Already a critically-acclaimed singer, songwriter, producer and former member of [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Genesis[/lastfm], [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Peter Gabriel[/lastfm] became an international superstar with the release of his fifth album, So, in May 1986.

His leading-edge videos — particularly the stop-action animation of “Sledgehammer” — were played virtually everywhere and anywhere a music video could fill a few minutes. That certainly didn’t hurt Gabriel’s prospects when it came time to release of their commensurate singles. There were five altogether, the aforementioned “Sledgehammer” the first and by far the most successful, a Top 10 in 10 countries (including a Number 1 in the US).

Gabriel’s moving duet with Kate Bush, “Don’t Give Up,” trailed it to the hit parade while “Big Time,” “In Your Eyes” and “Red Rain” all found chart success, as well.  Gabriel’s deeper instincts weren’t left completely behind, witnessed by the thoughtful “Mercy Street” and the exotic “This Is the Picture.”

A four-time GRAMMY nominee, So has sold over 6 million copies since its release in 1986.

Peter Gabriel and his New Blood Orchestra perform a Live on Letterman webcast Wed., Nov. 9 at 9pm Eastern (6pm Pacific), presented by Citibank. Watch it right here or on CBS.com.

What was hot a quarter-of-a-century ago? Read about more Best Sellers from the ’80s.