Nine Genesis Albums Ranked

I’ll admit I became a fan in the eighties when their Invisible Touch album made it onto Australian radio. I was hooked and went to one of their performances during their Australian tour. I knew nothing of the band before that album was released. Curiosity led me to listen to their back catalogue after seeing the live performance.

Genesis was never the coolest of bands, not even at their commercial peak. They sat somewhere between the fringes and obscurity. Complex, aurally messy melodies, themes, and bad fashion kept them well out of the limelight for a long time. Those who followed them from the beginning were like them, awkward fringe dwellers in bad hats and heavy overcoats.

And then the success of the Invisible Touch album pulled them out of that dark, distant place and into an orbit closer to the sun. They toured the world with it and played in some of the largest venues at the time. Although 80’s Genesis was highly popular, these offerings still didn’t follow any of the usual contemporary patterns. It was the same fringe band experimenting with the same fringe melodies, but sporting different lyrics. Gone were the Lawn Mower men and Volcanos; in came the boy-meets-girl themes. Combining that with the shorter track times made a unique combination that seemed to work. Radio loved playing it. The listeners loved listening to it.

Let’s not forget the Phil Collins factor. Those who didn’t know of Genesis beforehand couldn’t miss the likable star fronting this other band. Phil Collins fans felt duty-bound to buy Genesis tickets just to see the guy who came up with the legendary In the Air Tonight tune.

While new fans adored Genesis’s contemporary sound, old fans absolutely hated it. Ever since, the two groups have rarely seen eye to eye on which version of Genesis was best.

Ordinarily, eighties Genesis fans are poor judges of Genesis albums. They arrive at the band’s greatest commercial success and see everything from that lofty position. But hear me out. This is not just about their eighties work. I’ve had plenty of time to digest the other songs before and after it. I’m totally aware of the influences of Gabriel and Hackett. I also know about Banks’ hard-nosed approach to erasing previously recorded guitar tracks in favour of his own keystrokes.

There’s also the Rutherford factor: An empathetic musician who moved around Banks’ keyboard tapestries and found space for his instrument to shine. He also wrote many of the band’s hits.

Collins’ offerings came via his complex stick work. His drum interpretations were masterful. No one else could find creative ways to add pops, cracks and crashes to this kind of music. Let’s face it, no Genesis album would sound Genesis without a PC gated drum backbeat driving or filling it.

Being a Genesis fan is not just about enjoying the music; it’s about diving deep into their extensive discography and discovering the gems. I feel compelled to embark on the daunting task of ranking every Genesis album from my favourite to my least favourite. I know I’m not the first and probably won’t be the last to do it, but it’s good to read another’s thoughts, right?

• “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway”
• “Selling England by the Pound”
• “Foxtrot”
• “Nursery Cryme”
• “A Trick of the Tail”
• “Duke”
• “Wind & Wuthering”
• “Genesis” (1983)
• “Invisible Touch”

At the summit of my Genesis mountain stands “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway.” Released in 1974, this double-concept album is a sonic odyssey that transports listeners to a surreal world of myth and mystery. With Peter Gabriel at the helm, the band weaves a tapestry of soundscapes that is as ambitious as it is captivating. From the haunting “The Carpet Crawlers” to the epic title track, every moment of this album is a testament to the band’s unparalleled creativity and vision.

Following closely behind is “Selling England by the Pound.” Released in 1973, this album is a quintessential masterpiece of progressive rock. From the mesmerising melodies of “Firth of Fifth” to the whimsical charm of “I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe),” each track is a work of art in its own right. With its lush instrumentation and thought-provoking lyrics, “Selling England by the Pound” remains a timeless classic that continues to enchant listeners.

Coming in at number three is “Foxtrot.” Released in 1972, this album showcases Genesis at the peak of their creative powers. From the epic journey of “Supper’s Ready” to the haunting beauty of “Watcher of the Skies,” each track is a masterpiece of musical storytelling. With its intricate arrangements and captivating performances, “Foxtrot” is a testament to the band’s unparalleled talent and innovation.

In fourth place, we have “Nursery Cryme.” Released in 1971, this album marks the beginning of Genesis’s journey into progressive rock. From the haunting melodies of “The Musical Box” to the surreal imagery of “The Return of the Giant Hogweed,” each track is a testament to the band’s unique musical vision. With its blend of intricate compositions and surreal storytelling, “Nursery Cryme” remains a cornerstone of the progressive rock genre.

Taking the fifth spot is “A Trick of the Tail.” Released in 1976, this album marks the debut of Phil Collins as the band’s lead vocalist. With its infectious melodies and captivating performances, “A Trick of the Tail” is a testament to the band’s resilience and creativity. From the epic sweep of “Dance on a Volcano” to the haunting beauty of “Ripples,” each track is a testament to the band’s enduring legacy.

In sixth place, we have “Duke.” Released in 1980, this album sees Genesis embracing a more pop-oriented sound while still retaining their progressive roots. With its catchy hooks and infectious grooves, “Duke” is a testament to the band’s versatility and innovation. From the anthemic “Turn It On Again” to the haunting beauty of “Duchess,” each track is a testament to the band’s enduring appeal.

Next up is “Wind & Wuthering.” Released in 1976, this album sees Genesis exploring new musical territory while still retaining their signature sound. From the epic sweep of “Eleventh Earl of Mar” to the haunting beauty of “One for the Vine,” each track is a testament to the band’s creativity and vision. With its lush orchestrations and captivating melodies, “Wind & Wuthering” remains a fan favourite to this day.

In eighth place, we have “Genesis” (1983), also known as the “Mama” album. While it may not be as critically acclaimed as some of their earlier work, it still holds a special place in the hearts of many fans. With its infectious grooves and catchy melodies, “Genesis” is a testament to the band’s enduring legacy. From the haunting beauty of “Mama” to the anthemic “That’s All,” each track is a testament to the band’s versatility and innovation.

Bringing up the rear is “Invisible Touch.” Released in 1986, this album sees Genesis fully embracing a pop-oriented sound. While it may not be as adventurous as some of their earlier work, it still boasts its fair share of catchy hooks and infectious melodies. From the anthemic title track to the irresistible “Land of Confusion,” each track is a testament to the band’s enduring appeal.

As I reflect on this journey through the Genesis discography, I’m reminded of the band’s incredible talent and innovation. From their progressive rock masterpieces to their pop-infused hits, Genesis has left an indelible mark on the world of music. And while ranking their albums may be a daunting task, it’s a labour of love that I’m more than willing to undertake.

–Michael (Dark fiction. Author of SEETHINGS (the first book), free for a limited time)