'So,' Peter Gabriel's influential 1980s album, celebrates 40 years

Peter Gabriel's landmark 1986 album, 'So,' is being celebrated for its 40th anniversary, a milestone that underscores its enduring impact on music. This album propelled the former Genesis frontman from art-rock circles to global superstardom, becoming one of the best-selling records of the 1980s.

Produced with Daniel Lanois, 'So' introduced a distinctive sound that diverged from Gabriel's earlier work. It embraced a more modern 1980s aesthetic, incorporating influences that would later be heard in the work of artists like Robbie Robertson, U2, and Bob Dylan. The album's rhythmic foundations, often featuring the distinctive basslines of Tony Levin and drummer Manu Katché, became a template for many musicians.

Beyond its sonic innovation, 'So' was instrumental in bringing "world music" into the pop mainstream. Collaborations like "In Your Eyes" with Youssou N'Dour and "Don't Give Up" with Kate Bush, along with the integration of African rhythms, exposed a massive audience to global sounds. This was a significant achievement, building on Gabriel's earlier explorations of world music, such as the single "Biko."

While 'So' brought Gabriel immense popularity, it also presented a "curse" by setting a high bar for his subsequent career. The album's success, however, cemented his status as an artist who could blend commercial appeal with artistic integrity and a pioneering spirit in incorporating diverse musical traditions.