Peter Gabriel releases new album “Been Undone” from upcoming album cycle

Peter Gabriel has embarked on a new phase of his extensive and carefully crafted musical journey, introducing the first track from his upcoming album OI. Unveiled on the full moon of Saturday, 3 January 2026, known as the Wolf Moon, the song Been Undone signifies the start of another year-long lunar release cycle, following the model set by Gabriel’s 2023 album I/O.

Crafted and produced by Gabriel himself, Been Undone was recorded at Real World Studios in Bath and The Beehive in London. The version that premiered with the Wolf Moon is the Dark-Side Mix, expertly mixed by his longtime collaborator Tchad Blake. Similar to I/O, each composition from OI will have multiple interpretations, with a Bright-Side Mix set to be revealed on the new moon later in the month, expertly handled by Mark ‘Spike’ Stent.

In a statement announcing the project, Gabriel expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The songs encapsulate a mix of thoughts and emotions… These are my lumpy bits – i/o: the inside has a new way out and oi: the outside has a new way in.” He delved into how artists can serve as mirrors to society, particularly during a period of unprecedented technological advancement and change. Gabriel emphasized the importance of connecting with nature and each other to navigate these shifts successfully.

Gabriel’s previous album, I/O, marked his return to original material after nearly two decades since his last studio release, Up in 2002. Following the lunar release concept, I/O presented a new song on every full moon throughout 2023, with alternate mixes unveiled on subsequent new moons. The album’s success, which included a UK number one and two Grammy Awards in 2025, reinforced Gabriel’s dedication to creating cohesive artistic statements through his albums.

With OI, Gabriel continues to expand on these concepts. Each track of the album will be accompanied by a unique piece of visual art, building on a tradition established with previous albums like Us and Up. Been Undone is complemented by Ciclotrama 156 (Palindrome) by the artist Janaina Mello Landini, whose architectural background informs her intricate and mathematical artistic approach.

Gabriel expressed his delight at collaborating with Mello Landini, sharing, “The way she takes the rope and moves it out… looks like the brain in some ways too, so I see a lot of entry points.” Throughout 2026, Gabriel will unveil one new song from OI with each full moon, gradually revealing the complete album by year-end. The Dark-Side and Bright-Side Mixes will offer listeners distinct perspectives on the material, reflecting Gabriel’s exploration of production choices and their emotional impact.

As the year progresses, more details about the full album release are expected to emerge. Fans eagerly anticipate experiencing the evolution of Gabriel’s musical journey as he navigates the changing musical landscape with creativity and innovation.