I/O

More than 20 years in the making, this December finally sees the release of "I/O", Peter Gabriel's first album of new material since 2002's "Up".

And what a creation - 12 tracks of grace, gravity, and great beauty that provide welcome confirmation of not only Peter's ongoing ability to write stop-you-in-your-tracks songs but also of that thrilling voice, still perfectly, delightfully intact. Throughout the album, the intelligent and thoughtful - often thought-provoking - songs tackle life and the universe. Our connection to the world around us is a recurring motif, but so too the passing of time, mortality, and grief, alongside such themes as injustice, surveillance, and the roots of terrorism. But this is not a solemn record. While reflective, the mood is never despondent; I/O is musically adventurous, often joyous, and ultimately full of hope, topped off as it is by the rousingly optimistic closing song, "Live and Let Live."

Always looking to push the boundaries, I/O is not simply a collection of a dozen songs. All 12 tracks are subject to two stereo mixes: the Bright-Side Mix, handled by Mark 'SPIK' Stent, and the Dark-Side Mix, as reshaped by Tchad Blake. Both versions are included on the double-CD package.

Peter has kept his trusty inner circle of musicians close to hand, which means guitarist David Rhodes, bassist Tony Levin, and drummer Manu Katché are sterling presences throughout. Several songs bear the fingerprints of long-time associate Brian Eno, whilst there are notable contributions from the likes of Richard Russell, pianist Tom Cawley, trumpeters Josh Shpak and Paolo Fresu, cellist Linnea Olsson, and keyboard player Don E. Peter's daughter Melanie contributes warm backing vocals, as does Ríoghnach Connolly of The Breath. Soweto Gospel Choir and Swedish all-male choir Orphei Drängar lend their magnificent harmonies, and the mass strings of the New Blood Orchestra, led by John Metcalfe, both soothe and soar.

Peter has also invited a range of visual artists to contribute a piece of art to accompany each track. The dozen artists make an exceedingly impressive team of collaborators: Ai Weiwei, Nick Cave, Olafur Eliasson, Henry Hudson, Annette Messager, Antony Micallef, David Moreno, Cornelia Parker, Megan Rooney, Tim Shaw, David Spriggs, and Barthélémy Toguo.