So

So is the fifth studio album (and seventh album overall) by British rock musician Peter Gabriel, released in 1986. Many of its songs reflect a more conventional pop-writing style and became radio hits, others still retain Gabriel’s dark, brooding sense of experimentalism.

It is Peter Gabriel’s second album produced by Canadian artist Daniel Lanois. The previous year, the two of them had worked together on Birdy. Lanois had been previously known for his ambient collaborations with Brian Eno as well as producing U2 since 1984. As he had with the soundtrack to the film Birdy, Lanois brought many of his own ambient sensibilities to this recording.

The album begins with an emotionally charged piece titled “Red Rain”. Inspired by a recurring dream which Gabriel had of swimming in a sea of red water, its lyrics vividly depict dream imagery that reflect a sense of vulnerability. The song is one of the works in the story of Mozo, a wandering stranger who appears in several Gabriel songs. Of all the tracks on the album, Gabriel considers “Red Rain” one of his favourites. Other Mozo works include “On the Air” and “Exposure”.

The second track is Peter Gabriel’s most popular single, “Sledgehammer”. “Sledgehammer” is an upbeat piece with strong Motown influences, and a world music touch from its famous use of the shakuhachi. This song also shows Tony Levin’s abilities on the bass. The video for “Sledgehammer” won MTV’s 1987 Top Music Video Award.