8. Up (2002)

A full decade separates Up from Us, its 1992 predecessor, but the two albums are cut from a similar stylistic cloth. Up is defined by its lush, lavish arrangements and heady lyrical themes, featuring the skills of Gabriel’s usual studio crew (bassist Tony Levin, guitarist David Rhodes, drummer Manu Katche), along with a talented army of session players from across the globe. But where Us occasionally felt over-produced, Up is dense with purpose. “Darkness” (one of many tracks stretching out to seven minutes) balances preciousness with aggression, as grand orchestrations counter-act distorted electronic loops; “My Head Sounds Like That” is a textural triumph, Gabriel’s sandpaper growl layered over dewy piano and brass. Up isn’t Gabriel’s most immediate album, but it’s one of his most rewarding.