Album: So

Intro
"So" is the 5th studio album by English rock musician Peter Gabriel, launched on Might 19, 1986, by Charisma Records and Virgin Records. Produced by Daniel Lanois and Peter Gabriel himself, the album marked a significant shift in his musical design and creative technique, mixing pop, rock, and world music categories, while maintaining the speculative and provocative components that defined his earlier work.

The Making of "So"
Before the release of "So", Gabriel had actually enjoyed substantial success as a solo artist with three self-titled albums released in between 1977 and 1980, which were followed by the experimental and thematic "Security" in 1982. Nevertheless, it was with "So" that Gabriel was able to reach a broader audience and achieve industrial success, thanks in part to the development of MTV and the appeal of his revolutionary video.

To create the distinctive sound of the album, Gabriel enlisted the aid of a few of the most skilled musicians of the time, including Tony Levin on bass, David Rhodes on guitar, and Manu Katché on drums. In addition, numerous prominent visitor artists were included throughout the album, such as Kate Bush, Laurie Anderson, Youssou N'Dour, and Stewart Copeland.

Significant Tracks and Themes
"So" showcased a varied series of musical styles and styles, from the infectious pop melodies of "Sledgehammer" and "Big Time" to the introspective balladry of "Don't Give Up" and the atmospheric, worldbeat-driven "In Your Eyes".

"Sledgehammer" was an enormous hit for Gabriel, reaching top on the United States Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's ingenious and surreal music video, which integrated claymation and stop-motion animation, got numerous awards and became one of the most renowned music videos of all time.

"In Your Eyes", another standout track from the album, was additional popularized by its addition in the cult timeless film "Say Anything" (1989), where its emotional and uplifting essence was utilized to great impact. Youssou N'Dour's Senegalese vocal contributions included an unique world music measurement to the tune.

The effective duet "Don't Give Up", featuring Kate Bush, handled themes of strength and getting rid of misery in the face of misfortune and individual struggle. The song's influence and poignancy stay relevant to this day.

Business Success and Legacy
"So" was an industrial and critical success, peaking at number one on the UK Albums Chart and second on the United States Billboard 200 chart. The album spawned numerous hit songs and has been accredited triple platinum in the United States and 5 times platinum in the UK.

The album's groundbreaking amalgamation of pop, rock, and world music, along with its ingenious use of visual storytelling in video, has actually left an indelible mark on the music industry. "So" has actually often been mentioned as one of the best albums of the 1980s and a landmark in the development of popular music.

Conclusion
In summary, Peter Gabriel's "So" album stands as an essential turning point in the artist's imaginative journey, and a powerful influence on the music world as a whole. With its rich blend of diverse musical styles, sensational guest efficiencies, and iconic video, "So" remains a classic work that continues to resonate with fans and musicians alike.