Peter Gabriel – Shaking The Tree (Twelve Golden Greats)

Peter Gabriel – Shaking The Tree (Twelve Golden Greats)

A powerful retrospective of Peter Gabriel’s solo career, Shaking The Tree brings together some of his most defining and influential recordings from the late 1970s through the 1980s. Blending art rock, world music, and cutting-edge production, this compilation showcases Gabriel’s evolution into one of the most innovative and socially conscious artists of his generation.

From the introspective breakthrough of “Solsbury Hill” to the explosive pop success of “Sledgehammer,” the album captures the full spectrum of Gabriel’s sound - deeply personal songwriting, experimental textures, and a fearless approach to rhythm and technology. Tracks like “Games Without Frontiers” and “Shock the Monkey” highlight his early embrace of electronic and global influences, while “Mercy Street” and “Don’t Give Up” reveal a more reflective and emotionally nuanced side.

Collaborations play a key role throughout, most notably the haunting duet with Kate Bush on “Don’t Give Up” and the vibrant, rhythm-driven title track featuring Youssou N'Dour. The album closes with “Biko,” Gabriel’s powerful tribute to anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko, underlining the political and humanitarian themes that run through much of his work.

A compelling and accessible entry point into Peter Gabriel’s catalogue, this collection remains a landmark compilation of one of modern music’s most adventurous voices.

Tracklist:

Side A:
A1. Solsbury Hill – 4:20
A2. I Don’t Remember – 3:48
A3. Sledgehammer – 4:56
A4. Family Snapshot – 4:25
A5. Mercy Street – 4:44
A6. Shaking the Tree – 6:24

Side B:
B1. Don’t Give Up – 5:56
B2. Here Comes the Flood – 4:31
B3. Games Without Frontiers – 3:57
B4. Shock the Monkey – 3:58
B5. Big Time – 4:26
B6. Biko – 6:54