"Scratch My Back" is the eighth studio album by English musician Peter Gabriel, released in 2010. It is a departure from Gabriel's usual style, consisting entirely of cover versions of songs by various artists, reinterpreted with orchestral arrangements and Gabriel's distinctive vocals.
The album features a diverse selection of tracks, ranging from classic rock and pop songs to lesser-known indie and alternative tracks. Some of the artists covered on "Scratch My Back" include David Bowie, Paul Simon, Radiohead, and Arcade Fire, among others.
One of the album's standout features is its orchestral arrangements, which eschew traditional rock instrumentation in favor of lush string and brass arrangements. This lends a dramatic and cinematic quality to the songs, enhancing their emotional impact and providing a fresh perspective on familiar material.
Lyrically, "Scratch My Back" explores themes of love, longing, and introspection, with Gabriel's emotive vocals adding depth and nuance to the covers. Tracks like "Heroes" (originally by David Bowie), "The Book of Love" (originally by The Magnetic Fields), and "Street Spirit (Fade Out)" (originally by Radiohead) showcase Gabriel's ability to imbue each song with his own unique interpretation.
Upon its release, "Scratch My Back" received positive reviews from critics, who praised Gabriel's bold artistic vision and the album's innovative reimagining of familiar songs. While some fans may have been surprised by the departure from Gabriel's usual sound, the album stands as a testament to his creativity and willingness to explore new musical territory.
Overall, "Scratch My Back" is a compelling and ambitious album that showcases Peter Gabriel's versatility as an artist and his ability to breathe new life into classic songs. It remains a captivating listen for fans of Gabriel's music and lovers of inventive cover albums alike.
