Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” stands as an enduring anthem of the 1980s, a track celebrated for its infectious rhythm and groundbreaking music video. Released in April 1986 as the lead single from his acclaimed album So, this Sledgehammer Song smashed its way to the top of the charts, securing the #1 spot in the US and Canada. Its global impact resonated deeply, reaching #2 in Austria and achieving top 4 status across Australia, Ireland, Norway, New Zealand, South Africa, Switzerland, and the UK. The song’s brilliance was further recognized with three Grammy nominations, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year, solidifying its place in music history.
Peter Gabriel in the iconic stop motion music video for his hit song 'Sledgehammer'
The Unique Soundscape of “Sledgehammer”
What makes “Sledgehammer” such a captivating listen is its innovative sound. Gabriel masterfully incorporated a synthesized shakuhachi flute, an instrument traditionally crafted from bamboo, using the E-mu Emulator II sampler. This gave the sledgehammer song an exotic and distinctive sonic texture. Adding to its unique palette, Gabriel employed a Prophet-5 synthesizer, which he humorously referred to as an “old warhorse,” to create a “cheap organ sound” that paradoxically added richness and depth. The song is further elevated by powerful backing vocals from P. P. Arnold, Coral “Chyna Whyne” Gordon, and Dee Lewis, who also lent their voices to another So album track, “Big Time.” These vocal harmonies contribute significantly to the song’s energetic and layered sound.
Chart-Topping Success and a Genesis Connection
“Sledgehammer” holds a special place in Peter Gabriel’s discography as his only US #1 hit. Adding an ironic twist to its chart dominance, this sledgehammer song replaced “Invisible Touch” by Genesis, Gabriel’s former band, at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. This marked Genesis’s sole #1 hit in the US as well, creating a fascinating moment of musical history. Phil Collins, Gabriel’s former bandmate in Genesis, acknowledged this friendly chart rivalry in a 2014 interview with The Guardian, humorously stating, “I read recently that Peter Gabriel knocked us off the #1 spot with ‘Sledgehammer’. We weren’t aware of that at the time. If we had been, we’d probably have sent him a telegram saying: ‘Congratulations – bastard.’” This anecdote underscores the song’s massive popularity and its impact even within the music industry itself.
A Groundbreaking Music Video
Beyond the song’s sonic innovation, the music video for “Sledgehammer” was a visual revolution. Directed by Stephen R. Johnson and produced by Adam Whittaker, it ingeniously combined claymation, pixilation, and stop motion animation, brought to life by Aardman Animations and the Brothers Quay. The sheer dedication to create this visual masterpiece is evident in the demanding production process. Gabriel himself endured 16 hours under a glass sheet as the video was painstakingly filmed frame by frame. In a 1986 interview with WMMR radio, Gabriel quipped, “It took a lot of hard work. I was thinking at the time, ‘If anyone wants to try and copy this video, good luck to them.’” His efforts were richly rewarded. The “Sledgehammer” video achieved unprecedented acclaim, winning an astounding nine MTV Video Music Awards in 1987, a record that remains unmatched. It also secured the Brit Award for Best British Video in 1987, cementing its status as one of the most iconic and influential music videos ever created.
In conclusion, Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” is more than just a catchy 80s tune; it’s a testament to musical innovation, creative vision, and groundbreaking visual artistry. This sledgehammer song continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, solidifying its place as a timeless classic.
