Just as he did with his 2023 album, I/O, Peter Gabriel is delivering the entire tracklist of his forthcoming album, O\I, one track at a time. Record companies must hate this because by the time the album comes out, fans will have heard the entire work. Not that Gabriel or his fans care much about that.
What matters is the music, not how much money can be made from making new records. The former Genesis frontman has been around too long and been too successful to need to worry what record company executives think anymore, if he ever did. He is more about art than artifice.
Now, every time there is a full moon, the icon and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer drops something new. In the most recent case, the fifth of five so far, the track is called "Won't Stand Down," and the sentiment attached is just what one would expect from the longtime human rights activist.
Peter Gabriel's "Won't Stand Down" review
In an email to his fanbase, the art-rock legend explained the song is supposed "to encourage some sort of activism" and that he thinks "we need people who can nudge both us and our leaders and keep alive some basic values of justice, compassion and democracy."
That is both uplifting and putting a lot of pressure on a track to be good or a complete failure. So, which is "Won't Stand Down," at least in terms of the recently released "bright-side mix? (Gabriel releases each song now with a bright-side mix and a dark-side mix; the new track's dark side won't be released for a few weeks.)
For one, the song is, as expected, wonderfully produced. Whether one likes the music or vocals, what can't be dismissed is that Gabriel's tracks sound good.
The vocal cadence recalls Paul Simon instead of Gabriel, especially in the verses. The backing rhythm doesn't overwhelm but serves as a fill to the ease of Gabriel's voice, always one of the most underrated aspects of his creations.
The track is gorgeous, and the lyrics are well-written and poignant. The only real drawback is that the music, while well-arranged and fitting, might fit better on a soundtrack than an art-rock album. The touch of Latin rhythms keeps the tune just floating enough to not drown in being somewhat boring through the track's first two-thirds.
Do the lyrics evoke what Peter Gabriel aimed for in his call to activism? Possibly. That depends on one's political views, though if you are listening to a tune by the icon, then you likely have the same views that he does in most respects. That could be a bit of an issue, as Gabriel is basically singing to the choir.
The last third of the song, though, is amazing. It rises, becomes more beautiful and stunning. The lyrics aren't quite as creative as they could be, but that doesn't truly matter. The music carries the listener through any slight disappointment. The tune is a winner, and should inspire others to at least listen to the rest of o\i as each song is released.
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