Genesis – Genesis

My copy has the correct matrix reference listed here but with square corners on the inner sleeve.

Does anyone know the story of the "Renee, I Love Ya" runout on some versions of this record? My special pressing doesn't have it, though all other indicators match up. Maybe mine was put out towards the end of the run so it faded out?

I long thought the cover depicts pieces from a children's game called Perfection but it actually came from Tupperware called Shape-O-Toy whose pieces do resemble Perfection pieces but are larger and doesn't have those grips as there's no need to have them due to size. Unlike Perfection it's not a timed game but you insert the pieces into the proper shaped slots in the ball. Apparently Shape-O-Toy predates Perfection, from 1969 which Perfection came out in 1973 but its more familiar configuration appeared in 1975.

After inching closer to pop-rock through 1981's Abacab, it was on this album that they finally gave it an even keel alongside their trademark prog/art-rock. However, these earlier influences remain fairly prominent, which makes it a nice balance between what came before it and what would ultimately follow. Many songs sound like they could be played on the radio, but are not too commercial, like parts of 1986's Invisible Touch would later be.

Standouts include both longer/experimental songs such as 'Mama' (one of their best songs ever for me) and 'Home by The Sea/Second Home by The Sea', but also shorter tracks like 'Taking It All Too Hard' (very underrated) and 'That's All'. While the latter two may put some older fans off, I feel if you give them a chance they are great, simple pop-rock songs. We get a forgotten gem in 'It's Gonna Get Better', while 'Just A Job To Do' is also fairly strong. However, this album also features, in my opinion, one of Genesis' worst songs ever in the form of 'Illegal Alien' which is just embarrassing. Phil trying to sound like a Mexican just wasn't a good idea at all. 'Silver Rainbow' is also something of a weak effort.

Musicianship, as expected, is as strong as ever, with the big leap forward coming in Collins' vocals, as he seems so much more confident and ionate than on previous albums, especially on 'Mama' and 'Home By The Sea'.

Overall, while the prog die-hards might not love it, the album has something for both the older fans and the newer fans, without going too far in either direction. It's not as strong as Abacab, but certainly worth a spin.

What were Genesis thinking even including a track like "Illegal Alien" on an album, even releasing it as a single? No wonder that track has never been played live since that tour

The album, is a great example of how Genesis could master the different genres on their records, Home By The Sea/Second Home By The Sea is a good example of how Genesis hadn't left their prog roots with Peter Gabriel. Silver Rainbow is one of the songs that have a lot to offer, but gets overshadowed by That's All amongst others. Mama is something not quite seen by Genesis before, it's anger and overall lyric(about a young man and a prostitute). But it is what makes the band unique. You never quite know what to expect from them. And no matter what kind of rock or pop genre you like, there WILL be one song on this record you will enjoy giving a listen on your turntable!

From Prog-Rock To Blue-Eyed Soul

Without Gabriel and Hackett, one can say that the group abandoned it's prog-rock sound however this album delivers some serious FM staples. 'Home By The Sea' and 'Mama' definitely cater to those wanting the Genesis of old while 'That's All' and the ballad 'Taking It All Too Hard' are definitely radio-friendly slices of Heaven. As Collins sings 'the old days are gone and are better left alone' proves the band has continued to forge ahead. All in all, a gem of an album for Genesis fans past and present.