Editor’s Note: The Albumism staff has selected what we believe to be 50 fantastic first solo albums recorded by artists who departed—or simply took a temporary hiatus from—their respective groups, representing a varied cross-section of genres, styles and time periods. Click “Next Album” below to explore each album or view the full album index here.

Peter Gabriel | Peter Gabriel
Atco/Charisma (1977)
Selected by Liz Itkowsky

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In 1976, Peter Gabriel set out on his own to record the first of four self-titled albums. The album, often referred to as Car in a nod to the album art, or Peter Gabriel 1, spawned Gabriel’s first solo hit with “Solsbury Hill.” The folky song, about a spiritual awakening, was far from the progressive rock Gabriel released as a member of Genesis.

Though the rest of the album did not yield the chart success of the first single, it marked an important moment in Gabriel’s career, time away from touring and stressful group dynamics. His solo debut set the tone for tight, intellectual albums to come, and space to explore his more personal inspirations.

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