Now that we live in the age of the random playlist, I seldom find myself listening to albums in their entirety. Ironically, one of the few I do listen to “front to back,” as it were, is Gabriel’s Birdy. That being said, revisiting Security with the goal of deciding my favorite song is a daunting challenge. As a mobile DJ, I often cranked up “Lay Your Hands On Me” – specifically when the drums really kick in at about 4:30. “Wallflower” is one of Gabriel’s spot on political songs, and demonstrated his zeal for the issues tackled by Amnesty International. “Rhythm of the Heat” is a classic concert opener. Sheesh… every song on this album is peak Gabriel. My pick? “San Jacinto” I’m also a teacher, and I’ve played the song for students when studying poetry. It paints such vivid pictures, and musically its slow build to a crescendo, followed by the haunting tag at the end… it’s Gabriel at his best, and it remains a highlight for me.
I cannot put on ‘Rhythm of the Heat’ without listening to it multiple times. It’s so primitive & has a flow that just doesn’t let up. I could see Peter performing this & being joined by Phil & Chester in the last few bars & suddenly they kick into their drum duet leading into Los Endos. ‘I have the Touch’ was perhaps the first Gabriel solo tune I heard while being driven to a Genesis tribute gig as a pimply faced teenager. My driver ‘Genesis John’ (RIP) introduced me to all the actions Peter would do on stage ‘Shake those hands…stroke my hair, touch my nose…’ although I have to admit I prefer the Robbie Robertson remix. Excellent album.
Almost all of the tracks have been my favorite at some point or another. But, the introduction of Rhythm of the Heats makes my heart beat along in time. So, this time I’ll choose that one.
While I pick San Jacinto, seeing Gabriel in Toronto in 1982, his entrance from the back of the arena with the whole band walking through the arena playing The Rhythm of the Heat was very impactful.
Yes I would agree on San Jacinto which creates such an atmosphere from the introduction right through to the climax of the song. I too saw this live at Selhurst park (a UK soccer stadium) in 1983 and remember the day and this track so strongly to this day. Phil Collins was on stanby to drum the entire concert due to the illness of the normal drummer but in the event he just came on at the end. Peter gave him such a lovely introduction. Back to the song… I am not sure that any of his songs after this carries quite the weight of the lyrics and the music contained in this song. It opened the set on the 1986 tour and I would happily hear it again if he tours next year! We can but hope…
This is the album where Gabriel really stepped it up. I love ‘Melt’ but ‘Security’ has the tracks that keep me coming back. San Jacinto (possibly my favorite Gabriel track full stop), the family and the fishing net are truly awesome prog tracks.
Now that we live in the age of the random playlist, I seldom find myself listening to albums in their entirety. Ironically, one of the few I do listen to “front to back,” as it were, is Gabriel’s Birdy. That being said, revisiting Security with the goal of deciding my favorite song is a daunting challenge. As a mobile DJ, I often cranked up “Lay Your Hands On Me” – specifically when the drums really kick in at about 4:30. “Wallflower” is one of Gabriel’s spot on political songs, and demonstrated his zeal for the issues tackled by Amnesty International. “Rhythm of the Heat” is a classic concert opener. Sheesh… every song on this album is peak Gabriel. My pick? “San Jacinto” I’m also a teacher, and I’ve played the song for students when studying poetry. It paints such vivid pictures, and musically its slow build to a crescendo, followed by the haunting tag at the end… it’s Gabriel at his best, and it remains a highlight for me.
I cannot put on ‘Rhythm of the Heat’ without listening to it multiple times. It’s so primitive & has a flow that just doesn’t let up. I could see Peter performing this & being joined by Phil & Chester in the last few bars & suddenly they kick into their drum duet leading into Los Endos. ‘I have the Touch’ was perhaps the first Gabriel solo tune I heard while being driven to a Genesis tribute gig as a pimply faced teenager. My driver ‘Genesis John’ (RIP) introduced me to all the actions Peter would do on stage ‘Shake those hands…stroke my hair, touch my nose…’ although I have to admit I prefer the Robbie Robertson remix. Excellent album.
It’s San Jacinto. It paints such a great picture as the story unfolds and the “I hold the line” moment is spine tingling.
Almost all of the tracks have been my favorite at some point or another. But, the introduction of Rhythm of the Heats makes my heart beat along in time. So, this time I’ll choose that one.
Difficult question. Lot of great tracks here, and for some of them, the “Plays Live” versions are even better.
San Jacinto
While I pick San Jacinto, seeing Gabriel in Toronto in 1982, his entrance from the back of the arena with the whole band walking through the arena playing The Rhythm of the Heat was very impactful.
Yes I would agree on San Jacinto which creates such an atmosphere from the introduction right through to the climax of the song. I too saw this live at Selhurst park (a UK soccer stadium) in 1983 and remember the day and this track so strongly to this day. Phil Collins was on stanby to drum the entire concert due to the illness of the normal drummer but in the event he just came on at the end. Peter gave him such a lovely introduction. Back to the song… I am not sure that any of his songs after this carries quite the weight of the lyrics and the music contained in this song. It opened the set on the 1986 tour and I would happily hear it again if he tours next year! We can but hope…
My favorite track stay still: Wallflower
I love the percussion on this album. Gabriel had incorporated new sounds into this album. He was forward as always.
I’d have to say Wallflower !
This is the album where Gabriel really stepped it up. I love ‘Melt’ but ‘Security’ has the tracks that keep me coming back. San Jacinto (possibly my favorite Gabriel track full stop), the family and the fishing net are truly awesome prog tracks.