“Sledgehammer” is one of Peter Gabriel’s most iconic songs, released in April 1986 with “Don’t Break This Rhythm” on the B-side as the lead single from his critically acclaimed album So. The song became a major commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and No. 4 in the UK. “Sledgehammer” is best known for its innovative music video, which revolutionized the use of animation and visual effects in music videos, helping it become a staple of 1980s pop culture.
Lyrically, “Sledgehammer” is full of playful and often suggestive metaphors, with Gabriel blending themes of sexual liberation, vitality, and empowerment. The song’s lyrics refer to a desire for personal and emotional transformation, and the “sledgehammer” itself symbolizes a force of change. There are also several references to soul music and expressions of sensuality, delivered in a lighthearted and upbeat manner.
Gabriel has explained that the song is inspired by Otis Redding and other classic soul artists, which is reflected in both the song’s sound and its lyrical content. The lines “Show me ’round your fruit cage / ‘Cause I will be your honey bee” exemplify the playful innuendos throughout the song.
Musically, “Sledgehammer” is a fusion of rock, funk, and soul, with strong influences from R&B and classic 1960s Motown. The song features a prominent brass section, including the legendary Memphis Horns, who add a funky, energetic layer to the track. The pulsating rhythm and catchy melody are driven by bass, drums, and a groovy synthesizer line, with Gabriel’s distinctive voice delivering the vocals with power and precision.
The music video for “Sledgehammer” is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential music videos of all time. Directed by Stephen R. Johnson, the video used a combination of stop-motion animation, claymation, and pixilation techniques to create surreal, visually captivating imagery. The video was groundbreaking for its creative use of special effects, with Gabriel interacting with animated objects, shapes, and characters throughout.
The video won nine MTV Video Music Awards in 1987, including Video of the Year, and remains one of the most acclaimed music videos in history. Its impact on the music industry and on music video production is still felt today, as it helped elevate the artistic possibilities of the medium.
“Sledgehammer” became Peter Gabriel’s most successful single, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S. and Canada Top Singles Chart. It also performed well internationally, reaching the top 5 in multiple countries, including the UK, and Australia. The song helped propel the So album to multi-platinum status and solidified Gabriel’s reputation as a creative force in both music and video.
“Sledgehammer” remains one of Peter Gabriel’s signature songs and is often associated with the vibrant, experimental spirit of the 1980s. Its combination of infectious grooves, clever lyrics, and innovative video made it a defining moment in his career and in popular music at large. The song’s success helped establish Gabriel as a mainstream solo artist while also pushing the boundaries of music video production.