Peter Gabriel - So

Peter Gabriel - So (Classic Album) is a riveting journey into the heart of one of the most iconic music albums of the eighties, Peter Gabriel’s "So." Released in 2012, this in-depth documentary sheds light on the making of this record-breaking album which forever etched Gabriel's name into the annals of rock music history.

The documentary features the celebrated talent of George Acogny, Laurie Anderson, David Fricke, and the man himself, Peter Gabriel. Under the visionary direction of George Scott, these diverse figures team up to provide the world with an intimate, candid, and captivating account of this musical milestone. The film illustrates how each song on the album is intrinsically linked to a pivotal moment in the Peter Gabriel’s personal life and career, making it a rare insight into the man behind the music.

Peter Gabriel stands esteemed as a former Genesis frontman and a true musical maverick with a rich catalogue of artful, evocative songs. The documentary gathers together the various elements that birthed the album, including interviews with key collaborators, footage of recording sessions, and in-depth discussions about the inspirations behind the music. The inclusion of George Acogny, a widely acknowledged virtuoso producer, illuminates the more technical aspects of the production journey — from early drafts to the finished record.

One of the key contributors to this documentary, Laurie Anderson, is an experimental performance artist and composer who was among the friends and collaborators to contribute unique touches to the album "So." Her artistic instincts not only lent an innovative edge to Gabriel's music but also offer film viewers her enlightening perspective on the creative process.

David Fricke, senior editor at Rolling Stone Magazine, brings your perspective as a rock journalist to the film. His seasoned grasp of music history and sharp critical insights about the album's reception and place within popular culture weave a compelling narrative thread throughout the film. His anecdotes and opinions provide clearer context of Gabriel’s influence and the ripples of this album's impact within the broader music realm.

"But where does this all lead?" you may ask. It leads to an intimate exploration into the heart of a masterwork, delivered with firsthand accounts from the music legends who lived it. And with behind-the-scenes footage from the album's recording sessions, it is made all the more immersive. You can expect insider explanations to iconic songs like "Sledgehammer", "Big Time", and "Red Rain".

Part biography, part technical appreciation, and part unfiltered reminiscence, Peter Gabriel - So (Classic Album) is more than just a fan's guide to an epic album. It is an intimate delve into Gabriel's transformative music journey, a testament to his groundbreaking artistic vision, and an endearing snapshot of a time when the entire world seemed to move to the rhythm of his songs.

Peter Gabriel - So (Classic Album) is a brave exploration of the crisscrossing paths between personal experience, artistic vision, technical skill set, and commercial success. Against that backdrop, the film manages to capture a truthful image of the man beneath the spotlight — Peter Gabriel — in a creative phase that would propel him from celebrated musician to an icon of rock and pop music.

For die-hard Peter Gabriel fans, this documentary is a treasure trove of insights and stories from the artist's most significant era. For music lovers in general, it offers a thought-provoking analysis of what it takes to craft a classic album. And for everyone else, the film serves as intriguing documentation of music history. It's a trip back in time to remember the sound, the daring, and the impact of the man who once declared, "I will show another me."