Peter Gabriel

So

A well-deserving classic.

Review Score:

(10/10)
While many may mourn Peter Gabriel's departure from Genesis, I have to say that it's the best move he ever made. Not that Genesis wasn't great, but with his solo career, he achieved a level of maturity and artistic vision that far eclipses anything he did with that band. And, while "So" may be a bit more pop oriented than his previous releases, it's no less great.

"So" is quite simply a timeless classic. While there may be little bit of 80's cheese here and there, it doesn't hold it back a bit. This album is very eclectic, and full of excellent musicianship. Tony Levin, the bassmaster himself, is featured on 6 of the 9 songs here, and his playing is just killer. There are tons of other great musicians here, including guest appearances from Stewart Copeland and Kate Bush, and everyone here contributes something really special.

This album will take you on a roller coaster of various moods and textures. "Red Rain" is a beautiful opener, with a soothing synth melody, and techno-influenced drumming. "Sledgehammer" and "Big Time" are fun, catchy, funk-flavored tunes, both featuring horns and some pretty wacky lyrics. "Don't Give Up" is an amazing duet, on which Gabriel and Bush both shine. "This Is the Picture" is the oddest track here, sounding a bit like a groovier Thinking Plague (there's a female singer on this one also, but I forget who). "In Your Eyes", the closer, is quite simply one of the best love songs ever. The tribal percussion and native chants give it an amazing, ethnic atmosphere, and Gabriel's vocals are just powerful. This album is almost worth buying for this song alone.

Overall, this is a mighty fine album. The only song I don't really care for is "We Do What We're Told", which just sounds like pointless filler (it's too bad they couldn't have used Copeland for a better track). It doesn't really drag the album down, but it's a definite low-point. Other than that, this is great stuff. Peter Gabriel has a definite knack for creative pop, and everyone who appreciates such things should own this.

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