Artist Playlists
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The prog Genesis of the ‘70s were always in thrall to a good tune. So while there are furious theatrics, sudden dynamic shifts and alternating stabs of light and shade dappling songs like “Dancing With the Moonlit Knight” and “Watcher of the Skies”, the drama is interspersed with winsome stretches of melodic beauty, borne up by Peter Gabriel's frail, smoky voice (“Supper's Ready”). These songs leap from the classical guitar filigrees of “Blood On the Rooftops” to the pop immediacy of “The Silent Sun” with riotous drum tattoos, stentorian keyboard refrains and a storyteller's eye for tiny details. - In the '80s, Tony Banks, Phil Collins and Mike Rutherford emerged from Genesis' original art-rock form and became one of music's most dominant forces, writing anthems and ballads that balanced arena-sized scale with a dry wit. Sweeping rockers like “Tonight, Tonight, Tonight” and “Throwing It All Away” deftly straddled the pop/prog divide, while giddy cuts like “Abacab” showcased each member's technical skills. Collins flaunted his acting abilities as frontman, giving downtempo tracks like “That's All” a ruminative angst while adding sharp edges to sardonic songs like the amped-up televangelism satire “Jesus He Knows Me”.
- Genesis’ transformation into superstars in the ’80s relied on two crucial ingredients: undeniably catchy pop-rock hits and charming videos that balanced heartfelt sincerity with goofy fun. There’s certainly no denying the magnetism of Phil Collins, who typically commands the spotlight—though not always. “Land of Confusion”, released in 1986, is a unique and memorable slice of classic MTV known for its novel mix of puppetry and political satire.
- Devote enough time to sifting through Genesis' heady prog years, and you'll realise they were catchy from the get-go. The 1969 gem “In Limbo” is psych pop awash in hazy harmonies and horns; “Robbery, Assault and Battery” sports a melody that's as playful as a nursery rhyme. “After the Ordeal” is wispy folk rock that blossoms into a gorgeous dance between flute and sinewy guitar leads.
- Genesis became pop titans in the '80s, but they held on to their prog ambitions, as evidenced by the swirling keyboard explorations of “Fading Lights” and the synth-pop-cabaret splendour of “Me and Sarah Jane”. On the expansive 1997 track “There Must Be Some Other Way”, frontman Ray Wilson brings the band full circle, laying down a rugged vocal that recalls original lead singer Peter Gabriel.