So

So is the title of the fourth studio album by British recording artist Peter Gabriel. It was released on 19 May 1986 on Virgin records in the UK. It went on to be one of Gabriel's biggest selling albums and established him as one of the most successful British singer and songwriters in pop culture.

The release of the album was preceded by the single Sledgehammer which had reached no.4 in the UK. Its distinctive sound and famous promo video also established it as one of the most important songs of the 1980s and of Gabriel's whole career. Three more tracks were lifted from the album for release as singles in the UK, including the duet with Kate Bush entitled Don't Give Up (see Singles section below). Bush had previously collaborated on Gabriel's 1980 album 3 or Melt.

The album was received both commercially and critically and went straight to no.1 in the UK and in several other countries, and to no.2 in the US (held off the top by the Top Gun soundtrack). The single Sledgehammer also went to no.1 in the US. 

The album was produced by Daniel Lanois with Peter Gabriel and the sleeve was designed by Peter Saville Associates. All songs were written and composed by Gabriel alone, except for That Voice Again, written with guitarist David Rhodes. The CD bonus track This Is the Picture (Excellent Birds) features Laurie Anderson and was written by her and Gabriel.

Personnel
Peter Gabriel sings lead and backing vocals and plays piano, synthesiser, percussion, plus keyboard and drum programming.

Among the other musicians: David Rhodes (guitar), Tony Levin (bass), Jerry Marotta (drums, percussion). (for full list see External links below)

Tracklisting
original UK CD - PGCD5


 * 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)

''Track 9 appears on CD and MC releases only. LP Side One Tracks 1-4. Side Two Tracks 5-8''

Re-issues

 * 1