Following his departure from Genesis in 1975, British singer Peter Gabriel initially seemed doomed to cult artist status. And although his third self-titled record from 1980 in particular, with its transparent sound and hard forward-mixed drums, practically became a blueprint for the eighties sound, the great recognition failed to materialize. So, which was released in 1986 as his fifth studio album
… (not counting the soundtrack Birdy) changed that. Aided by a playful animation video clip, that year's lead single Sledgehammer dominated radio and music television for months, followed by Don't Give Up with guest singer Kate Bush. But all of So, which was produced by Daniel Lanois, is a strong pop album without one less number. Where earlier records have been studied and sound clinical, ingredients such as world music and heavy rhythms are entirely at the service of melodic songs and lasting favorites like Red Rain and Mercy Street. It thus became the most successful album of his career. (MR)more
