Peter Gabriel - So

Peter Gabriel - So

 


Peter Gabriel - So is the fifth studio album by English musician Peter Gabriel, released on May 19, 1986. It’s often considered one of his most commercially successful and critically acclaimed works. The album blends art rock, pop, and world music elements, which was a natural progression from his previous solo albums, yet it has a more accessible, radio-friendly sound.

Key Features:

  1. Catchy and Emotional Tracks: The album’s standout tracks, such as “Sledgehammer,” “Big Time,” and “Don’t Give Up,” are both radio-friendly and layered with deeper emotional and political themes. "Sledgehammer" in particular became one of Gabriel’s biggest hits and is known for its upbeat rhythm and innovative music video.

  2. Experimental Sound: Gabriel, known for his willingness to experiment, integrates various genres, including African rhythms, electronic elements, and orchestral arrangements. This mix of genres helped define a unique sound for the album and for Gabriel's solo career.

  3. Lyrics and Themes: So is introspective and personal but also addresses larger societal and political issues. For example, “Don’t Give Up,” a duet with Kate Bush, tackles themes of despair and resilience, while “Red Rain” and “This Is the Picture” explore more abstract and symbolic concepts.

  4. Collaborations: Gabriel worked with several talented musicians on So, including Tony Levin on bass, Manu Katché on drums, and David Rhodes on guitar. The album also features backing vocals from the late, great Kate Bush on “Don’t Give Up.”

  5. Production and Innovation: The production, handled by Gabriel and Daniel Lanois, is often seen as a turning point in his sound, embracing a more polished and refined aesthetic compared to his earlier, more experimental work. The album uses state-of-the-art technology for its time and features intricate arrangements.

Popular Tracks:

  • “Sledgehammer”: One of his most recognizable songs, known for its funky groove and memorable music video.
  • “Big Time”: A satirical take on excess and materialism.
  • “Don’t Give Up”: A touching, emotionally charged song with Kate Bush, dealing with the theme of hope during tough times.
  • “In Your Eyes”: A romantic, soulful ballad that became one of Gabriel's signature songs, largely thanks to its use in the 1989 film Say Anything....

Critical Reception:

So received widespread acclaim for its balance of accessible pop and avant-garde musicality. It became one of Gabriel’s most successful albums commercially, reaching No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 2 on the US Billboard 200. The album’s success marked Gabriel’s breakthrough into mainstream popularity while maintaining his artistic integrity.

Overall, So is seen as a milestone in Peter Gabriel's career, a record that bridges his experimental past with a more commercially viable sound, all while retaining his distinct, avant-garde style.

Tracks:

  • - Disc 1 -
  1. Red Rain
  2. Sledgehammer
  3. Don't Give Up
  4. That Voice Again
  • - Disc 2 -
  1. Mercy Street
  2. Big Time
  3. We Do What We're Told (Milgram's 37)
  4. This Is the Picture (Excellent Birds)
  5. In Your Eyes