As for the '80s, I'm not excited about what has happened in this decade musically, but luckily there are some notable exceptions, including "So" include Peter Gabriel, and without a doubt! Peter Gabriel has many excellent albums "So" published before and after, but it is and remains his most famous plate (though - in my opinion - not his best). This may mainly to "Sledgehammer" are, one of the best known songs ever. I'm not a personal fan of this song, but only by its success, it is indeed essential part of any concert or any best-of-compilation. But luckily there is the "So" with Sledgehammer and "Big Time" only two songs that aim clearly at the charts (I want the bad word not commercially use ...), the rest of the songs are just great sound art, as hardly any other contemporary musicians could bring finished. Of particular note here are the ballads, all of course "Do not give up" prefer with Kate Bush, whose voice I not particularly like, and therefore the live version with Paula Cole, which nevertheless is one of the highlights (the same is true, incidentally, for "In Your Eyes"). My two favorites on "So" are "Mercy Street", for me the most beautiful Gabriel ballad and the epic "Red Rain" that you can hardly describe really, if you have not heard it. All in all an album that is even today, nearly twenty years after the publication, can hear through from beginning to end, without being bored even for a second. A strong buy recommendation!
(Originally written for the review appeared in 2002 Remastered Edition 2005)
