On this day May 23, 1980, Peter Gabriel released his third solo album, often referred to by fans as Melt due to its distinctive cover art featuring a melting face. This self-titled release marked a bold creative shift for Gabriel, blending post punk, art rock, and experimental soundscapes into a dark and emotionally powerful work. The album featured standout tracks like Games Without Frontiers and Biko, the latter becoming an important protest anthem.
The album reached number 22 on the Billboard charts in the United States but found even greater success overseas, hitting number 1 in both the United Kingdom and France. Its layered production and political undertones helped cement Gabriel’s reputation as a serious and innovative solo artist following his departure from Genesis.
Fun fact: Melt was the first rock album to heavily feature gated reverb drum effects, a technique that became a defining sound of the 80s.
The album reached number 22 on the Billboard charts in the United States but found even greater success overseas, hitting number 1 in both the United Kingdom and France. Its layered production and political undertones helped cement Gabriel’s reputation as a serious and innovative solo artist following his departure from Genesis.
Fun fact: Melt was the first rock album to heavily feature gated reverb drum effects, a technique that became a defining sound of the 80s.
