Product Description

SO consolidated Gabriel's reputation as an original and exciting composer, capable of projecting sophisticated lyrics on accessible melodies. 'Sledgehammer' was a massive hit (number one in the USA), as was 'Don't Give Up', with Kate Bush's vocals adding extra pathos. 'This Is The Picture' clearly shows the slightly surreal influence of co-writer Laurie Anderson, and the whole is given flight by Daniel Lanois' impeccable production. The towering achievement, however, is 'Mercy Street', a sparely orchestrated and perfectly constructedtribute to the late poet Anne Sexton.

Track Listing

1. Red Rain
2. Sledgehammer
3. Don't Give Up
4. That Voice Again
5. In Your Eyes
6. Mercy Street
7. Big Time
8. We Do What We're Told (Milgram's 37)
9. This Is The Picture (Excellent Birds)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1827 in Music
• Released on: 2002-12-02
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered

Amazon.co.uk Review
So is generally regarded as a peak in Gabriel's recording career, notable both for its solid set of songs and lush yet musically sound 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 and 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. -- John Milward

Customer Reviews

Every Track A Joy To Listen Too
This 2 channel Hybrid stereo remastered Cd is excellent on SACD playback and normal stereo players. The nine track album lasting 46 minutes and 30 seconds contains four of his top single hits, `Red Rain`, `Sledgehammer`, `Don`t give up`, and `Big time`. In my mind this album is his best song work from Peter Gabriel of the eighties. A true classic masterpiece, every track is crystal clear with no hiss or back-ground noise.
If you are replaceing your `SO` album then this is the version too buy (2003), or if you need a Peter Gabriel top album, look no further because here it is.

So
As other reviewers have noted 'So' is one of the best places to start with Peter Gabriels work. It has some astounding music on it. 'Red rain' is powerful and evocative, 'Don't Give Up' is plaintive and haunting, 'Sledgehammer' is pure unadulterated exuberance, 'Mercy Street' is beautifully melancholic and 'In Your Eyes' has brilliant lyrics and a great feel. The other tracks are just as good and the album sits together as a whole perfectly. It was very much of it's time and yet manages to stand up against Gabriels complete body of work, both prior and since. This is an excellent album and highly recommended for any music collection. Well worth a try.

His most accessible
When this one came out, I was champing at the bit for a new Gabriel album and I must admit I was disappointed - I was really taken with his III and IV and the journey those albums took me on, this one sort of brought me down with a bump - yes it was good, but in comparison to III and IV it was ordinary and as has been proven with the hit singles, it was accessible by the day time radio listeners which is not a bad thing I hasten to add.
All in all, it's not one I rush back to when I fancy listening to Peter Gabriel, pleasant, easy on the ear, but not as engaging as and thrilling as III and IV.