Peter Gabriel

So

Overrated 80s pop album (3.5 stars)

Review Score:

(8/10)
"So" is the most upbeat and optimistic-sounding of all of Peter Gabriel's albums--Genesis included--and contains his most commercial set of songs, so it's no wonder why it remains the overwhelming favorite among critics and listeners to this day.
For those who are attracted to PG's darker, artier works, however, "So" may sound like a heavily manicured piece of pop fluff, drowned in (to these ears) dated 80s production values
and featuring some songs ("Sledgehammer" and "Big Time") so far removed from Gabriel's actual musical style that this is probably as close as he came to the term "sell-out".

Nonetheless, Gabriel's genius is such that the album does not emerge as a total washout. "Red Rain" is a graceful, richly melodic track that anchors the beginning of the album, while both "Mercy Street" and "We Do What We're Told" are quiet, haunting and infused with world-music touches ("Mercy Street" remains one of my favorite songs, actually). The production on these is simpler and therefore less grating than on such light confections as "Sledgehammer" and "In Your Eyes", which aren't terrible (who can deny the catchiness of either tune?) but the 80s dance-pop sound captured here simply does not remind one of the "real" Gabriel captured on "The Lamb", "Solsbury Hill", "San Jacinto" or "Passion"; ironically, their popularity is so overwhelming that most fans continue to primarily identify him with these two tracks (FWIW, the extended 7-minute version of "In Your Eyes" is superior to the album cut). Elsewhere, we have the uplifting ballad "Don't Give Up" (one of the better cuts and again very popular, although I'll take "Blood Of Eden" over this any day), more 80s dance hits like "Big Time" and
a reject from the abandoned "Mozo" concept, "That Voice Again".
Overall, "So" remains a must-purchase, if only to hear what the fuss is about. Nearly every song has achieved popularity, which to some makes it a very consistent album. But for those fans who want the darker, edgier, stuff, only "Red Rain", "Mercy Street" and "We Do What We're Told" will satisfy this time around. "Us" would mark a superior mix of his commercial and artistic sides, with that "big 80s" production (the headache-inducing drum machines, dance rhythms and metallic reverb) muffled or absent.

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