Greatest-hits albums are a traditional way of buying time for artists between albums. Peter Gabriel's, entitled Shaking the Tree: Sixteen Golden Greats, arrived in December of 1990, as he was toiling away at the follow-up to his smash So, which was four years old at that point. As greatest-hits albums go, it's pretty good, containing all the hits, plus an effective re-recording of "Here Comes the Flood" and a good new song in the form of the title track. While the sequencing may leave something to be desired -- it is neither chronological, nor as supple as a good mix tape -- it does contain nearly everything a casual fan could want (nothing from the second album, though; both "On the Air" or "D.I.Y." would have been nice additions), making it an effective sampler. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
I have to say that despite the write up Mr Erlwine gives above, I believe the sequencing on this album is ingenious. There is a theme you can feel if you really dive in the way Peter wants you to--with all your body, heart, mind, soul and spirit. Peter Gabriel speaks to the world through his music. He is brilliant and of course so is this compilation of his beautiful work.