Peter Gabriel / So (1986)

Recommendation… Every once in a while, we should all be reminded how talented Peter Gabriel is. While “Sledgehammer” was the biggest hit off So, I don’t recall being that impressed with THAT song. I do remember getting sick of the over-played claymation video. “Big Time,” another hit, seems designed to show off the funky rhythm line rather than the intelligent lyrics. (I wonder if anyone has covered that song in a different style…) Anyway, my 2020 opinion of this 1986 album is Peter Gabriel’s best stuff here is not what became big hits. “Mercy Street” is beautiful musically and meaningful lyrically. “We Do What We’re Told” is haunting. Check out some of the other lesser known tracks as well.

I do have to admit that one of the popular songs from this album deserves to be called a classic. John Cusack holding the boom box above his head with “In Your Eyes” playing and winning back Ionye Skye’s heart… well, it won my heart too.