solsbury Hill
I could see the city light
Wind was blowing, time stood still
Eagle flew out of the night
He was something to observe
Came in close, I heard a voice
Standing stretching every nerve
Had to listen, had no choice
[Chorus 1]
I did not believe the information
I just had to trust imagination
My heart going boom boom boom
"Son," he said
"Grab your things, I've come to take you home"
[Verse 2]
To keep in silence I resigned
My friends would think I was a nut
Turning water into wine
Open doors would soon be shut
So I went from day to day
Though my life was in a rut
'Til I thought of what I'd say
Which connection I should cut
[Chorus 2]
I was feeling part of the scenery
I walked right out of the machinery
My heart going boom boom boom
"Hey," he said
"Grab your things, I've come to take you home"
Ay, back home
[Verse 3]
When illusion spin her net
I'm never where I want to be
And liberty she pirouette
When I think that I am free
Watched by empty silhouettes
Who close their eyes but still can see
No one taught them etiquette
I will show another me
[Chorus 3]
Today I don't need a replacement
I'll tell them what the smile on my face meant
My heart going boom boom boom
"Hey" I said
"You can keep my things, they've come to take me home"
so hes dyeing ?
@@bretthardin9239 I think it's talking about his leaving the band Genesis and striking out on his own.
@@bretthardin9239 The song has been interpreted as a song about someone dying by some - it was used in the movie Big Fish at the end when the father dies.
@@brianh9358 always thought it was about rehab
@@bretthardin9239 When asked, Peter just explained it as a song about his break with Genesis. He didn't say much more than that so people kind of applied their own meanings to the song.
You really MUST listen to his duet with Kate Bush “Don’t Give Up” (official video)! Also checkout “In Your Eyes” - the live version from the Secret World tour.
Came here specifically to recommend both these songs, AND these versions.
Adding my 2 cents and agreeing!
While some dont agree... I prefer the version of Don't Give Up... From his Secret World tour with Paula Cole. But both versions are beautiful.
I think his best, or at least my favorite, song is 'Big Time.' Fun, satirical, great production, great video
Yes!!
He wrote this after leaving Genesis. It was about his experience leaving Genesis.
@@toddmathers5075 To me, this song strikes me as being about him (or someone he's writing about) learning about Christianity and Jesus. I'm definitely NOT posting this as some kind of evangelical missive. But some of the phrases sound, to me, like someone starting that journey. "Turning water into wine." "My friends would think I was a nut.". "Which connections I should cut.". "Open doors will soon be shut."
@@flickernoise777 Wrong hill and wrong place. The songs title is Solsbury Hill, which is a real place, just outside of the city of Bath in Somerset. He lives, and has his recording studio just down the road.
Peter Gabriel would often visit Solsbury Hill for inspiration. In this song, he contemplates leaving Genesis and breaking out as a solo artist and the conflict he faced with the consequences of "feeling part of the machinery" of Genesis.
Thanks for the explanation. It seems to me Genesis was never the same after he left. Genesis became increasingly commercial - making music that does not stand the test of time. In the meantime, Peter Gabriel became better and better. I have a sense Fleetwood Mac had the same “machinery” character. Great interview with Bob Welch saying he never felt like he belonged and could be easily replaced.
The entire "Secret World Live" video/album is worth doing. The live version of this (IMO) is even better!
Please do "In Your Eyes" (Secret World Live version)! You will not be disappointed, Peter is a true musical legend!
The live version is EPIC! So cultural and gives you hope for our world.
Link for the live video ua-cam.com/video/evN6DIGPIJM/v-deo.html
Maybe do a movie reaction to the Secret World Tour?
I would like to 2nd that. And the live version of "In Your Eyes" from the Secret World tour is a must see for anyone. It's so fun & perfect. They would absolutely love it.
Two songs I'd recommend by Peter "In your eyes" and "Games without frontiers". Check em out!
If you watch In Your Eyes make sure it is the live performance from Secret World.
@@MichaelBurhans Agree
This song came out in 1977 Love them 70s
Peter Gabriel was one of the founding members of the imaginative group Genesis. Early Genesis, with Gabriel, is unlike anything you’ve done so far…it is progressive rock at its finest. Some true masterpieces of the rock genre.
One of those masterpieces is “Firth of fifth”. I hope you get around to it, it will take you places believe you me.
Tony Banks piano work and Steve Hackett's guitar solo at the end... and everything in between. Wonderful stuff.
No “tricks” in his voice but I would argue that the time signature is an awesome trick. The sudden change just makes it so unique and interesting imo
The whole song is in 7/4 except the last two bars of the chorus, which area in 4/4. That extra beat hits so hard!
