Peter Gabriel

So

Essential

Review Score:

(10/10)
So, Peter Gabriel's fifth solo album was his big hit -- his commercial breakthrough. Added along by the very hummable "Sledgehammer," (and its still amazing video) the album reached #2 on the album chart in the summer of 1986. A small number of longtime fans were distressed by these developments, but the results that are this album do not warrant such gripes.

In addition to that big hit single, So contains many gems. "Don't Give Up" is a lovely duet with Gabriel protege Kate Bush, "Mercy Street," his ode to the late poet Anne Sexton remains one of the most haunting songs ever, just as "In Your Eyes" remains one of the most gorgeous love songs of all time.

Daniel Lanios production is strangely captivating as it manages to be smooth while still retaining that almost insinuating murky fell for which he has become known. With nary a false move throughout the album, it remains essential listening 16 years later.

So may not be as shocking, daring, and riveting as his third album (melting face cover), but it proves conclusively that accessibility does not have to be a bad thing.

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