“Steam” is a song by Peter Gabriel, released in January 1993 as the second single from his album Us. The song carries a funky, horn-driven sound, blending rock, R&B, and world music influences. With its energetic groove, layered production, and soulful backing vocals, “Steam” is often compared to Gabriel’s earlier hit Sledgehammer, both in sound and visual style.
“Steam” is a playful and sensual song, using metaphorical language to describe passion and attraction. The track features bold brass instrumentation, a driving beat, and Gabriel’s distinctive, expressive vocals.
The music video, directed by Stephen R. Johnson, is one of Gabriel’s most visually extravagant, filled with surreal CGI effects, morphing imagery, and colorful animations. It won the Grammy Award for “Best Music Video” and MTV Video Music Awards for “Best Visual Effects” and “Best editing”.
“Steam” was a commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and on Canadian RPM singles chart.