I don't know what time about music, but I watched a video breaking down the time signatures in this song and it is amazingly genius.
Thanks for mentioning the time signature.
When Peter left Genesis he moved to a simpler life in the countryside (outside Bath near Solsbury Hill) like many other artists in the 70s. Many of them grew kale and cabbage as it give rich haverst and are healthy. In Solsbury Hill video cabbage, with a bit of humour, is representing this change of lifestyle - leaving the intense touring with Genesis, focusing on family and mother earth. Also in the Sledgehammer video Peter is holding cabbages before turning into a fruit cage. 🙂
One of my all time faves. Love this tune. “My heart goin’ boom boom boom”. Great song.
Great pick! Top 5 favorite song of mine. The 3rd verse is nearly unmatched in it's artistry 🔥
When illusion spin her net
I'm never where I wanna be
And liberty, she pirouette
When I think that I am free
Watched by empty silhouettes
Who close their eyes but still can see
No one taught them etiquette
I will show another me
Today I don't need a replacement
I'll tell them what the smile on my face meant
My heart going "Boom-boom-boom"
"Hey", I said
"You can keep my things, they've come to take me home"
MS: BOOM ^^^^^
This is one of my favorite songs by Peter Gabriel, who is one of my favorite artists on the planet.
Folks are mentioning the "secret world live" filmed concert. It is phenomenal. There is a note he hits in his "blood of eden" performance that can only be described as a primal scream. Maybe you guys could sometimes do concert films on your movie channel!
LOVE this song... i dont know why but it really speaks to my soul down deep.... just makes me feel so much
Try “In Your Eyes” from the Secret World Tour live album….what a masterpiece.
His live tour videos are epic!!!
The female singer with him (Paula Cole) is incredible.
Paula Cole is such a fantastic singer, I particularly love her two first two albums. Spine tingling stuff.
So, so, SO glad you got back to Peter. "Solsbury Hill" was actually his first hit, after leaving Genesis (in 1977). He is a master entertainer, worthy of a deep dive. "In Your Eyes" (esp. the live version) is phenomenal, as is the live version of "Secret World". I also recommend his duet with Kate Bush, "Don't Give Up", which is as uplifting a song as you'll find. "Digging in the Dirt", "I Have the Touch", "Steam", "Big Time"... so many great songs to choose from!! And speaking of artists/bands you've only done one time.... PLEASE give Radiohead another try. Jay, you did "Creep" in your very first week, and didn't like it. But you've come so far since then, and they are WORTHY of another chance. "Fake Plastic Trees", "Karma Police", "There There".... they are amazing.
Also... Erasure is a great band you should do. They even did a cover of "Solsbury Hill". Among Erasure's best songs, a great introduction to them, would be "Stop!", "Oh L'Amour", or "Blue Savannah."
Did you forget about "Shock the Monkey"? His "So" album is near perfect front to back.
Shock the monkey was my favorite by him
@@gus9482 I did. You're right. Good catch. Though "Monkey" was not on "So". It was on his self-titled Album, "Peter Gabriel", the same album that contained "I Have the Touch" (which has one of the most intense drum tracks I've ever heard).
Actually, he left Genesis in 1975😁
Peter Gabriel is so imaginative snd creative. He always takes you on a musical journey.
This was written shortly after he left Genesis and was his way of coming to terms with his departure from the band.
was just gonna comment that, ya beat me to it lol
Thx for the explanation!
I feel like you have to see Peter live. My big suggestion would be "In Your Eyes," from Secret World and "Shaking the Tree." Like a lot of the story tellers from our time, the very best way to get the experience is to listen or watch it all in order. the Secret World Concert and then I think it is called Growing up, are pure magic. I think the videos, although interesting are kind of distracting to his music. Go Live all the way. If you can find it, Kiss that Frog is such a fun song.
This is a classic. Shaking the Tree is stunning tune about female empowerment.
The version of Shaking The Tree from the Secret World Live tour is amazing.
Peter Gabriel has a perfect storytelling voice.
"Red Rain" is a great one by him. His voice is amazing in that one.
Outstanding talent. ... from way back. Always enjoy his music.....
Peter is awesome. Always interesting with his rhythms and the moods he creates. I recommend “Don’t Give Up” with Kate Bush, “In Your Eyes”, “Rhythm of the Heat”, “Shock the Monkey”, and “San Jacinto”.
“Biko” from his solo stuff, and “Carpet Crawlers” from his Genesis days are worth a listen. Mr Gabriel is a talented dude. Thanks for your channel, keep up the good work x
When I was growing up I listened to a group called GENESIS. Peter was just but one member of this super group. I always thought that all music would be this good. Peter is AWESOME.
