Peter Gabriel ~ So

So is generally regarded as a peak in Gabriel's recording career, notable both for its solid set of songs and lush yet musicianly production. For Gabriel, who'd put his music in theatrical contexts ever since his days with Genesis, the modern sound of So (co-produced with Daniel Lanois) was itself a dramatic conceit that effectively played off the more organic roots of many of its songs. The album's big hit was "Sledgehammer," the English rocker's somewhat stilted take on the Stax/Volt style of rhythm & blues. Gabriel was much more powerful on his own art-rock songs, such as "Red Rain," which evoked nuclear ruin with its cascading rush of guitars and synthesizers. "Don't Give Up" is perhaps Gabriel's best ballad, with Kate Bush's heavenly second vocal enough to give anybody encouragement. But the song that best exploited So's blend of technology and soul is "In Your Eyes," a beguiling rhythmic tapestry in which Gabriel duets with Youssou N'dour.

1 Red Rain

2 Sledgehammer

3 Don't Give Up

4 That Voice Again

5 Mercy Street

6 Big Time

7 We Do What We Re Told (Milgram S 37)

8 This Is the Picture (Excellent Birds)

9 In Your Eyes