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Peter Gabriel - Sledgehammer

"Sledgehammer" is a song by Peter Gabriel, released in 1986 as the lead single from his fifth studio album, "So." Here are some interesting facts about the song:

  1. Innovative Music Video: The music video for "Sledgehammer" is known for its innovative and groundbreaking animation and stop-motion techniques. It won a record nine MTV Video Music Awards in 1987, making it one of the most awarded videos in the history of the VMAs.

  2. Claymation and Stop Motion: The music video features a combination of stop-motion animation, pixilation, and claymation created by director Stephen R. Johnson. The intricate and surreal visuals contributed significantly to the video's success.

  3. Record-Breaking Success: "Sledgehammer" became Peter Gabriel's most successful single. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and stayed there for four weeks. The song also topped the charts in several other countries.

  4. Lyric Inspiration: The lyrics of the song are often interpreted as a playful and erotic love song. Gabriel uses various metaphors and wordplay to convey the intensity of romantic attraction.

  5. Influence of World Music: Like much of Gabriel's work, "Sledgehammer" incorporates diverse musical influences, including world music elements. The horn section, for example, has a distinctive Afrobeat sound.

  6. Album "So": The success of "Sledgehammer" helped propel the "So" album to commercial success. The album also includes other hit singles like "Big Time" and "In Your Eyes."

  7. Legacy: "Sledgehammer" remains one of Peter Gabriel's signature songs and is often cited as one of the greatest music videos of all time. It continues to be celebrated for its creativity and impact on the music industry.

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