Soundtracks of Life

What’s your all-time favorite album?

The ethereal threads of music run through my life like the crimson, azure, and amber filaments of a tapestry. There are just too many choices for me to identify a single, all-time favorite album.

On any given day if I am asked for a “favorite album.,” I will draw from the list in my mind for an album of the moment. How am I to choose? Firstly, my favorite bands include a range of artists, genres, and eras in music: Genesis, Journey, Queen, The Commodores, Foreigner, LINKIN PARK, The Byrds, Abba, Alabama, 3 Doors Down, Evanescence, and so on. Additionally, a similar range exists for solo artists: Phil Collins, Michael Jackson, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Khalid, Collin Ray, Christina Perri, Marvin Gaye, Barry Manilow, Lou Rawls, Diana Ross, Billie Eilish, J Cole, and more. These lists only touch the surface of music that accompanies my life. It is no understatement to say I like a variety of musical styles and energy.

All caveats aside, here and now the answer is Peter Gabriel’s powerful collection of anthems on So. Whether it is the Gabriel’s husky voice in Red Rain or classic love song In Your Eyes, this album speaks to my soul. My occasional melancholy is lifted by the encouraging words of Don’t Give Up (featuring Kate Bush).

In this proud land we grew up strong
We were wanted all along
I was taught to fight, taught to win
I never thought I could fail

No fight left or so it seems
I am a man whose dreams have all deserted
I’ve changed my face, I’ve changed my name
But no one wants you when you lose

Don’t give up
‘Cause you have friends
Don’t give up
You’re not beaten yet
Don’t give up
I know you can make it good…

-Peter Gabriel from “Don’t Give Up”

I really cannot say much more than that. This prompt invited me to play the album now. Beautiful. And here comes the driving beat of Sledgehammer…