ABACAB

The only point I agree with most of the reviewers is that the pop transformation has been completed by this album. If you look at this album with the 1981's eyes, it all clicks well together - 80's synths, desire towards minimalism and repetition, simple and steady beat, sense of humour and measurable experience in the business.

Now if you look at it from a long-term music perspective: the old prog-rock will be utterly disappointed. Genesis pop fans may be dissatisfied too for there aren't enough hooks. There are three-four decent pop hooks, one of them being a typical Phil Collins song of that era. The 180-degree turn from previous ambitious music towards minimalism and repetitions won't please long-term listeners. The album contains the worst Genesis song ever - "Who dunnit" for which writing credits have been shared so nobody single can be blamed. Another point of criticism is that the album has the weakest starting Genesis song since 1969 - mildly interesting chord sequence and artificially extended song.

On a positive side, there are a few decent pop songs "No reply at all", the post-Duke echoes on "Me and Sarah Jane" and "Man on the corner". Collins is in a great vocal shape delivering deep and passionate voice and making up from the instrumental retreat. The top track for me is "Dodo/Lurker" that is a mini-gem with many interesting ideas and reflects the 77-80's emotional years. It is quite a dramatic composition led by interesting Banksian synth chords and perfect Collins' vocals. The easy witty synth solo is in contrast to the serious mood.

Could be a miss or hit.