My heart goes BOOM BOOM BOOM 🥰
You would love Gabriel's live version of 'In Your Eyes' (Secret World Tour). Great performance.
Love and happiness to you.
This is probably my favorite of all his songs. Thanks for playing it!!
He did a duet with Kate Bush, Don't Give Up. That one is a classic
Yes most definitely!
IN YOUR EYES, definitely one of my favorites by peter. 👍
Peter was the singer for Genesis when Phil Collins played the drums for them.
This is one of my most cherished songs (which I play myself on the guitar). If I had to give up all my music except for ten songs this would be one of them. The back story (in 1977) was Peter Gabriel wanted to leave Genesis for a solo career but it was a big risk and shot in the dark. He walked up Solsbury Hill (in Somerset in the UK) and saw an eagle. It was a spiritual experience for him. He felt the eagle was telling him to take a chance and follow his heart (and leave Genesis). He did and "Solsbury Hill" was one of his first solo compositions. The song brings back strong emotions and means a lot to me personally. Thank you so much for reviewing it.
Think about how incredible Genesis was! Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel and Mike Rutherford, who went on to start Mike and the Mechanics, who also had some great songs. I saw Genesis live a looooong time ago, and remember thinking "damn these guys are really good" lol
Another that is always on my playlist. Peter Gabriel is a wonderful artist!!
Yes!!!! I highly recommend the live versions of In Your Eyes and Come Talk To Me from the Secret World live tour. The video are on youtube and I don't think they'd get taken down as I have seen them on other channels. Those live performances are so special, in my opinion better than the studio versions. He is so good live, just like his former bandmate Phil Collins. I know you enjoyed In The Air Tonight live. You'll definitely like In Your Eyes and Come Talk To Me live. Again from the Secret World Live tour
BOOM BOOM BOOM is so 70s
This is about him leaving Genesis, a super group. Going solo when everyone said he was nuts. Lines like "feeling like part of the machinery" was him saying I'm out of here to make my own way.
"Back in the day" when Peter was lead singer for Genesis (and Phil Collins was backup), and I was new as a Genesis listener, I had a ton of trouble telling them apart; they sounded so much alike, believe it or not :)
Tony Stratton Smith, a former manager for Genesis, once said that Phil Collins sounded more like Peter Gabriel than Peter Gabriel did. 😱
Glad I'm not the only one 🤣
Collins sang all the high vocal harmony parts. "Seconds Out" was a double live album, recorded after Gabriel's departure. Collins fronted the band (singing right well) and played drums on a few songs and shared or played along with Bill Bruford and Chester Thompson on others. It's really a stunning performance and I suggest Los Endos/Dance on a Volcano as an example.
Ohhh I love Peter Gabriel! Haven’t heard this one decades!
He was great in concert. He has a great live voice.
This is a work of art, a beautiful masterpiece of Mr. Peter Gabriel. We are talking about an other level...
I hope you don't take another 10 months to hear "In your eyes". Thank you so much.
Regards from Chile.
You need to listen to him when he was lead singer for Genesis: The Musical Box, Watcher in the Sky, Battle of Epping Forest.
Yes, agreed. But they should also keep in mind that his solo music is very different from his work with Genesis. He really reinvented himself!
@@screwyootube1 That was the reason I suggested it to show the differences. And I'm not going to lie I personally prefer his work with Genesis.
In Your Eyes is one of the most beautiful, poetic, and romantic songs ever written.
I hope you react to that one!
A must do react is “Shakin the Tree” live video from Peter’s Secret World tour. World class musicians having a blast.
So glad to see you listened to this! It’s my favorite Peter Gabriel song and one of my all time favorites in general.
To really hear the power of Peter Gabriel's voice, listen to "San Jacinto", "Here Comes the Flood" (1986 studio version, or the 2003 Live Milano tour version.), and his duet with Kate Bush "Don't Give Up". Also good songs of his: "Red Rain", "Mercy Street"
Love Peter Gabriel. "In Your Eyes" will melt both your hearts. Love you guys, love the channel. Do the live version. will blow you away.
Peter Gabriel’s creativity placed him way out in the cutting edge at the time and he often came across as weird or strange. He wasn’t one of my favorite performers personally, but this song and it’s spiritual tone is simply beautiful. This one song would have established him as great even if he never did anything else. His muse was definitely with him the day he wrote this.
My all time favorite song from Peter Gabriel.
Peter Gabriel "in Your Eyes" live version from the "Secret World Live" concert on UA-cam. Amazing!
Solsbury Hill, 20 minutes away from where I live. Always loved this song, and it pops into my head every time I drive past !
