So

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

After his work on the film music for Birdy, producer Daniel Lanois stayed on in 1985 at the singer's house in Somerset to work on a new solo album. The first sessions were the three of them: the singer, Lanois and guitarist David Rhodes. Drummers then joined, including Manu Katché. He still used the Fairlight, a sampler, but the songs were less experimental than before. Pop, soul and art rock blended with African and Brazilian music. The album was released on 19 May 1986.

So became Gabriel's best-selling solo record and turned a cult figure into a mainstream star. Sledgehammer reached number one on the American chart and received an innovative animated video. Don't Give Up is a duet with Kate Bush. The reviews were mostly positive, although later critics found it commercial and too much 'of the eighties'. The album was nominated for a Grammy.

Listening

Track list

1. 1Red Rain5:40Apple Music ↗
2. 2Sledgehammer5:12Apple Music ↗
3. 3Don't Give Up (feat. Kate Bush)6:34Apple Music ↗
4. 4That Voice Again4:54Apple Music ↗
5. 5Mercy Street6:23Apple Music ↗
6. 6Big Time4:29Apple Music ↗
7. 7We Do What We're Told (Milgram's 37)3:22Apple Music ↗
8. 8This Is the Picture (Excellent Birds)4:23Apple Music ↗
9. 9In Your Eyes5:30Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗

See also

• Peter Gabriel