Peter Gabriel

So

Excellent introduction to Peter Gabriel

Review Score:

(10/10)
While it may not be Gabriel's best album (which I believe to be his third, self-titled album), it is definitely a better introduction to his music. It may be more pop-oriented than his other albums, but it's still one of the best albums of the 80's. "Red Rain," "Sledgehammer," "Mercy Street," "Don't Give Up," "Big Time," and "In Your Eyes" are all stand-outs, particularly "In Your Eyes," which is probably his best known song thanks to the film, "Say Anything." Gabriel combines elements of minimalism, world music, and for the first time, Memphis soul, to create some very compelling, very entertaining music. At times, like "Mercy Street," it floats, sounding very low-key and textured without descending into boring mood music, and other times, like "Big Time," it's a thumping, muscular sound that you can dance to.

Now, you can divide Gabriel's fans into two categories: those who love "Sledgehammer" and those who hate it. People I know who hate the song don't listen to Stax/Volt records very often (I don't mean they hate guys like Otis Redding and Booker T. & the MG's; they just don't listen to them much), which may explain their distaste. It may not be typical of his music, but "Sledgehammer," I think, is a great single, featuring some of the best charts ever played by the Memphis Horns. Still, there's something for everyone on this album, so even if you think "Sledgehammer" comes on too strong, you may enjoy something like "Don't Give Up," another great single that is every bit as uplifting as "Solsbury Hill."

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