SO

Peter Gabriel hit it big with this album. It certainly was his most commercial success and is quite accessible. It certainly changed things forever. It seems that with the absence of synth wizzard Larry Fast Gabriel lost some of his edge. Not that this record is pure pop or bad prog. It is not. Only different and accessible. Sledgehammer became his most well known song and, although it was never a favorite of mine, it is a very interesting and strong tune. The video for this track is very clever and showed how up to date Gabriel was in terms of visual arts and technique. He finally found a way to capitalize his incredible use of his theatrics. And rightly so.

There are a number of great songs on So: Red Rain, the emotional duet with Kate bush on Don´t Give Up, the nice world music co-operation with Youssou N´dour on In Your Eyes, his typical sense of humor on Big Time (another great video!) and, most of all, the poignant Mercy Street. The production by Daniel Lanois is quite different from his earlier effords, but it fitted well for the 80´s sound without selling out. Peter assumed most of the keyboards work and kept most of his great musicians (plus adding some other fine players too). But I must say I miss Larry Fast. Things would never be the same again, like it or not.

Conclusion: not as groundbreaking and strong as 3 or Security. Still very good and unique. 4 stars.