Peter Gabriel is a fantastic English singer who was the original lead singer for the band Genesis. He left the band in 1975, and on May 19th, 1986, he released his fifth studio album entitled So. This album has some incredible songs on it, but one of me and my son’s favorites is the song “Sledgehammer.”
“Sledgehammer” was one of the final songs recorded for the album and was presented to the band as they were packing up their equipment. Originally, the plan was to include the song on Gabriel’s next album after So. Just as the drummer, Manu Katché, was preparing to board a taxi and return home to Paris, Gabriel persuaded him to record “Sledgehammer.” Katché nailed his drum part in one take, and despite Gabriel’s request for a few more passes, Katché argued that any take after the first would be worse.
Fun Fact: So was nominated for the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1987 but lost to Paul Simon’s Graceland. Also it was my son’s walk up song in baseball last year.
Listen for: Tony Levin on the bass guitar. He and the producer of the record, Daniel Lanois, talk about how they got the bass tone for the song in this video. Also, take a listen to the horns. Peter Gabriel loved some of the classic soul music of the 1960s, so he sought out Wayne Jackson. Peter had seen Wayne on tour with Otis Redding in the 60’s, and Wayne had been a studio musician with the Memphis horns and with Stax Records.
Hope you enjoy!
Oh and P.S. his music video won a lot of awards. It’s really good.
Here’s a link.
Song: “Sledgehammer”
Artist: Peter Gabriel
Album: So
Year: 1986
Other great tracks on the album:
“Big Time”
“Don’t Give Up”
“In Your Eyes”
You could have a steam train
If you’d just lay down your tracks
You could have an aeroplane flying
If you bring your blue sky back
All you do is call me
I’ll be anything you need
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My name is Michael Sanchez and I’m an avid record collector and obscure song searcher. My goal is to post one song a day that’s been on my stereo/turntable frequently. If you don’t like the song… too bad 🙂 I do.
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