Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer" is an exuberant and playful song primarily driven by themes of sexual desire, attraction, and the overwhelming power of physical and emotional connection. The lyrics are laden with clever, often humorous, sexual innuendos and metaphors, using imagery of various tools and vehicles to describe the intensity of passion and the act of lovemaking.

The "sledgehammer" itself is the central metaphor, representing a powerful, irresistible force—be it love, lust, or the impact of the desired person. The song celebrates the joy and liberation found in physical intimacy, portraying it as a fun, energetic, and transformative experience. Lines like "I get it right, I kicked the habit / Shed my skin, this is the new stuff" suggest a sense of renewal and breaking free from past inhibitions through this connection.

Beyond the overt sexual themes, "Sledgehammer" also touches on the idea of breaking down barriers and embracing vulnerability. The narrator wants to be the "sledgehammer" to break through, but also the "honey" and the "beeswax," indicating a desire for both powerful impact and tender connection. It's a joyous ode to the overwhelming and exhilarating nature of strong attraction and the fun of a passionate encounter.

"Sledgehammer" was released on April 21, 1986, as the lead single from Peter Gabriel's fifth solo studio album, "So". The album marked a significant shift towards a more mainstream pop and soul-influenced sound for Gabriel, who was previously known for his more experimental and art-rock work, both as a solo artist and as the original frontman of Genesis.

The song was heavily inspired by 1960s soul music, particularly the artists from Stax Records like Otis Redding. Gabriel aimed to emulate the energy and horn arrangements of that era. To achieve this authentic sound, he enlisted the legendary Memphis Horns (Wayne Jackson on trumpet and Andrew Love on saxophone, with Don Mikkelsen on trombone) to play on the track. The song also features notable contributions from P. P. Arnold, Coral Gordon, and Dee Lewis on backing vocals, adding to its rich, soulful texture.

"Sledgehammer" was co-produced by Gabriel and Daniel Lanois. Its creation was part of Gabriel's effort to make a more commercially accessible album without sacrificing his artistic integrity. The song's upbeat tempo, infectious groove, and playful lyrics, combined with its groundbreaking music video, made it a massive international hit and a defining song of the 1980s.

"Sledgehammer" was a monumental commercial success for Peter Gabriel, becoming his biggest hit single worldwide. In the United States, it reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in July 1986, knocking his former band Genesis's "Invisible Touch" from the top spot. It remains Gabriel's only #1 single in the US.

In the United Kingdom, the song peaked at #4 on the UK Singles Chart. It was also a #1 hit in Canada and reached the Top 10 in numerous other countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. The song's success was significantly amplified by its groundbreaking and highly innovative music video, which received constant airplay on MTV.

The music video for "Sledgehammer" won a record-breaking nine MTV Video Music Awards in 1987, including Video of the Year. The song itself was nominated for three Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Male Rock Vocal Performance. Its enduring popularity and critical acclaim have cemented "Sledgehammer" as a classic of 1980s pop music and a high point in Peter Gabriel's solo career.

"Sledgehammer" is a vibrant and energetic track that masterfully blends elements of pop, funk, soul, and new wave. Its distinctive sound is heavily influenced by 1960s Stax and Motown soul music, particularly evident in its prominent horn section and rhythmic groove. The song is in the key of E-flat major and features a moderate, danceable tempo.

The track opens with a unique shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute) sample, played on an E-mu Emulator II synthesizer, before launching into a powerful groove driven by Tony Levin's funky bassline and Manu Katché's dynamic drumming. The legendary Memphis Horns (Wayne Jackson on trumpet and Andrew Love on saxophone, with Don Mikkelsen on trombone) provide the song's signature brass stabs and flourishes, giving it an authentic soul feel. Peter Gabriel's lead vocals are passionate and playful, perfectly capturing the song's exuberant and suggestive lyrics.

The song features rich vocal harmonies, with P. P. Arnold, Coral Gordon, and Dee Lewis providing soulful backing vocals that enhance the gospel-tinged feel of the chorus. The production, by Peter Gabriel and Daniel Lanois, is meticulous and layered, creating a sound that is both powerful and polished. Despite its complex arrangement, the song maintains an infectious energy and a clear, accessible pop structure. The interplay between the driving rhythm section, the bright horns, Gabriel's distinctive vocals, and the soulful backing singers makes "Sledgehammer" a masterclass in pop-funk composition.

The music video for "Sledgehammer," directed by Stephen R. Johnson and produced by Adam Whittaker, is one of the most iconic and influential music videos of all time. Released in 1986, it utilized groundbreaking stop-motion animation techniques, including pixilation and claymation, created by Aardman Animations (later famous for Wallace and Gromit) and the Brothers Quay.

The video features Peter Gabriel interacting with a surreal and constantly transforming array of objects and animations. Memorable scenes include Gabriel's face being molded in clay, dancing with headless chickens, his body becoming part of a train set, and fruit and vegetables animating around him. The creation of the video was an arduous process, requiring Gabriel to lie under a sheet of glass for many hours while being filmed frame by frame. Its vibrant, imaginative, and humorous visuals perfectly complemented the song's playful energy and became an MTV staple, winning numerous awards, including a record nine MTV Video Music Awards in 1987.

Watch the groundbreaking video here:

The lyrics of "Sledgehammer," penned by Peter Gabriel, are a masterclass in playful sexual innuendo and metaphor. They describe the overwhelming feeling of attraction and desire, using a variety of vivid and often humorous comparisons to convey physical and emotional excitement.

The song is structured as an invitation and a declaration of what the narrator can offer and what they desire. Lines like "You could have a steam train / If you'd just lay down your tracks" and "You could have a big dipper / Going up and down, all around the bends" are clear examples of using everyday objects and experiences as metaphors for sexual intimacy and excitement. The narrator offers to be the "sledgehammer," a powerful force, but also the "honey in your Pepsodent" (a toothpaste brand, implying sweetness and closeness).

The lyrics also convey a sense of liberation and joy: "I get it right, I kicked the habit / Shed my skin, this is the new stuff." The overall tone is exuberant and confident, celebrating the power of attraction and the joy of physical connection. The emotional resonance comes from its unashamed celebration of sensuality and the clever, witty way these themes are expressed, all backed by an irresistibly energetic musical arrangement.

Explore the full lyrics here: