Peter Gabriel could have stopped making music after leaving Genesis, and his place in rock history would still be safe. As the original frontman of Genesis, he helped create some of the most creative and ambitious progressive rock music of the 1970s. Albums from that era were bold, theatrical, and complex, and Gabriel was at the center of it all. For many artists, that would have been enough.
But Gabriel didn’t stop. Instead, he chose a different direction.
When Genesis continued without him and found massive success with Phil Collins, Gabriel quietly began building a solo career that sounded nothing like his old band. His music was still thoughtful and experimental, but it was also more personal, emotional, and open. Rather than long fantasy stories and complicated concepts, Gabriel focused on feelings, change, and identity.
The clearest example of this shift is the song “Solsbury Hill.”
Released in 1977 on his first solo album, “Solsbury Hill” is often seen as a song about Gabriel leaving Genesis. While it never directly mentions the band, the lyrics describe a moment of realization—choosing freedom over comfort, even when the future is uncertain. It’s about listening to your inner voice and having the courage to walk a new path.
Musically, the song is simple on the surface. It features gentle acoustic guitar, soft vocals, and a calm, uplifting mood. But underneath that simplicity is something unusual. Most of the song is written in 7/4 time, which means it doesn’t follow the standard rhythm people are used to hearing in pop music. Even so, it never feels difficult or confusing. Many listeners don’t even notice the odd rhythm at first.
That is what makes “Solsbury Hill” special.
Unlike much progressive rock, which often shows off its complexity, this song hides it. The rhythm supports the emotion instead of drawing attention to itself. The result is a song that feels natural, warm, and honest, even though it is quietly experimental. Gabriel wasn’t trying to impress listeners—he was trying to connect with them.
This balance between creativity and accessibility became a key part of Gabriel’s solo career. He proved that music could be intelligent without being distant, and different without being alienating. “Solsbury Hill” invites listeners in emotionally first, and only later reveals how unusual it really is.
The song also helped open the door for other artists. Bands like Rush later showed that complex rhythms could exist in songs that still felt catchy and relatable. In that way, Gabriel helped bridge the gap between progressive rock and mainstream music.
Decades later, “Solsbury Hill” still feels fresh. It continues to appear in films, commercials, and playlists because its message is timeless. Everyone, at some point, faces a moment where they must choose change over safety.
Peter Gabriel’s solo journey began with that choice—and Solsbury Hill is the sound of taking that step.