#80: Genesis

Genesis

How many groups lose their lead singer, change their style, remain relevant, and become more popular? Genesis pulled this off. Their original lineup consisted of Peter Gabriel, Steve Hackett, Tony Banks, Michael Rutherford, and Phil Collins. No one knew how to classify them exactly. Their first album ended up in the gospel section. They began to gain attention when Peter Gabriel began dressing up in bizarre costumes. The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, a concept album about a Puerto Rican youth’s quest for his own self identity, marks the high point of the Gabriel years. Soon after, Gabriel left the band for personal reasons.

Steve Hackett was the next to go. Hackett was an accomplished guitarist that actually did the Van Halen fingertap before Eddie Van Halen. Then there were three. The band began a transition to pop music with songs like Follow You Follow Me and Misunderstanding, while still doing the Prog Rock thing (Abacab, Home By The Sea).

By the mid-80s, they were a pop trio. Their greatest success was their poppyiest album; Invisible Touch. After a hiatus to do solo work, they came back in 1991 with We Can’t Dance. That album was less pop and covered some weightier material such as organized religion and child abuse. In 1996, Phil Collins left the band. Banks and Rutherford found another singer and they released a pure Prog album. It tanked and Genesis disbanded until 2006. In 2007, VH-1 honored them and they put on a world tour. Phil Collins has stated a new album was unlikely, but Tony Banks has contradicted this and even dropped hints of a reunion with Peter Gabriel.

Rock n Roll Moment: Peter Gabriel dressed up as a flower during a performance.

Essential Genesis: The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway (1974), Duke (1980), Genesis (1983), Invisible Touch (1986), We Can’t Dance (1991)

Genesis Top 10:
I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)
The Carpet Crawlers
Turn It On Again
Misunderstanding
Abacab
Mama
That’s All
Invisible Touch
Land of Confusion
No Son of Mine