Peter Gabriel is a master artist. Unlike most other musicians, he doesn't mind releasing almost all the tracks before a new album comes out. But these aren't merely songs; they're well-thought-out and nuanced gems. The art that is part of the packaging is well-chosen too.
The latest single from the album o\i (releasing on November 27) is "Who Are We Talking To?" and, in Gabriel's own words, is a call to activism. At least, the hope is that that is what the response will be. The singer is self-aware enough to know that what his songs are about won't always affect the masses.
In a post on his YouTube channel, Gabriel says, "'Who Are We Talking To?' was conceived as something that might encourage activism. It might be naive, but I still believe that people have real power for change if they can get together in large enough numbers."
Peter Gabriel's latest single is one of the best from his forthcoming album
Still, many times a track could inspire positive change; the song simply comes down to whether the tune is any good. Most of o\i's songs have been lengthy and excellent, with only a couple of near-misses in high-end quality.
A song outwardly calling for people to do things that they might not already be doing is a bold move, and it better be good. Thankfully, Gabriel is a longtime master of producing gems around just that thing.
The initial release of "Who Are We Talking To?" is with a dark-side mix. Gabriel has released all his songs from his latest two records in bright-side and dark-side mixes. Each has just enough nuance to create a different feel for the listener.
The new single is upbeat with a brilliant bass line and a backing chorus that is perfectly fitting. The song doesn't try to do too much. Instead, the music is laid-back without being somber. This allows Gabriel's voice to shine through more, and therefore his message along with it,
The song rings in at 5:38, but the second half is mostly a funky coda that might impress upon the listener not only the need to make a change to help the world be a better place, but also to get up and dance.
Overall, the song is one of the best from o\i so far, and that is saying quite a bit, as most of the record has already been heard. Worthy of multiple listens, let's hope a large enough audience hears the track and is inspired by what Peter Gabriel is asking for: Positive change.
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