SO

What makes pop music so good? What is it that drives people to explore it and want to pursue their own ideals through it? Is it the infectious grooves? Is it the hooks? Is it the market appeal? These questions have been on my mind for a bit now, especially as I listen to more and more genres of pop. It's a genre that doesn't just have variety, but also grit; glamour; magic. From the old pop rocks of The Beatles, to the more modern synths of Magdalena Bay, pop music in its entirety has become less of a genre and more of a cultural phenomenon. Whether it be the massively popular radio hits, or the more obscure alternative pickings, it feels like no matter what, there will always be a pop song waiting to find its place within someone's heart and soul.

But, for me, what do I find personally appealing in pop music? Well, it's mostly nostalgia as I grew up with pop music basically. My mom listened to a lot of modern day hits, my dad had more of an affinity for more mainstream hard rock and metal, my brother had some alternative picks but they were still the more mainstream ones, and my sister really likes Kpop. Really, I am the only one to break from the norm, especially if you looked at my ratings. However, that isn't to say I don't also have a pop backbone. Honestly I'd say my pop side is just as strong as my more experimental side. Some of the best records out there I have heard happen to be of the pop genre, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

One such album, though, is very close to being my all time favorite in terms of pop music (second to Vulnicura by Björk, of course), that being So by Peter Gabriel.

So, at least for me, is THE Peter Gabriel album. It is where he fully mastered the mix between his more accessible pop sides, with his more sophisticated ambient scores, and puts on an 80s new wave twist that really ties the record as a whole.

I think what really makes this record the best in his rather big discography is that, simply put, it's still a very forward thinking collection of songs. Sure, you could make an argument that they may not be as 'progressive' as Peter Gabriel 3, and certainly not in the same boat as his work with Genesis, but there is an undeniable grit that persists even here. From the first track alone of Red Rain, you get what is essentially a blueprint of how Peter Gabriel wants his pop music to be like. Moving both physically and emotionally, with an edge of danceability, as well as introspection. He never lost his songwriting spark in his solo career after leaving Genesis, and in fact I'd say he fully mastered it!

He can write fun, bouncy, poppy hooks and numbers like on Big Time, or he can write slow moving ensembles that benefit from emotions and dignity like on Mercy Street.

His song writing even works in this album's favor as I believe there is no bad song here. Not a single dud. In fact, every track here is nearly perfect in my eyes.

I mean, really, who doesn't love Sledgehammer? It's a song of Gabriel trying to woo someone, but he doesn't do it in the same fashion as all those other sexy numbers from around the time, and instead goes for big scores and more of a focus on symbolism than ever. It's also just my favorite track Peter Gabriel has made. I don't care if it might not be the most groundbreaking thing he has done, there is just something so infectiously good about Sledgehammer that it makes it hard to not just gush with love about it.

Alternatively, there is a song that can rival Sledgehammer, and it is Don't Give Up. It's very much the opposite of Sledgehammer in every way. Sledgehammer feels lustful and bombastic, while Don't Give Up is slow and mellow, but it honestly works! Especially Kate Bush being on vocals here during the chorus. Kate Bush was practically hitting the big scene with Hounds of Love in 1985, so her inclusion here makes sense, but it is still very nice to see Peter being friends with other musicians, and even including them on his albums. Not even the first time he did this as on Peter Gabriel 3, Phil Collins was on drums for a few of the songs. Sure Peter and Phil were also in Genesis, but Phil also had his own very popular solo career, so I think it all works out.

Pop hitters being pals with pop hitters? What a coincidence! Next you'll tell me Trent Revnor and David Bowie worked together!

I honestly cannot stop putting it into words on how much I love this record. It has everything a pop record should have, and even more. Great production, great vocals, great instrumentation, great amounts of danceability, greatly somber moments, and just a bunch of fun tracks to go along with.

In a way, I feel like So was the basis for modern pop music to come, and no I am not talking about stuff like Imagine Dragons or Ed Sheeran. I am talking about bands and people like Kikuo, Björk, MGMT, Sufjan Stevens, and Animal Collective. I feel like if it wasn't for albums like So, modern pop music would be very different today, and maybe worse off.

So represents what I love with pop music in all its facets. It is why I am always down to listen to something new and exciting, no matter the genre. I may have never realized it, but pop has shaped me just as much as prog or any other alt genre. And honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Best track: All of them

Worst track: N/A

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