I think you need to check out the studio version of "In Your Eyes"(1986) and then re-visit him at a later date with the "Secret World-LIVE" performance.
They are both very different and I think you would really appreciate the live version more if you are actually familiar with the song.
"Big Time" and "Steam" are a couple of other radio/MTV hits.
Solsbury Hill is an actual place. It's an iron age hill fort overlooking the city of Bath, in Somerset.
Another one with whom you can’t really go wrong. For my part, I’d recommend “Big Time”, “The Book of Love”, “In Your Eyes” and “Shock The Monkey” just to name a few. 👍🏻
Book of love is so beautiful his voice is amazing on it
@@DEWDLES Was first introduced to it in the Scrubs series finale (I don’t count Season 9 😝) and was taken completely off guard when I found out who sang it. 😲😲😲
yes, SHOCK THE MONKEY! a great tune!
My favorite from Mr. Gabriel. When he was a baby my nephew would dance to the opening of this song. He just graduated high school, man I'm old! Please check out "Red Rain", "Steam", "Shock the Monkey", and "In your Eyes".
One of my all time favorite songs from any artist.
I would love to see you guys react to some songs from the Peter Gabriel era of Genesis.
"Games Without Frontiers"
"San Jacinto"
"Biko"
"I Go Swimming"
"I have the Touch"
"I Don't Remember"
"Family Snapshot"
"No Self Control"
Plus many more...
Great job...again!!
Great song about letting go basically. Thanks guys!
This is a song that will grow on you exponentially with each listen. Sweetly and eerily captivating.
Saw Peter Gabriel live in concert in the 90s. What an experience!
Many great songs from Peter Gabriel. I suggest "Steam", "Shock the Monkey", and "Biko".
Also Games without Frontiers and Don’t Give Up!
Yeah, there's a nice warm Spring rain falling here and the tune is fitting right in. Thanks!
“In Your Eyes” w/Paula Cole & “Don’t Give Up” w/Kate Bush are both MUSTS!!!
This is my all-time favorite Peter Gabriel tune. ❤️
This is my favorite Peter Gabriel song. It’s about him making the decision to leave Genesis. My next favorite is In Your Eyes and then Don’t Give Up with Kate Bush. He’s so stinkin’ talented. ❤️
Yes!
My favorite Peter Gabriel song. Reminds me of when I left where I was living to move back to FL. My life was in a rut and I walked out of the machinery that was my old job. I gave away over half of my belongings and left for the place that had always felt like home.
It is worthwhile to check out his duet with Kate Bush,Don't Give Up.
Absolutely!
This is my favorite Peter Gabriel tune. 🙂🙂🙂
I was never big on "Sledgehammer" but I've always loved this song. Gabriel is a singer I forget about for long stretches, then I hear one of his best tunes and find myself wondering why I don't own one of his albums. Might be something I go looking for this weekend. Thank you for another great reaction. Again, I'd love for you two to react to Marvin Gaye, if you're not opposed to it for any particular reason. "Heard it Through the Grapevine", "Mercy Mercy Me", "Take This Heart of Mine", "Wholy Holy", "Suny", "Let's Get it On"... Just for a start. He was an outstanding vocalist and there seems to be a dearth of reactions to him.
This is in my top 5 of all time favourites. I find it emotional for me. Next time you visit Peter Gabriel you MUST watch "In Your Eyes", Live version
My favorite Peter Gabriel song! I absolutely love the live Secret World tour version, along with In Your Eyes! You could watch the concert video for your movie nights. So good! The only concert video my husband and I ever purchased.
"Solsbury Hill" was an autobiographical song, dealing with his break as lead singer of Genesis and anticipation of his new challenge as a solo artist.
You guys are amazing. So passionate about music. I'm convincend, you'll love "In Your Eyes". It's such a soulful song of Peter Gabriel.
Such a perfect pick... my favorite song by him. Thank you for reacting to this song.
Edit: Other songs by him... "Biko" "Mercy Street" "Red Rain" "Games Without Frontiers" "Shock the Monkey" "Big Time"
"Mercy Street" brings me to tears every time I hear it. I saw him do it live and I was an emotional wreck.
Peter was the lead singer and a founding member of Genesis. He left the band in 1975 and dropped out of the music industry for awhile. A couple years later he recorded some more music and this was his first hit as a solo artist. Peter and Genesis would become more successful apart than together. Check out "Games Without Frontiers", "Shock The Monkey", "Big Time" and "In Your Eyes". He also did a duet with Kate Bush called "Don't Give Up". You guys will love it.
I recommend his duet with Kate Bush, "Don't Give Up". It's a comfort in hard times. Watch the official video.
Another amazing song great review