The 1986 hit Peter Gabriel crowned “the most extraordinary lyrics ever written on a rock song”
The life and career of Peter Gabriel is undeniably impressive.
Initially gaining recognition as the frontman of the prog-rock giants Genesis, Gabriel departed from the band in 1975, marking the beginning of a prolific and successful solo journey, kick-started by the remarkable single ‘Solsbury Hill’.
Among Gabriel’s array of iconic releases, however, the most renowned and top-selling remains the 1986 multiple-platinum album So, featuring hits like ‘Sledgehammer’, ‘In Your Eyes’, and ‘Don’t Give Up’. While already established as a uniquely individualistic artist, So solidified his position among the greatest of all time. With a ‘Sledgehammer’ video that was endlessly played on MTV, it also made him a commercial force, too.
Previously, in Genesis, Gabriel demonstrated his ability to compose transient, pastoral pieces effortlessly. However, it was in his solo career that he flourished as an artist, experiencing for the first time the freedom of being able to delve into a diverse array of influences and crafting cerebral soundscapes that were notably ahead of their time. And they tapped into the classic rock tenet of being ‘popular’, too.
That’s not an easy task. Creating lines of high artfulness that also connect with a passive listener on the radio is one of the hardest things to do in music. Yet, some folks have mastered their craft and made an art of it.
For instance, one such talent that Gabriel holds in high regard is Paul Simon. Simon, who remains a revered figure among songwriters for his exceptional lyrical prowess, was someone Gabriel greatly appreciated. Despite creating a vast catalogue of impeccable work as one half of the legendary duo Simon & Garfunkel, Simon’s album Graceland in 1986 showcased a significant elevation in his craft.
Partially recorded in the midst of apartheid-era South Africa, along with sessions in Louisiana and New York, the album carries a truly global essence. This was enhanced by collaborations with notable artists such as Linda Ronstadt, the Everly Brothers, Good Rockin’ Dopsie and the Twisters, and Los Lobos. Graceland remains flawless from its opening to its closing notes, with standout tracks like the single ‘The Boy in the Bubble’.
“Paul Simon, he’s written so many great songs. ‘The Boy in the Bubble’ was one [of them],” Gabriel said. “Like many people, I loved the Graceland record. You get carried away with the infectious grooves and you don’t always listen that much to the words. So that’s one of the most extraordinary lyrics written on a rock song, I think. It’s stunning.”
The track arrived at a point in Simon’s career where he saw plenty of untapped potential ahead, but plenty of potholes as well. Speaking with Rolling Stone, Simon explained, “‘The Boy In The Bubble’ devolved down to hope and dread. That’s the way I see the world, a balance between the two, but coming down on the side of hope.”
He nailed that motif in a fun and catchy manner, and the former Genesis man was in awe of that knack. The ‘Sledgehammer’ singer endeavoured to incorporate that in his musical future as a solo artist.
Gabriel also found himself drawn to the great musical experimentalists, including Joni Mitchell, who he once described as “a great artist”, adding that he appreciated her approach in particular because she was able to push “the musical boundaries both in the way she wrote harmonies and then exploring arrangements”. Gabriel, like Mitchell, dedicated his life to his craft while remaining open to those from all musical journeys and walks of life.
As he rather simply puts it, “Music is a universal language”. He wanted to communicate as much as he pleasingly could.
