Fans of Peter Gabriel rejoice! After eight long years, Peter Gabriel finally returns with "OVO," his first release of brand-new music since 1992's "Us." It's a soundtrack album to an acrobatic, Cirque De Soleil-type show exclusively playing at the Millennium Dome in England that Peter Gabriel did the music for. This album is Gabriel's music from the show, featuring not only classic lead vocals from Peter on certain tracks, but excellent guest vocal turns from the likes of Richie Havens, Elizabeth Fraser & Paul Buchanan. And let me tell you, Peter Gabriel fans, this album is *sensational*. Peter runs the whole musical gamut here, from gorgeous ballads (Father, Son) to soaring rock (The Tower That Ate People), from spine-tingling tunes (Downside-Up) to memorable instrumentals (The Nest That Sailed The Sky). Peter even throws in some amazing techno elements, some knockout world music beats, and even a slice of giddy celtic music! "OVO" is simply astonishing from beginning to end. This CD version of "OVO" differs from the Limited Edition version in that the artwork is totally different (but no less eye-popping), there's no bonus illustrated book or bonus CD-ROM disc, and one instrumental track from the Limited Edition version, "The Tree That Went Up," has been replaced by a rap song called "The Story Of OVO," rapped by Neneh Cherry & Roscoe, with excellent music and backing vocals by Gabriel. Otherwise, this version of the album is exactly identical to the Limited Edition version in it's content, and it's no less powerful, either.I think the best compliment that I can pay Peter Gabriel's "OVO" is that, although it's a soundtrack album with guest vocalists, it doesn't *feel* like a soundtrack album. It has the genuine feel of a proper solo release from Gabriel, and, after starving for eight long years for new music from this great genius, "OVO" is simply a godsend. It's only available on import right now for us North American fans, but I guarantee you, it's worth every single penny! So, buy this album, LOVE this album, and tell your friends about it. This could become the biggest-selling import album ever, and why not? A brilliant, sensational musical work from start to finish, "OVO" is a great cause for celebration. Peter Gabriel is BACK---spread the word!

Sadly, I did not get to see the Millennium Dome show in England. After listening to this album, though, I am desperately trying to obtain a video from the show. First, I must admit that Peter Gabriel could release a recording of himself flushing a toilet, and I would think it was brilliant. Still, Mr. Gabriel has earned this distinction with years of superb music. As a musician myself, I am especially amazed at the directions he is able to follow, and at the neverending pool of inspiration he draws upon. Now, to OVO: I just got the album last week, and have been listening to it several times every day ever since. The music is simply fantastic, with superb orchestration and arrangement. Mr. Gabriel's choices for guest vocalists could not be better. There are so many standouts on this album, it almosts challenges the definition of "standout." "Father, Son" is one of the most poignant and touching songs I have heard in years. I only wish my father was alive to hear it. The B sections on "Downside-Up" and "Make Tomorrow" are some of the coolest jams I have ever heard. It is worth taking out a mortgage to buy a huge sound system just to play this album. I am a little concerned that the rap that introduces this album might put some people off. That said, the underlying groove to this piece can stand on its own (and does in track 4), and the chorus breaks with Peter singing are wonderful. I won't describe every song (which I did this morning in an e-mail I sent my mother, recommending the album). The songs describe themselves, and all are brilliant in their own, unique ways. Peter Gabriel fans probably do not need much convincing to buy this album if they don't already own it. Others who are not familiar with his work should take heed, though. If you can trust a stranger's recommendation for music, then please take this to heart. Not a soul in the world would ever regret purchasing this album.

This is yet another recording that is sort of a soundtrack... in a way. yet, the music in places sounds very backgroundish, but let me tell you what, the song FATHER SON is so powerful. makes the purchase of this recording worth the experience in itself.

Downside up is another song that is just great. I feel as though this cd is a mood piece that has two really outstanding songs on it.

If you don't mind mood music or quiet music with odd tempo's and some glorious songs here and there.. this is for you.

'Ovo' is a secular album, but only just. There is no-one in the world as astute as Gabriel in combining every possible strand of world music into a cohesive whole. Beware: the album has to be listened to as a whole, several times, reading the lyrics, to understand it. Also, you have to have recently lost your father, as I have, to feel Father Son as deeply. Yet, Upside Down and Make Tomorrow are amazingly inspirational, and the combination of Irish, Indian and Japanese in one track has this writer shaken to his deepest soul. I listen to 'Ovo' and the intense beauty of the music transports me beyond the mundane. Impossible not to rave about!

...actually, this could very well be the best solo record PG has ever done. It is certain that PG just gets better with age. Each record takes something from every one before it, and throws something new and exciting into the mix. The wonderful world music is still heavily present, but it augmented by industrial/techno elements, which are handled masterfully by the hands of PG. There is the complaint that PG doesn't sing enough on this album, but it doesn't really phase me much, because his guest vocalists are spectacular. The finest moment on the album is the epic closing piece, "Make Tomorrow", but the album as a whole holds up very well.(except for the god awful first rap track) If this is any indication of what is to come from PG in the near future, i think we're all in for a real treat. Do yourself a favor and buy this album now!